I've taken a break from blogging for most of the last few months (actually a lot of months). It was a much needed break, enough time for me to figure out what I want to make of this space.
Starting next week, I am going to begin weekly posts writing about the things I'm writing about - the history in my novels. I honestly think a lot of history-related sites are boring, which is part of what has made me hesitate to write about these topics here. For me, the history is personal. It's about the people I've come from, what they've been through, and what has been forgotten.
As for insecurities, I'm not feeling all that insecure lately - it just creeps in once in a while. I'm taking a graduate level novel writing class, and I went to a writer's conference this summer. I'm getting positive feedback on my writing ability and my novel.
But I find myself making excuses for myself when people compliment my novel and my writing. I tell them, "I don't have another job. I've been writing for five years. This isn't my first novel." When I hear these things coming out of my mouth, it feels like I'm apologizing.
In class on Monday, I started to do the same thing when a classmate complimented my writing. It wasn't easy, but I simply said, "Thank you," and accepted the compliment.
This post is part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. The group is putting together an anthology based on the writing this month. I am not participating in that, but I strongly encourage you to go to the site and check it out (as if you don't already know about it).
It's hard not to make excuses but just saying thanks is the best thing to do.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to your next few posts!
I don't take compliments well either. Not really sure how to do it. Thank You seems the best answer.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm looking forward to your history posts. :)
It's good to hear that you are trying to break the habit of minimizing yourself. I definitely fall into that trap on a regular basis. I'm looking forward to reading your posts on your research.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room
Good for you. Accept the positive feedback when it comes.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it so hard for writers to accept compliments sometimes? I struggle with that all the time. I think it's great that you're taking the step to combat that and just say "thank you".
ReplyDeleteIt IS hard to accept compliments! I have often caught myself downplaying whatever I'm being complimented on.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that was helpful to me was watching how other authors accepted compliments -- in person, on social media, and etc. I learned how to properly respond by watching them.
I must be an odd ball. If I get a compliment I get light headed and nearly swoon with delight. Tongue tied is another symptom. Once I get over the initial ego boost, I ask what was it they liked in particular; I'll even ask what could have made the story better so I can consider applying their comments to my current WIP.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to reading more posts from you and shush! you write good because you're awesome!
ReplyDeleteIts good to take a break and rethink sometimes. I've deleted my old blog and started a new one and I'm still not sure what I'll do with it beside whine a little and post book reviews.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the class, that sounds like something I'd like to do. You'll get better at accepting compliments with practice :)
I so get that. I find it hard to accept compliments too. Great post.
ReplyDeleteJuneta at Writer's Gambit
I'm glad you've decided to continue blogging, Tonja. And I look forward to your history posts. I love history in general and it's always so interesting when the writer has a personal connection to the topic.
ReplyDeleteWe do have to learn to simply accept praise without sort of undercutting it, don't we? I look forward to the history posts! :-)
ReplyDelete