C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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Insecure Writer’s Support Group Wed

September 2, 2015 By C. Lee McKenzie 94 Comments

Alex Cavanaugh

 Your Hosts Today:
Julie Flanders, Murees Dupé, Dolorah at Book Lover, Christine Rains, and Heather Gardner! 


Let me count the Insecurities this month. 

1) I finished that manuscript I’ve been wrestling with for weeks, months–let’s be honest–years. It went to my all time favorite editor. She liked it. Then I sent it to an author who asked to read it. I’m still chewing my nails about that. Maybe there are really 3 Insecurities in this one paragraph, but I’ll bundle them into a unit. 

2) I set up a Special Offers Mailing List and that was a huge Insecurity Issue for me, but I have a good start on my list of people who are willing to let me invade their inboxes once a month and offer them books or other rewards for taking up their time. 

Denise Covey, Yolanda Renee

3) I entered the WEP August Challenge and posted a bit of description. There were some excellent entries in this HOP, so I had every right to be Insecure.

4) My WIP is at 26,000 words and I’m terribly Insecure about it because I’m experimenting with it, so I’m either going to make something good or something really bad. 

5) I was hugely Insecure when I invited Barry Lyga to be a guest on my site. I’m still experiencing fan-girl symptoms. He’s a super writer.

Well, that’s enough about my Insecurities. Now I’m off to see what others have to say about theirs this first Wednesday of September.

Here’s to fall! 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Insecure Writer

Comments

  1. Nick Wilford says

    September 6, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    It's such a relief to get a manuscript finished, especially one you've had for years. Sounds like you've already had good feedback!

    Reply
  2. Heather R. Holden says

    September 6, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Aw, sorry you've been experiencing so many insecurities. How exciting about your completed manuscript, though, as well as your current WIP. Hope all your worries right now end up being for nothing!

    Reply
  3. Shannon Lawrence says

    September 6, 2015 at 7:14 am

    Sounds like an overall good month, despite the insecurities! Congratulations on the positive feedback from the editor.

    Reply
  4. Samantha Dunaway Bryant says

    September 5, 2015 at 11:48 am

    Congratulations! Those are some wonderful steps forward.

    Reply
  5. DMS says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:42 am

    Yeah! Congrats on finishing and hearing good news from your favorite editor. That is awesome! Good luck hearing back from the author who has it. 🙂
    ~Jess

    Reply
  6. Alexa S. Winters says

    September 4, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS ON FINISHING!!!! 😀 And even if your current WIP starts out rough, there's always editing until it's something gorgeous. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing your insecurities. As unfortunate as it is that we all have them, sometimes it's nice to be reminded that you're not alone. 🙂

    Alexa
    thessalexa.blogspot.com
    verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com

    Reply
  7. Sharon K. Mayhew says

    September 4, 2015 at 3:52 am

    It sounds to me like you have it all together, so way to hide your insecurities!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 4, 2015 at 5:30 pm

      I write better than I feel. Thanks heavens for that. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Birgit says

    September 4, 2015 at 12:30 am

    Can I just say that having your manuscript done is a huge feat! I am proud of you:) Look what I just said-hahahaaa but you should feel so proud of yourself for what you have accomplished because you fight through the fear which many people don't do.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 4, 2015 at 5:31 pm

      That is such a sweet thing to say. Thanks. It's people like you who keep people like me going.

      Reply
  9. Yvonne Ventresca says

    September 3, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Your insecurities seem to produce good results. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Cherie Reich says

    September 3, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    That's great you finished that one manuscript. I hope the author likes it too. Sometimes our experiments turn out much better than we ever thought they would. Good luck!

    Reply
  11. Sherry Ellis says

    September 3, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    Sounds like you're not letting your insecurities stop you! Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  12. S.K. Anthony says

    September 3, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    I know you posted about your insecurities but what I read was how much butt you're kicking! Moving forward with projects and such? Go, C.Lee!!!! And of course you'll get fantastic feedback from the author, breathe and . . . well just breathe, I know I'd be anxious too lol

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      Sweet, S.K. I'll let you know how it comes down.

      Reply
  13. Murees Dupé says

    September 3, 2015 at 11:20 am

    I think you are amazing and you did so much, I think you should be proud of yourself. Definitely kick that insecurity to the curb:)

    Reply
  14. Medeia Sharif says

    September 3, 2015 at 5:30 am

    This summer I wrestled with a manuscript that seemed to take forever to write, but I was compelled to get that story out of me. I'm glad your mailing list is growing. Mine slowly grows.

    Reply
  15. Lynda R Young says

    September 3, 2015 at 1:56 am

    Sounds like you are doing exceptionally well and aren't letting all those insecurities stop you. Yay!

    Reply
  16. Cathrina Constantine says

    September 3, 2015 at 1:43 am

    Wow, you're on quite a roll!! Finished one ms and 26k on your wip! I loved Double Negative, and I'm sure your ms will meet with great approval. Also, writing and experimenting with something new might be fun. Enjoy!

    Reply
  17. J.H. Moncrieff says

    September 3, 2015 at 1:25 am

    Congrats on finishing your manuscript! That's awesome.

    I can relate to pretty much all of these. That newsletter thing is nerve-wracking. I was terrified no one would sign up for mine, and that almost everyone who had signed up would dump me after the first issue.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      I wonder if I signed up for yours? I'll have to check. I no longer know who I follow or how. Off to create a spreadsheet! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Patricia Lynne says

    September 3, 2015 at 12:28 am

    I have a story out to an author friend and it is nerve-wracking. And she already read it once! We can bite our nails together. 😉

    Reply
  19. Angela Brown says

    September 2, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    The thing about being insecure is that it's the nature of this beast called writing and publishing. We pour our sweat, blood, tears and creativity into stories we really believe people will love only to have people give us a wide spectrum response instead of this "we all love everythinng you do" response.

    Oh…to be an author.

    Reply
  20. Julie Flanders says

    September 2, 2015 at 10:19 pm

    I'm sure the author you sent your ms too will love it. No doubt! Sounds like you are really moving forward and kicking butt. 😀

    Reply
  21. Lexa Cain says

    September 2, 2015 at 9:53 pm

    Maybe I'm misreading it, but each of your "insecurities" sounds like an accomplishment to me. I wish I were doing so well. 🙂

    Reply
  22. M Pax says

    September 2, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Yay for fangirl moments! Yay for the MS being done! Yay for progress on the WIP. It was fun to stop by here and say 'yay' a lot 🙂

    Reply
  23. Victoria Adams says

    September 2, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    Gee – those insecurities sound very familiar – except for the Barry Lyga part.

    Reply
  24. Jay Noel says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    Great job with moving forward with your projects. Especially your mailing list. I've just about given up on my attempts at creating a solid list. It's not easy, so excellent work!

    Reply
  25. T. Drecker says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    Yay to the editor liking your look (and I'm glad you admit it might have taken years to get the story that far- makes me feel better). As to insecure fan girling – congrats that he agreed! Good luck with the next WIP.

    Reply
  26. Beverly Stowe McClure says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    In spite of your insecurities, you go ahead and face them and write wonderful stories. Yay for your editor liking your work. I bet the author will like it too. Umm, I thought all stories took years to write. Mine do. 🙂
    Best of luck with your latest. Hope we see it live soon.

    Reply
  27. Crystal Collier says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    Way to be brave! I think sometimes if we just pretend these insecurities don't exist, they go away. At least, that's what I like to believe.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:09 pm

      You're right, ignoring them is one strategy. I do that by keeping busy.

      Reply
  28. Gwen Gardner says

    September 2, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    Yay! You finished a manuscript and that's a huge accomplishment. As writers we're always going to feel insecure but I know you got this, Lee!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:08 pm

      Thank heaven for IWSG! It helps to tell everyone about these anxious moments.

      Reply
  29. Christine Rains says

    September 2, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    Lots of insecurities, but lots done too. Great job! I'm dealing with productive nerves too. But I'm excited the autumn is near. Yay!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:07 pm

      Love "productive nerves." That says it all.

      Reply
  30. DEZMOND says

    September 2, 2015 at 6:29 pm

    well, what's a year for a manuscript, took Jiang Rong 40 years to finish WOLF TOTEM 🙂 Three months for me to translate it, about seven years to turn it into the film 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Once again, you've put it all into perspective!

      Reply
  31. Pat Garcia says

    September 2, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    Hi,
    Congratulations on getting your manuscript completed. I think it's great that you're letting another author read it. But I know how you feel. Letting someone read your work is kind of like letting someone else wash your baby. You don't really know if they'll understand it like you do.
    All the best.
    Shalom,
    Patricia

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:58 pm

      That baby simile is perfect, Pat. That's exactly how I feel.

      Reply
  32. Shah Wharton says

    September 2, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    Lots of insecurities, but lots has been happening too. And Ioved the tongue-in-cheek delivery. 🙂

    shahwharton.com

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Got to have a sense of humor in all of this!

      Reply
  33. Chemist Ken says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    Woohoo! Sounds like you've been one busy writer this month. That's enough to make anyone insecure. Good luck.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      How's Hogwarts? When I last visited it was going strong!

      Reply
  34. Michelle Wallace says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:54 pm

    Lee, you are an AMAZING writer!
    I feel you with regard to the experiment thinggie… my WEP entry was an experiment, but now it's grown on me and is demanding that I take it further…
    Happy IWSG Day!

    Reply
  35. Lisa says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    Yes! Great job on marketing, on working on your WIP, for stepping out and inviting Barry Lyga to be on your site! What a great idea! I missed WEP in August, but will see what I can do this month…

    Reply
  36. Elizabeth Seckman says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    I think you always do a great job with descriptions. Best of luck on the new WIP. Can't wait to meet Barry!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      Thanks Elizabeth. Hope you liked his interview.

      Reply
  37. Sharon Marie Himsl says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    Saw your WEP August post and really liked it. Congrats on your new ms!! Also saw your newsletter Lee and wanted to sign up. My email box is a huge mess right now. Sorry. If I could get Outlook to divert newsletters to a special folder consistently, I'd do it. My rule settings have a mind of their own. Frustrating 🙁

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:57 pm

      Hi Sharon. I don't have a newsletter. I just am sending out special offers once a month. I can't even consider doing a newsletter and stay sane. Sorry about the Outlook issue. I finally set up a server-side email and try to keep newsletter coming in there. So much to do, right?

      Reply
  38. Natalie Aguirre says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    Congrats on getting your 4 year project in shape so the editor liked it. I have one I worked on for much longer, but I'm not sure I could fix it.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      When to stop is the question!

      Reply
  39. Madilyn Quinn says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    Congrats on completing your manuscript! I'm sure the author will like it, they asked to read it after all 🙂

    – Madilyn Quinn @ NovelBrews

    Reply
  40. Madeline Mora-Summonte says

    September 2, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    You're taking chances, experimenting, and it's paying off. Keep going! 🙂

    Reply
  41. Charity Bradford says

    September 2, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Yay for finishing! Sometimes that's the biggest hurdle. Now it's just revising. 🙂 Also, you are still moving forward in spite of insecurities, so you're winning this battle. Good luck and keep it up!

    Reply
  42. Sarah Foster says

    September 2, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Congrats on finishing the manuscript! That's definitely not something to be insecure about, but I can understand how sending it out can be terrifying!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 3, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      Guess we all have that feeling.

      Reply
  43. Chrys Fey says

    September 2, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    Congrats on finishing your manuscript and I bet the author you sent it to will love it! Best of luck with your WIP. Just take your time and you'll create something really good. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Appreciate the encouragement, Chrys. It always helps.

      Reply
  44. Susan Gourley/Kelley says

    September 2, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    The best thing is that despite your concerns you forged ahead and did all those things anyway. Way to go.
    Susan Says

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      Lots of teeth grinding during this process, Susan. My dentist is going to cringe. Thanks for the great comment.

      Reply
  45. Tyrean Martinson says

    September 2, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    It is super scary to have our work read by people we love and admire, but I know you have some awesome writing to share, so I'm sure it's great! 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      You, like the other authors here, do understand. Isn't it great to have IWSG?

      Reply
  46. Joylene Nowell Butler says

    September 2, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    Congratulations on finishing your ms. Wow, that is a huge deal. I've been stuck on chapter 42 of my WIP for over a year. I keep revising the first 41 chapters. At least they're showing promise. Now if I could just finish this thing! Happy IWSG, Lee!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:51 pm

      I hear you about that loop! Well, keep at it and something will happen to get you past 42. I was forever at chapter 25 on this one. Then Whamo! Break through and The End.

      Reply
  47. Sherry Ellis says

    September 2, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    It's always scary when we put our work out there for others to critique. It takes a lot of trust. Even if it gets ripped apart, it can be a learning experience to help make us better writers.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      I do value my crit group. Without them I don't think I'd have the courage to put anything out for public consumption.

      Reply
  48. sage says

    September 2, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    It appears you do some good work with your insecurities!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:40 pm

      Can't stay in bed all day, right?

      Reply
  49. T. Powell Coltrin says

    September 2, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    Lots of insecurity there, but you've got it covered. You always do a good job.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      Not always. But I try for frequently. 🙂

      Reply
  50. Stephen Tremp says

    September 2, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    I love Fall. It's my favorite season. Just wish it would cool off. Been a hot and sticky summer.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      Man do I hear you on that front.

      Reply
  51. Blogoratti says

    September 2, 2015 at 1:53 pm

    Greetings to you and best wishes!

    Reply
  52. Yolanda Renee says

    September 2, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Lots of good news in there amongst the angst. I'd say you'd conquered it!
    Congratulations!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      I'm sitting on it. So far it's under control. 🙂

      Reply
  53. L. Diane Wolfe says

    September 2, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Make something good!

    Congrats on finishing your manuscript.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      Thanks, Diane. Making something good is a goal I have.

      Reply
  54. Melissa says

    September 2, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    The insecurities never go away, they just hide for a while then jump out at the worst times.

    I think you need to quote, too. (I've been sharing it a lot this week.)
    "You doubt because you care, and that can only lead to great things."

    IWSG #119 until Alex culls the list again

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:21 pm

      That is a good quote. Caring leads to a lot of doubt. Thanks, Melissa.

      Reply
  55. SA Larsenッ says

    September 2, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Special Offers Mailing List … I keep putting off designing a monthly newsletter, but things like this keep popping up reminding me that I should. Oh, geez…I need a personal assistant who has way more clue about this stuff than I do. I've been doing research, but there's so much other there I'm getting dizzy.

    Nice job with the manuscript. It will all work out.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:20 pm

      I would love a personal assistant. It's on my list believe me. Thanks for the support as always.

      Reply
  56. Pat Hatt says

    September 2, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    A little experimenting is never a bad thing, could turn out great, if not, at least you'll know what works and what doesn't.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 6:20 pm

      Good point. So Hi Ho, Hi Ho. It's off to work I go. Hey, that rhymes.

      Reply
  57. Southpaw HR Sinclair says

    September 2, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    Congrats on the finish! That's big. Yup, the hard part is waiting for that feedback, but it will all be great. I'm sure of that!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      Keep your fingers crossed for me. Well, no. On second thought you need to keep writing. Just think of me when you have time. 🙂

      Reply
  58. Rachna Chhabria says

    September 2, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    If your favourite editor has liked it I am sure the author will love it too 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 3:15 pm

      Hi Rachna! Thanks for stopping in to comment and help this insecure writer.

      Reply
  59. Hilary Melton-Butcher says

    September 2, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    Hi Lee – well done on completing the book and as Alex says I'm sure the author will love it, especially as the editor already approves. Asking Barry to visit and guest on your site was a brilliant idea .. and I was so pleased to see Barry there.

    Your WIP will be fine – there's always a story or two .. what you expect or that which sneaks up on you … good luck with completing it .. cheers Hilary

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      You're a great blogging friend, Hilary. Appreciate the years you've been here to cheer me on!

      Reply
  60. nashvillecats2 says

    September 2, 2015 at 11:51 am

    A wonderful post to read Lee. Good luck with your writing and may the results be good.
    Take care and have a good day.
    Yvonne.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks Yvonne. Glad to see you're feeling better.

      Reply
  61. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    September 2, 2015 at 11:34 am

    I'm sure the author will dig it.
    I think I signed up for your newsletter. Let me know if I didn't!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      September 2, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      It's so hard to know what I sign up for anymore. I've got lists that tell me to go to other lists. I'll check and let you know. Thanks. You're always so supportive of writers.

      Reply

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