Insecure Writer's Group

The first Wednesday in every month is a post related to being an insecure writer.  Alex Cavanaugh is the one to thank for this wonderful gathering!   Thank you Alex, it helps to have a slot where we can share, confess or vent.

  I grew up in a movie theater, when I wasn't there, I was trying to read every book in the Carver Memorial Library.  I so wanted to hide in this place over night,  just linger and find the book that spoke, just to me.



Have you read something that you felt like the author had insight into your mind. It felt like he/she was speaking directly to you?!   I am reading a book now, that has had a few moments like this for me.   The 90-Day Novel:  Unlock the Story Within by Alan Watt. His approach  taps into the story that has a grip on you.  He has exercises, thoughts about the process, and how the subconscious works.

He describes writing:  "It is courageous. It is something that no one out there will ever encourage you to do. The desire must come from within. It is the soft whisper at the edges of our consciousness. Our soul aches to know life in a way we can't grasp with our conscious mind. Writers are idealists."

I have only recently thought maybe I'm a writer. I have always wanted to write a book, but never figured out which one. Recently a story found me;  I feel a tug of war with it.  It's  tug was strong enough to enable me, to purchase this book.  Yes, I started working on the exercises.

There are quotes in every chapter that encourage and make you think.

"When we are not sure, we are alive"~Graham Greene

"First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!"~Ray Bradbury

"Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think is still the secret of great creative people."~Leo Burnett

I think when we get an idea that we can't shake loose from our cerebral net, then it is time to pay attention and see where it might lead.  I mean isn't being creative like fishing, if this one(idea) doesn't bite, another one will.  And beware of sharks!  What book has spoke to you? How to you smash the demons of doubt?

Comments

Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and Stephen Kings On Writing really spoke to me regarding writing. I'm also an enormous quote collector. I've been doing it since my junior high school English teacher, Mrs. Faunce, put up a quote a day for the entire year.

I put my writing inspirational quotes on notecards and place them around my writing area. They talk me off the edge when I'm ready to a Wylie Coyote nose dive into the pavement.

Here's one of my favorites:

“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of is mind, is written large in his works.”
~ Virginia Woolf, Orlando
KH LeMoyne said…
Way to go, Ella. It is invigorating to watch your writing but start. I look forward to seeing more about the story that tugs on you and how you wrestle it into shape.
All the best.
~Kate http://fantasypoweredbylove.com/
Unknown said…
This sounds like a great book. I know exactly what you mean about that book that like whispered in your mind. I have one that just spoke volumes to me about my life. That was The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. She really knows the creative soul, I think. I'll definitely check Watt's book now that you have recommended it.
Jen said…
This sounds like a really great book. I loved Stephen King's On Writing, but I think I'm going to go look for this book right now. Great motivation!
I need to get that book! And you are a writer - and a poet - you write a blog don't you?
N. R. Williams said…
Great post. That's a book I haven't read yet. Doubt rears its ugly head even after being squashed by the best praise. I think doubt is a black cat with ninety lives. Thanks for stopping by.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, Fantasy Author
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Anne Lamott is one of my favorite writers - on writing, and on life. Read all of her books, Ellie, you'll love them. I love her because she doesnt present herself as a "writer on writing", but as a flawed, struggling human, FULL of her own insecurities, which she is brave enough to share - and she writes so well.
Halli Gomez said…
I don't have a specific book that spoke to me, but with your great description and recommendation, I will check out yours.

I completely understand about having doubts. I faced them not too long ago and unfortunately they are still plaguing me.
Anonymous said…
Yes!! Exciting things are ahead for you I believe. You are certainly a writer, among many other wonderful things, go for it!1 :)
~Scarlett
Jessica Bell said…
Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird spoke to me in volumes! But the seed of doubt never fades ...
Brianna said…
Thanks for the book recommendation! I really liked the quote you shared, especially this part - no one out there will ever encourage you to do - I wonder if that's why we find it hard to encourage ourselves?
PK HREZO said…
I agree! And those are fantastic quotes! I havent heard of this book, but must check it out... thanks for sharing!
Kristin said…
I totally agree with you. I think we should definitely listen to our head and heart ;) AND congratulations on your new publication!!! I am so happy for you - yeah! xoxoxo
Great book. I'll have to check it out. You're def a writer. Good luck with the exercises. I'll have to try them out.
Wanda said…
You never know what idea will bloom. Congrats on pursuing the tug. Love the quotes you shared.
How do I smash the demons of doubt? Well, the best way to cast out darkness is prayer--any kind of darkness, no matter how trivial it feels.

It's a struggle, I know, but having a strong support system of other writers buoys me up as well.

Happy Friday!



♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Arlee Bird said…
I think you've got the philosophy right and you are definitely a writer in my eyes. Good to have this book to motivate you and open your eyes a bit more to the writer that's waiting inside of you to be unleashed.


Lee
Tossing It Out
Laurie Kolp said…
Sounds like a great book, Ella. I agree that writing comes from within. I'm reading On Writing by Stephen King. It is the best book I have ever read on the topic. I highly recommend it.
Laila Knight said…
I'm convinced Neverending Story was mine...I'm sure the author would disagree vehemently. :) When I was around 10 I wrote a story about a flying dog for a school writing club. It got published with Young Authors of America. I would have thrown in Atreo and presto. :)
Bob Sanchez said…
As others have said already, that sounds like a good book. I like your question about smashing the demons of doubt. Just sit down and write, I think, without regard for those inner voices. Give yourself permission to write anything.
Lolamouse said…
Good for you Ella! I've never imagined writing a book; I'm more of a poetry person, but I did hear several book authors speak at the Nat'l. Book Festival in D.C. a couple of weeks ago. They all spoke of writing as a "job." Like any other, you have to sit down and do it every day, whether you "feel" like it or not. If you wait for the muse, you may be waiting forever. I guess if your livelihood doesn't depend on it, you have more leeway, but I thought it was good advice for the hobbyist as well. To be creative, you can't be afraid to fail.
M Pax said…
Glad it's speaking to you. I found Jack Bickham's Scene & Structure very helpful.
Dave King said…
Your post intrigues me - the surest sign of a good review.
Unknown said…
Hey Ellie:)
I've often thought of you as a writer. It seems like you have a real desire to keep at it and that's what it takes. I was really drawn to Katherine Centers book, 'Everyone is Beautiful'. It gave me a push to tap into my creative side. The demons come but having good friends to encourage me helps keep them at bay. Hope you're doing well!
Love,
Jenny♥
Amanda Trought said…
Hey Ella, this looks like a really good book, looking forward to see your stories unfold, really inspired by your writing! A couple of writers really speak to me, Zora Neale Hurston and Ntozake Shange and a science fiction writer called Octavia Butler. Stay blessed! Amandaxx
Ella said…
Hi Amanda-I have been sick; I will answer you email soon! I could really relate to a lot of what you said, xo~ Thank you! @>----

Jenny-Thank you; I see your art is improving and I can see your soul shining through! Gorgeous paintings I saw in your recent post! Well Done!
Yes, good friend, we need to encourage each other, xo~

Dave-Thank you; it is intriguing book!

MPax-Thank you I will check that out! I just keeping hearing begin, but honestly wasn't sure where to start other than character development and back story. Thanks for the suggestion~

Thank you Lola for sharing; yes, I do think we have to exercise it, like you stated. You should do a poetry book :D

Bob-Great advice; thank you! I do think we have to ignore the dragons or demons. There will be more arriving at a later date :D
Thanks for stopping by~

Laila-Thank you for sharing! It is intriguing how we can narrow down our stories and how we connect to others! ;D I love that you were published; congrats! This is amazing... I want to hear more!

Laurie-I have this one, lined up to read, too ;D Thank you for sharing!

Thank you Arlee, yes, unleash great choice of words! I love your view and can't thank you enough. Finding you, set me on a different course~ mmh, an A-Z dedication? mmmh, maybe! ;D
Ella said…
Thank you Elizabeth, yes that would illuminate the path! Support helps, too~ Thank you

Wanda-Thank you; it might be more of a tug of war, lol~ Glad you liked the quotes :D

RaShelle-Thank you so much! I'll be by soon~ I know you have a lot of great tips on your site! I must visit and print them out~ :D

Kristin-Thank you, it is what we all should do, but sometimes there are people and paths that block our way. Detours are part of the journey~ You are sweet, xo

Pk Hrezo-I love quotes; glad you liked'em~ Thank you; I will be by soon

Brianna-I think so, it is difficult to sometimes push through our doubt and apprehension.
We all have gifts and need to find ways to express them~ Thank you!

Thank you Shelly :D

Jessica-Thank you, I have seen and heard a lot about this book. I will check it out! :D

Scarlett-Thank you; you must continue your journey, too! Your photos are amazing and your art! xo

Halli-I guess it is part of the process! Can you imagine no doubts, this wouldn't be good either~ Thank you!
Ella said…
Sherry-Yes, I think sharing these opens doors to potential! Thank you I will definitely check her out!
Flawed is good, we need to know we all are diamonds in the rough! :D

Nancy-Your quote is brilliant and so true~ I agree! Thank you~

Alex-Thank you; I look forward to catching up with all of the posts from the group! So happy you ventured forth with this endeavor~
Thanks Captain ;D

Jennee-I haven't finished Stephen King's. I love him, so I know it will be great! Thanks for reminding me :D

Melissa-I love that book; I found it at a yard sale! She sees beyond the process. I love to write morning pages, walk and take art dates. I am going to go find my book ;D I don't think I finished reading it. I need to~

Kate-Thank you; I will be by to see what you are up to. I do think when something tugs, we need to listen! All the best to you :D

Laura-This was beautiful; thank you so much for sharing! Wow, since Junior High. You know I had a teacher named Mrs. Faunce; ninth grade Home Ec. Thank you so much for sharing this quote! @>------