Writerly Ways

[cornerofmadness]

So far the snow has been gentle here. It's after 9 pm and the power is still on (and we have only about an inch, we'll see what the morning brings)

I had no idea for my ways other than the brain weasels and imposter syndrome are real. Some times my mind goes to those words from 25 years ago. "I'm not critiquing your work. You never grow as a writer." I know this isn't true. I KNOW it but sometimes it feels real.

There was a book I read a few years back Buddha Brain which was not what I thought it would be but better than I expected. It really dealt with the neurophysiology of the brain (with research sources like primary literature). I never heard it said elsewhere but the brain seizes on negative things and replays them to trigger the brain chemistry that will bring about learning to avoid bad things. But then the brain likes to replay the bad again and again as a teacher but it doesn't let up sometimes.

It gets to the point where even praise seems like it's hiding an insult. That's where I am. I know some people like my writing. I've sold novels and short stories for years now but instead of hearing, you've really honed your craft I hear hey this ain't so bad no, you used to be crap. Fun times.


So ignoring all that have some links

from around the web

How to Develop a Story Idea: 7 Essential Exercises

Archetypal Antagonists for Each of the Six Archetypal Character Arcs

Short Stories As The Basis To An Award-Winning Author Career With Alan Baxter

9 Tension-Building Elements For Character Dialogue

Stick the Landing: How to End a Horror Story

An Editor Declined to Work with You: Why?

Insecure Writer's Support Group: Emotional Truths, Insights, And Emotions Are Key To A Great Novel

From Betty

Six Tips for an Unforgettable First Line

A Writer’s New Year Reflections: The 6 Gifts I Gave Myself in 2021

7 email marketing trends to help you plan 2022 campaigns I struggle to believe this. I delete 98% of this stuff unread.

What Is the Climax of a Story?

What Do You Need to Write Regularly?

Seven Ways to Make Your Story More Powerful

How to Keep Your Favorite Character From Ruining Your Story

Relationship Thesaurus: Frenemies

Writers, Grab a Knife: How To Kill Your Darlings

How to avoid overcorrecting after receiving feedback hi this might be me.

Comments

[spikedluv]

I did not know that about the brain. Explains a lot.

[cornerofmadness]

I didn't either and I've had neurophysiology at the graduate level. So I did look up their sources. it's legit. So knowing that you'd think I wouldn't be sitting here going over and over how much I'm a failure right now but I am (i.e. my usual approach to being handed edits)