tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post3444218264939340878..comments2024-03-11T16:14:49.158-07:00Comments on Don't pet me, I'm writing: 5 tips for squashing self-doubt demonsTAWNA FENSKEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-28447220195671169132011-02-24T20:11:05.246-08:002011-02-24T20:11:05.246-08:00Kristen Lamb got me here--this blog made me happy....Kristen Lamb got me here--this blog made me happy. :)<br /><br />Love the idea of compensation, too. When I get blocked or go into "I suck" mode, (where I currently am), I try to accept where I am and realize I may be in a different phase/learning curve. Example: work has me very busy and mentally occupied. I'm using this time to learn about and create platform and working my blog better. That helps me feel productive when story ain't flowin'<br /><br />Thanx!Joanna Aislinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17944795441589664035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-31494309556649393352011-02-24T08:12:58.332-08:002011-02-24T08:12:58.332-08:00Came to this post through Kristen Lamb's mash ...Came to this post through Kristen Lamb's mash up of awesomeness - which might be something to add to the 'I don't suck' file :)<br /><br />Good tips, and a great post. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-16480134462375939692011-02-17T09:42:19.351-08:002011-02-17T09:42:19.351-08:00I recognise my "I suck" thoughts easily,...I recognise my "I suck" thoughts easily, but I never get over them. You know how most people have a good and a bad side, arguing from each shoulder? I have a logical and an emotional side. The emotional side NEVER listens. It's a pain in the butt.<br /><br />So thanks for the tips :) I need all I can get.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14869145555938203736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-67634607044864652012011-02-17T08:40:42.036-08:002011-02-17T08:40:42.036-08:00Good points all; guess I'm practicing #3 right...Good points all; guess I'm practicing #3 right now, taking a break and reading this new blog I just discovered. <br /><br />I'll confess I got distracted early on, wondering when one might NOT discard a sheep testicle, and how one might decide if one was worthy of being kept. But I digress.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-50901823149308336452011-02-17T08:15:05.105-08:002011-02-17T08:15:05.105-08:00I have a print out of a blog reply my idol, Jeff S...I have a print out of a blog reply my idol, Jeff Somers, posted. <br /><br />*clears throat* <br /><br />It says, "Patty - that's genius!"<br /><br />It hangs over my desk.Patty Blounthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11928111057602279792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-15576026896539917782011-02-17T07:57:09.060-08:002011-02-17T07:57:09.060-08:00I like how you said that sometimes I do suck. Let&...I like how you said that sometimes I do suck. Let's be honest, something's I write are terrible. But that is when I step up to the bat and rework it. Things can ALWAYS be better. I have to remember that I am pretty cool for trying to write a book. It is not easy, therefore, there will be self-defeating thoughts. Get over them though. It will only turn out bad if you don't. Thanks for the post!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06519655950073446857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-21372595276355570572011-02-16T21:01:33.384-08:002011-02-16T21:01:33.384-08:00Great tips! I especially loved the compensation o...Great tips! I especially loved the compensation one -- hadn't thought about that before.<br /><br />Here's my favorite self-loathing video for when I feel like I suck (from FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL):<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB_1t-Vn6VsRicki Schultzhttp://www.rickischultz.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-160919958734616692011-02-16T18:35:38.395-08:002011-02-16T18:35:38.395-08:00Dianne, clearly you've never spent time in Mon...Dianne, clearly you've never spent time in Montana or attended a "Testicle Festival" to consume Rocky Mountain Oysters. Oh, how I wish I were joking.<br /><br />Linda G, yes, but can you write your name with your backside?<br /><br />D.U. Okonkwo, procrastination is definitely my Achilles heel. Well, one of several.<br /><br />lynnrush, bike rides are definitely good! Same with snowshoeing.<br /><br />Christine, especially if the "something else" is at least a little productive :)<br /><br />Danica, amen to everything you said! I honestly don't know how writers could survive without each other.<br /><br />Bria, I can't remember where I once read a blog post called, "embracing your suck." I love the idea of accepting the fact that sometimes you DO suck, and that's OK...it's all part of the process!<br /><br />Candyland, shhh! Don't tell too many people. I don't want the word to get out.<br /><br />Sarah, I would like to kiss whoever invented the delete key.<br /><br />N.M. Martinez, hey, that's a really great idea! I'll have to try that sometime.<br /><br />Ricky, excellent idea as well! You can always edit crappy stuff later, but you can't edit a blank page.<br /><br />K. Greaney Martin, make sure she buys you a cupcake before telling you whether you suck.<br /><br />Kari, ah, the delightful things you learn living in Montana :)<br /><br />RJS, thank you for making me crave chocolate and peanut butter!<br /><br />Thanks for reading, guys!<br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-17373879814324314082011-02-16T17:51:05.220-08:002011-02-16T17:51:05.220-08:00This is a great topic. Somewhat similar to N.M. Ma...This is a great topic. Somewhat similar to N.M. Martinez -- I write down all of the horrible sucky things I'm thinking, no matter how hyperbolic or hysterical. Just go with the flow and wallow for a bit. Also, I eat many mini Reese's Cups. By the time I am starting to seriously regret the latter, perspective is generally setting in on the former and I can get on with life (albeit while feeling mildly ill).Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01078842648532832407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-71141781804999824922011-02-16T17:08:42.180-08:002011-02-16T17:08:42.180-08:00In answer to Dianne's question, I don't kn...In answer to Dianne's question, I don't know about Tawna, but yes, I do in fact know exactly what kind of squish a discarded sheep testicle makes. In case you want details....Kari Lynn Dellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06864636462802149247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-60847237526830773292011-02-16T11:06:09.766-08:002011-02-16T11:06:09.766-08:00Great post and very relevant to me because I had a...Great post and very relevant to me because I had an "I suck" moment last night! I even Tweeted about my sucky-ness. But I didn't give up and just kept writing and editing until I felt better about it. Plus I'm meeting my BFF and critique partner tomorrow so she can tell me if I really do suck :).Keriann Greaney Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00584000678535698327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-71241599534957697662011-02-16T10:59:05.384-08:002011-02-16T10:59:05.384-08:00My descriptive prose 'sucks', so I tend to...My descriptive prose 'sucks', so I tend to write dialogue to get down the page.Ricky Bushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15861574330175082978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-62749680232479794802011-02-16T09:23:33.825-08:002011-02-16T09:23:33.825-08:00When I feel this way, if I can't ignore it bec...When I feel this way, if I can't ignore it because the thoughts are really hounding me, I'll wheel around and face them. I turn to a clean sheet in the journal and I'll write down everything running through my head until my brain is exhausted and has nothing else to say.<br /><br />"Are you done? Okay, let's get back to to work, thank you!"N.M. Martinezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12979520233768148136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-39852128188205746502011-02-16T08:38:05.452-08:002011-02-16T08:38:05.452-08:00Thank you for this post---I'm adding it to my ...Thank you for this post---I'm adding it to my collection of things to re-read when I suck! :)<br /><br />I also remind myself that I'm <i>allowed</i> to suck, and that's what editing is for. Or the delete key.Sarah Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13265589529909793312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-14353957049417590452011-02-16T07:52:54.744-08:002011-02-16T07:52:54.744-08:00Wait...you're HUMAN?
Hold on...I need a minute...Wait...you're HUMAN?<br />Hold on...I need a minute to re-group.Candylandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08956196611348299424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-12877796572769285822011-02-16T07:06:44.206-08:002011-02-16T07:06:44.206-08:00Great post - and you hit on something that most pe...Great post - and you hit on something that most people don't get.<br /><br />Sometimes I suck.<br /><br />I mean, it's true. I know you're finding it difficult to believe (when I say belive in bria speak, it's typically, "not making a dirty joke" in tawna speak)<br /><br />Sometime you just have to embrace the fact that something sucks - but there it is! On the page ready to get played with and not suck. <br /><br />And, knowing is half-the battle... or some other After School Special sloganbria quinlanhttp://www.briaquinlan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-84426056071781215342011-02-16T06:05:17.228-08:002011-02-16T06:05:17.228-08:00Another great post, Tawna! I think self-doubt is j...Another great post, Tawna! I think self-doubt is just one of those feelings writers experience regardless of how wonderful they are...like "insanity". Er, okay, so if I'm feeling self-doubt, which I do on a regular basis, I'll contact someone whether it's my CPs, writing friends, or my agent and tell them what I'm having trouble with. I'm not asking them to pat me on the back and say, "There, there", but they tend to see things in a different light than I do and help calm the self-doubting monster.<br /><br />When they're having a moment, I'm there for them as well. That's what's so fantastic about the writing community. You have a whole slew of willing listeners who are going through, or have experienced, the same things and they make great sounding boards.Danica Avethttp://danicaavet.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-11773204909032348142011-02-16T05:58:52.305-08:002011-02-16T05:58:52.305-08:00I really enjoyed this post! I love the idea of tak...I really enjoyed this post! I love the idea of taking a break and doing something else while dealing with a low moment.<br /><br />:-)Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05383099148014297450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-47952427864357510482011-02-16T05:41:19.039-08:002011-02-16T05:41:19.039-08:00Awesome. I hate those "I Suck" times. Th...Awesome. I hate those "I Suck" times. They creep in, for sure. Great advice, Tawna. <br /><br />I'm all about the exercise. So, when I'm struggling, I go on a nice long run or bike ride. Of course, I have to have some rocking music along, that always helps, too.<br /><br />Thanks for this post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-81471034923804077982011-02-16T05:29:20.274-08:002011-02-16T05:29:20.274-08:00Ah, procrastintion is something that all us writer...Ah, procrastintion is something that all us writers suffer with! It's because writing is so darn hard. I think the answer is to simply say 'I'll do my best.' Because let's face it - that's all we can do isnt it? And doing something is better than doing nothing.D. U. Okonkwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12900694425526387930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-62712759870644800352011-02-16T04:53:42.088-08:002011-02-16T04:53:42.088-08:00Dang. Now I'm having an "I suck" mom...Dang. Now I'm having an "I suck" moment about my backside, and the fact that I can't write my name with a pen I'm holding with my toes. Thanks a lot, Tawna. ;)Linda G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04576828490765434497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-79066053988637660582011-02-16T04:00:59.373-08:002011-02-16T04:00:59.373-08:00Discarded sheep testicle??? Dare I ask if you know...Discarded sheep testicle??? Dare I ask if you know exactly what kind of squish that makes??<br /><br />Good tips, all of them! Taking a break is the hardest one for me to do. I am so stubborn, I'd rather wallow in frustration and self-doubt than walk away.<br /><br />However, if I am smart enough to leave the problem alone for awhile, I always find that a solution comes along, proving that I didn't suck after all on at least this one thing. :DDianne K. Salernihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16459839567235304842noreply@blogger.com