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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7267
Short Stories: October 14, 2015 Issue [#7267]

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Short Stories


 This week: Good Enough
  Edited by: Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

This Issue:

Good Enough
"Who am I kidding?" and other self-defeating stuff we ask ourselves.

How do you battle Impostor Syndrome?


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

So, continuing from last month's discussion on "Self ConfidenceOpen in new Window., I have been thinking a lot about unintended comparisons this week, while reflecting on the past as this week marks fourteen years for me here on Writing.Com, and on the future, where I am now in rapid blue-shift towards the accretion disk of the Viable Paradise workshop, which is the culmination of months of stress and hard work. And crazy doses of Impostor Syndrome.

As a writer, it's probably impossible not to compare yourself to other writers, at least sometimes. We craft our judgment of things around comparisons, and so it's natural for this to happen in our quest for betterment. But this can easily get complicated when it comes down to the unquantifiable things which make us individuals. Lived experience. Opportunity. Motivation.

But man, it is really hard not to compare yourself to other writers. I think a lot of this feeling comes from fear of missing out-- wanting to do all the things and do them well, and to be skilled enough in our own time to enjoy the work (in theory at least!)

So, I've been feeling a crazy amount of completely self-imposed pressure. There's a fearlessness that we all have to put on in order to put ourselves out there as creators, and when that fear comes back -- because all we ever really do is push it down for a while, no? -- we have to find ways to deal with it.

Me, I've been really hurling myself into the editorial process-- you don't want to know how many short stories I've read this month. In addition to work, I've been cramming myself with other stories I love and which inspire me greatly, and absorbing as much story-fueling nonfiction as I can to give some direction to the nervous energy which has been rattling through me since the end of June.

And yet, I still find myself constantly butting up against the dreaded impostor syndrome. How could I possibly be good enough?

I've been thinking about the many, many talented people I've gotten to know here on Writing.Com, and how much they've challenged me and helped me to grow as a writer for very nearly half my life at this point. I couldn't make a list, I'd miss someone and be heartbroken. Every last one of you has had a part in shaping me and making my work what it is-- and what it will become.

I've been getting to know my fellow students for this workshop, and so many of them are so much more accomplished than I am in their own unique ways. Where do I fit into that? I am so accustomed to feeling like I don't have a place at the table... but I know the last time I dived into a group this broad and diverse? It was right here. *Heart*

So how do you shake that feeling? I don't know. I wish I knew! What I do know is that the only way to get through it is to keep working, keep striving, and keep aiming higher. You won't beat the impostor by aiming lower, will you?

Until Next Time,
Take care and Write on!
~jay


Editor's Picks

This Issue's Picks!

 When He Fell Open in new Window. [13+]
Wonderland is more real than he could have dreamed. Written for Nano Prep 2015.
by ⭐Princette♥PengthuluWrites Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 
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Lawn of the Dead Open in new Window. [18+]
The family bought the house at a discount under one condition. GX4 Contest October 2015
by Indelible Ink Author Icon

Even Nowhere Ends Somewhere Open in new Window. [ASR]
How does nowhere get somewhere ~ in a flash (fiction, that is)
by Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon

 
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The Wicked Witch's Wicked Speech Open in new Window. [E]
A fractured fairy tale. The real story behind the red shoes of OZ. Flash fiction challenge
by Nix Author Icon

Image Protector
Jurassic Station Open in new Window. [13+]
Old Mr. Carson accidentally time travels. The dinosaurs may never recover.
by GeminiGem🐾 Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
Last Contact Open in new Window. [13+]
A cautionary tale for all would-be space explorers.
by the prodigal son returns 2024. Author Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Last Month's Newsletter: "Self ConfidenceOpen in new Window.

Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon writes:
On point advice, thank you ~ I received (timely, less than two weeks) form rejection by email yesterday; turned around and submitted another story to another market yesterday ~ working on a new story and a couple poems this weekend along with several reviews ^_^
Write On *Pencil*

Keep at it, Kate! Perseverance is so important in this field.


klin cheng Author Icon writes:
sometimes, you got self-confidence, yet failed to see your blind spots, only because you didn't wait until you became mature enough. so, if self-confidence is not built on sound judgement of oneself, it's not a good thing for those who want to pursue for perfect works.

I think this is a little reductive, but then, there ARE plenty of people who could stand to erm, donate some of their excess confidence to others. *Wink*


Osirantinous Author Icon writes:
When my self-confidence hits a wall I tend to hide away a bit, as if all my muses (including my reviewing muse) need to take a moment to regather. A pick-me-up that never fails is receiving kind words - even if they're from the past. I revisit responses to my reviews; some have been amazing and really boost me back into reviewing. By the way, thank you for including my short story - that is, of course, a serious boost to my writing confidence and pushes me to continue.

Great suggestions, Os-- and of course! I'm always glad to include great works here.


Kanish ~ we got this! Author Icon writes:
Reviewing somebody's work gets me going...what also gets me going is writing in short bursts of say 15 minutes without thinking anything.I of course have a general idea, maybe even vague, but I try not to overthink and just go with the flow..Hey, that reminds me that I havent writen in days...Gibberish15 I am here..

I know what you mean! Sometimes you just have to write (or review) it out. *Smile*


Zeke Author Icon writes:
Keep writing is excellent advice. I include that in all of my reviews.
Zeke

*ThumbsUpL* Sometimes that's exactly what someone needs to hear.

Steev the Friction Wizurd Author Icon writes:
Thank you for choosing "Benjamin" as one of the editor's picks this month.

Steve

Of course!


jerics writes:
Thank You! seriously.

You're most welcome!

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