Wednesday, June 3, 2015

IWSG: The Terror of Completion

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Insecure Writers Support Group

 Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

 The awesome co-hosts for the the June 3 posting of the IWSG will be M. Pax, Tracy Jo, Patricia Lynne, Rachna Chhabria, Feather Stone, and Randi Lee!

The manuscript for the first of my Cherry Hill stories--Mother's Day--is complete in the hands of my beta readers. (Love y'all to pieces!) So what's next? (I'll admit to a bit of terror at this point.)


Good question. My first answer, in light of my first contest responses (95, 70, 61), is that I'm not ready to query. I could stare at the list of things to do:
  • Write a query
  • Research agents
  • Read a ton of craft books (Thank you for that suggestion)
  • Etc.
I could take a break and rest while my beta readers read, but I think that's a dangerous course. Would I ever start again? Possibly not. So I'm not stopping. I'll read craft books (notably: Monica Wood's Description, Don Maass's Writing 21st Century Fiction, and Desmond Morris's "little" sociology text Man Watching.) The last book is an attempt to make my body language more realistic, more varied than grins, winks, shrugs, and frowns. I'm planning an online workshop with Barbara Rogan sometime this summer. I'll also keep my hand in writing as I work through Cherry Hill book 2--Friendly Fire.

Wish me luck! What do you do when you're waiting and know you need to retrench a bit? Got any suggestions for me?

Next Week: the first of three mini book reviews...Yes, I've been reading. ;-)
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14 comments:

  1. ProfeJMarie (Janet Rundquist)June 3, 2015 at 8:08 AM

    You know what? I actually DO take a break - I feel like I need it. I read more fiction and watch TV - such as binge-watching Call the Midwife (beautiful and gentle storytelling on that show, let me tell you).

    On the other hand, many others also say- keep writing! And I try, but it's hard. WHAT do I write? For example, I have another story idea in my head, but it's not clear enough - my characters aren't developed enough - in my head to even start writing.

    Writing a query is a good thing to have on that list since that takes about 10 years to write and might as well get started on it now!

    Good luck with the waiting!

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    Replies
    1. Zan MarieJune 3, 2015 at 9:57 AM

      Thanks, Janet! I do have the next story clear, and maybe because it's a sequel, I feel it should be easy. Not. Truly, I'm taking a bit of a break due to a problem with one of my fingers. Wish me luck on the restart!

      Delete
  2. S.P. BowersJune 3, 2015 at 8:33 AM

    What is the contest response, are they 'grades'? I should have my read to you in a couple/few days.

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    Replies
    1. Zan MarieJune 3, 2015 at 9:58 AM

      Yep, grades out of a possible 100 points. I'm excited to get my beta responses in, Sara. <3

      Delete
    2. S.P. BowersJune 4, 2015 at 3:49 PM

      Did they break down the grade? Did they just not like the subject matter or the genre? I can't imagine you getting a 61. Not even close. I finished the beta read but my email is acting up since the move. I'll have hubby fix it as soon as he's home.

      Delete
    3. Zan MarieJune 4, 2015 at 5:36 PM

      Thank you, Sara! yes, it was the MC that the low judge didn't get. She's too *old* to still be mourning childlessness. That's in the eye of the beholder.

      Delete
  3. randi leeJune 3, 2015 at 9:09 AM

    Hi Zan Marie! Sounds like you're really taking care of business right now! I have a routine when it comes to taking breaks because I believe writers should step away from their writing now and then in order to be able to come back and look at it with fresh eyes. Hobbies include reading, hiking, visiting new places (parks, beaches, etc.) and whatever else comes my way :)

    Randi Lee, IWSG Co-Host
    http://emotionalnovel.blogspot.com
    http://www.randileewrites.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zan MarieJune 3, 2015 at 9:59 AM

      Thanks, Randi! My break is a bit of physical inability, and, while I'd love not to hurt, I think it's going to be good for me to step away.

      Delete
  4. Shannon LawrenceJune 4, 2015 at 2:32 AM

    That's a pretty wide range on the contest scores! But one of them giving you a 95 is excellent. I'm not sure what to recommend at this point (I'm no expert). Did you get actual feedback with the scores? I'd look through that, see what you agree with, edit as necessary, and keep moving forward. If you don't agree with their comments, stay true to yourself.

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    Replies
    1. Zan MarieJune 4, 2015 at 3:45 PM

      I did get feedback--the 65 couldn't believe my 55 year old MC would still be pining for children. Ha! I have some experience at that one. I just think it's a case of not buying the premise. maybe they don't like Women's Fiction. Who knows. I have another contest to wait for the results of.

      Delete
  5. Raquel ByrnesJune 5, 2015 at 3:03 PM

    I tend to binge write something I have no intention of ever letting anyone read. I do it to get that joy of creating back. Sometimes I get so bogged down with industry this or critique partner notes that...well, it can kill the fun of it all, if you know what I mean. Just write. For you. For now. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zan MarieJune 5, 2015 at 4:15 PM

      I know what you mean about being bogged down, Raquel! It's fun to just write. I'll have to try it.

      Delete
  6. Deniz BevanJune 10, 2015 at 2:31 PM

    Hope the other contest gives you good results! That Desmond Morris book sounds intriguing...

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    Replies
    1. Zan MarieJune 10, 2015 at 2:39 PM

      Thanks, Deniz! I'll let you know about the Desmond Morris.

      Delete

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