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
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.
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.
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!
Oh, and one more thing. Don't look to make fans . . . make friends. :)
Welcome to IWSG! Good luck and hang in there.
Welcome to IWSG.
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 ;)
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
Lol, thanks @Johana! Nice to meet you too! I've heard of Brenda, I'm hoping to partake in her next contest!
You'll find your way, don't worry! :-)
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!
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.
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))