SquarePeg Books

It’s April.

Where did March go?

I guess time really does fly when you don’t know what’s going on.

No, writing things did not get done last month. It’s hard to write when you’re always tired, always hurting, have nowhere convenient to write and a dirty house with housemates that don’t seem to mind the potential hazmat opportunities.

Of course, it’s hard to write anyway, but we all know that.

So this month’s question: Do I take risks when when writing? Like weird mash-ups or controversial topics or what not.

I think my answer is:

I guess so?

I’ve written a few lightweight romance stories, though I’ve never read the genre. (Every time I’ve tried, I’ve had the uncontrollable desire to toss the book into the donate bin. Even the library books.) So I guess that’s taking a risk–writing something you know damn near nothing about.

I’ve lightly touched on a few controversial topics, but not with the vehemence of a protester outside a Planned Parenthood clinic. More like “yeah, this here is an issue in this world, and it might come up later or it might not, it kinda depends on where I need the story to go.” Some other topics are major issues that swirl about in the story to forward the plot, but I imagine that anyone reading it doesn’t think of it as a lecture or a stance or whatever. It’s a common human issue that is present in my fantasy realm. Tah-dah.

However, I would argue that anyone who writes, especially fiction, takes a risk, regardless of controversy or fashion or POV or whatever.

It takes a lot of time and effort and raw willpower, mixed with a large dose of blood, sweat and tears, to finish a fiction writing project. Then, OMG, you’re supposed to let OTHER PEOPLE READ IT and THEY MIGHT NOT LIKE YOUR MOST FABULOUS WORK OF BEAUTEOUS ART. HOW DARE YOU CRITICIZE MY BABY!!!!????!!!!!

Putting yourself out there (even if you’re still getting ready to put yourself out there, *ahem*), is risky. It’s bruising to your ego. It can cause worry and heartache and stomach upset leading to a whole system catastrophe followed by DEATH!

Okay, maybe that’s a seriously worst case scenario for 99.9% of the population. But it doesn’t mean that isn’t how it feels. There are some comments I’ve received over the years that make me want to curl up and hide in a cave for the rest of my life, while I wish for death. (Yes, those comments were THAT harsh. They still hurt when I think about them to this day.)

So, yeah. I think writing is inherently risky. Maybe not as physically risky as being an astronaut, but still risky.

Now, if I can just get over my other issues, I might actually start writing again.

Check out the Insecure Writer’s Support Group to see more writers dish about their concerns, their solutions to various problems, or their latest risque photos.