It's the first Wednesday of the month, so it's time for The Insecure Writers! For those who don't remember, it's an online group created by Alex J. Cavanaugh for writers. You, too, can join us anytime!Hello ISWG-ers! I'm sorry I missed you last time. Don't worry, I've saved up my anxieties, and to make up for it, I am going to be extra insecure for you this month. Isn't that exciting??
Truthfully, I hesitated about posting this today. Mostly, it felt so new that I wasn't sure I was ready to share it with all the Internets. Then I remembered that I really only know a few people online, and felt better about it!
So, here's the deal: I'm taking a Grub Street class on writing...non-fiction.
Yes, that's right: I'm trying to learn how write about real events and people. I'm sure all you non-fiction writers out there are shrugging, wondering what the big deal is, but trust me: when you're used to making up an entire world of people, it feels very naked and scary to suddenly just talk about yourself. I can't hide behind my characters or my plot, or, to be a little fairer in how I present this, express myself via a situation that I myself have created. Instead, I have only me: my thoughts, my experiences. Where do I start? What story do I even tell?
Then, too, there's the sheer terror of being a beginner. I hate being a beginner. I'm so much happier being the comfortable expert. As a beginner, I fumble and make mistakes and do stupid things, and then I have to learn from all of that and forgive myself for it and really, it's exhausting.
And finally...I'm taking this class, not for fun, but because I'm hoping it will help me on my road to publication. I need some writing credits, friends, and you only get those by writing things and submitting them. Funny how that works, huh? I thought for a while that I would write and submit short stories...but they don't come naturally to me. First of all, as you know, I have a brevity problem. Second, when I create fiction, my mind naturally bends towards intricate ideas that require a longer format. This isn't to say that I can't write short stories, just that I don't have a natural bend towards them.
If I had tons of free time, I'd learn how to write them, anyway. But given the constraints most of us have, of day job plus family plus friends plus social media plus writing a novel, I have very little time. So I figured I should try for something that seems to come more naturally to me: and hence the reason I'm taking a class on writing personal essays.
So there you go, a nice insecure package wrapped up in an anxious bow. Yep, that's the kind of gift I give on this blog.
What about you? Are you trying something new, and feeling insecure about it?
I'm so happy I'm not the only person who can't write short stories! Every time I try to write a short story, it ends up becoming a novel. My ideas always seem too big.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you're taking a non-fiction class! I took one in college (actually, the professor for that class works at Grub Street) and it was fun sometimes and terrifying at others. I enjoyed writing the more personal essays, but we also had one assignment where we had to go out into the world and interview someone...yeah, that was scary for me. Good luck with your class!
Sarah Foster
August IWSG Co-host
Yes, exactly! I start out with a short story idea, and before I know it I'm plotting 20 chapters. LOL.
DeleteI don't THINK I'm going to have to interview anyone...I hope not! Fingers crossed!!
Short stories are a nightmare. Now flash fiction? I can do that. WITH a TON of focused effort. I always end up with way more story than space in short stories, but I think they can be epic and powerful when done right.
ReplyDeleteNon-fiction... Yeah, I've published some of that. Definitely a totally different world, but it's good to branch out. Give you a better slant on fiction writing too, if you ask me. =)
Oh man, flash fiction is so hard!!! It IS easier than a short story, you're right, but it just seems like a huge amount of effort for a very tiny product. At least for me!
DeleteI hope it DOES help my fiction. Thanks! :)
Good luck with your adventure into non-fiction. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be tough, but a taking on a challenge is sometimes the best way to rattle things loose!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is tough, but you're right, it will hopefully help me grow!
DeleteThe market for short stories is tough, so it's probably best to write novels anyway. I don't know why--I love compilations like the ones Stephen King put out back in the 80s.
ReplyDeleteLOL. I have to laugh, because the market for novels is tough, too! Ah well. That's writing! All we can do is keep trying, no matter the format.
DeleteTaking classes for personal improvement is awesome. I've taken several fiction classes, mostly online, but they helped tons. But, like you, I have the job, the family, and the everyday happenings to deal with. Lord how I wish I had more time!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your class! Maybe you will share some tidbits with us? :D
Thanks, Diane! Maybe I will - we'll see how they turn out! :)
DeleteI think, especially with how you enjoy research, that you'll really shine in non-fiction. My buddy started out with wanting to write a YA novel, but she got a couple of jobs writing articles for a local magazine. Then she jumped into a full book about the struggles she's had with her daughter (sensory issues, autism, and seizures). She's managed to make something foreign and serious into a heartwarming, relateable, and incredibly funny story. I think you have the same potential and skill. I look forward to reading your result!
ReplyDeleteLoni
Thanks so much, Loni! You're always so encouraging and supportive - I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. I read your comments and I start to feel like hey, maybe I CAN do this crazy thing. So thank you, really, from my heart. I hope I can do this, too!
DeleteThank goodness I'm not the only one who has a fertile, long-winded imagination! LOL I'm very live-and-let-live, but when I encounter people who write short works, I just don't get the appeal.
ReplyDeleteAnd good for you for trying something new. I know what you mean about being a newbie - no one likes that - but keep in mind you were once a newbie at fiction, too. Taking this class can only enhance your talent and broaden your opportunities. I'm excited for you! :D
IWSG #184 until Alex culls the list again.
Oh yes, I'm so with you! Except i DO see some appeal to short works - namely that it might take less time to finish them :)
DeleteThanks for the words of encouragement! You're right, of course :)
I image you'll be really good at nonfiction writing. You have a terrific blogging voice and your blog is nonfiction. Good luck and keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I promise I will :)
DeleteThat's thinking smart!
ReplyDeleteI'm working on my fourth book and still feel like a beginner...
Yeah, I do wonder if that feeling ever really stops! I feel like that every time I start a new piece.
DeleteGood for you for taking a non-fiction writing class! You'll gain valuable information and skills that you'll be able to use throughout your publishing journey. That'll be worth your insecurity now. I'm looking forward to hearing about it all. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chrys! I hope so!
DeleteGood luck! I've no doubt you will totally rock that class. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie :)
DeleteGood for you! Sounds like an interesting class, and I'm sure you'll do well! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteLiz, I think you'd be great at writing non-fiction! After all, that's what your blog is. I think you'd just have to decide what you'd be willing to share. You've written some great posts here on your blog that have hinted at some international adventures (chasing down a pick pocket?), so that might be a great place to start. I'm sure you'll do just fine in this class. In fact, I think you'll surprise yourself. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Quanie :) I really appreciate the encouragement!!
DeleteWow, you sure are trying a lot of new things. I remember how long it's taken me to get comfortable writing fiction. I'm not eager to learn anything else for a while. Good luck with the new projects!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I know, maybe I should stick with what I know! Oh well, this is the only way to grow!
DeleteI worked as a grant writer for years. It takes a special skill set to be able to think about real world problems, events, etc. in a creative way. But there's definitely some overlap, so I think you'll do a brilliant job of it!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Oh lord, grant writing is a whole separate skill. I tried it long enough to realize how hard it is! Personal essays feel much easier, thank goodness :)
DeleteYou already write lots of great non-fiction on this blog---so see? You're not a newb!
ReplyDelete:) Thanks, Nicki!
DeleteI love it that I finally took a little plunge and wrote something and I wrote non-fiction on the IWSG:) We all have had interesting episodes in our life and you can draw from that. Seeking help is great and a measure of strength and how well you want to do so i commend you! you will have to let us all know how it is working. You are doing great even if you don't think it
ReplyDeleteI love that you did, too! It was a hilarious story. Thanks for the support and encouragement!!
DeleteOh Liz, I think that's a great idea. There's so much we can learn from other genre's and fields, and who knows, it just might ignite a new fire, and you'll be writing a beautiful memoir! I'm like you in that I have a hard time keeping things short and simple. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yah, I think we should embrace our tendency to be complicated and just write longer pieces, LOL :)
DeleteI can imagine its difficulty! Even writing different genres requires a different skillset. Non-fiction is a whole new beast. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Good luck and stay at it :)
ReplyDeleteMe, too!! Thanks!
DeleteNon-fiction scares me. I have been told by others I should write a memoir, but every time I try to write about my life, it's just so blah and I find it very hard to make it into a real narrative. Maybe if I was an expert at something, I'd write about that, but I'm too all over the place for that. Good on you for taking a leap into something new. You never know what doors it might open.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine trying to write a memoir, but writing essays feels more do-able. They're much smaller chunks. You could start there, and see where it takes you?
DeleteYeesh, you and I have the same issues with short stories. I don't remember the last idea I had that wasn't novel-length at the absolute least. O_o But here's hoping the non-fiction writing class helps you with that as well - I'd imagine the class isn't about doing full biographies or massive news books, so it might lead to you being more comfortable writing shorter stuff.
ReplyDeleteNo, no, the class is about personal essays, thank goodness!!! I can't face an entire memoir. yeesh to THAT, definitely. And yes, neither of us is so good on the short front ;)
DeleteAll right. Not gonna blow any sunshine up your skirt. I've got a question. (see #2) but first-#1.
ReplyDelete#1 I can't write briefly either.
#2 Why do you think you need writing credits? To publish your novel? I'm confused. Your novel is intricate, unique and all the blurbs you've shared (yes I've read them all) are full of very good writing. Is there a different reason you're not sharing for shifting to non-fiction? I'm afraid you're splitting your focus. Besides, many a debut author has been published without any other writing credits.
So don't run away from your project. If there's another reason you're pursuing this that you didn't reveal in the post, then ignore my more than one question. If not...don't get too far afield when I'm waiting on tender hooks for your damn novel!!
(And yes, okay, this comment is completely selfishly motivated.)
LOL, fair question. I'm still writing that novel, don't worry! I am probably splitting my focus, but I'll do my best to work on both.
DeleteAs for WHY, well, I've been querying my first novel (I talked about that in earlier posts) and getting nowhere. I'm taking a break right now on querying, but in the meantime, I'm trying to come up with ways to move my career along while I keep working on the other novel (which is a beast, and is going to take a while). I really would like to be making money writing, and I don't think novels are going to get me there any time soon. Some day, yes, I hope so, but probably not for a long time unless I'm very, very lucky. So in the meantime, I want to be writing. Non-fiction seems like a natural way for me to start, and publishing credits will only help me find an agent, and get my books published, in the long run. Does that make sense? it's a longer conversation than just a blog comment, probably :) Email me if you'd like: lizblocker@gmail.com
Good for you! How is it going? Who knows what new ideas and perspectives this may bring... I can't write short stories either. However, I did write a bit of flash fiction the other day, quite unexpectedly...
ReplyDeleteIt's...going! Good and bad and fun and hard and generally too early to say :)
DeleteI struggle writing shorter pieces. I think some day I can write a novella, but short stories seem hard.
ReplyDeleteI look up to non-fiction writers. I've read some wonderful autobiographies and memoirs. The honesty and skill is astounding.
Yeah, I agree! I love non-fction.
DeleteYou should be great at it. Besides, learning new stuff is a great motivator.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true! I am feeling more motivated :)
DeleteI think that's awesome! I marvel at people who are able to write non-fiction, it's definitely not something I'm cut out to do. I'd have trouble not adding things, I think :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I might have that trouble. I'll let you know how it goes!!
DeleteBe sure to update us on your progress with this class. Nonfiction is an alien beast to me, so any pointers you can pass along would be most appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Milo :) I will!!
Deletesounds fantastic! i embellish too much to write much nonfiction. i hope to write my mom's story someday and i have an advice book half done call the lazy housewife - but thats it! good luck!
ReplyDeleteand thanks for commenting on my broken branch falls blog tour!
Haha, I know, it IS tempting to embellish! I think a tiny bit here and there is OK, but not much :)
DeleteI exist in a realm of insecurity. I'm almost always feeling insecure, though the reasons may shift a little now and then.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fantastic that you're adding non-fiction writing to your toolbox of writerly skillz and I hope the course proves to be a good kickstart to that :)
Sigh, me, too! Thanks Rhonda :)
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