On success and giving up writing
[image error]Cruikshank’s ‘the Headache’ feels relevant.
At my writing group the other night, someone asked how I was feeling about the success of Salt Magic Skin Magic and I spouted a whole lot of weird stuff and nearly burst into tears.
Yes, friends, this has been a very strange time for me.
I’ve read hundreds of posts on dealing with rejection, on keeping on writing in the face of indifference or negativity. But what about if your book gets good reviews and sells better than you expected? What then? We...
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Ije the Devourer of Books
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Nov 15, 2018 06:57AM
I think you will be fine. It was such an enjoyable book. Please dont be too hard on yourself or pressurise yourself. I think your next book will be just as good if not better than Salt Magic.
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Ah, alas, the roller coaster writing process! I've gone through this many a time in my life, and am going through it now. All I know is that it does pass, eventually. Don't be too hard on yourself in the meantime. The only advice I have is to maybe just let it happen for now, and then one day let it not happen. That may sound weird, but giving it its due is one way of working towards finally seeing the edges of it. Wishing you all the best!
I feel this post. Even though I haven't had the writing success. Every type of event can throw us out of kilter. I published mine and utterly lost faith in my judgement, the way you describe (so well), and couldn't continue for years. Then there is the shame because you can't write, to add to the brew. Besides, the only time I ever scored 'success' (at something other than writing), I went into a psychological freeze that seemed to be equal parts embarrassment, panic at the unwonted attention, and basic disbelief/self-doubt. So again, I recognise your description.
Every afternoon I think what I wrote in the morning is terrible. I have to know not to trust my judgement there, too. :)
Yep, it certainly is a rollercoaster! Sorry to hear you're in the same place as me. I hear what you're saying about letting this unproductive phase run its course and I think that's very wise. Forcing myself certainly doesn't seem to work. Though I do feel as if some brainstorming is a good idea. Not actually forcing myself to write, but at least playing with ideas and hoping I hit on something that excites me. Thanks for your words of support!
Bryn wrote: "I feel this post. Even though I haven't had the writing success. Every type of event can throw us out of kilter. I published mine and utterly lost faith in my judgement, the way you describe (so we..."Why do we doubt ourselves so fiercely, I wonder? It sounds as if you're writing again now, though, so that's great! I have had fairly long periods of my life where I've been able to put the doubt aside and get things done - but suddenly it's back. Anyway I'm doing everything I can think of to move forward and recover my equilibrium. A friend reminded me of this great post - perhaps you'll find something useful in it too? (assuming you don't mind swearing) https://markmanson.net/not-giving-a-fuck
