Wednesday, April 1, 2015

IWSG: What about that SNI?

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Insecure Writers 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!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

My awesome co-hosts for the April 1 posting of the IWSG will be Suzanne Furness, Tonja Drecker, Toi Thomas, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Blue, and Donna Hole!


I've been contemplating an interesting concept: Do Less to Do More Better. (Yes, I know the grammar is suspect, but what can you do to something said all the time. <shrug>) So, what does it mean to me as a writer? That's the question that really hits home as I finish the WIP and start to polish it, enter contests, etc.

Writing is challenging enough without loading ourselves down with so many WIPs that we drown. We all know how it happens. When our brains are in a creative mode, we start spinning out SNI--"Shiny New Ideas" at a rapid rate. Our attention gets distracted, splintered, and scattered. Our insecurities are showing. We're so scared we'll forget the SNI, we forget that the first project--the main WIP--needs care and feeding. How many of us have had the old WIP wither and die on the vine because we got distracted by the latest SNI? <waves hand>

So, what to to? I'm trying to give up my insecurities by jotting down the SNI and any bits that spin off it. Then I return to the main WIP and head for the finish line. If I feel the urge to wander, I just jot the latest idea down, and get myself back in line. It's working so far and my main WIP is being polished and entered into contests. 

What about you? What do you do to keep from being drawn in by the SNIs of your world?

Next Week: The latest installment of the Mini Book Reviews!!!