IWGS 12th Anniversary
When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?
Firstly, happy 12th anniversary to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. As a newcomer, it’s interesting to think about how one small idea can have such a large effect over a decade later. Who knew one conversation would spark a community? And there’s no telling how far it will continue to go. So I’m breaking this question into its parts: Discovery, Connection, and Help.
Discovery: My first post with IWSG was in May 2023. Unfortunetly, just like my writing, I haven’t stuck with it consistently. This should be my fifth post for the community, but it’s conveniently slipped my mind for the past two months. It’s not that I didn’t get the email with the question—or have a friend remind me each month to do my post—it’s that staring at a blank document is terrifying. It’s easier to answer questions in my head than to sit down and actually blog about the answer for the entire world to see. Regardless, I’m back at it this month, hopefully for good.
Connection: As probably many other IWSG people can attest, being an insecure writer means I’m not always the best at talking about my own work. Get me talking about other people’s works (especially my clients) I excel, but my own not so much. And I’ve always been more of a lurker than a joiner. I’ll even read people’s posts but be too nervous to comment. I have a fear of being perceived for me. It’s something I’ve got to work on, and the easiest step is writing these posts and actually commenting on other people’s blogs.
Help: I’m still discovering how IWSG is helping me. Right off the bat, it forces me to actually think about my website instead of my usual, “out of sight, out of mind”. Even though I’ve only done two posts, I stop and contemplate how I would answer the questions. Sometimes, I even log in and update my plugins. That’s the least I can do if I’m not going to post. But, what IWSG has provided me is the ability to see that I’m not alone in this endeavor. I have a great group of writer friends already, but many of them are light years ahead of me in terms of writing and publishing. No, they are not confident at every moment, but they have tangible proof they can write a book. Whereas I’m still languishing in a pile of my own making. Bit clicking on the different IWSG blogs shows me people at all levels of writing/publishing. And it’s helpful to know I’m not alone.
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a home for writers in all stages; from unpublished to bestsellers. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance. We want to help writers overcome their insecurities, and by offering encouragement we are creating a community of support.
The awesome co-hosts for the September 6th posting of the IWSG are J Lenni Dorner, Sonia Dogra, Pat Garcia, Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James.
As the friend sending you the reminders, I’m giving you the hardest of side eyes for this part: conveniently slipped my mind for the past two months. LOL
But I get it. It’s hard to put yourself out there, even with fellow insecure writers. It takes baby steps to get more comfortable. And showing up here, each month for yourself will do wonders for how you start to feel overall with your writing. It won’t always be great (you hear me whine plenty) but you will know you can do it and get shit completed! And I’ll keep giving you the nudges to show up monthly.
Don’t be afraid to comment! We all need that little bit of encouragement and I promise you won’t say anything dumb.
You are not alone and if there is one place where you may want to wade a little deeper in the water, this is it. We are all in different places in regard to our writing. What we have in common is that we support each other. Take a risk. Write your posts. You’ll be glad you did.
Hello! Welcome (back) to the blog hop! We all ebb and flow. I’ve definitely taken my time off from IWSG, and writing in general, but don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard! It’s always so interesting hearing from so many different people. It’s easy to get lost, as a writer, because it feels like it’s such a solo endeavor, but connecting with other writers is essential to getting through this crazy thing we do! And it’s great to have friends who are “ahead of you” in their publishing journey because, most of the time, they’re super willing to share!
You are not alone in the lack of consistency department! Some months this blog post is the only thing I write. Some months I don’t even manage that. But it has been great to know that there are others out there. I am glad you found this place, too!
Good luck with your pile! Languish no more!
Lori
I too, struggle with putting myself out in the world. My past failure to put myself out there is safe but it is superseded by the support and caring that comes along with taking that first step. I speak from experience. I started Habitual Hobbit in 2012 and was a posting machine for about two years. But, the fear began creeping in and I stopped until May 2023. Through pitfalls in life, I found my voice again and now find myself trying to grow in a community of like minded individuals. Don’t fear the unknown. Make it yours and you will see what comes along with it.
Glad you’ve come back this month! I’ll echo what Alex said–please don’t be afraid to comment. Blogging sometimes feels like shouting into the void. Every comment I get makes me smile and reassures me that I’m actually communicating to actual people.
I still think of myself as “new” in my writing journey, even though I’ve been writing since 2014. I haven’t published a novel yet (only short stories). Yet I feel welcome and supported in the IWSG. I hope you do too.
When I started, a thought kept going through my head…who cares what a middle-aged gal from tiny town USA has to say?? But once I made blogging a habit and I got to know other writers, I only think that thought every now and then instead of daily. LOL
Visit and comment! Non writers don’t get us. We need writer friends to keep at it.