The months seem to be flashing by in leaping bounces. Is that the result of spring in the air, or the pull of summer? Whatever the reason, it’s time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post and my latest attempt to write to the IWSG voluntary prompt:
June 6 question – What’s harder for you to come up with, book titles or character names?
The answer is that I’ve never pondered this too much. So far, the titles of my novels/WIPs seem to have come in a flash during plotting. Whether they are any good remains open to debate. Finding titles for my short stories has been harder, but nothing too taxing as the right title emerges before THE END draft one.
Character names require more extensive work as I like to research the meaning of names. Most of my characters have names that have an appropriate meaning, so there have been cases when I found something better. As with the detective protagonist in Fates Maelstrom, who went from Sparkle Morgan to Sparkle Anwyl. Sometimes the name change is to avoid confusion with another character, or because their nature changes.
So, character names must be harder.
That should be the post, except I’m having a meltdown. Why?
I’ve been focused on writing reviews, and these are making me insecure – well, reading great books might be invaluable, but… I’m committing a cardinal sin and judging my own ability by them. They give me ideas – like the bookend structure of The Last Wish – but I can’t hope to write as well as these masters of the craft. (Watch out for tomorrow’s review when I assess another five-star book.)
Is it time to just read and dream?
I’ve already lost my ability to take photos as my hands shake like a tree in the wind. Writing gets harder as my brain fogs and my thoughts jumble.
Or am I only achieving if I keep scribbling creatively?
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The awesome co-hosts for the June 6 posting of the IWSG are Beverly Stowe McClure, Tyrean Martinson, Tonja Drecker, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
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!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
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 – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
Writing Wings 
Nothing wrong with reading and dreaming! I wish i had more time for both.
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Thanks, Jennifer. I try to ensure that there is a slice of time for reading – then I can dream better.
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You just keep writing. Don’t compare yourself to others. You’re better than you think. And the more you write, the better you get. My humble opinion.
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Humble opinion accepted, Beverly. I need to avoid comparisons.
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Don’t judge your own writing against someone else’s.
I don’t put much thought into character names. Then again, I’m making them up from scratch, so they come with no history.
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I sense that you are right, Alex – even if I have moments when I want to be a ninja. I tend to want histories for mine.
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Definitely don’t compare yourself to others! Everyone has a different style, different voice, different preferences. Keep creating if it brings you joy.
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I suspect that there are moments when the joy vanishes – I should takes those days off..in the garden. Thanks, Loni.
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I know exactly what you mean about reading books and feeling like maybe you should just chuck your computer overboard cause you’ll never be as good as they are. I have to remind myself that I’m just starting out, but it isn’t always easy not to compare yourself to others.
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Thanks, Ellen. As debuting authors that is sound advice – even if as you say it’s hard not to make comparisons.
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No…well there is always time for reading…but no giving up, it’s not allowed 😊
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Not giving up, Kate – just taking the odd day off.
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Oh Roland, I have the same problem. Comparing ourselves to the masters can terrify any writer. I know it does me. The only way I try–and I do mean try–to get past it is to trip through my sloppy first–or second or third–draft and then try to polish and ask for critique. Keep breathing, kid. You certainly can do it!
http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com
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Sound strategy, Victoria. Only by polishing, heading good critique and observing the masters can we evolve as writers.
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Comparing ourselves to other writers is a sure way to escalate insecurity. Who wants that? Read, dream, write. As your hands get more shaky, what about voice software like Dragon? Best wishes, Roland, as you navigate your journey.
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I’ve thought about Dragon, Diane – thanks for the suggestion. Sadly, my speaking is even shakier and slurred – a multiple sclerosis side-effect.
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Comparison is a scary monster. I try to avoid at all cost, especially comparing to my favorite reads, because I lose. Good thing the first draft is supposed to be crap, no editors allowed.
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Scary indeed, Juneta – and, yes, that first draft avoids the comparison pit…fail.
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