Today is the monthly Insecure Writers Support Group post and I am flip-flopping between positivity and insecurity.
I should feel positive having completed the 100k in 100 days challenge that began on January 1st, and then plunged straight into the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, completing that as well. I may be exhausted but I’m still writing, although not as frenetically.
However, my A to Z Challenge failed as my posts were too long – details on my last blog post here. And I still shuffle my way forward over getting something published. It should be ‘best step forward’ as I am productive, but there is too much unfinished and unresolved.
And how do I get the work published? I see better writers than me self-publishing, but I lack the means to do that – starting with the health to cope. I’ve been looking around at small presses but I fear that my writing is not suitable, and my promotion skills are lacking.
Snowdon by Juanita Clarke on Duskweald
Or does “Storms Compass” fit into the new interest around novellas? I need to add an overarching plot that will weave the stories together, but the length might remain within the shorter length – and the tales have been professionally edited.
And if novellas are the future, what do I do with my plans for the Snowdon Shadows series? They will be full-length novels as they stand. Or do I trim them to the skeleton? Where do I go?
***
Purpose of the IWSG day: 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 our thoughts on our own blog. Talk about our doubts and the fears we have conquered. Discuss our struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with our fellow writers – aiming for a dozen new people each time
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
The awesome co-hosts for the May 6 posting of the IWSG are Eva Solar, Melanie Schulz, Lisa-Buie Collard, and Stephen Tremp!
Writing Wings 
I think those are questions every author are asking themselves, nowadays.
I’m trying to get an agent and then a publisher, because I like this route. I think it will give me a lot in terms of professionality… if I succeed. It’s a very hard route, I know, but I’m willing to try.
I’ve also considered self-publishing, maybe shorter works. I find the hybrid career very intersting, but at the moment, I don’t have the finatial means to do a job that would be even remotely professional. Being a self-published author is an expensive venture, both in terms of money and time, and at the moment, if I can find the time, I cannot find the money.
And so, I go ahead with querying agents. I’m learning something every day and hope this will finally bring me to my goal. Hopping and working hard, there isn’t much more we can do.
And congratulations on your two challenges. That was quite a fit!!!! 😉
LikeLike
Thanks for your thoughts, Sarah. I keep wondering about the agent route as it would lead to someone that I could talk to about my work, more than fellow writers. With money and time tight, it might help. Back to back challenges was nearly too much, but I’ve survived – just.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roland, its normal to flip flop between positivity and insecurity. We’re only human with flaws. But we are also overcomers! As writers its an inherent trait, for better or worse, that keeps us pressing forward. You are an overcomer!
Stephen Tremp
IWSG Co-host
http://www.stephentremp.com
LikeLike
Thanks Stephen. Perhaps being an overcomer is why I keep slogging away. Otherwise I’d retire from this writing lark and sunbathe in the rain 🙂
LikeLike
We’ve been where you are, Roland, waffling between feeling great about what you’ve accomplished and insecurity. Re: novellas. Don’t try to follow trends. Write what’s in your heart. Congrats on the 100k in 100 days.
Best wishes.
IWSG #108
LikeLike
Good advice Diane… about writing what’s in my heart. It’s the writing that keeps me healthy, not the worrying about publication.
LikeLike
Good job with doing the 100K in 100 days! That’s pretty awesome.
There’s still a place for full novels out there. I enjoy a good book that takes me on an adventure with characters I love. Heck yes will I stick through that many. I would avoid turning your work into a skeleton for now, and get a few opinions from people you trust on if you need it slimmed.
LikeLike
Thanks Loni. I respect your opinion among others in Alex’s Ninja Army. Think the real answer is a healthy mix of short fare and full meals.
LikeLike
Good for you for doing two challenges!
There will always be a future for novels. Especially a series. Readers love series more than anything else because they like to follow the characters they have gotten to know beyond a single book. Novellas are gaining popularity and it is a good idea to jump on that if you can and want to. I wouldn’t trim your novels down though because novels are still valuable. It may be hard to publish them right now….I am still trying to publish a series of novels….but it’s not impossible. I’m working with a small press and I love them. Small presses are a good stepping stone to bigger, better things. Or you may stick with them. So it is a good idea to check out the small presses that your work fits into.
Stay positive! And good luck!!
LikeLike
Thanks for the encouragement Chrys. Have decided to finish the one novella, and then concentrate on a novel to offer around the small presses. My debut was published by a US small press, and most of my writer friends are with a UK one – always believed that Small is Beautiful, as Schumacher wrote.
LikeLike
I’d be exhausted, if I were you! I’m subbing my novella-length work around the small presses. The worst thing they can say is no, right?
LikeLike
Exhausted is the right word, Milo. Good luck with the novella. You deserve further publication after your amazing output.
LikeLike