Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Insecure Writer's Support Group - May, 2013


 
It's Insecure Writer's Support Group day, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh
 
 
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I'm not feeling insecure this month.

I've been on a blogging break for the past few weeks, but not a writing break.  I needed to take the time to work on my writing for my class.  The ending project was a research paper or about ten pages of creative writing.  I chose to do an excerpt from my historical novel, which is not what I planned to do at all.  I did a ton of research on the time period and the region of my novel and on coal mining. 

I did all the work I meant to do anyway.  I read all the books I had already purchased and utilized my university's library, who will hunt down books and/or purchase them if they don't have them.  Awesome, huh? 

After logging probably over 100 hours of research, I feel secure about the historical research I've done.  When I presented my chapter, I had to answer questions to defend my choices. I knew crazy details like how much coal miners paid to rent company homes in 1932 and how they were paid (by the ton).  I feel like I can walk around the region and the time period in my mind, which is cool.

And I got positive feedback about my writing.  I know where to put a comma, which is important for a writer. :)

But the real reason I don't feel insecure is this.  My middle son was sitting across the kitchen table from me.  I asked if he wanted to read the chapter I was working on for class.  I told him what happens in my story.  The more words came out of my mouth, the more interested he looked (a rare thing for an almost teen).  He thought my story was awesome!  Seriously, what could be better than that?

14 comments:

  1. A vote of confidence from one of your kids can go a long way! Congratulations, Tonja. And for tackling that as your project.

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  2. I don't think ANYTHING can be better than that! :)

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  3. Love this. Seriously that's the best praise you can get!

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  4. That is awesome! I often talk to my teenager about my book, and sometimes he'll start talking about the world I've created as if it's real. Very cool. Glad you're getting so much research and writing done!

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  5. Nope, that can't be topped! My son is only six and I love it when he wants to read something I wrote. Simply Sarah

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  6. Its cool when your kids love what you've done. Three of my daughters have read Secondhand Shoes and loved it. They still can hardly believe that I wrote that book and am working on two more plus short stories.

    Glad to know you're well,too.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  7. Kids will be honest, sometimes too honest, lol. You couldn't ask for a better review.

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  8. My kids are my toughest critics, no doubt about it. If they are clamoring to read each chapter as it emerges from the printer, I know I'm doing a good job.

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  9. That is awesome. Pleasing teenagers isn't easy and pleasing the one in your house is even tougher.

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  10. Confidence comes naturally to those who are well prepared and know what they're talking about. Congratulations on your paper! Sounds like you have a very special son there:)

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  11. Congrats on your work! It's awesome that your child liked it.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  12. There can be nothing better than that, and it's awesome. :-)
    Some Dark Romantic

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  13. Well that's the best compliment EVER!

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  14. That is sooo brilliant! A huge reward for all that hard work!

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