The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?
The originator of this service to insecure writers sitting at their keyboards throughout the glove is Alex Cavanaugh http://Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh September’s co-hosts: J Lenni Dorner https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/, Sonia Dogra https://soniadogra.com/, Pat Garcia http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/, Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/, and Meka James https://authormekajames.wordpress.com/
So long ago and far away, I’m unsure about the beginnings of my participation in this community of bloggers, though I believe one of the Acorn Publishing team, Jessica Therien, suggested the connection. I’d written for a while but still regarded myself as a hobbyist. I felt challenged among a profession populated by people with MFAs and other credentials. I couldn’t see beyond the daunting horizon, though Acorn had accepted my MS. My knees knocked under my desk and my fingers craved tapping out deathless prose. Was I destined to forever be insecure?
I spent beaucoup bucks to attend in-person and online writing classes. I seated myself under the nose of every writer who spoke at a small literary event or signing at an indie bookstore. I filled several notebooks inscribed with writerly advice. I joined a series of writers’ groups, seeking feedback among peers.I purchased recommended ‘how to” books, such as Stephen King’s book, On Writing. I actively sought to feel embedded and not a face-planting novice.
I remained insecure.
Instantly this blog hop group was a fit. This community accepted me into the fold and soon I noticed the common thread: we are all insecure!
I’m comfortable in this group. There’s a once/month commitment to prepare a blog post and I like this. While it’s not a deadline, it’s a commitment to write. How else to hone one’s skills and try to move beyond insecure?
And we’re glad you joined because we are indeed insecure. Awesome of Jessica to suggest it.
Thanks Ninja Captain Man – you literally rock!
I think writers will always be insecure no matter how much success we achieve. There’s always a new piece of of writing that comes along and demands perfection!
Glad you found a good fit with the IWSG!
There could never be a more comfortable groove. THere seems to be only support and never an ounce of judgment.
A commitment to write – and the incalculable value of connection,all over the world.
Newby member still – after three false starts – posts written, not posted, still insecurem starnegly enough, that’s OK now.
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I find face to face local groups scary , can guarantee I’ll freeze – unable to say a word.
Don’t be abashed about not contributing aloud in groups. The role of listener is valued and valuable –
I agree with Sarah that most writers are insecure no matter where we are in the publishing process. So glad you found the IWSG.
Yes, I bless the day that I found the community of perpetually insecure writers.