I’m excited to present to you my first ever VLOG! That’s a video blog post!
As I mentioned in this post, I’m now recording vlogs in addition to writing blog posts. It’s a way to shake myself up, have fun creating something with Marcus, and most importantly, to share things I’ve learned in a visual and auditory way, rather than just in writing.
It seemed right to make my first video about something that I deal with every day: feeling fear and writing anyway. I hope you find it helpful (and maybe even funny).
Peg Cheng is the author of The Contenders, a middle-grade novel centered on the question, can enemies become friends? She is currently writing another novel that is a re-imagining of the Snow White fairy tale set in 1980s Seattle. Peg is also a writing coach giving help, encouragement, and feedback to writers from all walks of life.
I just watched your VLOG and loved it! You’re such a talent. Congratulations on your breakthrough and victory!
I, too, find writing has become a welcomed HABIT. I also feel I’m off if it’s skipped and not a part of my day. Participation in NanoWriMo was effective. Again, I was thankful for the invitation to join. Also, having you as a writing coach is a big factor too. Your encouragement means a lot and makes me want to write. So, thanks.
I’m glad you talked about writers comparing themselves to other writers and why it’s not a good idea. I do that quite a bit. I am an extremely slow writer and I’m astonished by those who write quickly. I can write for a couple of hours and have written only a page or two. Usually, it’s because I fall back into revising while I write. The more seriously I take writing, the worse it becomes.
I’ll also read an article about 50 words to avoid in writing, for example, then spend 3 hours locating those words in my WIP to change them. Then I’m unhappy with the changes because I feel my voice has changed. So I spend the next day trying to find it again. A crazy and vicious circle, I’m finding.
Maybe these obstacles are fear-based. But guess what? I’m going to continue to write anyway.
I look forward to more VLOGS. The writing tips, as usual, are helpful. Talk to you soon!
Aww, thank you so much for your wonderful and heart-warming words of support, K! I loved reading your comments. They made my whole day…and my week. 😀
It’s okay to be slow. Slow can be good. I consider myself a slowish writer too because I can only write so much per day (as I say in my video, I write 1-2 hours per day) before I need to go and do something else. I concentrate hard when I write and when I’m done, I’m DONE for the whole day. For so long I wished I was one of those people who can write for 5-8 hours a day but I’m just not. I no longer try to compare myself with other writers. I just do what I can do.
I’m THRILLED to hear that Camp NaNoWriMo helped to make writing into a habit for you. That makes my heart sing because you have so much talent! I can’t wait to see your stories get out there so more people can read them. Keep going! It’s okay if you take it slow. Take it at whatever pace works for you.
I’m very impressed by your vlog (which sounds a bit like a line from a Douglas Adams novel). You are so natural on camera, and the presentation and structure are clear. I liked the cutaways, too–I can see Marcus’ hand in there. I hope you do more.
One fun thing about your blog, aside from the writing, is PegLab, your continual quest to hack your own mind, and share the results with us. Who knows what that may evolve into? (I may try out your latest hack this fall, when I am exhumed from my current house projects.)
Anyway, carry on!
Your comments always crack me up, Edgy! 😀
One fantastic creature to another in Douglas Adams’ universe: “Hey there, your vlog is looking mighty impressive. May I–?”
Your observation about PegLab is spot-on. I’m going to have to quote you on that in my future newsletter/blog marketing materials. You’re right. I’m always experimenting and trying to “hack my own mind” and then share the results. It’s become the story of my life. I don’t know why or how I do what I do, but I’m always trying to figure it out, explain it, and do it better. Thanks for the encouragement, my friend. If you do try out how to feel the fear and write every day, please do let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear more.
Wanted to go to your workshop on the 17th and relieved that you did this vlog!! Thank you so very much. I am a beginner writer and can use all the help I can get. I will try your method you talk about. Interesting that you talked about the Myers Briggs personality type. I too am a ‘j’ – I am an INFJ. What are you?
Also, I love your confidence in the vlog. You are a very good speaker. I hope you will do a library workshop on this topic again.
I’m sorry you couldn’t make it to my Fear & Writing workshop, Teresa, but so glad that you found my site and found my first vlog. Yea! Glad you’re willing to try the techniques that I describe in my vlog on how to feel the fear and write every day. I’d love to hear how it goes for you. Please post again later, after you’ve tried it, or email me directly. You can find my contact info under CONTACT at the top of this site.
I’m ENFJ. That’s cool that you’re INFJ. Have you read “The INFJ Writer” by Lauren Sapala? It’s a GREAT book and helped me out a lot. You can find it on my RESOURCES page here: http://www.pegcheng.com/resources/. Check it out and let me know what you think of it.
Hello Peg: Once again, you’ve pulled out my “secret traits” as a Writer. Yes, I want to suddenly do anything but write, and it’s more (as you said) an urge to do something else because I REALLY do want to write!!!!
Thank you for the tools, exercises, videos, communication, animal friends (I love them!) but most importantly, for sharing your wonderful quality knowledge with me (one writer to another–one person to another).
I plan to continue using your resources and the tools I have acquired! I also plan to keep in contact with you! You Write; You Rock!!!!
Thanks for letting me know that I tapped into your secret traits as a writer, Bobbi! Aha! I’m so glad you can relate! You’re so welcome for the tools, exercises, videos, and animal friends. So happy that you’re finding it all helpful. I will keep writing. You keep writing too, Queen Bobbi!