Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Insecure but Happy Writer

Ever since the length of the posts were reduced to 300 words, I find it challenging to put my chaotic ideas together for a worthy post. I should practice more the art of being succinct. I've noticed the fact of having an official word limit triggers a switch in my brain that automatically sends the "Terribly Difficult Task" signal (one of the reasons why I rarely do flash fiction). They give me a sense of panic. Anyway, meanwhile I ponder if it's time to bow my way out from the group, I want to share with you some succinct information I know you'll find useful.  And also some Dragon Hugs!

(I tried to enlarge it as much as I could without making it too heavy to upload, but I think you'll need to copy and zoom it.)

This post is part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Find the list here. Also visit the IWSG website, full of interesting writerly stuff, here.

29 comments:

  1. Dragon friend, you can write as long a post as you like. It's just a guideline. More for those who insist on writing several thousand words and then wonder why no one reads it. Feel free to expand as much as you like!

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  2. Your posts are too encouraging. Don't quit! I love you posts! And the only infographics I want to see in the dragon cave are cartoons featuring a super ninja and a certain bald...er not. :P

    IWSG #184 until Alex culls the list again.

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  3. I love your posts (300 words or not.) Granted, I've been lacking visits this summer, but soon I'm hoping to have enough time to dive into all of your words ;)

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  4. Please don't quit. The day you feel like you can't write what's in your heart is a sad day indeed. I say, write away. As long as it's not a novella, everyone will still read it.

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  5. Perhaps it's time for something new? Father Dragon: Another option for you is to join the writers at Write-Edit-Publish who have a flexible monthly bloghop with posts approx. 1000wc if you need them. I've been pleased with my results for the 7 months I've been participating: It's hosted by Aussie Denise Covey, and participants create a variety of interpretations. Just an invite if you're interested. I've got a WEP tab on my blog if you want to see what I've done. You may have outgrown the insecure part of your writing. I don't mind succinct, but dislike short posts and restrictions on word counts for blogposts. It's the trend. 1000wc flash fiction suits me better. Just sayin'.

    http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.ca/2014/07/10-classic-tips-for-writers.html

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  6. Don't quit. Yours is a joyful blog to visit, whatever you're talking about that day.

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  7. Please don't quit Father Dragon. We love your inspirational posts. And if they are long, we don't mind.

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  8. My nerdy science heart loves your graphic!

    And don't leave--no matter how many words you write, we'll be here to read them :)

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  9. Oh no! Don't panic. It's like the pirate code, guidelines--not rules. I'm good with the longer posts! I read them!

    Loni

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  10. Don't let a word count get you down. Write as much as you'd like to write!

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  11. I'm posting your chart next to my desk for frequent referral. You're on to something here. As to word limit, I say, "piffle."

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  12. Dragon hugs are always welcome. As are your posts. Rules? Applying to dragons? Surely you jest?

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  13. Father Dragon, though I know I "see" you elsewhere in the blogging world, I would hate you to leave this place where first I found you... But if you must, I won't hold it against you, only because I am not being deprived of your wicked words of wisdom elsewhere! Write oh Father and do what you do best!

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  14. Write as long a post as you like. Sometimes it takes more words to say what one wants and that is okay. I understand what you mean about flash fiction. I tried to write a few and ended up stressed out.

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  15. I love your posts! Whatever length they are. You always have great insight and your readers come to you for them. :)

    I haven't been around much lately, but life is busy and we all disappear from time to time. I hope to get back on track soon enough AND I hope to keep reading awesome posts from you. 300+ words are welcomed! :D

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  16. Yeah,

    Don't worry about the word count... who listens to a guy who walks around in black pajamas anyway :)

    #KeepGoingMan :)

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  17. When you write from the heart I will read it... no matter how long it is. In fact, some of your "long" IWSG posts have been Favorites of mine. So, don't stop participating... just write as much as you want!!!!

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  18. LOL! Great to post about the word limit! I still see posts that beat my 90K novels! ;P

    ♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

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  19. LOL, I know what you mean about that word limit stunting creativity. But, I've been slowly backing away from blogging anyway, so the IWSG isn't really to blame. Loved your post. Hugs back to you.

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  20. Alex says write whatever length you like so you do that grandson. Hugs

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  21. Hey whatever length it is I will read it. I didn't even check my this time. Love the science of happiness.

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  22. Better living through chemistry! :) Keep 'em flying, Father Dragon!

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  23. Father Dragon, you can't leave. We love your posts! No doubt the Ninja Captain was referring to people who write hundreds upon hundreds of words, yet have nothing to say. You offer wisdom, guidance, knowledge, and most importantly, a piece of yourself to us with each post.

    Please keep writing Al, I don't care how long the posts are. I will read them. Besides, I've missed you enough already. :) (((Hugs))) Eva

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  24. The "science" of happiness - funny! My posts are often very short - so I'll give you the allotment for word-total I don't use. :)

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  25. THERE'S a word count? I've been with this group since the beginning.. I never knew. Write from your heart.... we love what you say because it is.......

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  26. I became a lot happier once I banished 2 or 3 really negative people from my life. Not negative as in depressed or unhappy themselves - I try and help/understand those people. I mean the ones who live to gossip, stir up trouble and generally live their lives in a selfish manner. My happiness meter went up about 1000 points. :-)

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  27. Write as much as you'd like. :) Interesting happiness science. I used to get the holiday blues, but now that my husband and I agreed we would do no more traveling to visit family during the Christmas holidays, it's far less stressful and we're happier. Hugs to you! Have a lovely weekend.

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