Welcome readers and writers to this month's session of the Insecure Writers Support Group--one of the last threads of blogging that keeps writers connected. The other social medias are not as personal as the blogging we once shared. When I started blogging about 15 years ago (holy cow!) I was so thankful to find other writers through blog hops and challenges, especially the April A to Z and then the IWSG.
I like to think blogging faded away because we all started writing more, and the thing we had to give up was blogging. I'm very thankful for the writer friends I've made and the IWSG keeping us posting at least once a month! And I try to keep in touch as much as I can. We understand each other...
- For most of us, writing isn't what pays the bills; we have real jobs to support our writing habit
- We have to find spare moments to write
- Sometimes, we go for days or weeks or more without writing a single word
- A song, strangers, mishaps, dreams, and more can all be sources that spark a new story or scene
- Our characters speak to us--usually at inappropriate moments =D
- Editing sucks the life out of finishing a manuscript
- We are our own worst critics and struggle putting ourselves "out there"
- Queries & Submissions are so strenuous to write, yet so easy for agents/publishers to ignore or negate
- We are perseverant because we have to be strong for our stories
- We crave reviews and critiques, while at the same time dread them--it's hard to share our work (it's a piece of our souls)
- A kind word or comment from a single reader can inspire us to keep writing
- Talking with other writers keeps us sane
Our writing journeys all started in different places for different reasons, but we are compelled to share our stories. It takes special people to suffer through the ups and downs of writing. Keep at it!
Lastly, I hope to get at least one more Tuesday Writers Chat session in before the holidays, but October is going to be insanely busy with my hub traveling all over creation for work. Then the end of the month will be bittersweet as my oldest son moves away, on to his next big adventure. I might consider NaNo this November to fill the void. But life usually fills the void for me, so we'll see!
I hope you wear your writer's costume this October and find time to work on your stories!
All so relatable
ReplyDeleteAll so true. I think other forms of social media have taken away from blogging, but we can still stay connected at least one day a month.
ReplyDeleteHi Tara - you said it right: 'we understand each other' ... and I'd rather be here - much more content ... take care - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI like your list. I'm also sad that blogging is becoming less off a thing, though I don't have any plans to stop. I do seem to be doing a lot more photo posts from my travels, and less about writing, though.
ReplyDeleteWe probably all have experience of stories that just won't behave as we intended them to!
I love that writer's costume! :) Life has been a bit roller coastery lately for me, but every time I see your invitation to chat, my heart feels warmed. one of these days I'll make it again. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I like most about the blogging community is that comments (for blog hops) are all positive and/or helpful. My blog site also gives me a platform to express myself, even when no one else is there to listen, and encourages me to continue writing - mostly short stories these days for anthologies.
ReplyDeleteI love reading the IWSG blogs because so any of us just keep working at it. We don't give up and that keeps me going.
ReplyDeleteMany truths in there, Tara. I'm grateful to IWSG to keep me blogging at least once a month, and the group also motivates me to squeeze more writing into moments when I have a chance.
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ReplyDeleteYup, a lot of that list I 100% relate to. I hope we can do one more chat. I've missed chatting with you guys lately.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I agree with all of those. I've missed blogging so much and finally decided to make time for it again.This community is so great!
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