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!
And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
March 7 question - How do you celebrate when you achieve a writing goal/ finish a story?
This might be a bit of a weird answer... (I can tell you're not shocked!)
I don't.
Celebrating causes me all kinds of stress. Imposter syndrome hits me HARD when I celebrate - no matter how small the celebration.
I might indulge in an ice cream cone or take an evening off to read a book I've been salivating over. And then, BOOM.
My silly brain seems to snort in disbelief. You think you did good? You think that was worthwhile? You're celebrating that? Are you kidding me?
And then I can't put words to keyboard at all.
I do think these celebrations are important and I'd really like to indulge (especially if it involves some Rolo ice cream!!) but for now, I'm just going to keep those fingers moving and ignore the celebrations.
How about you? Does your brain let you celebrate? Anyone else get overwhelmed with Imposter Syndrome? Anyone now want some ice cream?
Maybe that's why I don't do more to celebrate either. My brain starts to question it.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Much easier to keep on typing! :P
DeleteOh Jemi! You must slash that imposter syndrome to bits. I'll help. You are a writer. Geez, I think you've been blogging as long as me, if not longer. Sending you loads of positive confident vibes. You deserve it. (Psst...saying that, I get it. Still feel inferior from time to time.)
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! The confidence needs to shore itself up so often - but I'll keep moving forward! :)
DeleteLOL Imposter syndrome. I love that.
ReplyDeleteI laughed the first time I saw the name too! It's perfect!
DeleteIce-creams and books are two of my favourite ways of celebrating.
ReplyDeleteThose are definite both fabulous! :)
DeletePretend you're celebrating something else, belated birthday, Spring, whatever, smile, then get back to it. You totally deserve indulgences from working so hard!
ReplyDeleteMary at Play off the Page
That's a really good idea!!! Thanks :)
DeleteJemi...
ReplyDeleteGive yourself a BREAK.... you accomplish something so amazing, you need to give yourself a HUGE pat on the back and CELEBRATE.... Ice-cream is a GOOD START, but don't let the negativity get to you. Don't question it, just feel the excitement of knowing that you accomplished something sooooo amazing!
Good advice - I'll give it a try!! (promise!)
DeleteIce cream is a great treat! Don't be so hard on yourself. You are a writer, you are deserving of celebrations. Think about what you would say to a student if they accomplished what you have accomplished. Say those words to yourself. We are often kinder and more forgiving of others than we are of ourselves. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
That's so very, very true Jess! I'm going to pretend I'm one of my 'kids'! :) Thanks!
DeleteI don't celebrate either, but I am intrigued by the idea of eating some Rolo ice cream. That sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteIt really, really is!!! :)
DeleteI think we'll all feel like impostors until we get something published and maybe after that, we'll still feel like it may've been a fluke. I'd like to tell you how to get over it, but I suffer from it too. So if you figure it out, let me know.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan - we'll work on it together! :)
DeleteSo basically, celebrating makes you feel guilty. Just remember you accomplished something good and that you deserve to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteYes it does! I've definitely got to work at this part!
DeleteI do celebrate but I don't tell anyone I'm celebrating. I just say I'm going to the bookstore.
ReplyDeleteI love that!!! That sounds like something I could manage! :)
DeleteI'll have that ice-cream.
ReplyDeleteI do celebrate, as often as I can--there aren't that many occasions.
I'm hit with the impostor syndrome especially hard when I face rejection, but when I win at something I celebrate, and thumb my nose at my inner critic ;)
I try and be kind to myself-- the writer's life is hard enough as it is. I believe that the creative self is a toddler, and needs as many cuddles, treats and as much nourishing as I can give it.
You're so right! I love that toddler image - and I know that'll help me get through this!!! Thanks :)
DeleteThat's a very good plan - the big ones are so much fun!
ReplyDeleteOur internal critic never shuts up. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm just so happy when I finish something that celebrating seems moot. LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL - I think that might be it! :P
DeleteI smile, set the next goal, and keep plugging away.
ReplyDeletePerfect! :)
DeleteAw, sorry to hear you feel like an imposter whenever you attempt to celebrate. :( I totally get it, though. (My own brain often convinces me celebrating is a waste, and that I should use that time for something productive instead.) Hope your brain eventually allows you to indulge every once in a while--it can be a great way to recharge!
ReplyDeleteI hope so it! I definitely need the recharging bit now and again!
DeleteOh yeah, the insecure writer's brain! It's why we all belong to this club. LOL. But really, have some chocolate and read a good book. You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's a very good club too! :)
DeleteYes, hard to really celebrate at small things. I would celebrate huge on something big!
ReplyDelete