Three Reasons You Might Be Tangled in the Web of Complacency

By Alice J. Wisler

It’s an ugly web with thick threads. The threads don’t form overnight, but take weeks, sometimes even months. The spider who spins them is no stranger to you for upon careful observation, he holds a resemblance to you. However, how you got involved in this lackluster scenario might be cause for uncertainty. 

Confused? I’m talking about being complacent, no longer eager to rush to your keyboard or notepad.  In a word, you’re stuck. You’re feeling as bland as bran flakes.  

Been there?

Perhaps you know how those threads of this web spin on.

It’s easy to blame everyone under the sun from the burnt toast to the demanding boss, but the truth is that when you feel complacent, you have to get out of it.

Try these tools to access your current dull situation and come up with a plan to escape the confining web!

Are you feeding yourself lies? Have you forgotten that you are valuable!? You matter! Your story and the way you can tell it is unique and only you can do it. Fill your mind with some affirming truths. If there are emotional, spiritual or financial needs that have not been met, take some time to see how they could be blocking your productivity. 

Are you jealous of other authors?  How can you be a lover of words and stories if you can’t write anymore? You must not be a real writer then. You’re no good. Look at those other authors. They don’t have these problems. Sound familiar? Remember that you are only responsible for you.  Jealousy steals. Stop looking over the fence at others and concentrate on your skills. Hone them.

Have you forgotten where your passion is? Did you get off course? Are you trying to write an Amish novel because your best friend has? Is your strength really in non-fiction? Recall the day you decided you wanted to write a particular story. Then take a walk or read a much-loved book or bake a favorite dessert. When you come back to your keyboard or pad of paper, embrace your reason for wanting to tell your story.

Remember, only you can detangle yourself and get out of the dreary situation. Fight back by pursuing and offering your authentic voice! Other authors have struggled and pulled through and so can you.

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Alice J. Wisler is the author of five southern novels, Rain Song (Christy Finalist), How Sweet It Is (Christy Finalist), Hatteras Girl, A Wedding Invitation and Still Life in Shadows. Since the death of her four-year-old son, Daniel, Alice has written for various bereavement magazines. She also teaches grief and loss writing workshops across the country and online. Her most recent book (non-fiction) is Getting Out of Bed in the Morning, geared to offer comfort in heartache. Her website is: http://www.alicewisler.com  Each novel has recipes in the back because Alice believes reading and eating go hand in hand. Check out her bread in a can (from Still Life in Shadows) photos at her blog. http://alicewisler.blogspot.com/2012/10/dont-send-fruitcake-send-bread-in-can.html Join me on Facebook and Twitter!

You Are More Than Your Novel

By Alice J. Wisler

A friend of mine is getting ready for the release of her first novel.  She’s elated. She’s also scared.  For so long she’s wanted to be published and now, it’s going to happen.  But the what ifs are crowding her mind.  What if no one likes my baby?  What if they criticize my story and tear it apart?  She’s never worried about the opinions of others until now.  That frightens her.

I responded to her email message with the words: Remember, you are more than your novel.

I came upon this mantra because I had to use it often when my first novel was released.  In the shower, when driving kids to and from school, and especially when I read a review that wasn’t quite where I wanted it to be.

The truth is, there will be those who love your work.  There will be others who rip it apart as though you have no feelings.  There will even be readers who have no clue what they are talking about (calling your characters the wrong names, missing chunks of your story and then complaining about why these segments were not included). One reviewer said my character in Rain Song couldn’t have been able to sufficiently support herself because she only had income from writing online columns.  Aggravated, I emailed this woman. Uh, did you not read that my character is a middle school English teacher, too?  I cited about ten page numbers that referred to my character’s students and classes.

Five books later, I’m seasoned like a tough ol’ piece of steak. The criticisms don’t ruffle my feathers.  As much.  My novels are only a portion of who I am.  While I’m grateful that publishers published each one, I also realize that I am so much more than any story I write.  I’m a mom, a loyal friend, a wife, a baker, a daughter, a sister, a believer of the Gospel, a missionary kid grown up. And true, as much as I try, I’m not perfect in anything I do.

There are plenty of writers who never submit because they fear failure. Fear keeps them confined.  If you are going to write and expose yourself to the public eye, then you have to be willing to withstand opinions. Opinions—that’s all they are.  No one’s opinion of your work should diminish you as a person.  On the other hand, keep your happiness over the great reviews at arm’s length.  Again, each paragraph of praise is just another opinion.

By not letting reviews—good or bad—carry a significant amount of weight, you won’t be valuing yourself by your reader’s comments.  Regardless of what others’ say, remember this: You are lovable and fun, deserving of ice cream and cake on birthdays, and always worthy to be called an author. 

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Alice’s website: http://www.alicewisler.com~ Alice J. Wisler is the author of five inspirational southern novels (each with recipes)—Rain Song, How Sweet It Is,Hatteras Girl, A WeddingInvitation and Still Life in Shadows.  Her devotional on grief and loss, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning, was released in December 2012.  She teaches writing workshops both online and at conferences.

Patchwork Quilt Blog:  http://www.alicewisler.blogspot.com/

Writing the Heartache Blog: http://www.writingtheheartache.blogspot.com/

Broken Psalms Blog: http://www.danielshouseworkshop.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Alice-J.-Wisler/e/B001J6GVNE

Click on the title for the Amazon Page for STILL LIFE IN SHADOWS:

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alice-J-Wisler/333751835453Facebook Page:   http://www.facebook.com/alice.j.wisler

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AliceWisler