Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Monthly Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
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Yes and no. I recently re-wrote a short story that was derived from a blog writing prompt and turned it into a novella (see “We Are Jardin”). I’ve also developed recent stories from ideas I wrote down years ago. I think it’s worked out pretty well. I don’t, however, think I’ve given new life to anything I’d written more than five years ago. Maybe I should give some of my old stuff a once over to see if there’s something special there.
As for my insecurities, outrageous expectations. I do it to myself, but I don’t think there’s anything I can do to change it. It’s part of who I am. I want things for myself that just may never be possible. So, I’ve decided to attempt the unlikely even if I look stupid, which won’t be too far off from the fact that I already feel a little stupid. In spite of that, I’m proud of myself for trying to do things. Too many people never really try to do anything for fear of failure or looking stupid.
So, maybe I’ll continue talking to my camera as I try to grow a You Tube presence that just isn’t meant to be. Maybe, I’ll keep writing books that no one is the slightest bit interested in reading. Maybe I’ll keep posting to a blog that, while I’m ecstatic about the followers I have, it hasn’t grown in over two years. And when it’s all said and done, I’ll at least be proud of myself for doing something.
And to end things on an annoyingly selfish note, here’s my latest You Tube video.
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Reworked any old stories?
Have any perceived outrageous expectations?
Want to be interviewed?
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tamara Narayan,
Patsy Collins,
M.J. Fifield, and
Nicohle Christopherson!!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #69).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
23 replies on “#IWSG March 2017: “Ever reworked an old story?” & outrageous expectations”
Toi,
You can change anything you decide to change. It is your choice. Sure the road is rough and challenges knock the wind out of us at times, but don’t give up. Keep moving and working hard at what you do. Because it matters, even if only to you, it matters, and that is what is important.
Pulling for you, Lady.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Thank you for your words. Not sure why, but I guess I’ve been extra hard on myself lately. I’ve been putting on a smile and acting like everything is great, hoping that it will be in time. It’s rare for me to express how I’m really feeling because I know most people don’t want to hear it. I was really looking forward to this month’s IWSG.
Write for yourself. Blog like no-one’s reading. Do what makes you happy. Eventually others will appreciate it too 🙂 As for growing your blog: have you tried the A to Z Challenge? It’s a month-long blog hop in April. It helped my blog’s growth in a lot of ways last year.
I get that and you’re right. For the most part, I do write and blog for myself, but sometimes I feel lonely like I’m not really connecting with others. As for the A to Z, I did a 30-day blog a few years ago and the stress of it almost made me want to quit blogging. Wish there was a shorter A to Z. Thanks for the suggestion.
This year there’s no list for the AtoZ, you just have to add your post’s link to the relevant letter that day on the official blog. Perhaps choose 10 spread out across the month?
Also, check out Raimey Gallant’s post about writing communities and Twitter hashtags that are great to find them – it might be what you need to connect 🙂
I didn’t realize that. Thanks for telling me. Maybe I could give that a go. I’ll look up Raimey Gallant.
You’re welcome 🙂
Big congratulations to JH!
Those who try new things often achieve the impossible. Keep stepping out.
Thanks. I won’t stop, but I won’t always be so excited about it. I do it because I love it even when it’s not making me happy.
Can’t wait to interview J.H.
I’m a fan of optimism, but not of being disapppointed if things don’t work out as we’d hoped – can you train yourself to accept some of the things you want might not be possible, without losing the enthusiasm to try for them anyway?
Maybe I’m being sensitive, but this doesn’t sound very nice to me. I don’t think you meant to be unkind, but “can you train yourself…without losing the enthusiasm” seems a bit critical. Yes, I’m not overly enthused right now- I’m insecure. Yes, I am disappointed things haven’t gone as I hoped- I’m not deeply depressed (at the moment). I haven’t stopped trying. I’m simply expressing how I’m feeling at the moment. Perhaps I should stick to answering the monthly question until I develop a better way of expressing my insecurities. Perhaps there’s a template or formula for better expressing these ideas. I’m sorry I’m not much of an optimist; it’s something I’ve always struggled with and am working on despite this post.
I’ll have to ditto Alex’s comment. I’m looking forward to reading JH’s newest and the more a person risks and the scarier that risk it, the greater the chances for a huge reward. Go for it.
Thanks. I’m keeping at it.
YES! I totally kill myself with HUGE expectations. =) We need to learn to take things easier on ourselves, eh? I wish you epic success with the Youtube channel! That’s one avenue I will not be pursuing. (Hate myself on camera, SOOO bad.)
Yes, you’re right. We do need to go easier on ourselves. I need to focus more on positives. Thanks for stopping by.
I think all those outrageous expectations are signs of a healthy level of drive and self confidence. Go for it.
Thank you. I’m sticking with it. It’s just hard sometimes.
Sounds to me like you are doing great. Enjoyed your video.
Happy IWSG Day!
Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
Thanks for watching it. I really appreciate it.
Aw, thanks so much for the shout out! That is so sweet. Honestly, Toi, your character and perseverance blows me away. It breaks my heart to hear that you doubt yourself, because you’re amazing. It’s so hard to find an audience sometimes, but I hope you never give up!
Thank you, that really means a lot. Though I was pretty down on myself when I wrote this, I know I won’t give up. Even if my audience just ends up being me. 😉
Hey Toi! I’m late in getting here…better late than never, eh? 🙂
Don’t be so hard on yourself. I think it’s admirable to follow your dreams. Always remember that there are people who NEVER move beyond their comfort zones, so their dreams/aspirations will remain a distant ‘if-only’…
At least you are taking action…doing something constructive!
I must say that you are so BRAVE to go on camera! Good luck with the Youtube series!
JH is an AMAZING author. I’ve read two of her books.
Thank you for stopping by. Yes, better late than never. I appreciate your encouragement and will continue to persue my dreams.