Sunday, February 12, 2012

In the Background of a Writers Life--Inner Demons

I wanted to be a writer since I was in third grade, but it never occured to me that I should be a writer until many, many, many, years later.

When I began writing in secret. I repeated to myself over and over, that I would never consider myself a writer until I became published.

 But that was a lie! 

I considered myself a writer, when I found confidence within myself and knew I was a writer. That confidence streamed out into my story, making my writing better--stronger.  I pushed down my inner writing demons. Of course they come out once in a while, but I reminded myself that I will do this! I will accomplish my goals that I set for myself! I will make my own destiny!

I let the secret out about my writing. Still, my family didn't take me seriously until my book went under contract see the details here. I continued to write on, and it paid off. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is write like you know what you're doing, even when you don't, and never give up on your dreams.

My Inner Demons included
Comparing my writing to others
fear of failing
fear of success
Giving up as others around you aquire agents
stressing over "the wait"
wanting to hurl while writing a synopsis
writing a query letter

What are your inner writing demons and how do you cope with them?

                                                                          (source)
Also
In the Background of a Writers Life--On Blogging

12 comments:

Jocelyn Rish said...

The fear of failure and success are the two inner demons that really gnaw at me - which always seems weird that they both can stop you in your tracks. But you're right, keeping sight of your dreams is the best way to fight them.

Saying Hello from the YA Campaign group.

Christine Rains said...

My inner demons must be cousins of yours. I especially fear failing and success. I hate the Marketing demon too, but it's necessary I get cozy with him. Thankfully, being a Marketing demon, he's gorgeous and charismatic, so it's sometimes real good working with him!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Those demons sound so familiar. How do I cope with my demons? I just keep writing and muscle through them.

Alexandra Shostak said...

I did the same thing: I didn't want to consider myself a writer until I was published. But even though I'm still not, I write in such volumes and work so hard on it, there's really no other word for what I am.

Elise Fallson said...

Hi there, stopping in from the campaign and letting you know you've been tagged to answer 11 random questions!! Have fun!

elisefallson.blogspot.com

Southpaw said...

I think your are right. Once you start to really call yourself a writer whether you are published or not you gain the confidence to right better.

Unknown said...

Damn those inner demons. My biggest is definitely fear of failure. I'm terrified that my book won't get published, people won't like it, etc. But I'm fighting the good fight.

Btw, I mentioned you in a post today. You should come check it out. :) http://vickiorians.blogspot.com/2012/02/tag-im-it.html

Claire Hennessy said...

Such great advice, thanks. Fake it til you make it. Getting so many people reading my writing on Scribd has been one of the main factors that has kept me going. Now I am fully focused on getting my book published and make into a film! Ha! Such dreams ...

Morgan said...

Ugh! If there's an inner demon, I have it. I'm right there with ya. It's hard. Real hard. And honestly? Being connected with other people in my same situation is the only thing that keeps me going sometimes. New follower here... wanted to thank you for following my blog... such a great campaign!

Margo Kelly said...

I'm currently "stressing over the wait" ... BLECH!! How do I deal? Not well. Chocolate is necessary. Being a writer can be HARD work sometimes!!! But I love it, and I will never quit!

Hang in there!

CherylAnne Ham said...

Oh how I've struggled with all of these. I like the idea of teaming up with demons instead of fighting against them. LOL.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Kerri, I have never written down my writing demons, but they are there hovering constantly and now I'm inspired by this post to write them down. Because that's how I cope, by writing things down that give me anxiety and then analyzing them until I can move on. Love this post!