Insecure Writer's Support Group: After the Party's Over.

Purpose of IWSG : 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
To join IWSG visit Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh here

Last month was a really good month. I'm in a state of post writing afterglow. I've already jumped head long into editing this week, and even that's been going well.I love editing. I'm looking forward to the work, but it also means I'm facing a dilemma.

After sending my novel out to my beta readers, I'm going to have to start working on my next project. The post completion party is over, and it's back to the beginning. 

So today my confession is:

I'm worried I don't have another novel in me.

Lotus Petals was something new for me. I've only ever finished short stories, and one that might be classified as a novella.  So now that it's finished, I'm looking to the future.  I've left the ending open for additional books in Sycamore Springs (the setting of my current novel), but I also think I should explore some other options. I was so passionate about writing Lotus Petals. Now I'm worried I won't be able to find that same level of drive for my next novel. 

It's been on my mind for a while now. I've been studiously keeping a folder with ideas for other books and stories, but in the last six months I realize how different writing a full length novel is from writing short stories. And my biggest fear is I won't be able to do it again.

I started writing Lotus Petals because I had a story I needed to get out. I've enjoyed and hated almost every minute. During this process, I've branched out my social network, and have developed relationships with fabulous writers and agents. The one thing I've learned is these quirky, geeky, bookish people are my tribe!

So while I'm basking in the afterglow of a finished novel...my neurosis and insecurity are creeping in again.  Here's hoping inspiration will latch on, and I can repeat the process.

What's up Wednesday 09/11/13

“What’s Up Wednesday” is a weekly blog hop by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. From Jaime: It’s similar in some respects to the Currently… post, but it’s been whittled down to only four headings to make it quicker and more manageable on a weekly basis. Be sure to visit Jaime's blog to add your post to the link list!

What I'm Reading

Bonds of Hope showed up on my kindle last night J so of course I started it. I had just finished with listening to the audio of World War Z and was preparing to start with my writing… but my new book was calling to me.

I started it, but I am putting down my foot (figuratively).  I’ve told myself I’m only reading during bed time.  I really have to get back on a regular writing schedule if I’m going to finish my draft.

What I'm Writing

Blogging:  Trying hard to catch up on my blogging, and I think I’m making some head way.  I have a couple guest blog requests that I think I might have to put on the back burner for now if I’m going to stay on task.

Novel: So after making my bold declaration last week (I will finish my first draft by October…) I haven’t written a thing.  I crammed to finish my critique for my writing group and then fell into reading.  “Just one more book” I kept telling myself.  Well tonight is our weekly write-in and I’m determined to get some work done.  I have about 8 chapters left to write and if I’m going to pump that out in 6 or so weeks I have to really sit down each night and hit my 1000 words a night goal.  I don’t think it’s outside my ability… with a little help from my friends. (I’m think of you Kate!!)

 

What Else I've Been Up To

This weekend we had a wedding.  It’s always fun to see people in love start their lives together. Outside of that we’ve had the normal family drama. 

This month has been big for family stress.  I’ve had to deal with the In-laws totally enable the brother-in-law and his continued worthlessness (and I don’t use that word lightly).  It’s frustrating and infuriating.  I could easily overlook it, except this all revolves around our family business. 

Hubby is preparing to start Grad school; a big part of the stresser for the family issues.  We’re still not sure if Grad school is going to require him to go down to part time, and if so we need to make up his salary by increasing mine.

What Inspires Me Right Now

0_o

I think that’s my issue.  I’ve been really uninspired this last week.  Work stress has encouraged me to hid in my books at night.  I’ve stayed off the social media sites and even off my nightly hangout with my writing buddies.

I need to find my spark again. Maybe I need a swift kick to get me going again.

 

So that's what's been up with me this week.  How has your week been?