IWSG: a place where writers and friends share woes or hugs.
Welcome to mine!
September's question of the monty - What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?
A shout out to the wonderful cohosts for the month: Kim Lajevardi, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguirre, Olga Godim, Michelle Wallace, and Louise - Fundy Blue!
I will address how writers need writers instead of answering the prompt. First, writing is a lonely place to be with our scribbling, imagining, and creating. Social interactions might become awkward to some of us as we prefer to scuttle back into our caves where our keyboard is safely tucked away.
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| photo by me--parts cannibalized from pixabay images. Muahaha! |
But sometimes we feel brave enough to stir from our holes for a breath of fresh air or some warm sunshine and, yes, we meet other writers. We need others who share the same interests, who understand how it feels to have voices take over our thoughts, the voices that jump to life and seize the reins of a scene, and even the voices that refuse to be silenced when it's supposed to be The End.
Who else can we turn to but those who experience such things?
I come from a place where writers are busting at the seams; where they can be found under books and hiding in the mortar of the libraries as well as at book stores (who knew, right?).
Well, moving to where I'm at, it was a shock to see what an antithesis it has been. There are no writers anywhere. Impossible! Where did they all go?
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| photo by Luismi Sánchez@unsplash |
Inspired and feeling brave--finally!--after years of hiding under a rock, I found the courage to start a writing group. It isn't just any group, but an Insecure Writers Support In-Person Writing Group!
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| the coolest flyer you'll ever see |
I started out with one the second week, then another, and another, and another--the first one as loyal as ever to the cause of writing. The numbers have stabilized to seven, but it is a good number. Everyone is at a different stage of writing but we all love it and take it very seriously.
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| photo by Donald Giannatti@unsplash |
I like to follow the Knights of the Round Table concept where we follow a schedule but, since we are all adults, we are free to touch on what we need to do the most. It's not stiff and formal but relaxed and comfortable. I hope I'm doing okay with it because I'm insecure. Perfect, right? Haha!
I'm also reaching out to writers on other platforms to share their love for writing here on my website. We will do spotlights, interviews, guest posts--whatever feeds the muse.
I started my career this way, reaching out to others and lifting them high because everyone deserves the chance to shine. We are all in this together and books are like delicious bonbons--it's our responsibility to keep the readers well-stocked with our beloved craft. Right?
Can you name a time when someone reached out to you and lifted you upon their shoulders for a better view (literally or figuratively)? How do you feel about connecting with other writers? Would you be interested in participating in a spotlight, an interview, or possibly as a guest?
10 comments:
I wish I can be the one to do the reaching out. I just have too much anxiety. But I used to participate in an online virtual group which was nice. I do feel so alone sometimes.
LOve this post. Especially the photos. Love that you started a writer group. When I moved to Mexico, 10 years ago, I only connected with one writer (?) that first year. The following year we started a writer group which grew to about 15 or so members. Most have since moved away and the group disbanded. Thank God for the Internet where I can still connect with writers. Do you live in Texas?
That's awesome you started an IWSG writing group. I've been part of a critique group for over eight years, and my critique partners have really helped me improve my writing. So agree that it's important to get out of our writing caves and connect with other writers and others.
What a wonderful idea!
I have never been in a writing group. My daughter has been in a couple, but none ever worked out for her. Too many opinions, good and bad, and some writer's were very opinionated, she said, and not in a good way. Hearing this, I've stayed away from writing groups.
Good Luck!!
Glad you now have a group!
My dad would always lift me on his shoulders so that I get a better view :) and my mom does it now, and my spiritual master always anchors me.
E. Arroyo, I know what you mean about anxiety! Eee! I got tired of feeling like the only writer out here so I took matters into my own hands. I'd love if you'd be my guest whenever it's convenient for you! Just let me know. <3
Karen, that's wonderful! Wow! It's interesting to see where time takes us. Yes, I'm out in Texas! :D
Natalie, hooray for critique groups! Yes, I love connecting with other writers! I really enjoy your helpful website. Yay!
Cathrina, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's experience. I've been in a few but they've disbanded or I moved out of state! I hope she finds something that works for her if she's still looking!
Alex, thank you! It's been great.
Rachna, I love that. You're so insightful!
It is great you've started a writers' group. They could be a huge help, especially to the beginner writers. I was a part of a writers' group once, and I learned a lot about writing from the other members. I'm not in that group anymore, but I still remember it fondly.
Lovely images. Beautiful post. Glad you found your group :)
Olga, thank you for sharing your experience with us! I hope that this group is helpful--they have expressed their appreciation for it.
Damyanti, hi! It's been a long time! Thank you. :)
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