#IWSG When Do You Know Your Story is Ready?

 

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group 
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

 

Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Beverly Stowe McClure, Megan Morgan, Viola Fury, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Angela Wooldridge, and Susan Gourley! 
 

 

http://bit.ly/2bPS6rQ

 

 

This week, I am in the middle of editing a short story for an upcoming mystery anthology. My critique group has offered their opinions of soft spots, drawn out narrative, and spotty dialogue. After applying all agreeable edits, I will read through the story several times so any rough areas or inconsistencies have a chance to surface.

 

Seeing the question for October's IWSG brought a smile to my face. How timely to consider when exactly I will know that my story is ready.

 

October 5 IWSG Question: When Do You Know Your Story is Ready? 

 

Determining that my story is ready isn't something I take lightly. I don't suddenly one day say, "Enough already. I don't want to look at this story one more day or I'll become physically ill."

 

Well, okay, I do say that, but that isn't when I mark the story finished.

 

Now it's time to set the work-in-progress aside for a day or two. Going back for a last look always produces at least one new proofreading error or, worse, a glitch in the plot or timeline that requires a touch up.

 

After that final read-through, barring some catastrophic find, I am ready to mark the story complete. That's when I know my story is ready . . .  ready for me to let go.

 

Is this a sign of insecurity on my part,

or just a realization that if the story is complete,

it means I have to start writing something new?

 

 

*****     *****     *****

 

 

SUPER CONFIDENT -VS- INDECISIVE Tongue-in-Cheek

 

It’s time for another edition of

 The Insecure Writer’s Support Group,

hosted by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

It is often tempting to slip into the role of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, to pretend I am the master of my universe, capable of accomplishing anything from bungee cord somersaults and helicopter jeep-drops to Samurai stick-fighting and barefoot Alaskan dog-sledding. Then I hit a brick wall of reality that sets me back on my heels, creating indecision and uncertainty. 

As I struggle with my latest WIP, searching not for a 5000-year-old key to time management but for simple direction, my confidence wavers and insecurity tunnels ever deeper. Of course, all doubt needs fuel for sustenance, and self-pity is a consistent, ever-replenishing supply source.

 

Soon, rather than continuing to wallow, I realize a reward is in order for all that I have already accomplished. I apply a quick swipe of make-up, slip into a "non-writerly"' (i.e.: clean and unwrinkled) set of clothes, and head for the monthly Honolulu ‘EAT THE STREET’ food wagon round-up down on South Street. This month’s theme is Chocolate, and I plan to indulge!

 

Everyone knows chocolate is a much better source of fuel than self-pity for sustaining a healthy mind and body, and that is why I plan to reward myself . . .

 

raw cacao beans;
cacao beans whipped into a paste;
extreme - chocolate on beef sandwich;
ultimate - truffles

 

wait for it . . .

 

 

until the cacaos come home.