 |
| Scroll down to the bottom for the linky list! |
Welcome to the first Wednesday of the month, and therefore my IWSG
offering.
I had this post all written last week, and then I received Alex's
email reminding us that the IWSG has reached it's 2nd anniversary, and it's
still going strong. I think I've managed to post every single month, too, which
is an achievement for me.
Two years ago, my blog was small and had very little traffic; I
had a couple of novellas that I'd given up trying to publish; and it had been
almost a year since my last short story was published via a competition. Was I
feeling insecure? You bet I was. But then I started reading about everyone
else's insecurities, and realised that everyone feels the same, no matter what stage
of the process they're at. Everyone thinks their current draft is rubbish,
everyone thinks their last novel will be their last because this one's just not
going right. And everyone can step up and tell other's that they felt like that
last month, and it will pass, and we're all in this together.
Writing is such a lonely business, if you're not careful. I
started writing before the internet was born, and I can tell you I was very
lonely - none of my friends wrote, only a few of them loved books as much as
me, and none of them had to be persuaded to open the next present on Christmas
Day because they were too engrossed in their last (book) present..
Today, it's hard to feel insecure - I've published two Kindle
books, gained some fantastic friends from all around the world, taken risks and
shared parts of my life with people who really know what I'm feeling. The
encouragement I've been given, and seeing the success of others, really helped
me to take my goals to the next level.
Of course, Alex (the guy who doesn't even need a link) deserves a
huge standing ovation for having this brilliant idea in the first place, for
continually promoting fellow authors, for always visiting our blogs, and for
apparently never working, eating or sleeping to be able to manage all this
blogging time. I'm so glad to be part of this group, and for meeting you all.
Have you been part of the group from the start? Have you just
joined? Has it helped you as much as it's helped me?
I have been a part of this group from the start. It's been a terrific experience and influence. I'm so glad it's done so well, and that so many writers have benefited from it.
ReplyDeleteIt's been so interesting watching everyone developing!
DeleteYay for Alex! Two years is a long time to keep a bloghop running!
ReplyDeleteAnd yay for you! You have done rather a lot in the year I've known you, and I can't wait to see what's next!
It's true, I've had a pretty busy year (actually, more like 18 months now). Although coming from the woman who's published three books, I feel like I need to step up a gear :-)
DeleteHere, here, high five to all the insecure group members!
ReplyDeleteIt's been great to find your blog, Suzanne. One day we'll have to meet up - we're only a maximum 2 hours from each other!
DeleteCongrats on the two Kindle books Annalisa! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith :-)
DeleteSo great how you've gained confidence and progressed as a writer over the last few years. You should feel proud!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim, I am proud, and very grateful :-)
DeleteGaining friends along the way is what life is all about. And getting your books out there for publication too. Best wishes on your continued success!
ReplyDeleteExactly - success means nothing if you have no one to celebrate with!
DeleteYes, I've been here since the beginning too:) I can't believe it's been two years already!
ReplyDeleteIt's gone so fast, hasn't it??
DeleteI started writing back before the Internet, too, and you are right about how lonely it was. Now? There's always a person or a blog post about books or a writing website only a click away. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly. If you're tearing your hair out over a scene, you can send out a Facebook plea and get so much advice straight back. Love it!
DeleteYou're so correct. Writing is lonely work, but the internet makes it feel like we have this huge network where support and camaraderie is just a click away!
ReplyDeleteIt helps me so much because instead of stewing on a problem for days, I only have to do it for a couple of hours and then someone saves me with a great suggestion.
DeleteI can't imagine writing without the internet. I'm sure I would've visited A LOT of cafes and tried to make buddies at bookstores.
ReplyDeleteI think that's called 'stalking', Isis lol!! Although, at least pre-internet there was a reason to leave the house :-)
DeleteI was not with it from the start, but I'm so glad I found it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad too :-)
DeleteHi Nina, here from Alex's blog. Yes, I've been a member from the start. It's a great group. I certainly echo your sentiments about it as well. Said many of the same things in my post, just in a different way. Looking forward to getting to know you through your posts. Great blog, I'm now a follower.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea :-)
DeleteI finally joined this wonderful group of writers for the first time. I've been reading posts for almost a year and finally feel the need to jump in. Writing is a lonely business and help is always appreciated!
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful group to be part of. Well done for making the leap from lurking!
DeleteI started writing long before there were such connections on the internet and it is very lonely. This group is so supportive and helpful, and yes, I've posted every month since the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I decided to create a blog in the first place - I remember the should I/shouldn't I dilemma. Without it, I hate to think how my writing would have stagnated. Just seeing how other people work has pushed me to do more and consider self-publishing, which I'd never have done without seeing the success of my blogging friends.
DeleteI've missed a few months...but this group has helped me tremendously, too. I wrote about that today, though now I'm insecure because you were much more eloquent about it than me...sheesh, that's pathetic... ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt is a great group, and we're all in this together, which is wonderful.
Tina @ Life is Good
Lol, your post was great. You're too hard on yourself!
DeleteWhat a great post. This is a wonderful group and I'm happy I found it. It's nice to know we aren't alone and I have met so many wonderful people too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cherie :-) I think writers have the best online community.
DeleteI had to post about my current meltdown because I KNEW without a doubt this awesome group would cheer me up and make me feel like I can do this writing thing. And that's exactly what happened. Thanks for your kind comment, Annalisa. Happy birthday IWSG!
ReplyDeleteSo glad the comments helped you. That proves how great this group is.
DeleteI admit that I didn't start on the day. I said to myself "I'm too busy for this blog hop too!" But then things kept falling apart. I finally broke down and joined the following january. It was definitely a low point for me. On the other hand, I've been going strong ever since, and I LOVE IWSG!
ReplyDeleteI've pared down the number of hops I join in with, but IWSG is non-negotiable. All that talent, advice and experience should be tapped! It's great the group has helped you so much!
DeleteI joined the IWSG a few months back and I'm so glad I did! It's always nice to realise that you're not the only insecure writer out there. I think we're all incredibly grateful to Alex for setting it up :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it would be hard to find a completely secure writer - I have my moments, but it never really lasts :-)
DeleteGreat to hear how this group has helped you with publishing! I'm impressed you haven't missed any months either.
ReplyDeleteHere's to more books published and insecurites vanquished!
Thanks Jennifer! Vanquished would be good, but subdued is probably as far as it goes at the moment :-)
DeleteBrilliant post. We definitely all have days of inconsolable insecurities. They is, inconsolable until we connect with like minded folk who lift our spirits and show us love and support. Today's three best of those days, and I thank Alex too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy. We're lucky to have a brilliant support network close at hand.
DeleteYou know what's really lame? I've been watching this group since it's conception and commenting all through the process, but I've never actually joined. I know! L-A-M-E. BUT, in my defense, it's not quite with my meme structure. Still, I've gotten to know so many amazing writer through it, and though I probably never will be an official member, I feel like I wear a "honorary" member badge every first Wednesday of the month.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with hanging around the edges. I bet you still dip in and give great advice. And it's the best way to find new blogs to follow!
DeleteYou've had an amazing journey the past two years. I feel so fortunate to be part of this group, great post for the anniversary. :)
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa, so glad it has helped you on your journey! I know it's helped and blessed me in ways I can't begin to count.
ReplyDeleteYou are a genius to have had this idea!
DeleteI DEFINITELY know what you mean about this being a lonely business. I cannot IMAGINE where I'd be with my writing if I'd never decided to create a blog three and a half years ago. This whole world of connected writers would still be hidden from me! And it really is an amazing world :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd probably have more time to write, if I didn't have my blog ;-)
Deletewith this multi-textured community of writers, you are never alone. What a bunch of great people.
ReplyDeleteAbout Alex: AGREED
We are all great, aren't we?
DeleteFabulous post! I was writing before the internet too. I was the family black sheep and the outcast amongst my peers. With this community, I feel welcomed and appreciated. IWSG is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing quite like the look of confusion on your friends' faces when you tell them you're too busy to go out!
DeleteIt can be a lonely profession because we work so much away from people crafting our adventures. Many in our immediate circle, who don't write, either look at us like we're aliens or like we are exotic creature, lol! Having writing friend around sure helps.
ReplyDeleteI've been a quasi contributor to IWSG--mainly b/c i usually have guests on Wednesdays and sometimes forget to leave the first Wednesday free for a IWSG post. I think any group like this is helpful because it reminds you that everyone has their moments of insecurity and so many in the group offer some great ideas to help a person overcome some feelings of inadequacy.
Enjoyed your post!
Sia McKye Over Coffee
I'm definitely the alien rather than an exotic creature! I find it so helpful to have such great advice on tap, whatever the time of day.
DeleteI know - doesn't it seem like Alex never sleeps, eats, or drinks? He's Super-duper-man! I loved your post. That's exactly what I feel like -- and you and the other members of IWSG have helped me so much. Thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad I've met you Lexa. Love live the IWSG!
DeleteThanks Karen :-)
ReplyDeleteWow - when I scrolled down that list I thought I'd strayed to the A-Z Challenge! How do people find the time to do all this? I'm having difficulty keeping up my own blog while I tackle a rewrite, let alone joining another group!
ReplyDeleteI know, it's a huge list isn't it? I tend not to find the time, which is why I'm still making my return visits and replies two days later :-)
DeleteI didn't get an email about it being the anniversary - so it's not in my post - sorry, Alex! I probably fail repeatedly to link properly to the group but I'm glad to see I'm still on the list (no 43!). I think I've been in the group since fairly near the beginning. I love the company too!
ReplyDeleteIt's possible I dreamt the email, Linda :-) I'm right next to you on the list, so that's probably the way I met you - and I'm so glad I did. You've been a brilliant friend!
DeleteThis sounds like such a great experience!
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
It really is, Gina!
DeleteI am not a part of this group, but I've enjoyed your posts as they've occurred. Glad I met you thru A to Z blogging and I've rooted for your progress. You can be proud and very NOT insecure at this point in your writing. Keep enjoying the group and growing as a writer.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Joanne. I'm glad I met you too :-)
DeleteI too lack friends who are deep into reading and writing like I am. Starting my blog got me to meet the many supporters I have today and IWSG was nothing but helpful. Congrats on your journey.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to be part of a group that really understands you, isn't it?
DeleteI really enjoyed your thoughts on writing and connecting and how you have managed to do it!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first post with the IWSG and I am so grateful to come across such a resource!
You've joined one of the most supportive groups in the whole of bloggyland! These random names on your screen will soon become good friends :-)
DeleteDon't we just love this group! I'm so pleased to be a part of it. I don't think I've ever missed posting either. Love that you no longer feel insecure. I think writing can still be lonely -- but online buddies certainly help as they know where we're coming from.
ReplyDeleteWell, not insecure this month... but it's so changeable - just one bad review can send you into a spiral of self-doubt, can't it? But at least I'll have lots of people to hear my woes when that happens :-)
DeleteI started about a year or so ago, but dropped off for a couple of months, then came back. I really do enjoy getting to connect with other writers regularly. I, like you, don't have friends that are writers in my real life, so this is a great addition to my world. Great IWSG post!
ReplyDeleteKim Lajevardi
(This Writer's Growing)
The mad ramblings of a writer only really make sense to other writers. Those 'normal' people just look at me as though I'm utterly mad! Glad you came back!
DeleteBeautifully said, Annalisa!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael :-)
DeleteHuge congrats to Alex for creating such an awesome group:) Well done on your achievements, Annalisa.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tania:-)
DeleteBrilliant post, Annalisa; beautifully said. I'm glad the online writing community has helped you get over your insecurities, and strive further with your goals!
ReplyDeleteThanks Clare!
DeleteAnnalisa, you are an inspiration for all of us too.Alex certainly has left his legacy in the writing blogging world!
ReplyDeleteAw Julie, that's so lovely of you to say that :-) I'm blushing behind my keyboard now. Alex is truly amazing!
DeleteI'm only writing for about 3 years now, but believe me, if it wasn't for the wonderful online writing community and the IWSG, I would NEVER have come this far!
ReplyDeleteYou are a great writer Annalisa.
All in all, I've missed three IWSG posts.
Writer In Transit
Thanks Michelle :-) I have no idea where I'd be right now if I hadn't created a blog and met so many great people. Congratulations on your progress over the last 3 years!
DeleteThe group has certainly introduced me to some fine folks like you, Annalisa. Coming up on my first year with them. You are also an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteM.L. Swift, Writer
Aw, thank you! I'm glad I met you. Your blog always makes me giggle.
DeleteHi Annalisa .. it is a great group to be in .. and 333+ of you too. Congratulations on all your achievements - there'll be more ahead ... and everyone is so supportive and encouraging .. you'll keep on writing .. it's in your blood ... cheers and enjoy a blustery weekend .. Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilary, and you're right about writing being in my blood. I have no idea what I'd do without it.
DeleteI've been with IWSG for about a year and definitely find it an encouragement. It's great to be surrounded by such good friends when you're embarking on a solitary activity.
ReplyDelete