Ego Boost File

I don't think this is a pathetic idea at all. From what I can tell, a lot of writers are on a rollercoaster as far as their self-confidence goes. Sometimes, you're way, way up, and other times, you feel like a pile of dog doo squashed under someone's shoe. I know I feel the latter way more often than not, and so compliments on what I've written is an absolute balm. But who wants to go hunting for compliments? Sometimes, all we need is a little reminder that we're NOT writing complete crap, and I think an ego-boost file like that would do that very well.

I started hunting up some nice things people have said about my writing, and just the act of reading them again before I pasted them into a new document was really, really nice.

Thanks so much for sharing this...it never occurred to me to try something like it, and I think it'll be great.

That's a great idea!!

thethinker42 said:

We all have our "I suck at writing" days,

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Days? You only have days?

caw

I have a little stash of fuzzymakers.

Wayne K said:

When I need a pick-me-up I read Roommates or Spin the Bottle.

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Make that two of us.

Oooh good idea!

Of course if I'm having a really bad day, I can look at those comments ( I made someone cry. Yes!) and it translates to 'Oh crap, what if the next one doesn't live up to it?'

That thought is making me very cranky just lately.

Lyxdeslic said:

K, so it seems only you have the ability to bring me out of AW retirement.

A few things for your ego file, Ms. Ledbetter.

As a writer, you're brilliant. You have the ability to make the mundane, everyday situations we face in life seem extraordinary. And tight, snappy prose unlike anything I've ever read. Your dialogue? Fuhgeddaboudit! I'm somewhat of an emotional leper. Yet your writing made me laugh at times, and angry with poor character decisions at others. And yes, you managed to tug at my tear ducts as well. I think I've cried twice in ten years; you're responsible for one of those times.

Bitch.

Fuck 'em. On to the next lucky bastard who might get the honor of representing you.

Lyx

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What Lyx said, baby.

(Well, except for the "bitch" part...)

swvaughn said:

What Lyx said, baby.

(Well, except for the "bitch" part...)

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This means a lot coming from people who've read my book. I thank you both.

Lyx's post is the first entry in my Blue Monday file.

ETA - And thanks so much to everyone for your kind words and cyberhugs. I know rejection is part of the deal, but it still sucks. It's great to know others understand.

I guess I do have my own confidence boosters. On down moments like when I can't compose a freakin query letter then I call my family.

Then after I'm done talking to them (my sister's in query hell too) I look at my invoices and remind myself I have been paid for my work and more than once and I'm okay again.

I think that's a great idea. It's kind of like something I was told to do at work - keep track of the compliments you get to help when you go to write up your performance review each year. It helps and gives you a boost when you need it! If I could get myself back into writing that is...

Something for tt42 to add to her file:
I read Lori's blog and feel like a loser, cuz she is so good.

I thought I would rock the blog, but every post I write sounds like it was written by someone else. Someone I don't know. Someone who doesn't write very well.

yeah. I need to do this.

My blog is moar gooderer.

bettielee said:

I thought I would rock the blog, but every post I write sounds like it was written by someone else. Someone I don't know. Someone who doesn't write very well.

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Rubbish, you write well and have a fun delivery.

scarletpeaches said:

My blog is moar gooderer.

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Iz ver gud.

Owr spelling rokcs teh phat wun.

scarletpeaches said:

Owr spelling rokcs teh phat wun.

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Iz troo. Pheer teh wurd skilz.


Ahem.

Adzmodeus
Rubbish, you write well and have a fun delivery.

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**scampers and cavorts**

my evil plan worked, I was fishing for compliments. If I may steal a phrase from sparklepeaches: My day is NOT rocking the fat one. mwahahahahaha

I am sorry I used you for my evil plan Adam. That is the problem with evil plans, you never know who will get swept up in them. I hope we have all learned something this day...

(but still, the blog entries are not what I saw myself delivering. perhaps if I didn't write them at 1 in the morning...)

Originally Posted by scarletpeaches (sparklepeaches)
My blog is moar gooderer.

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and yes, your blog is sooper gud too, I didn't mean to leave you out.

bettielee said:

**scampers and cavorts**

my evil plan worked, I was fishing for compliments. If I may steal a phrase from sparklepeaches: My day is NOT rocking the fat one. mwahahahahaha

I am sorry I used you for my evil plan Adam. That is the problem with evil plans, you never know who will get swept up in them. I hope we have all learned something this day...

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You may use me however you wish, Bettie.

Also, Adam was the first one to rock the fat one. I merely stealified one of his catchphrases.

scarletpeaches said:

Also, Adam was the first one to rock the fat one. I merely stealified one of his catchphrases.

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*Non-gropey hug for the credit.*

Although I stole it from somewhere...

scarletpeaches said:

Also, Adam was the first one to rock the fat one. I merely stealified one of his catchphrases.

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your honesty is admirific, sparklepeaches

KTC said:

Nobody hates my writing more than me.

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Wanna bet?

I have an email folder of fan mail that I occasionally go bathing in when I need a pick-me-up. (more of a foot bath than a hot tub)

It also doubles up as a spam-mail list when I'm gearing up to promote the next book.

I guess I need more people to read my stuff in order to get any feedback (good or bad). I think I am scared though... hmm...

Scarlet's blog's profiley thing at the upper left is exactly what I am going through. I finished my baby (Stone and Glass) and am working on a newer WIP, The Duchess' Ring whilst editing said baby.