I-Suck-itis

This is apparently going around. One of the MOST talented writers I know, who happens to have just critiqued my new proposal and given me great feedback and ideas, caught it. I know a half-dozen writers suffering from it. I got two emails this week alone from writers who have succombed.

In fact, I have suffered from it in the past. Symptoms? Opening up a file of a work in progress and being very stuck and deciding it's because the whole damn thing "sucks." Or opening up an older work in progress you've been away from for a while (seems long breaks over holidays make this a really common disorder), and finding yourself clutching your stomach because you can SEE for yourself the whole thing SUCKS SO BAD.

If you're pubbed, you can see 28 GREAT reviews at Amazon. But that one crank who says you deserve zero stars? Sure to start a case of I-Suck-itis faster than your Demon Baby can sneeze on you.

So what's a writer to do?

I got news for you . . . there is NO cure. The few writers who are innoculated against it? They have a case of I-am-Genius-osity and can't take criticism. I know one right now and would like to take a contract out on his life. May have to call my Uncle Charlie. But I digress. No, there is no cure for I-Suck-itis. Get used to it. It reoccurs over and over. Just when you think you're over it, you may catch it again.

Chicken soup doesn't help it. Some writers tell me chocolate does. I am really off my chocolate kick big time, so I'm not finding it helpful. A stiff martini can sometimes help. Two will make it worse.

No, I have found the only antidote I know of is to ruthlessly attack the work in progress until you feel the I-Suck-itis lifting and you remember why you became a writer in the first place.

Anyone else know of any home remedies? Come on, yesterday was a banner day at the blog with great contributions. So I just KNOW you all have some recipes to settle down a strong case of I-Suck-itis.

Oh . . . I know one. Happened today, as a matter of fact. I was listening to THIS on my iPod. Ray has been known to make my I-Suck-itis disappear. Really. I was in mile 3 of my four-mile walk, the sun was JUST cresting. And with the beat of his congas, Ray sent me this TOTALLY AWESOME idea for a key scene in my wip. It fixed a weak spot. I-Suck-itis disappeared.

Oh, but I have to warn you. Two or three sleepless nights with a Demon Baby followed by your teenager telling you she wants to pierce her tongue will bring it back. Lucky for ME, she said she was just kidding--ha, ha--she ONLY wants a tattoo. That I can live with.

So anyone suffering? Do share your misery--or your antidote.