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?

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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!