Insecure Writer's Support Group: What am I even doing with my paranormal and fantasy writing?
In 2022, I did something drastic. I quit writing.
Sorta.
Kinda.
I pulled my published books, deleted a bunch of social media, and hit pause on my paranormal and fantasy writing. I had been feeling lost and uncertain about what I wanted when it came to writing and indie publishing. Having all that stuff distracted me from really thinking about it. Instead, I'd be plotting what I could do to get my books in front of readers, what to post next on social media, and all that marketing crap.
So, I went dark in order to get my shit together. I promised I would be back at some point and in some form.
Cue epic return. (Yes, this is a new blog.)
Does that mean I got my shit figured out?
Sorta.
Kinda.
I didn't quite think about what I wanted from writing as much as I had planned. For one, I got a summer job at the local Salvation Army. I actually enjoyed it a lot despite being a self-described anti-social introvert. There were some interesting characters who came in. (Can you say writing fodder?)
But I did spend some time trying to figure out what I wanted out of writing fantasy and paranormal books, and I have an idea of what path I want to walk now.
At first, I waffled between wanting my writing being a hobby or a job. If I'm being brutally honest, part of me wanted it to be both. A fun hobby, but also something that pays the bills.
But I can't have it both ways. Hobbies don't pay the bills. Jobs do.
Picking was harder than it looked. One day, I'd say it was a hobby. Only to flip and decide I could make it a job.
Only to flip back.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Drum roll...
Writing paranormal and fantasy stories as a hobby.
At least, that is where I'm starting. For now, I want writing to just be a fun, creative thing I do. I'll put it out there in hopes of people enjoying it as well, I'll and see how it grows. Maybe it will evolve into a job. Maybe it won't. I want to be okay with whatever one it ends up being.
Have you ever asked yourself what do you want out of your writing? How was your 2022 writing year?
Today's post was part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Created by the ninja captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, it's a group for the writers (AKA all of us) struggling with writing insecurity to gather and discuss our fears or to celebrate writing victories. If you are a struggling writer or need encouragement and friendship, join us. (Someone might have cookies!)
Remember to visit the co-hosts and give them a shout-out for helping. Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!
Sorta.
Kinda.
I pulled my published books, deleted a bunch of social media, and hit pause on my paranormal and fantasy writing. I had been feeling lost and uncertain about what I wanted when it came to writing and indie publishing. Having all that stuff distracted me from really thinking about it. Instead, I'd be plotting what I could do to get my books in front of readers, what to post next on social media, and all that marketing crap.
So, I went dark in order to get my shit together. I promised I would be back at some point and in some form.
Cue epic return. (Yes, this is a new blog.)
Does that mean I got my shit figured out?
Sorta.
Kinda.
I didn't quite think about what I wanted from writing as much as I had planned. For one, I got a summer job at the local Salvation Army. I actually enjoyed it a lot despite being a self-described anti-social introvert. There were some interesting characters who came in. (Can you say writing fodder?)
But I did spend some time trying to figure out what I wanted out of writing fantasy and paranormal books, and I have an idea of what path I want to walk now.
At first, I waffled between wanting my writing being a hobby or a job. If I'm being brutally honest, part of me wanted it to be both. A fun hobby, but also something that pays the bills.
But I can't have it both ways. Hobbies don't pay the bills. Jobs do.
Picking was harder than it looked. One day, I'd say it was a hobby. Only to flip and decide I could make it a job.
Only to flip back.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Drum roll...
Writing paranormal and fantasy stories as a hobby.
At least, that is where I'm starting. For now, I want writing to just be a fun, creative thing I do. I'll put it out there in hopes of people enjoying it as well, I'll and see how it grows. Maybe it will evolve into a job. Maybe it won't. I want to be okay with whatever one it ends up being.
Have you ever asked yourself what do you want out of your writing? How was your 2022 writing year?
Remember to visit the co-hosts and give them a shout-out for helping. Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!
Comments
Balancing Act
Welcome back!
I think focusing on writing as a hobby is a good first step. You want writing to be something that you enjoy and aren't forcing yourself to do. And maybe someday you'll want to try publishing again, but you'll know what feels right for you. Good luck with everything!
Write for fun. So much less pressure. Find the joy in it again.
I’m having a similar think. It might have been the Before Times since I last published something. The Boy checking out for good in the August before the pandemic started made me not terribly motivated to de-isolate, and all the bills were getting paid (financially, we thrived in 2020/21). So I need to get back into it, at least enough to get the last Accidental Sorcerers story out. After that, I’m trying to decide how to deal with all these other WIPs that have accumulated over the last 2+ years. Publish? Post? Still trying to decide… plenty of time, because most of them aren’t done yet. Book sales still cover expenses (mostly domain fees), so there’s that.
I’ve considered getting into publishing services. I can produce typeset-quality PDFs for print, and eBooks with minimal overhead (they download faster and work as intended on eReaders). It’s said that those who provided goods and services to the 1849 gold rush miners generally did better than the miners.
Writing for fun could be just what you need, to get you back into the groove. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself.
All the best for 2023!
Get the creativity back without the pressure of marketing and sales. It's a good plan. Enjoy the writing, which is probably what got you writing in the first place.
No career is worth killing yourself over.
Welcome back and I hope you find the same happiness I've been enjoying!
www.heidiangell.com
Welcome back!!
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