Ahh. As you may know, IWSG members post woes or words of wisdom then visit each other on the first Wednesday of each month -- we're a big happy family that listens and encourages!
As a participant of the IWSG since its inception (great movie) I have discovered a few generalizations about myself:
- I like to try new things and put myself out there,
- I encourage others to do the same and give any advice and tips I can, and
- I never have enough time to work on everything I want to get done! but
- Most importantly, I really appreciate how we all relate to and boost each other.
What have you learned about yourself as a writer during the IWSG?
I usually have enough to write about each month (I do like to talk!), but since I'm a host this month, I will also answer the...
September Question - Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in??
When I go back and read older stuff I've written, I often surprise myself with how much I like it or don't like it. I know that sounds contradictory, but sometimes it's really good and that's a surprise. And many times it's terrible, which helps me know what to work on, and I'm surprised I was that bad! What was I thinking?
I hope you have a chance to visit the rest of the awesome co-hosts for this month's September IWSG. They are Tyrean Martinson, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure! Check them out, they're terrific!
But wait! Time for a
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
The IWSG Anthology Contest is NOW OPEN!
Theme: Tick Tock. The story revolves around a clock, is time sensitive, or has something about a specific time. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines. No erotica, R-rated language, or graphic violence.
Story Deadline: November 1, 2017
And now for some RELEASE PARTY NEWS!
I'm having a little local signing party to celebrate the release of TWO PRINCESSES, Un-Princess Book 2. It will be nice to get out there again! And in conjunction with my live event, I'm hosting a Facebook Party too. That way, anyone can join in the fun! Plus I'm going to try a live video broadcast! As always, there will be raffle prizes and giveaways. I hope you can make it!
BTW, DISPOSAL comes out in November -- I'm looking for reviewers and blog hosts... form in the works. But you can give me a shout if you're interested
Finally, your WRITER'S LIFE SURVEY #10 RESULTS - WHAT THE BLOG?
Author Website, Blog, or Both?
How often do you post?
Which blogging website do you prefer? (for blogging and/or visiting)
Do you think blogging is still a good tool for authors?
How often do you visit other blogs?
The WEP - lists other great websites, with loads of opportunities!
Fairday Morrow - book blog
NEW blog/website C Lee McKenzie
Check out the new #WritersLife Survey 11 - Mid September
I'll be asking about your Characters!
RECAP! (I know that was a lot of info!)
What have you learned about yourself as a writer during the IWSG?
I hope you can come to my Release/Facebook Party!
What do you think of the survey results?
What do you think of the survey results?
Let me know if you have something I can shout for you!
TRIVIA--Can you name the band whose song is in the title of this post...?
Your posts are like mine now - packed with a ton of cool stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe blogging stats don't surprise me a bit.
Good luck with the release party.
And thanks for co-hosting today!
I'm always surprised when I look back over my earlier chapters and actually like what I wrote. Doesn't happen often enough.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG post!
Thanks for co-hosting today! Like you, since becoming part of the IWSG family, I have a bad habit of wanting to do more than I actually have time for.
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly the same, I both love and hate re-reading stuff I've written in the past. It's either really good or really bad!
ReplyDeleteI love the theme for the anthology, never written in that genre before but I might give it a try!
I feel so much like this - "The IWSG is about give and take, sometimes I give advice and positivity, and sometimes I need it (Actually, I always need it!) It's not so much about the process for me as the journey." :)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful book signing!
Mason, Ohio? I've done a book signing there. Different store though.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days I'll join you for that W. Virginia event.
Interesting results for that survey. I have wondered if people still blog with things like Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and FaceBook becoming other venues to communicate. I guess it's either a good thing if you're willing to get out there and try new stuff or intimidating if new things make you nervous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting and enjoy your release party! Sounds cool.
Interesting results on the survey. Good luck with the release party, and of course, I'm willing to help out in November. :) Thanks for co-hosting today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting! I've been there too, looking at my old stuff and going 'oh my God, how did I ever think this was good?' But hey, it makes me feel better about my stuff NOW.
ReplyDeleteFor the post title, is it ABBA?
What have I learned about myself from IWSG? Mainly that I'm inconsistent. But I knew that already. ;) I thought the blogging survey was useful. Kind of sad everyone likes Blogger better--- I gave up my Blogger blog for a Wordpress.com one and now I'm stuck. I miss some of the features of Blogger.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new book release! Thanks for co-hosting today.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new book. It looks adorable - love the un-princess theme.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how you keep up with everything, but you're an inspiration. Have so much fun at your signing event!!
Please count me in as a blog host for your November release. :)
Wow, so much going on?
ReplyDeleteA free regarding old work surprising you. Some stories I wrote one draft and left in a file I often revisit and make much bigger versions of now I know a bit more about how to do that. Other's I want to remove from circulation entirely and have done. *Frownyface!
I'm surprised so many bloggers still use Blogger, but that's all. I hated that platform and would never go back; so clunky on the back end and unpredictable. But each to their own! :)
This is a wowzer of a post today, Tara. You've covered just about everything! I really loved your survey results, and frankly, I was kind of surprised. Blogging is still right up there as something people enjoy and think worthwhile. I was glad to participate.
ReplyDeleteHope your release party is a smashing success. I'm leaving for a couple of months, but hope to jump back in by November.
Great co-hosting today.
These days, it feels more like I don't have a blog because I've been neglecting it so badly. Hope to change that this month, but I'll probably just forget about it again. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always surprised by my old work when I look at it after a long time. Not usually in a good way, though...
Thanks for co-hosting today!
In my #IWSG post I similarly discussed looking at my old writing--I like most of what I read from back then.
ReplyDeleteYou must have had more Blogger bloggers answering your poll to have such overwhelming support for that platform. Seems like there is a near cultish favoritism for WordPress in my observations. I prefer Blogger, but that's the platform where I blog.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Grats on the new release! I've never reflected on myself as a writer during IWSG. I suppose I've learned how to actually get out and interact with other writers!
ReplyDeleteHa! I almost answered your trivia question with Abba... but that was "Knowing Me, Knowing You!" I never heard of "Loving Me Loving You." I even Googled it to make sure, and nope, never heard it.
ReplyDeleteThe results of the survey were really interesting. I have wondered about the decline (or not) in blogging.
ReplyDeleteInception is such a great movie! ^_^
ReplyDeleteWhen I look bad at old stuff, I'm always surprised that I thought that was a good idea. LOL!
I love surveys!!
Congratulations on Two Princesses! I'm penning the date down for the Facebook party! I've never been to one of those. I love your blog banner, by the way. :)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have to admit whenever I go back and read over some of my writing, I am surprised at how deep it is. I still do some editing, but I usually send it back out to my pool of possible magazines or contests that are looking for my type of stories.
Thank you so much for co-hosting this month.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia Everything Must Change
First, thank you for co-hosting this month Tara!!
ReplyDeleteI went back to an old ms and I thought I could resurrect it, but it needed so much work, so I shuffled it away again. As writer's I believe we grow each day with each written work...
Your survey was very interesting.
So many cool things going on - I love seeing the survey results!
ReplyDeleteI am heading on over to facebook soon and I would love to help out with Disposal!
OK, so I had a cup of tea instead, Tara, as I'm not a coffee drinker.
ReplyDeleteBravo to you for being at the inception of IWSG. And congratulations on Two Princesses. I really enjoyed the book! I also enjoyed your podcast interview. All the best with your new release. I'll try to stop in for the release facebk promotion.
I think the song might be Neil Diamond, "Sweet Caroline"? Am I right?
Thanks for co-hosting this month. And congrats on your upcoming release. I'd love to have you on my blog (this offer goes to all IWSG'ers). Email me at: dmburton72@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to reread our early works. Lots of surprises, too.
Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release party! That sounds like a lot of fun. And the survey results are very interesting. I've heard so many people talk about how blogging isn't worth it anymore and I almost agreed with them. But I enjoy it and I've missed it so I'm going to keep doing it for myself if no one else!
Cheers,
Jen
Aw, sorry I missed the latest survey. Congratulations on your new release! Connecting with other writers is by far the best thing I gain from IWSG. Encouragement, empowerment also come to mind. Through IWSG I've discovered that it's quite alright to dearly love to write ;-)
ReplyDeleteI can't even look at my first book. It sadly lacks the Oxford comma which drives me crazy. Congrats on the new release! That's always a good feeling. Thank you for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteI've had the same reaction to my parked projects. Some manuscripts invoke a "oh, I loved that idea! I should work on that one again." However, I have about 30,000 words of a historical cozy mystery that is just dreadful, and I really should burn it. Congrats on your new release and thanks for co-hosting today!
ReplyDeleteInteresting statistics. It's always revealing how others are doing in the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your book signing.
Love your stats and graphs you share. Congrats on the new release.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Congrats on the new release. Hope your party is fun! @mirymom1 from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
You have some crazy, exciting release and party goals. Oh my. I would love to do those things, but I doubt anyone would come to one of my parties. I tried to do a signing last year with friends and family, and none of my friends came. Only family. lol
ReplyDeleteI really love these surveys that have to do with blogging. Very insightful. I was happy to see that so many said that blogging was still useful for an author. I think so, too. And thank you so much for the shout out!
IWSG has taught me what a great community the online writing world is. I'll have a spot on my blog for you in November. I usually post every Monday.
ReplyDeleteI'm always available to help, sign me up!
ReplyDeleteI don't blog as much as i used to do, but I still enjoy it and as long as I like it, I'll do it.
Thanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteSince I've joined IWSG I've learned how to be more open with others. I've also learned how to acknowledge the highs of blogging and writing, not just the lows.
Your survey result are pretty much what I would have thought.
Good luck with your release party. I'll be at an event that day in my local area and hope both our events go well.
Great survey! Thanks for sharing the results. I'm surprised by how many people still blog, visit blogs, and use blogger! I've died out, and a lot of the bloggers who began blogging when I did also, so I felt like it had wound down more than it actually did. I continue to set a goal to do it more, and visit more... but, I continue to fail. :) I'll keep trying! Congrats on your release! The titles of your books make them sound very fun.
ReplyDeleteHi, Tara! Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month! I really appreciate how members relate to each other and boost each other, too! Good luck with your book "Two Princesses." I recently went back, after decades, and read my oldest writing that I still have. I was really surprised to see how much of my current "writing me" I could see in those early pages. Happy writing this month!
ReplyDeleteThe reason we put our projects on a shelf for a time is to gain distance for objectivity. Sometimes we see the writing as awesome, sometimes as needing more work. I love it when I find a gem in an abandoned project; and equally like it when I can just delete something move along.
ReplyDeleteAlways a surprise to me what works (eventually) and what doesn't.
Thanks for co-hosting, Tara!! When I look back at early writing, I don't love or hate the writing itself, I'm often horrified by the lack of editing from early publishers. The things they let get through! Head hopping, passive voice, arrrrrgh! Rereleasing old titles has shown me just how much I HAVE grown from those baby steps long ago.
ReplyDeleteThe blogging stats are what I'd suspect them to be. Yep, trying new things is the way to be. haha sometimes I look back too and think what crap to some of my stuff.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and thanks for co-hosting! I love the survey results, I'm glad to know that people still find blogging enjoyable and useful!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new book and thanks for all the help you give out! :) I would love to help you by hosting you in November, just let me know!
When it comes to IWSG, I like to make sure to post positive encouragement some months. It's just nice to be able to look on the bright side and hopefully help someone else.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, co-hosting and the recap. I was having a hard time keeping my reactions straight in my head as they popped up while reading. :-) Your surprise effect when rereading your older work sounds very familiar. Especially when I reread something and think "Wow, that actually sounds good!" I am very surprised wondering why my older stories are better written than the recent material with that extra practice.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your releases and upcoming events. Very exciting.
I am surprised at Blogger being the most popular blogging platform (maybe the participating audience mostly uses Blogger and has no experience with WordPress?) in the survey. I used to have a Blogger blog when I was sailing for eight years and while it worked for me then, there were a lot of nuisances I had to deal with. For my current blog (two years old), I switched to WordPress and am much happier.
My observation is that a lot of writers use Blogger, while most of the other bloggers I follow (travel blogs, house sitting blogs, ...) use WordPress.
I've learned that I often come back to the same insecurities. I'd love to host you for the book release! Will try to keep an eye out for the form, but just inc case...
ReplyDeleteHi Tara - congratulations on the new release - sure hope that goes off so well - a book signing is always encouraging. Loved reading the survey results ... and yes keep writing that's the way to improve - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI'm also surprised when I visit my earlier stuff, I'm sometimes surprised and at other times I dislike what I've written.
ReplyDeleteThat survey yielded interesting results!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the release party! I'll tweet for you! And I'll be at the party too...just need to check when you're hosting it because of time differences.
Thanks for co-hosting the bloghop this month!
Ooh, your release party sounds like a lot of fun. Best of luck with it! And I can't wait to see the questions you'll be asking for the next survey. The theme alone intrigues me. (Yay characters!)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release! If I was closer I would be there. I will attend your Facebook Party:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Writing!
Congrats on your upcoming book and FB Party Tara. IWSG does share lessons with us. Great survey. Take care.
ReplyDeleteAlthough that was a lot of information, none of it was was wasted words or filler for content sake. I enjoy a long blog post when there is much to be gleaned from taking the time to read it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all the wonderful activity you have going on with your various projects. :-)
Thanks for the shout out! I was surprised that the posting times were so evenly split.
ReplyDelete