September #IWSG: Time to Celebrate!

 

                                              

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

The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!

Today’s question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

Twelve years already? I seriously can't remember how I first connected with IWSG. It's been a great journey getting to know many different writers from all over the globe. For me, I think I joined about ten years ago. It's hard to believe it has been that long. What a great place for writers to vent, to applaud others, to enter contests, to see what everyone is working on or what they are doing to publish their words. We've looked at trends, writing habits, and resources to see what works and what tanks.  A big shout-out and round of applause to our founder, Alex, who started it all!

What are you working on this month of September? As the weather cools off, it brings out the writer in me. I'm done editing for awhile. Time to reopen an old manuscript and totally rework it with a new outline and some fresh, new words. Anyone prepping for NANO next month? Happy writing!

 

APRIL #IWSG: Enjoy the Journey

                                                 

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

The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Nancy Gideon, and Natalie Aguirre!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

April 5 question - Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?

 

You ready?
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

My first book seems like yesterday and it seems like years ago because it was. I knew little about book marketing and the fine-tuned details that go into a publishing contract back then. Since that time, I've written many books, but I'm taking my time, plotting my moves, and securing the best resources for my future.  

The past few months I've been working with an amazing editor out of London. She is absolutely the best with a sharp eye for detail and plot. Her encouraging words point out my many strengths and has given me confidence.

Best decision ever. Her advice on my next publishing moves has also proven invaluable. I'm still working on edits, but hoping to get my middle grade mystery into the right hands soon. 

My goals took a detour for a time, but I'm back on track. My new job allows me to work from home, enjoy the journey,  and have time to finish my manuscript. 

BEST JOB EVER!

October #IWSG: Better than Christmas Morning

                                                     

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

Remember, the question is optional!!!

October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

 

The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!

October is better than Christmas morning. Watching Hocus Pocus for the hundredth time never gets old. Don't judge me. I live for this time of year! 

Lately, my life consists of reading to myself (I guess that's better than talking to myself) and to my students. I love being surrounded every day by thousands of my favorite things...BOOKS and FALL LEAVES. My perception of the term working writer is writing full time with no other job. That's not gonna happen anytime soon. 

With so many responsibilities this year, it's getting harder to dedicate my time to being a full-time writer. I may jump on the NaNo bandwagon this November to finish a novel I started a few months ago. 

As a librarian of two schools this year, it's been challenging, but so worth it. When boxes of books come in, it's like Christmas morning. (We got hundreds of new books this year!) The looks on the kids' faces when I put them on the shelves is priceless.

Are you enjoying the best month of the year? Reading any suspenseful mysteries this October? 

Found these classics this fall.