Wednesday, October 2, 2013

IWSG - October edition


It's the first Wednesday of October, which means it's time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group post.  For those of you who don't know, IWSG is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh, and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and find support.  Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and it's nice to know there are others out there who are facing some of the same issues and dilemmas.

This month, rather than airing more of my insecurities, I'm going to offer support and encouragement.  No matter what obstacles you're facing right now, know that you can overcome them.  Writing, like life, is all about perseverance.  Just keep putting one foot in front of the other (or one word or even letter after another) and you will get through to the other side.

It's not always easy, and there are times when it feels like you should give up.  If that's how you feel right now, give yourself a break.  There's no shame in stepping back and taking a breather--just know that you'll jump back in once you've recharged.

Finally, realize that you're not alone.  Perhaps you're the only writer you know in real life, and it feels like no one understands how much that form rejection letter hurts.  Does your family look at you funny when you do the happy dance because you've just solved a particularly thorny plot problem?  Do you feel like no one else in your life understands that working for 2 hours and writing 300 words can feel like more of an accomplishment than climbing a mountain?

We get it.  We really do.

This is such an amazing community of writers, but more than that, this is an amazing community of people who are always ready to lend a virtual shoulder to cry on, or to lead a cheer of celebration.  So use us.  Share your joys, your fears, your struggles, your triumphs.  Be there for others as they do the same.  And most importantly, just keep going!   

20 comments:

  1. Yay! I love supporting posts. Thanks for the reminders :)

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  2. Great advice, all around! I often think of Dori when I get stuck and will be doing so even more next month when the chaos begins...

    Speaking of helping each other out, I'm not doing anything for the release of Deadly Contact next month- can is help in any way? Let me know!

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    1. Oh, wow, thanks for the offer! I'll email you this weekend :)

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  3. Thanks for the support. I just finished proofing the galley of my novel, Soul Cutter, but nothing else is getting easier - not writing, not promotion, not even chores - so I'm grateful for the encouragement. :-)

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  4. Yes! And I'm going to hugely second everything you just said. Here's to the amazing writing community and all the awesome, supportive peeps hanging around!

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  5. Thanks for sharing. No matter where we are in our writing journey we all need encouragement and support.

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  6. Yeahhhhh! Support and encouragement is exactly what keeps us going when we most need it. This community rocks!

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    1. It really does--I feel so lucky to be a part of it.

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  7. Just keep swimming. Dory had the right idea. Thanks for the encouragement.

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    1. That's my mantra when things get really stressful--hasn't failed me yet!

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  8. "Just keep swimming" is a perfect mantra for writers! Lovely post :)

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  9. Aww, thanks! No matter how often I hear stuff like this I need it every time!

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