Welcome to this installment of the Insecure Writers Support Group, or IWSG as it's known around these parts.
This Group is an excellent place to find and give encouragement to fellow writers out in the blogosphere, whatever stage you may be at in your journey.
It has a whole host of places to go for advice and opportunities for anything to do with writing.
You can also find the IWSG sign up list where you can find others writing about their insecurities, and also sign up yourself to make new friends and gain encouragement.
As I came to write this post I noticed how little I have posted over the last two months, something that was wholly unintentional I assure you. I planned to take a sabbatical over October and it just kind of spilled over into the whole of November too.
I'm not going to use this post as an opportunity to apologise for my extended absence, I've been in serious need of the break. A few things have happened since September and I haven't been feeling at my best, it's been a struggle just to manage my normal everyday things of family and work life.
Now though, I can feel that I'm coming out of the quagmire that has been sickness and fatigue, and I want to start getting myself back into my writerly habits. I'd started to build a good rhythm as this year progressed and my confidence has been growing as a result. I feel a little like I've taken a step backwards, but I'm not quite back at square one.
One advantage I have now over then is that I know I have it in me to write. I enjoy it, and others seem to as well, so I haven't got as far to go this time to get back to where I was.
The bonus this time is that I know I need to perhaps slow my pace a bit so I don't find myself close to burnout again. It was not a nice place to be and so I will be trying to avoid it as much as I can in future.
It feels good to be back amongst you all again. How have you all been? Do you have any insecurities to share?
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Heather, welcome back!
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to burnout, especially if you were fighting sickness as well. Sometimes it helps to step back for a while.
Hope you are finding your groove again.
Thanks Alex, it feels good to be getting back into it again.
DeleteD'oh, I tried to post a comment but it didn't appear!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say it sounds as if you're taking the right approach to getting back into writing - being aware of not pushing yourself too hard. Burn out is a rather depressing feeling!
It certainly is Trisha, I'm definitely going to take it more steady over the next few months,
DeleteGlad you're feeling better! Good luck getting back into it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura, it's feeling good to stretch my legs again.
DeleteI'm sorry you were struggling with illness and other problems, it's no wonder you needed a break. I'm glad you're feeling better and I wish you luck in getting back into your rhythm!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie. One good thing about feeling bad is that you notice the benefit when you get better again.
DeleteHeather, you were missed BUT we all need breaks. I'm sorry you had some struggles and illness and felt burnt, we don't want that for you. Slow and steady sounds like a good plan, hang in there. We're here to keep on cheering you along ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks SK, it's a great feeling to know there are such wonderful people to come back to. You're all fabulous!
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