You’re not alone, Tania! We all doubt ourselves. I still remember that writers’ retreat I joined you and several other writers on years ago down at Carrackalinga, when I was going through the roughest phase of my writing life. It had been ten years since I'd had my second YA novel, Beyond Evie, published, and though I was still writing, I wasn’t submitting or getting published anywhere. For ten whole years! I remember looking around at everyone else staying there, all these wonderful SA kids’ writers, and thinking: 'I don’t belong here. I’m not a writer. I don’t write!' I couldn’t imagine getting beyond this feeling, but I did, eventually — and I do still write (though not kids’ lit anymore) xxx PS Love your Substack
Thanks, Rebecca. It's heartening to know that so many others have felt this way as well. And I'm glad you found your way through the funk. The world needs your stories. X
I love the ‘What if’ questions, Tan. More than anything, the voice that tells us to hold faith, keep going and that the best may be yet to come is the only one we should be listening to.
Oh, you are so very right, Tan! External validation is a huge, hard lesson in this game. I won't waffle on, because you've expressed it perfectly, but i was in that space you speak of for a period longer than I would've liked and external validation ate a hole in my heart.. There was only one thing to do, which is what you're doing. Continue. And that's it. Your ideas are bountiful, your story structure, brilliant and you live and breathe books and literature. The validation is in you. Hold tight. xxx
It's hard to believe that someone with your talent and publication history could ever feel this way, Janeen. You are a force! I hope the hole in your heart is well and truly mended now - you deserve nothing less! X
Onwards, my friend. Thanks for this honest, relatable piece. X
😘😘😘
You’re not alone, Tania! We all doubt ourselves. I still remember that writers’ retreat I joined you and several other writers on years ago down at Carrackalinga, when I was going through the roughest phase of my writing life. It had been ten years since I'd had my second YA novel, Beyond Evie, published, and though I was still writing, I wasn’t submitting or getting published anywhere. For ten whole years! I remember looking around at everyone else staying there, all these wonderful SA kids’ writers, and thinking: 'I don’t belong here. I’m not a writer. I don’t write!' I couldn’t imagine getting beyond this feeling, but I did, eventually — and I do still write (though not kids’ lit anymore) xxx PS Love your Substack
Thanks, Rebecca. It's heartening to know that so many others have felt this way as well. And I'm glad you found your way through the funk. The world needs your stories. X
PLEASE keep writing - your talent is important to the literary community.
I too loved Keeper of the Octopus!🐙
Ps I love how your desk images change with each post 😊
Thanks, Tracy. 😘💖
I know exactly where you are coming from... all we can do, is just keep swimming...
Absolutely. 😊
I love the ‘What if’ questions, Tan. More than anything, the voice that tells us to hold faith, keep going and that the best may be yet to come is the only one we should be listening to.
You are so right, Chanelle! 💯 💖
Oh, you are so very right, Tan! External validation is a huge, hard lesson in this game. I won't waffle on, because you've expressed it perfectly, but i was in that space you speak of for a period longer than I would've liked and external validation ate a hole in my heart.. There was only one thing to do, which is what you're doing. Continue. And that's it. Your ideas are bountiful, your story structure, brilliant and you live and breathe books and literature. The validation is in you. Hold tight. xxx
It's hard to believe that someone with your talent and publication history could ever feel this way, Janeen. You are a force! I hope the hole in your heart is well and truly mended now - you deserve nothing less! X