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.
Optional Monthly Question: What started you on your writing journey?
Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series?
Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent?
Did you just “know” suddenly you wanted to write?
There were three distinct moments over a 20-year period that started me on my writing journey. First, it started with Peter Pan. I loved that story as a kid and read as many versions of it that I could get from the library. I wanted to be a lost boy and would write out adventures for me to go on. I also wrote other stories in my youth, but those stick with me the most and have inspired many of my stories.
Second, there was the teacher, the co-worker who revealed one day that she had written a children’s book about her journey to living in the U.S. and learning English. I had learned a lot from her and was inspired by her to write something, I just didn’t know what.
Lastly, there came “the dream” about the gray man. I feel like I’ve blogged so much about the inspiration behind my first book that there’s no reason to rehash it now. But after I started and then published that first story, I just couldn’t stop. Because of that dream, I started, writing, and blogging, and vlogging, and connecting with the writing community.
Sure, there were many other things along the way that also helped put me on this path, but those three things were pivotal in getting me where I am now.
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The December IWSG member spotlight was Donna K. Weaver. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi.
IWSG Book Club News
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.
I’m about halfway through it. The first chapter was rough, not the writing, just reading about his youth. It got better after that, but it’s very refreshing, at this point, to read about where he started compared to where he is now. I’m looking forward to finishing and discussing it.
WEP-IWSG
The 2020 challenges are on the way. 
The WEP challenge for December was very touching. Here is my entry.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
I’m laying low for this post but here are a few nuggets.
I did two different 2019 wrap-ups on; one on this blog and one on my Lit Carnivale blog. Later, I did a video wrap up with some goals for this year. I think I covered all the basis.
I brought back Counting My Blessings, but instead of posting to this blog, I’ve turned it into a vlog series. You can check it out here, with the updated image.
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So, where did your writing journey start?
Did you meet your 2019 goals?
Set any goals for 2020?
It may take some time, but I promise, will stop by your blog.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
T. Powell Coltrin,
Victoria Marie Lees,
Stephen Tremp, and
J.H. Moncrieff!
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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 #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
26 replies on “#IWSG January 2020: How did this all start?”
Thank you for sharing your inspiration Toi. Happy IWSG day 🙂
Thanks for stoppig by. Looks like I’m late in making the rounds again.
I’m sure that teacher’s story was fascinating.
Now you are indeed your own Peter Pan!
I think in many way, mine is the story of fanfiction inspiring original ideas, and I’m okay with that.
Peter Pan is a great story.
Dreams always inspire my stories.
It was interesting to read about what Stephen King’s life was like before he published Carrie.
Yes it was. Even learning about his childhood helps explains so much about style of storytelling.
I always love hearing about other authors’ inspiration. One of my biggest sources when I was younger was Robin Hood. I read/watched every version I could get my hands on. 🙂
I love On Writing. It’s my favorite Stephen King book, actually.
It’ll actually be the King book I’ve read from beginning to end. Perhaps I’ll go back try some of the others I’ve put down in the past.
You have since connected very well! Keep me posted on any events in your area. I would love time to hang out with you. (Rather than be frazzled by so much to do! LOL)
Thank you. I hope to start making the circuts in February. January has turned into December recovery month.
I don’t know the grey man but I’m still glad you’re in the writing biz. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
This blog has been around for quite a while and was even a spin-off from another blog that has since ended. My first 3-4 year of blogging were all about the grey man. Perhaps one day, I’ll revive his story re-present him to the world.
I wanted to be a lost boy too!! It’s great you had all those inspirations to write.
I consider myself very blessed.
Happy New Year, Toi! I’ll have to learn more about this infamous grey man. Sounds spooky.
I didn’t write nearly as much as I should have last year, but hopefully I can make up for that in 2020.
I don’t think we as writers ever write as much as we want, but if I write more than I did the year before, I consider that a win.
I love Stephen King, and I think On Writing is my favorite of all his work. Great post. Happy IWSG!
Just about finished with it now and have enjoyed the experience.
Peter Pan is perfect for the writing life as we should always view the would with child-like eyes. I wanted to be a lot boy too. I’m a little late making the rounds. Happy IWSG!
You’re not as late as me. I just can’t seem to get it together, but I’m gonna keep trying.
Love your origins–teachers are so important. I had several who encouraged me along the way, and I owe them credit (or blame) at least in part for my continuing author journey. I’m very sorry my 2nd grade teacher didn’t live to see me publishing novels!
I had one college professor who’s probably proud of what I’ve accomplished, while another is likely shocked that I’m writing at all.
Hmm, I don’t remember what provoked my love for writing–it’s always been pumping through my blood, story telling. I started out by illustrating my stories when I was very young, then I wrote short cheesy stories when I was 11, and started my first full novel at 17 which I finished 8 years later. It’s my source of entertainment, you know? 🙂
So sorry I missed this comment. Thanks for stopping by. I too find writing to be a form of entetainment.
You had some great inspirations. Thanks for sharing. I haven’t read Stephen King’s book on memoirs, but I have read his On Writing, which I loved. Great book.
So sorry I missed this comment. Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, his “On Writing” is part memior. That’s the one we read for the Janurary discuss. I agree, it’s a great book.