New Project, New Insecurities

 

It’s that time of the month again, first Wednesday, which means, it’s 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.

 

Last month I was in Portugal and missed posting on the first Wednesday. It was part research trip and part visiting family and friends, and it always feels like it goes by so quickly.

I did have the chance to take a one-day river cruise trip in researching for my new story. We departed from the dock in Porto, cruised up the river Douro, and returned in the evening by chartered bus. The scenery was beautiful, as you can see:

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Mapa Douro - Porto-Pinhão-Porto

 

It gave me just enough fuel for my story which takes place on an 8-day river cruise up and down the Douro. I’m really excited about it and hope to see it published in the Spring.

On the other hand, the beginning of a new project is always kind of stressful for me. It usually starts with “How will I ever be able to write another story?” followed by several unproductive writing sessions after which (I hope) my characters get tired of my dawdling and take over to see it all done.

NaNoWriMo started yesterday and it was exactly four years ago that I finally began writing fiction, a story whose main character had been “haunting” me for almost 12 years then. I’m glad I was able to get my act together and see that story to publication, my first published book.

 

NOVEMBER’S QUESTION: What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?

I think my favorite part of being a writer is seeing the stories and characters I’ve grown to love out in the world where readers fall in love with them too. Every time I hear from a reader or read a review where they say they loved the characters, I think how it was all worth it, and it makes me so glad I kept going.

Insecure Writer #80

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