Bernadette Braganza

Micro Fiction, Colossal Ideas.

ISWG: October

It’s ISWG day today. Every month a question is posted for insecure writers and this time it’s:

It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?

My Answer:

I think in terms of sci-fi and fantasy, having a new and original idea would be a lot more exciting to readers than if a person is well-read and has references to others’ work. At the same time, reading other people’s work gives writers an idea of what people generally ‘prefer’ reading.

Currently Reading:

I’m about halfway through Tell Tale by Jeffrey Archer and SOLO – Survival Guide for Creative Freelancers by Palle Schmidt.

I also plan to (finally) start writing the book reviews I’ve been meaning to do since the part few months.

Last Month:

Last month was quite uneventful in terms of writing though I plan on making up for it in October and November.

A Quick Question:

How do you keep self-imposed deadlines (especially ones where you’re not accountable to anyone else)?

This page contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking on the links, I’ll earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Bernadette Braganza

October 2, 2019

General Writing, ISWG

8 responses to “ISWG: October”

Ellen Jacobson

October 2, 2019 at 6:09 pm

That’s a really good point about how reading helps writers be aware of reader expectations for a particular genre. I wish I had some advice on keeping to self-imposed deadlines. Unfortunately, not something I’m all that good at 😦

LikeLike

Reply
1. Bernadette Braganza
  
  October 10, 2019 at 7:23 pm
  
  Thanks Ellen 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
patgarcia

October 2, 2019 at 6:42 pm

Hi,
I can only say that I feel better when I keep my self-imposed deadlines. I don’t feel guilty, and I hate feeling guilty. A long time ago someone told me to be gentle with myself and be good to me. Keeping deadlines that I impose upon myself makes me feel good at the end of the day even though there are times when I have to give myself a kick to meet my deadline. Afterward, I always feel good.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

LikeLike

Reply
1. Bernadette Braganza
  
  October 10, 2019 at 7:52 pm
  
  Thanks for the advice 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
mlouisebarbourfundyblue

October 4, 2019 at 11:25 pm

Hi, Bernadette! I’m still making my IWSG rounds. I hope that you had a fun time visiting other IWSG members. I function much better with external deadlines rather than ones I impose on myself. I try to be kind and gentle to myself, if I miss a self-imposed deadline. I’m actually going to be home for a couple of months, and I’m going to focus on writing. By the end of this weekend I will have a defined goal and schedule. Time will tell! All the best to you!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. Bernadette Braganza
  
  October 19, 2019 at 8:50 pm
  
  Thanks Louise 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
rolandclarke

October 11, 2019 at 1:46 am

First, deadlines: As a journalist, I had to meet them – even if I persuaded my editors to give me extensions. Self-imposed are harder to meet and easier to move. I have red circles around my calendar ‘to prick the conscience of the king’ – well, this writer.

Second, reading: my TBR pile includes mysteries, police procedurals, etcetera., as that’s the genre I write. So, reading in genre helps me to know what readers expect – and the pitfalls and overused tropes to avoid. Like addicted detectives with failed marriages. Hence, my detective and HER wife and their passions…

LikeLike

Reply
1. Bernadette Braganza
  
  October 19, 2019 at 8:49 pm
  
  Hmmm that certainly helps. Thanks for commenting 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply