Wednesday, May 6, 2015

IWSG: Fail Big

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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 May 6 posting of the IWSG will be Eva Solar, Melanie Schulz, Lisa-Buie Collard, and Stephen Tremp!

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It's been said that Michael Jordan counseled his fellow players to play big and screw up big. If they played timidly for fear of the mess-ups, they'd stop playing. 

I think writing is the same way. If you don't try to go for the gold, you'll settle for sand. If you don't try to write a query or a synopsis, for fear that you'll fail, you will most assuredly fail. So instead of trying to protect ourselves from failure, we'll get nothing done, nothing finished.

I know I've looked all the things I need to do to get my MS ready for querying, and I get really discouraged. Look at all the ways I can Fail Big! But I'm going to Play Big. If I crash and burn, I'll have learned what not to do.

Source

  • Finish the story
  • Polish the story
  • Get beta reader input
  • Polish again and again if necessary
  • Write synopses and queries
  • Research agents who might be interested in the story
  • Etc. 
    •  
There's a lot on this list that could be epic fails, but I'm going to Play Big.

So what are you going to do to Play Big? I promise I'm interested in what you have planned. ;-)
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6 comments:

  1. Suzanne FurnessMay 6, 2015 at 2:48 AM

    You've got to keep on trying and reaching for the stars. I wish you much success with your goals and plans. Definitely 'Play Big.'

    ReplyDelete
  2. Zan MarieMay 6, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    Thanks, Suzanne! I'm working on it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RoseMay 6, 2015 at 8:55 AM

    Fear of failure is not easy to overcome for anyone but, I think, it is particularly difficult for writers since we work in isolation and spend far too much time in our own headspace. It is why joining writing communities is so important. Cheerleaders abound in them and you, Zan Marie, are an excellent cheerleader. Don't forget to cheer yourself on as well. :0)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Zan MarieMay 6, 2015 at 11:27 AM

    Oh, thank you! Rose, it matters that you find help from my efforts. They seem so small to me. I know I feed on your and others' responses to mine writing goals. Thanks for being a part of my cheer-leading section.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Alex J. CavanaughMay 8, 2015 at 11:20 AM

    Shoot for the stars! What's the worst that could happen? Smart advice.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Zan MarieMay 8, 2015 at 2:28 PM

    Well, the worst is failing big and that's alright with me. ;-)

    ReplyDelete

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