Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Oops! I forgot to post this morning and then my site experienced some technical difficulties.
You know how it is this time of the year. 😉
Optional Monthly Question: Let’s play a game. Imagine. Role-play. How would you describe your future writer self, your life and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve?
*
I’m not really sure what living the dream looks like for me because I have so many ambitions. I guess if I was to imagine that everything I ever wanted to do happened just as I wanted it to, it might look a little something like this…
As a writer, I wouldn’t necessarily be award-winning, but I’d have regular consistent sales of my four major series (only two exist right now) and would be traveling, at least, around the U.S. speaking about them. As a book lover and entrepreneur, I’d be running a successful book fair in Hampton Roads, featuring mainstream and indie authors from all over. My claim to fame would be as an advocate of reading.
Between my writing, speaking engagements, and my book fair, I wouldn’t have a day job anymore. My husband would be my manager and my sister would be my stylist… Oh, and I’d be surrounded by all my rescue pups, however many that may be.
A girl can dream, right?
****
The November IWSG member spotlight was Ronel Janse Van Vuuren. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi.
IWSG Book Club News
Join the IWSG Book Club on Good Reads for polls, freebies, book chats, and fun.
The December 2019/January 2020 book will be On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. Discussion Fun Day will be January 22, 2020.
WEP-IWSG
Footprints in the sand…Footprints in the snow…and they don’t have to be human – alien, monster, unknown creatures…all up for grabs. Footprints are metaphors for so many situations – we walk in someone else’s footprints, we leave footprints in the sands of time, we minimize carbon footprints, or at least try to.
The next WEP challenge is coming quickly; not sure I’ll be ready in time.
****
Now, on to the personal updates.
I’ve submitted to three anthologies. I was accepted to one, but it doesn’t offer a royalty. I honestly just wanted the practice of submitting and really liked their specifications. I’m still waiting to hear from the other two. I’ve submitted to anthologies before and have about a 50/50 track record on acceptance, which I personally consider a win.
I recently set up a vendor table, two weekends in a row, to sell my books and meet and greet people, while hoping to spread the word about my idea to host a book fair. I guess I’ll be focusing on fundraising for the next few months. I’ve designed some original t-shirt designs and set up an online store. We’ll see what happens. You can check it out here if you’d like. My husband and I are wearing two of the designs in the image below. I plan to add more designs later.
I’m happy to say that I’ve been busy writing some of everything: short stories, children’s books (trying to illustrate but it’s really hard), and even a screenplay. I’m very excited to take some time off from my day job to celebrate the holidays. Looking forward to time with family, sleep, and more writing.
****
Ever consider where you could be in five years? What does your writer dream look like?
Submitted any work lately?
Looking forward to or enjoying the holiday season?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will stop by your blog.
****
After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tonja Drecker,
Beverly Stowe McClure,
Nicki Elson, and
Tyrean Martinson!
****
Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #42).
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
24 replies on “#IWSG December 2019: What Does the Dream Look Like?”
Rescue pups! Love that you envision being surrounded by them 🙂 Super cute t-shirts!
I had dogs as a kid and went a long time without them as an adult. Won’t be doing that again.
Nothing wrong with rescue pups! Cool about the t-shirts.
Thanks. Can’t wait to see what I come up with next.
Your dream or your desires for the future sound great. Keep moving in that direction. I like that you are submitting to anthologies. I have started submitting again too. I also checked out your tee shirts. I love the one with I, hug,,, books. Knowing how high exports charges usually are, it would cost a lot to ship one of those to Germany.
Wishing you all the best in your endeavours.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thank you. I’m glad you like the designs. Hope I can come up with some more good ones.
Where did you set up your table? If you get a book fair going, please let me know. I’d love to come.
Of course I will let you know when I get my fair up and going.
I set up one table at a holiday craft fair and the one in the picture is at a dog-friendly brewery. I was shocked how well I did there.
Your future self is braver than I’ll ever be. Let’s hope the dream comes true. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
It’s probably more foolish ambishion than bravery, but it’s who, I am I guess.
Sounds like you’re doing a lot! I love the t-shirts!
Thank you. I find that I either do a lot or nothing at all. Glad you like the shirts.
Hey Toi thinking about where I’ll be in 5 years messes with my mindfulness. I’m not looking any further than 2020 when I hope to be multi-published. My husband is into data, so he’s going to be my marketing manager. That side of writing leaves me cold.
You sound very busy. I hope your dreams come true. Why not?
And I do hope you make it for WEP. I expect it’ll be quieter, but you never know. And a 3-chapter critique is the prize!
“Why not” is pretty much where I am most of the time. We’ll see what happens.
Love the photo. You guys look great. Congrats on the table. Happy IWSG!
Thanks, Juneta. It was a lot of fun.
Thank you Toi for your news and your dream. Happy Birthday too .
I love your ambitions. Congratulations on your book fair contributions. That’s what seems the most important to me: writing, sharing, meeting new people and bringing communities together. Hoorah !
Merry Christmas writing. See you on Footprints.
Thanks for stopping by. See you on Footprints.
Your dream sounds lovely – especially the part about being surrounded by your rescue pups 🙂
Thanks for stopping by. Sorry I’m unable to visit your blog. It’s blocked from my computer. 🙁
I can see much of your dream becoming reality, Toi, given your current success rate. Keep dreaming and writing.
Thank you, Roland. Your encouragement means a lot.
Well done on your anthology hits – 50/50 is a really good strike write – your talent will take you to your dream!
Love your slogan “a girl can dream.” You bet! Dream big!!! I’ve been doing several craft/vendor shows where I get to talk to readers. So much fun. Even better when they buy my books. LOL Enjoy the holidays.