Expand your Reach

Hey, Writers!

Welcome to the Insecure Writer Support Group - August 2025.

So, anyone still blogging? Well, of course we are--we're the diehards, and I love you guys! But if we want to reach more people, we must grow and change. Though at my age, that sounds ridiculous, and I've never been a fan of change (ugh!), I'm happy to report these changes are not as bad as they sound. I bet you already know some great ways to reach out, but by organizing my ideas and encouraging others, I also encourage myself.

Since I love charts, I'm presenting this in chart format...

I'm sure you know more and better ways to communicate with other writers and readers. I would love to hear your thoughts and advice! I also know each platform has its drawbacks (bots, AI, haters, etc) Life isn't a picnic, and as writers, we tend to worry about annoying ants and sunburn more than the charming company. Something I need to work on! Worry less and look for the positives!

If you're on Instagram, check out the Writer.Friends.Challenge I'm participating this month and hopefully longer... The lovely hostess, @susanleighneedham comes up with prompts for every day -- and puts it on each month! @mjfifield and @chrysfey are steady participants. Check it out!

Hope your August is steamy goodness (and not a hot mess!)

The Joys of Florida

Happy July IWSG!

I'll start with an update on my first month back in Florida. Here is a pro-con list:

• 

  pelican in the ocean

  I love all the wildlife sightings and hearings (the frogs & birds are awesome!)
• I hope I don't see any alligators up close while walking my dogs!

• I'm learning how to slow down
• I have to since the elderly choose their own speeds in every lane... haha

• I actually enjoyed my first visit to the beach by myself - people watching is primo!
• The second time, I went with my son and felt bad we had to leave early because the rising humidity literally took my breath away

• I'm lucky my blood type/skin type discourages bug bites
• Unfortunately, my poor husband is a magnet for them
• I'm taking time to walk the dogs every night (w/hubs too!) and exercise/stretch every morning--trying to be a healthier me
• I forgot about some of the negatives that are popping up--heat rash, dry eyes from the constant fans, and warm faucet water (it never gets cold!)
• I love how laid back it is here--I've gotten creative with many of my clothes by cutting off sleeves and long pants. Plus getting ready is easier with light make-up and easy beach hair days!
• I hate shaving  =P
• I don't mind the unpredictable weather--rainy-sunny-stormy-sunny--we take our chances since the rain doesn't usually last long, and the temps have been milder than most of the rest of the country! Plus, so many pretty rainbows =)
• Wondering if I am cursed as a lightning strike exploded the street light in front of our house, and we had a leak in the guest bedroom (brand new house!!) -- all while we were out to a sunny dinner at the time!
• We are really enjoying all the fun, non-chain restaurants
• Everything is way more expensive in Florida!

my fun fish pencil cup!

Overall, it's going pretty well. We're figuring out what works or what we need to do to make things work for us. I've also done some writing and visited the local downtown with a nice little bookstore. My next writing goal is to finish one of my books and have a book party with our new friends!

Hope you are surviving the fierce temps and have a

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Finding a Routine

A routine is what I need right now. It’s a comforting safety net that keeps me sane. When I don’t have something to do, I feel useless. I can’t sit still and enjoy free time for too long. Free time to me is a void that needs to be filled by projects or chores I’ve put off because I was too busy to get to them on a regular day!

As you may know, I just moved out of state from “dreary” Ohio to sunny Florida. I am not a fan of change, especially starting over again this far into my life. Uprooting my beautiful routine, leaving my awesome job, good neighbors and friends, I’ve been apprehensive and stressed. And I will miss the change of seasons. So much NEW!

I also have loads of time on my hands. Is there such a thing as too much free time? Ha ha. It’s ironic I’m usually wishing for more time to write. Well, I have an abundance now. So much time I don’t know what to do with it all. As a teacher, summer was my writing time. But with the stress of having to get re-established I’m hard-pressed to get into the writing frame of mind… sigh

Now, it’s time to buck up. I’ve never been one to shirk a challenge. I need to create a new routine for my new life. I love lists! I’m writing things down to organize myself and take some stress out of the daunting new atrocities of this monstrous change. And look, I finally wrote a new blog post! Many times blogging helps me figure things out.

Things I’m looking forward to incorporating into my New Routine:

• Write every morning! (I hear some groaning, but it’s the quietest time of the day around here)
• Finding a writers group
• Travel - visit family, but also do some Writerly Events
• Start subbing again? Subbing is where I got the bug to write so many years ago. It will keep me busy and still give me time to write. It is also chock full of inspirational characters!

I’m also encouraged by some new neighbors we met at one of the functions we were invited to. It’s so nice to meet people in the same boat, then it isn’t so lonely and scary. And I have a new hairstylist to try (after going to the same one for 20 years). Check!

Hugs from the new roost!

Hope your summer is off to a sunny, productive start!

Would love to hear how you’ve been doing!

PS - I hope to start the Writers Chat back up soon — I miss that big part of my routine!