Insecure Writer's Support Group: Proceed With Caution

I am happy to say my November writing break was a success. Now, I can't claim I wrote a ton of words, but the few I did get down, I felt excited about. I felt excited for writing.

That tells me the recharge was needed. Which is funny because I really resisted doing it. I felt bad for wanting to hit pause. That was because a mixture of pressure from myself and outside pressure. Mind you, know one was pestering me to write, but listing to others talk about writing made me feel pressure to keep at it too. It was like a fear of being accused of not actually being a writer because I took a break.

 I feel like that is a big problem online, too. We see others doing the thing we do and seeming to do it well, so when we don't stack up, we start guilting ourselves or impostor syndrome kicks in. We often need a constant reminder to not do that. I guess it's because the thing we might be taking a break from is something we are passionate about. We don't like the idea that, yes, we need breaks from things we love.

Plus, the way the internet works is not good for people. It's a machine and can keep trucking along. We are no machines and need downtown. The internet can't grasp that fact so it punishes us when we take those much needed break.

Going forward, I'm going to try not to resist taking breaks when I need them. Keyword: try. I'll probably forget this lesson again. 😅 But maybe not. Maybe writing this post will cement this lesson better in my brain. We'll see.

I hope everyone had a good holiday season or a calm season. I'm cautious of 2025 given the trend of the last few years. My husband is still job searching and I'm taking all the hours I can at both my jobs. I don't know what to expect in terms of my writing as I won't have as much time or energy. I'll try my best, though, and try to sneak words in here and there. Wish me luck.

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 writers struggling with writing insecurity (AKA all of us) to gather and discuss their 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. Rebecca Douglass, Beth Camp, Liza @ Middle Passages, and Natalie @ Literary Rambles!