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“C”amaraderie and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group
If you have not already heard about this wonderful resource group, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, you’ll want to listen up. I found this group about two years ago and even though I’ve gotten kicked off of the roster several times for non-participation, I recommend it highly for writers and would-be writers. It’s good that they hold you accountable. You only need to publish once, on the first Wednesday of each month, in order to stay on the list. Not so good that I can’t write at least once a month. First, it’s a great group of people who are encouraging and a morale boost. You’ll hear from published writers,…
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IWSG: What do you love about the genre you write in most often?
I write in two different genres. I’m currently writing a fiction mystery but I confess that I haven’t worked on it in a while. I also enjoy writing a non-fiction blog but, again, I haven’t been adding to it as consistently as I’d like. I love writing mysteries because that’s my favorite genre to read. I like all mysteries but am partial to cozies where character development, and setting, are as important as the plot. Cozies are usually written as a series so I also enjoy the progression of the main characters (at least those who don’t get killed off). A few writers that I prefer are: Janet Evanovich, Diane…
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IWSG: Have I ever surprised myself with my writing?
The answer to this month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group question is a resounding yes! You’ve heard it said that “Hindsight is 20/20”. This is true for my writing many times. Periodically, what I begin writing doesn’t at all resemble what is finally published. I start with an idea and let it evolve, based on my personal experiences. I’m also a photographer so I may take a photo and that helps form my blog or article. There are also times when I go back and read a blog that I wrote awhile ago and I’m surprised. I’m surprised at how it started in one direction and ended up in an entirely…
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#IWSG: Pet peeves when reading/writing/editing
The question for today’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog hop is, “What are your pet peeves …” The only pet peeve that I can think of is when writers misspell words or have typos in their articles. In this quick-publish, post-everything-to-the-web culture, it’s easy to find spelling mistakes in blogs, articles and even in printed pieces like magazines and newspapers these days. I’m sure I am as guilty as others. I do my best to edit before I publish online and then proof my work again once it’s visible on the screen, in case I’ve missed something. Invariably sometimes things slip through the cracks. I wonder if because we text…
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#IWSG: How to find blogging topics?
The first Wednesday of the month is the official Insecure Writer’s Support Group day! When I first started my blog, it was as much for my own sanity as it was for others. I hope that doesn’t sound too selfish! I’ve always written for my day job/career but most of my writing has not been “creative”. I do remember when I was a copywriter for Joslin’s Department Store in Denver, Colorado (think Macy’s but on a smaller scale). I wrote a few punny paragraphs about athletic shoes or dreamy text about an evening dress. The pay was horrible. I then got involved in B2B publishing after that (layout, collecting ads,…
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IWSG and CTST: Favorite aspect of being a writer?
Celebrate the Small Things – Being a creative writer! Entry for November’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group: If you enjoy writing, which I do, there is nothing in the world like the feeling of writing fiction. There is something magical that happens when I begin to think about a story idea, then imagine characters and what their lives might be like and then proceed with the plot. It’s my favorite aspect of being a writer. I’ve written short stories and then, years later, re-read those stories and it’s like I’m reading them again for the first time. Some days I can’t believe that I’ve written them. Let me be clear – it’s…
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IWSG: When do you know your story is ready? 5 tips to consider …
Entry for October’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group: Although I haven’t had a fiction story or novel published, I have published “for hire” articles in B2B magazines. One article was for Energybiz magazine on the benefits to companies of offering recurring online charge payments for things like utility bills. Another article discussed the challenges to Florida public safety communications during a hurricane. In my personal and professional writing, I know my article is ready when: · I’ve reviewed it and taken out as many extraneous words as possible. I write my first draft and then go back and only keep what is absolutely necessary. · I feel like all the questions…
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IWSG: How do I find time to write in my busy day?
As I write my post for September’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I have to admit I don’t have this one figured out. I’m having a lot of trouble finding the time to write. I’m not a morning person, so the idea of waking up an hour early and sitting down at the computer scares me. I wonder if my husband, dog and kitties would find me several hours later asleep, face plastered to the keyboard! I work eight-plus hours per day, Monday through Friday. I also periodically work some evenings and weekends. When I get home in the evening, there are only a few hours left after the pets and humans…
