IWSG - A Turtle in a Hare World

Happy March. Are you hoping spring is around the corner like I am? I’m so over the cold, but I know all too soon I’ll be complaining about the heat. I really need to live in a place that has mild-ish temperatures year round. But we aren’t here to chat about the weather.  A new month means a new IWSG blog post.

Let’s get right into things shall we. I’ve had my struggles throughout my time in this group. I mean it’s to be expected right? And I’m sure I will continue to have them because it’s who I am. I’ve written before about how life can be harder (sometimes) for the indie writer and that’s what this post will touch on.

I don’t know when the tide turned and expectations of production increased at the same time for “demand” of lower prices, but that’s where we seem to be. Some seem to think the boom of Amazon in the book mark along with the invention of Kindle Unlimited had a lot to do with it, but that’s a discussion for another time. I’m focusing on the production aspect for today.

I’m a turtle. In fact, about two years ago I made an offhand comment about being a #turtlewriter and it snowballed into a whole thing. It’s great to have a community of fellow slow poke writers, but for me, being slow I think is just one more thing that puts me behind the eight ball.

It’s easier to say don’t compare yourself to others, but it’s harder to actually follow that advice. I realize my process is different from others, but that doesn’t stop me feeling like crap because my production is so low. That feeling is the start of a spiral that makes it even harder to concentrate because then I start to wonder what’s the point.

I follow plenty of authors and when I see some putting out three or more books in a year I have moments of wondering if baby stepping along is worth it. In a time when there are so many books to be read. By all accounts it’s “easier” (only in how to get them out in the world sort of way) to publish books. Getting your foothold is harder than ever.

I don’t write a series and I don’t write fast and both of those things make me feel like I’m shooting myself in the foot. I’ve said it before, I’m a mood writer so if my mood is in the dumps it’s hard as hell for me to write, especially considering I write romance.

People tell you all day long, you have to have a thick skin for this business. Granted most times it’s in relation to less than stellar reviews you may or may not get, but it applies to other things as well. The imposter syndrome is real! And I fully admit to being my own worst enemy. It’s things I know, but at the same time seem to be unable to stop.

So, what’s a turtle to do in this hare world? For now, keep turtling along I guess. I’m a glutton for punishment. LOL I don’t know how to change my process so that I’m more productive. And no amount of pep talks stop the feelings of inadequacies that hang around with me on a daily basis.

   

Boy this post turned out to be way more depressing than I imagined when I first started writing it. LOL #PantserLife But it is what it is. Me putting my feelings/insecurities out in the world.

Happy Spring to everyone and hope y’all have great months.

Until next time

~Meka

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a home for writers in all stages; from unpublished to bestsellers. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance. We want to help writers overcome their insecurities, and by offering encouragement we are creating a community of support.

The awesome co-hosts for the The awesome co-hosts for the March 4th posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Lisa Buie-Collard, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!