Author: Toi Thomas

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.

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Optional Monthly Question: It’s holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?

My answer to this question is, it depends. I think it changes from year to year. This year I’m playing catch up but that has mostly to do with the fact that I took a month off from blogging, social media, and socializing (outside of family), and even reduced my reading and writing. After a few recent traumas, I needed some time to process.

As far as goals go, I’m using this time to get a head start on my goals for next year. My first order of business was to get rid of the newsletter I’ve been struggling with for years. I’m done. I know every author should have a newsletter, but to what end? It hasn’t benefited me personally or been a creative outlet for me. I still wholeheartedly believe that authors should have a way of reaching their followers and fans, which is why I’ve decided to focus all my effort, moving forward, into maintaining this blog, my Youtube channel, and my Patreon community.

I’m even encouraging people to follow me on Patreon for FREE and receive my monthly updates- Oh, wait, that kind of sounds like a newsletter… That’s because it’s a free email subscription just like a newsletter would be. So that’s where I am. I won’t be heartbroken if people refuse to follow me on Patreon but I’m also not going to keep struggling to make something work just because everyone says I should.

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IWSG BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS

#iwsgbookclub

Member Spotlight

Little Ragdoll: A Bildungsroman |Amazon | Bookshop.org

Craft Book

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers… | Amazon  | Bookshop.org 

In November 2022, I only managed to start and finish one book and I’m okay with that. 

2022 Reading Challenge Toi has read 2 books toward her goal of 60 books. hide 2 of 60 (3%) view books

Below you’ll find my star ratings and review tags for each title I completed in the indicated month. You can also click the Goodreads links to see the thorough reviews. Below the book image(s), you’ll also be able to watch a video of my monthly reviews, if that’s more your style.

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Review Amazon Bookshop

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I didn’t do a separate Goodreads Challenge video this month. Click below to watch my November book review video, if that’s more your speed.

Now, on to the personal updates.

I took a month off and feel much better for it. My Thanksgiving was not as restful as I would have liked, so I’m hoping a Christmas will be more laid back.

I got some really cool new glasses and would love for you to watch my unboxing video.

I’ve been feeling disconnected from the writing community for a while now. I attend events when I can and that helps, but I wish I had the time to do more. I’m blessed to live in an area that has a very active writing and bookish community, but I’m usually working during the times events are being held. I’ve been thinking of trying to host a Zoom social (with or without appearing on camera) for writers to simply connect, no pressure to produce anything but maybe have some fun with writing prompts, or just talk about our insecurities. I’d love to know if any of you’d be interested in something like that. (Wonder if the IWSG will ever have a video group?)

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Are you catching up this season or taking it easy?
Did you read any good books in November?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog. My response time has gotten slower but I’m still making my rounds.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Joylene Nowell Butler,
Chemist Ken,
Natalie Aguirre,
Nancy Gideon, and
Cathrina Constantine!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #30).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter