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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#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.
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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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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
12 replies on “#IWSG Dec. 2022- #HappyHolidays & What I #read in Nov.”
When I was first published I tried a newsletter. It was a disaster. I bored myself to death. I couldn’t risk doing that to readers. I did attend northern writing retreats for years, and that definitely helped. I met Eden Robinson at one of them. I wouldn’t have had I not gone. Newsletters? I doubt I’ll ever make another attempt. I would join a video group. It would be awesome to meet face-to-face. Merry Christmas, Toi. Best to you.
Thanks for stopping by Joylene. I wish I had realized sooner that newsletters were not for me. I think I’ll send out a poll on the Zoom meet-up to see if others are interested. I think finding a good time will be the hardest part.
I don’t have a personal newsletter anymore either. I think your YouTube channel probably is much more effective.
Thanks for that. I definitely feel more connected on YouTube than I ever did with my newsletter.
I’ve been evaluating my social media lately, too. Figuring out where I want to be, what’s my purpose there, and leaving platforms that aren’t for me. I personally love my newsletter, but every author is different. We should all do what works for us personally. 🙂 Good luck with Patreon! I will be setting something up there…for stories. You’re the second person to know this. (And anyone who happens to read this comment. lol) I’m also using December to get ready for 2023, and I’m enjoying it.
Happy Holidays!!!
I love your newsletter. It’s one of the few I read regularly, even if I don’t always comment or reply. I can’t wait to see what you bring to Patreon.
I restarted a newsletter about a year ago. It’s not my usual thing, but it’s been going okay – not great, but okay.
I watched your video and 40/60 books definitely counts.:)
Happy reading and writing!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks Tyrean. For some reason, this has been a tough reading year for me, but I’ve enjoyed most of what I’ve read. I really like that I’ve been seeing what other IWSG members have written.
I struggle with knowing what to do to reach readers. I send out a newsletter when I have something to say–basically, for sales events and new releases. I have no idea if it reaches anyone. Honestly, which I’m still committed to writing, I’ve nearly given up on promotion and therefore on income. sad, but true.
It’s nice to make a small income with my writing but most of that comes from live events I do in my local area. Everyone is different, but for me, I really am just trying to make a connection with other readers and or writers. I don’t know anyone IRL who reads or writes except my niece, and I had to wait 18 years for her to grow up. LOL!
Do a Zoom! That will help you connect.
I’ve never had a newsletter. Little too late now…
You had it right. I guess it was something I always felt pressured to do, but no more. I think I will try out the Zoom meet-up.