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Hearing About IWSG


Hello readers,


I was reading Ali's post about this support group that talks about writerly doubts. I have doubts and I shall share them because that's the point of a support group.

I used to be insecure about traditional publishing, that no one with accept my writing. Then I heard of self publishing. Yet that added to my insecurities. I have no money or talent to showcase my writing. After IndieReCon I felt a better, yet once the high went away, I find it's only a little bit better. I need a team, I need help. I call for help, but I don't get replies.

That's another insecurity, I don't think I have any fans. My blog is becoming dead and I keep thinking of deactivating my twitter. The only reason I stay is for the knowledge.

And the worse insecurity, dare I say it. All the above add to me... wanting to quit writing. I have little motivation and that motivation is to show my Muslim community you don't have to be a doctor or lawyer or teacher to be successful.

I'm going to go cry now and hopelessly hope. Check out this list to see other posts.

-Fida Islaih
{all writing is copyrighted}

Comments

Julie said…
Believe in yourself! And keep working hard. You'll find your way!
Chancelet said…
Well, I'm glad you've joined this blog. Trying to get an agent is a depressing consideration, especially after you've tried and have yet to receive that "Yes, I'll represent you" note.

I did go the self-publishing route and am pleased with it. Although I dreaded the thought of self-marketing and promoting my book, I'm actually in love with the process now and wish I had more time to do it!

Keep going. If writing and blogging are what you love, keep at it and you'll learn to find the contacts you need - like this blog hop.

I'm glad I've decided to start from the bottom of that long list as I felt they'd get the least amount of comments. Again, keep at it and find more blog hops or connections that inspire you.
Fida Islaih said…
Thank you for the motivation and advice, @Julie and @Nancy! (-:
Kirsten said…
Don't give up! If you love writing, keep writing and learning and writing some more simply because you love it. That's what makes people successful in whatever they do. :-)
This is going to sound weird, Fida, but blogging is like attending AA meetings. You have to go for the fellowship for the support. Even if you don't get up and talk, just being makes the world seem less harsh.

I know how tough it is to be a writer. By our very natures we're lonely, alone, isolated. We have to reach out to each other. We owe it to ourselves.

Don't quit. Take baby steps. Keep your blog, stay with IWSG, and start visiting blogs that you enjoy. Leave comments. Watch those bloggers begin to visit your blog and comment on your posts.

It's just one big happy circle.

Fida Islaih said…
Thank you so much @Kirsten and @Joylene!! :-)
Just by putting these thoughts on paper you have exorcised them from your psyche and now you can pick it up and move forward.

At least I find that writing it down, getting it out in the open is does so much for the soul.

You'll be fine and joining this group is a great start!

So nice to meet you here!
AuthorAlden said…
Don't give up! Keep writing, and lighten some of that self-imposed pressure on your shoulders. Focus on the short-term: meeting your writing goals, finishing your projects. Hit the long term and start thinking about publishing after that. Also, remember that publishing doesn't have to be the end-all be-all of a writer's goals.

Oh, and one more thing. Don't look to make fans . . . make friends. :)

Welcome to IWSG! Good luck and hang in there.
M Pax said…
Don't give up! This is a business with a lot of highs and lows. That's why we all need each other.

Welcome to IWSG.
Johana Vera said…
Welcome! The others have already covered the "Don't give up" speech, so I'm not gonna do that.

Try to find ways to promote your blog. It's not easy, we all know that.. But there are ways to get it done. Recently I had the same problem, and started searching for new ways to get people to read my blog. I joined some pretty amazing teams that organize blog tours and cover reveals for authors (their badges are on the right side of my blog [see, self promotion rules] of you want to check them out)

And twitter... Well. I don't have THAT many followers, but the ones I had are mostly people I met at GUTGAA last year. Try contests and even if you don't win anything, you'll make those conexions. It's pretty fun. Brenda Drake, for example, is always organizing them.

None of those things are easy. But you have to put tons of actual work if you really want this :)

Nice to meet you ;)
Kaye Draper said…
Don't give up! I think we all feel like that at some point, but you have to find that connection with your writing that really makes you come alive. I'm just working myself out of one of these slumps, actually, so I feel for you. I am set on traditional publishing, but GODS its a frustrating process. Keep your chin up. And find support and inspiration in your fellow writers. I'm always amazed at what a supportive community we have! I've had fun over at Forward Motion For Writers, you should check it out :)
Melissa said…
You've come to the right place with IWSG. Don't give up!

As far as writing, it has it's ups and downs, and it's a marathon, not a sprint. Make friends. Get encouragement through writing partners and things like IWSG.

One thing you can do to help your blog following is put your bio and head shot at the top of the sidebar, then below that, arrange all your following options - Follower gadget, RSS, follow by email, etc. That way, people can see right off who you are and don't have to scroll far to follow you. (Oh, and turn off your word verification for comments. That's a comment deterrent for sure. If you don't know how, see my blog for instructions.)

Best of luck. :)

IWSG #135 until Alex culls the list again
Fida Islaih said…
Thank you everyone for the don't give up pep talks! Thank you, @Kaye for the recommendation!

Lol, thanks @Johana! Nice to meet you too! I've heard of Brenda, I'm hoping to partake in her next contest!
Fida Islaih said…
Thanks for the tips, Melissa!
Anonymous said…
Everyone hits a low point and some have probably thought of quitting. But feelings and insecurities ebb and flow. Take those thoughts and use them to create something meaningful in your writing. That's what I always try to do. Good luck. You have great goals.
Nancy Reece said…
We write because if we didn't the bottled up passion could make us explode. Always use the gifts we are given, regardless of what the others say. You have found a great group and that is half the battle - knowing you are not alone in these internal struggles.
Unknown said…
Welcome Fida! If you want to join a community of writers and get good info about publishing - you've found the right place! The best way to learn and keep your blog active is to read and comment on other people's blogs. You'll learn a lot and make friends.
You'll find your way, don't worry! :-)
Tara Tyler said…
stop that! look at your comments!
if you go visit, we will come visit you too!
and a great way to find lots of new followers is to participate in the a to z challenge, its fun, supportive & informative!

cheer up, sweetie!
Fida Islaih said…
Lol! Thank you Tara! :-D I have been thinking of doing the A to Z challenge, I can't wait! :-D
Julie Musil said…
Don't quit! As you can see, we've all felt that way from time to time. Just keep learning, keep improving, and keep writing!
Michael Di Gesu said…
You've taken the first step. Remember you must be involved in your journey. Help is always in our community. Reaching out is only the first step, now you need to share your writing with us. Drop by our blogs leave comments, let us get to know how special you are.

This journey is a very long and hard one to take, but there are many smiles and helping hands along the way. Just keep writing and continue on your journey.
Ali Cross said…
Ah, Fida. Look at all the replies today! That's why I love Alex and all his followers ~ they MOVE. They don't just join the IWSG and then only take, they GIVE.

I'm so sorry to hear you've been feeling alone. There's nothing worse. I think we can usually handle most of life's challenges when we have friends and family by our sides . . . when we're alone . . . well, that's when things get hard.

I hope today has shown you that you aren't (or don't have to be) alone. We ARE here. We're all just imperfect humans, too. *darnitall!*

Anyway. When I first started blogging, it took me a year to get to 100 followers, lol. Man, did I celebrate when I reached that awesome milestone!

Just keep on keepin' on, and the readers will follow. You are one of the most kind and consistent friends I've met on Twitter, and now you've been reaching out in blogland, too . . . that sincerity and authenticity that you radiate is bound to pull people toward you.

Just don't give up!

((hugs))
Fida Islaih said…
Thank you so much Ali!! ((Hugs))

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