Time for IWSG!
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!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG 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.
Remember, the question is optional!
January 5 question – What’s the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?
The awesome co-hosts for the January 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Olga Godim, Sandra Cox, Sarah Foster, and Chemist Ken!
You can get more details (and join!) here: IWSG
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I am surprised at my reaction to this. At first I joked with friends that I would say “I regret I didn’t try harder. The End. Love, Lori.”
The regret part is still true, but when I started examining some of the reasons I quit trying—things that people did or said that I let affect me—my mood changed from joking to aggravated. Those writing memories brought up other memories, blah, blah, blah. Before long, my mood escalated to “inordinately angry with all concerned, especially myself.” I had to fight the urge to write a manifesto titled,
“POOR LIFE CHOICES”*
No worries. I’m not going to subject you to a manifesto. I probably won’t even write one, though I’m sure it would improve my mood if I did.
That brings me to the second part of the prompt: Was I able to overcome it? Maybe? Sort of? I didn’t even think about trying to be published for over twenty years, so technically overcoming that regret is still a work in progress. But writing did help me deal with other difficult times in my life, so I’m going to give myself an “A” in the Writing/Overcoming category.
Thanks to the IWSG for prompting a self-therapy session this month!
Peace and love,
Lori
*Capital letters intended because it’s a manifesto. Some style rules must be adhered to.
Word Philosopher 
Writing for me has always helped me through difficult times. When I was content and happy I usually was having such a good time that I wasn’t thinking much about writing.
A manifesto of “Poor Life Choices” doesn’t seem particularly constructive unless you were turning it into a book or article to get published. Beating up oneself is worse in the long run than having others do it.
I always figure that we are where we are because that’s what was meant to be. And we can always trying something new to change things even if what we try doesn’t really work. Sometimes it’s just the trying that helps.
Have a wonderful 2022!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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This reminds me of something I read. I don’t remember the details, but essentially someone was commenting that if you read her journals you’d think she never had happy times. So true. We don’t need to “write it out” when we’re feeling perky! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
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I know we’re all talking about regrets today, but it’s probably best not to dwell on them and get stuck in that negativity.
Writing has definitely gotten me through some difficult times as well.
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Dwelling is definitely not good. Writing definitely is! Thanks for reading!
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I definitely try not to get hung up about regrets, so it’s usually only when they’re asked about or when something big happens that they come to mind. We just have to move forward and keep doing so.
The Warrior Muse
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Yes! I agree. Write the frustrations out and move on! Thanks for reading!
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Sorry the question triggered anger, but now you know the real reason and that’s half the battle. You are still moving forward and that’s what counts.
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No worries! My reaction is not your fault. I was pretty much over it by the time I finished writing. And it was sort of cathartic too. Thanks for the encouragement!
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Yay for the A! Hope you continue to write and enjoy it.
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Happy New Year, Lori!
I think that writers are always hard on themselves. But you must keep on moving forward. That’s the important thing.
Happy Writing – may your words flow freely and swiftly!
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Thank you! Happy New Year!
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