This is so helpful. I wanted to thank you for addressing such an important aspect of anyone with artistic aspirations. Writing advice usually stops at practice and technique and rarely goes deeper—to the real reasons why many give up before they even begin.
I'm so glad it is useful, Nena. I always love when writers share the inner aspects of the writing life as well as techniques. I try to do both in this newsletter, and it's great to hear that it hits home. Thanks for commenting!
This reminds me of something I think Elizabeth Gilbert said...that the writer is the driver of the bus and the critic and anxiety and sundry other annoying personalities are like the passengers...they are allowed to come along but NOT allowed to take over the driver's seat!
I believe things happen for a reason. A couple nights ago I had a breakthrough. I'm immensely grateful for it. However, I had a feeling there was more. Just for the simple fact of how quickly and deeply invasive the insanity had become. As I was reading, I could feel it. The reason why I felt I had to guard myself. I did resist. It did add fuel to the fire. I'm not beating myself up over it now. After all is said and done, I'll be stronger and more aware. A win-win! Thank you for sharing :)
My inner critic is alive and well, a real dragon...ugh. But advice like yours helps! I also learned something about myself recently that I think contributes to the inner critic, where doubt reigns supreme. There is this thing now called FOBO. Fear of Better Options. I find this in my writing, though, oddly, not in the rest of my life. For example, I think I'll call a character Laney. Then weeks later I seond guess myself and think her name should be Lavinia, a better name, and instead of from Boston she should be from Salem, and this whole thing about her being an orphan is stupid. She should be a widow... You get the point. But knowing FOBO exists in me, I can begin to tame it.
Nancy, I loved learning about FOBO--what a cool idea that really does capture the waffle inside that I can also experience about my writing decisions. Thanks for sharing this!
I'm glad it resonated with you. I have to say, knowing about FOBO really helped unchain my thinking. I know now that I just need to commit to things and not overthink.
This is so helpful. I wanted to thank you for addressing such an important aspect of anyone with artistic aspirations. Writing advice usually stops at practice and technique and rarely goes deeper—to the real reasons why many give up before they even begin.
I'm so glad it is useful, Nena. I always love when writers share the inner aspects of the writing life as well as techniques. I try to do both in this newsletter, and it's great to hear that it hits home. Thanks for commenting!
This reminds me of something I think Elizabeth Gilbert said...that the writer is the driver of the bus and the critic and anxiety and sundry other annoying personalities are like the passengers...they are allowed to come along but NOT allowed to take over the driver's seat!
Yes! I remember this quote too, maybe from @elizabeth gilbert's Big Magic? Always loved it, so I'm happy you shared it here. Thanks for posting!
I believe things happen for a reason. A couple nights ago I had a breakthrough. I'm immensely grateful for it. However, I had a feeling there was more. Just for the simple fact of how quickly and deeply invasive the insanity had become. As I was reading, I could feel it. The reason why I felt I had to guard myself. I did resist. It did add fuel to the fire. I'm not beating myself up over it now. After all is said and done, I'll be stronger and more aware. A win-win! Thank you for sharing :)
Good to hear your experience! Thanks for posting this.
Such a creative approach to our little critics: writing a letter to them!
It is different, for sure, but it works for me. I hope you try it! Thanks for posting, Jill.
My inner critic is alive and well, a real dragon...ugh. But advice like yours helps! I also learned something about myself recently that I think contributes to the inner critic, where doubt reigns supreme. There is this thing now called FOBO. Fear of Better Options. I find this in my writing, though, oddly, not in the rest of my life. For example, I think I'll call a character Laney. Then weeks later I seond guess myself and think her name should be Lavinia, a better name, and instead of from Boston she should be from Salem, and this whole thing about her being an orphan is stupid. She should be a widow... You get the point. But knowing FOBO exists in me, I can begin to tame it.
Nancy, I loved learning about FOBO--what a cool idea that really does capture the waffle inside that I can also experience about my writing decisions. Thanks for sharing this!
I'm glad it resonated with you. I have to say, knowing about FOBO really helped unchain my thinking. I know now that I just need to commit to things and not overthink.
Yes! Great point.