IWSG - QUESTIONS?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

As Alex say's, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

And the crew is revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, they'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Today's Question:

What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

My answer:

When they compared my writing to that of Stephen King, an author I've always respected. Although, it was also the reason given by a few readers for why they would not finish my book, Memories of Murder. 
Still, I'll take it as a compliment!

The co-hosts are ME, Tyrean Martinson, Madeline Mora-Summonte , LK Hill, Rachna Chhabria, and JA Scott!

The IWSG is also gearing up to announce the next anthology topic
and you get a vote on what that topic will be.
Just go HERE!

Today I have a question regarding reviews: 

When someone posts a review on their blog should you respond with a comment - a thank you? I've always tried to hit the 'like' button on Goodreads, and thank a blogger that I know with an email message, but will leaving a comment 'thank you' mean that the Amazon police will see it and delete the review? 

How do you respond to a great review from someone you know 

vs. someone you don't. 

Is there a certain etiquette to be followed?

IWSG - NORMAL

The Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts are Murees Dupe, Alexia Chamberlynn, Chemist Ken, and Heather Gardner!

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

What is normal in the writing world? What is normal in the blogging world? 

     I've no idea what 'normal' is, and while writing is what I truly enjoy doing. Family and other goals also require my time.  I enjoyed my recent break. I loved getting my hands dirty in the garden. Although, I could have lived without the poison ivy - my fault - I knew the moment I pulled it out by the roots, what I was handling, yes, without gloves. A small breakout - no big deal. LOL
          My family especially loved the new recipes, and I loved experimenting, but they're an easy bunch to please. My house is almost reorganized and things are ready for sale at weekly flea markets. Time to get rid of all the collections.
          I did get some writing done, and added a few new projects to the list. To that end I've decided to change things up. I'm going to be making changes, all the way around. Work, writing habits, writing goals, blogging, my online presence, my family and work presence, as well as marketing. Besides, it's vacation time - priorities have to change, at least for awhile.
          For the rest next few months my blog will host authors and their latest releases. I hope you'll stop by and say hello, but more importantly I hope you'll consider buying and writing a review. It's through shared support that we all succeed. 
          Thank you, every one who's helped to make my dreams come true. Alex, thank you, for this group and everyone who participates - you get it - you understand, thank you!

Here's my favorite quote about 'normal' – do you have one?

What are your 'summer' 
or 'future' plans, 
writing or otherwise?

If you'd like to be a guest on my blog

send an email to - yolandarenee@hotmail.com

IWSG - COMPLETION

The Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts are Stephen Tremp, Fundy Blue, MJ Fifield, Loni Townsend, Bish Denham, Susan Gourley, 

and Stephanie Faris!

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

As far as insecurities go. I've at least a dozen this month, but no time to dwell on them. I'm pushing them aside to get back to the mundane stuff for awhile, but before I go I'll do my A to Z Wrap-Up!

COMPLETION

I did it, and from what I understand so did you! We finished the A to Z Challenge, and while I fell behind a few times, I managed to catch up. The oddest thing that happened was when I realized, right after my Z letter posted, that I hadn't added the official letters to my Murderous Imaginings Blog. No big deal right. It was 2 AM, but I quickly replaced the A to Z logo with the proper letter. I bet none of you even noticed.

I know the A to Z reflection posts are being scheduled for the 9th through the 13th, but I may not show up for that. It depends on too many variables and I did want to say Thank You, for a great A to Z Challenge. To the organizers, hosts, minions, participants and especially the commenters! Well done! Don't forget to pick up your survivor badge!

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new bloggers and loved all the different themes. I really, and I mean categorically appreciated the shorter blogs. Those blogs made my day! However, to be honest, some of those longer ones, where I was hooked on the continuing story, well; those were wonderful too, because damn it, I just had to know what happened next. LOL

These are just a few of the blogs that impressed me the most:

Guilie & Dog Rescue

Kathleen Valentine & Meet My Imaginary Friends

Light Traveler Kate & her Paris Journey

Megan Morgan & The Worst Romance

Melanie Schulz & Flash Fiction UBook

Patricia Garcia & The Prophet & the Child

Rosa Temple & It's Just Coffee

Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles & The Case of the Cursed House

Vidya Sury & Mindful Living 

Zeljka & Traveling thru Eastern Europe

Anyway, it's over, and I'm going to take a break. I really, really need to take a break. Therefore, for the rest of this month, I will be doing anything but blogging. I will be writing, daydreaming, and repairing family connections that I've been ignoring.

I wish you all a great month, but I think a few of you will be joining me. Rest, write, and soak up that great spring sunshine (it's supposed to rain all week, oh well). I'll see you all again in June!

The winners of the drawing for a copy of all three books in my Murder Trilogy are:

Defending the Pen – Sophie Duncan

Murderous Imaginings – Melissa Sugar

Everyone, have a great month!

IWSG - GRAMMAR

My A to Z post for 'E' is HERE!

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

THE AWESOME CO-HOSTS ARE

Megan Morgan, Chris Votey, Viola Fury, Christine Rains, Madeline Mora-Summonte, L.G. Keltner, Rachna Chhabria, & Patricia Lynne!

Picture Copyright

INSECURITIES, INSECURITIES,  GRAMMAR

By this time, everyone knows of my Achilles Heel, grammar. If you've read any of my blogs, you also know the plethora of mistakes I can make in one simple post. This grammar affliction has haunted me since high school and several times it's almost derailed my dream of being a published author. I've paid thousands, literally, for editing services. By doing so, I've relied on others to make my work perfect. Despite all the dough, I've failed.

But even now as a published author, the same horror haunts me. I still pay for editing services. I've never sent a book to a publisher without an edit. Yet things have not changed. I'm nowhere near perfection.

This latest book is no exception. Another proof was just sent to me for my approval on Murder & Obsession. Yet when I sent it back – there were still mistakes that the proofreader had missed and I somehow picked up.

So dear readers, what is the solution?

HAPPY A to Z - ing!

Click HERE for the 'E' post!

IWSG - FLU TRUMPS ALL

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Created and hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh

His minions for this hop are

Lauren Hennessy, Lisa Buie-Collard, Lidy, 

Christine Rains, & Mary Aalgaard! 

My insecurity?

Oh gosh, so many, too many to count.
But I'm down with the flu.
Nothing else is really registering.
Thank goodness this isn't catch-able via the blogosphere.
Stay healthy!

*****

To help inspire you:

“Life is like photography. You need the negatives to develop.” – Unknown

“We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives.. Some lessons are painful, some are painless.. but, all are priceless.” – Unknown

“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. it means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” – Unknown

IWSG - RESOLUTIONS

IWSG - January 2016

Hello all, I hope your holidays were fabulous and that the New Year brings you the fulfillment of all your dreams and desires. But today is the day for insecurities, and while they seem to come and go in regular cycles, it's now time for new beginnings.

C. Hope Clark said in her most recent newsletter that her New Year's Resolution is "to write more this year."

She then followed that up with, " . . . maybe it's time we quit thinking of crazy ways to sell 99 cent books and instead slow down and write great stuff!"

Now that is a worthy goal, to write great stuff – and I wanted to make that my ultimate goal too. But I do have another book coming out this year, which tempers that resolution because selling that book is also a goal.

The necessary evil – marketing – that dreadful task that depletes writing time. A book signing that requires swag, table fees, transportation, and time – with the result being maybe 8 to 10 books sold. Is all that time and expense worth it?

Daily online socializing – how much is too much?

How about you – is your plan to sell more or write great stuff? Is it possible to do both, or are the two diametrically opposed?

Be sure to visit Alex's Blog today, the winners of the IWSG Anthology Contest will be announced.

Congratulations to all!

Especially the title winner

L. G. Keltner!

I'm thrilled to be included in 
such an amazing group!

____

Don't forget to give a special thank you to all the IWSG co-hosts:

L.G. Keltner  

 Denise Covey  

Sheri Larsen  

 J.Q. Rose  

Chemist Ken  

Michelle Wallace 

*****
Looking for a few writing challenges? 
Here's two to consider.

Find out more HERE!


&

Find out more HERE!

IWSG - DANCING IN THE RAIN

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month.

Please follow the proper protocol and keep your spiel brief 

as we have 254 speakers.

For a $.25 cent donation,

 coffee / tea and cookies 

are on the credenza.

Today, we have gingerbread cookies.

And please remember to welcome our awesome co-hosts
and thank our intrepid leader
Alex J. Cavanaugh!

 Sandra Hoover, Mark Koopmans, Doreen McGettigan,Megan Morgan, & Melodie Campbell!

Hello, my name is Yolanda Renée  

and I today I'm not feeling particularly insecure.

I know, miracle, right!

Therefore, I thought I would leave you with this

 thought:

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

It's about learning to Dance in the Rain.

- Vivian Greene

MAY THE BLESSINGS OF THE UNIVERSE ENVELOP

YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

AND ALL THROUGH THE NEW YEAR!

IWSG - PERFECTIONISM

The Purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

As Alex says, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts are TB Markinson, Tamara Narayan, Shannon Lawrence, Stephanie Faris, and Eva E. Solar!

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

PERFECTIONISM

I've been dealing with issues of perfection, and how far from perfect, I seem to fall. It's something I, and many of you (be honest) strive for, and often to our own detriment. 

What I've decided is that perfection is a great goal to have, but one I'll never actually achieve. 

BUT the journey toward it means learning, doing, listening, learning, accepting, and above all learning and trying again and again, because just the effort means I'm doing my best. And doing my best may not always work out the way I intended, but each step forward is a step closer to my dream.

At least that's what I'm telling myself this week. Hey no one is perfect! :)

For your pleasure a few quotes on 

perfectionism

.

Which one is your favorite?

Do you suffer from perfectionitis?

“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.”

Winston Churchill

“The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.”

Eugene Delacroix

“People throw away what they could have by insisting on perfection, which they cannot have, and looking for it where they will never find it”

Edith Schaeffer

A Halloween Treat

Author Interviews and a Flash Fiction Challenge

This is a group of amazing writers. 

And it started with

Thom Futrell & Empty Graves

&

Christine Rains & Of Blood & Sorrow

Each author is hosting a giveaway

and the postings continue all month.

All you have to do is comment.

*****
TODAY all my books are free via 
Kindle Unlimited
including
my latest
and just in time for Halloween!

When Zombies Attack
Tales of Horror & Romance!

After all romance and horror are just so combatible, I mean compatible!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Sign ups for the

WEP-Halloween Challenge

Youthful Frights vs. Adult Fears

is now open!

Get your scare on!

IWSG - JOY vs MARKETING

It's time to rock the neurotic writing world!

With the

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

The awesome co-hosts for the September 2 posting of the IWSG are Julie Flanders, Murees Dupé, Dolorah at Book Lover,Christine Rains, and Heather Gardner!

I was cooking dinner yesterday and realized how much I enjoyed cooking and the joy I felt doing the task. I'm no gourmet, believe me, but at least my family eats what I feed them. I was curious about why the feeling caught my attention. Was feeling joy, odd? No, the odd thing was that I noticed it. Stranger still is that it made me question what it was that had stolen my happiness in the first place. I reviewed the prior week.

Was writing stealing my joy?

Couldn't be, last night I wrote 3000 words from a dream that will go into my next book and writing it was quite satisfying, especially as book 4 is coming together, and that feels great.

It's not the writing that steals my joy; it's all the other things that go along with it. I'm beginning to think that writing in a vacuum would be more joyful than trying to jump through the hoops that are required to find an audience and convince them to buy your book.

Marketing steals my joy!

There's Facebook and their desire to have their cake and eat it too. I mean who wouldn't want to turn billions into trillions. On FB regular posts no longer reach but a few people, you want more folks to see them, pay for a boost. Everywhere there are fees for this and fees for that. Not to mention the fact that folks are fed up with seeing 'buy my book' on any social networking site. Because of spam, no one wants to share an email address, so good luck finding an audience for your newsletter. I think it's time to go back to the highway advertising road sign, just say'n.

I find myself wondering if real joy means turning off the computer, deleting all social networking sites, and going back to the things in life that bring true happiness? You know, painting the porch, cleaning the garage, and putting that closet organizer together, yes, these are all tasks I've been putting off.

What steals your joy?

*****

Today WEP-Write…Edit…Publish is announcing the winners of the Spectacular Settings Challenge. 

That exercise did bring me joy, and if you've taken the time to read all the great entries, you'll agree. 

Please stop by the WEP Headquarters and give your congratulations to the winners.

1^st place – Elephants Child

2^nd place – L. G. Keltner

3^rd place – Samantha Redstreake Geary