Wednesday, June 1, 2016

June #IWSG: Summer, Snark, and Survival Tips.


First Wed of Every Month
Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html


When life moves pretty fast, hang on for the ride and enjoy it. This guy looks like he's hanging on for dear life.This is exactly how I felt this last month, but I survived. Sort of. Don't mind that twitch. I'll be fine.
Navy Pier Chicago
This past month I watched my oldest son graduate from high school, experienced a monumental anniversary with my hubs and spent Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago. Twenty thousand steps on Friday alone, and I still can say I loved every minute of it. I always find something new in the Windy City. And, yes, it was windy and stormed while we were there. But we survived.

The new blue Ferris wheel


My new MG paranormal mystery made it into the coveted Query Kombat contest hosted by Michelle Hauck! Our queries and first 250 words will appear today on various blogs and will be matched up with similar entries. Over the next few weeks there will be several more rounds. The last standing entry in each age group will win. Well, if you make it past round one, you make it to the agent round, so that's a win. You can check mine out under the nickname, "The Sticky Note Ghost."

The Bean aka Cloud Gate


Sometimes a writer just needs to be reminded they can do it. This business is tough and depressing at times and can leave you full of sarcasm and snark and cynicism. I mean, sometimes a little snark can go a long way. Getting back to my monologue...sincere encouragement can do wonders in the writing world. My writer friend not only encouraged me to enter Query Kombat, but she insisted. She wouldn't take no for an answer. Genuine praise for our work can be what it takes to push us into action and gives us the confidence needed.

I'm pretty sure I have been my son's biggest cheerleader, rooting for him his entire life. Mom's intuition sensed this smart and talented kid would go far. He struggled in his beginning years in school, but has more than made up for it. This kid graduated with honors, is headed into the medical field, and is a top-ranked athlete in the state of MO. So when he spouts out medical information on muscle hypertrophy or sarcopenia or tells me I might need a stress test, I just smile and nod my head.

Don't forget to encourage people whether they are just starting out in this business, seasoned veterans, or your own kids who are smarter than you. It could be just what they need and can make a huge difference in their lives.

After someone encouraged me, I paid it forward and encouraged another writer, giving them a query/first chapter critique. Now, we are good friends! How are you encouraging others this month? Are you ready for summer? Any fun vacation plans?

Chicago River


21 comments:

  1. Congratulations on all the milestones. Aren't you glad you entered Query Combat? Sometimes we just need a little push. Good luck!
    Really cool shots.

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    1. Thanks! Yes, I am glad I entered considering I was totally NOT going to enter QK:)

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  2. Good for you for entering Query Kombat. I didn't have the guts to try, but maybe next time I will. Congratulations! Keep this great attitude and you'll continue to go far. :)

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    1. Thanks! Yes, it takes guts to put your work out there.

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  3. Man, I really want to visit Chicago. I follow a lot of comedians/entertainers/podcasters that live in Chicago, so I feel like I know a bunch of people there.

    Good luck on the contest! I am encouraging you by telling you you're going to do great! (No, but seriously, I'm sure you are!)

    IWSG Post June

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    1. You will not regret it. Chicago is the best city ever. I grew up in IL and lived near Chitown when I was older for almost a decade. If you have great shoes and walking abilities, you can cover a lot of ground! And thanks!

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  4. Congratulations Jennifer on making it into the Query Combat contest. Fingers crossed for you. I have always wanted to visit Chicago.

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    1. Thank you! I should've posted my insecurity this month: NERVOUS and anxious and...

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  5. Sounds like it's been a great time for you. Wonderful. It's always good to encourage people, no matter what they're up to.

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  6. Congrats on the graduation, anniversary and Chicago! And Query Kombat, that's very cool :) I have offered query critiques for people before, and I have a lot of fun with it.

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  7. Big congrats on your anniversary and your son's graduation! I love the pic of the captain and hope your twitch gets better soon. LOL! Good luck with the query combat!

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  8. Woot for making it into the Query Kombat! Good job! I try to offer encouragement, though sometimes I'm no good at it. I definitely try to encourage my kids though. Hope your story stays in the competition!

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    1. Thanks! It feels good to help others. Kids always need encouragement. I do too!

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  9. I love Chicago. I encourage others and it feels wonderful to be on the receiving end too.

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  10. Sometimes all you can do is hold on. Sounds like you had an exciting month, though!

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  11. Wahoo! Congrats making it in. And you totally deserve it. And more importantly, way to pass on the love. I'm cheering for you and tossing cheese!

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  12. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. thesurvivallife.com

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  13. I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... Best selling handgun

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February #IWSG: Just Do It

                  Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs...