ISWG: Being a Writer Means Having a Large Trunk

I attended a writer’s retreat last month. One of the first things we did was go around the room and shake hands with everyone, saying, “Congratulations.” As the presenter, Darcy Pattison, pointed out, we’d all just finished a novel. That was a big accomplishment, something to be proud of.

It wasn’t much later, though, that I was sitting in my small group and we were talking about how long we’d been writing. I was embarrassed to admit the truth:

“This is my fifth novel.”

Why was I embarrassed, even after I’d just been congratulated?

I think it has to do with the fact that I see those other four novels as failures. Yes, they may have gotten some requests, even some positive feedback, but I just see the nos.

I don’t see the fact that I finished five novels, some of which have been rewritten more than once.

I forget that often when I tell a nonwriter friend that I’m a writer, I hear, “I’ve always wanted to write a book.”

In that moment, I forget this profound truth: just by finishing a book, I’d done something that most people want to do, but never accomplish.

At the end of the retreat, Darcy Pattison read an excerpt from Art and Fear (David Bayles & Ted Orland). One thing she read in particular stood out to me: “The function of the majority of your artwork is simply to teach you how to make the small fraction of your artwork that soars.”

My early novels—most of them will never see the light of day again. They most likely will not be published, at least not in their present form. But that doesn’t mean they are wasted.  I couldn’t have written number 5 without them. And if it does soar—it’s because of all those words I wrote before it.

Do you have manuscripts you have trunked? Are you embarrassed or proud of them?


If you haven't heard of it, here's a little about The Insecure Writer’s 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!

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