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.
Monthly Question: Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?
I’ve never said I’d quit writing once I started and really understood what I was doing and how much it was a part of me. I have thought about saying “I quit” to blogging from time to time, but that’s usually due to me feeling like I never have enough time. Even if I decided at some point not to pursue publication anymore, I don’t think I would ever stop writing.
****
Now for some personal and professional updates. 1) I’m taking a one month break from this blog to regroup my focus and put some work into another project. I need to get my head together so my posts will go back to being regular and consistent.
2) I recently shared a few blessings on social media that I’d like to share here now. Over the Memorial Day weekend, here in the US, I did not run any kind of a book promotion, but I still managed to get a spike in my Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel sales. A few days after I realized this nice blessing, I got a fan email from a woman who bought my romcom, It’s Like the Full Moon, at a local Con and loved it. It made my week.
3) New adventures abound for me. I’m working to develop a new blog community, but it’s not what I think other people think it is. I don’t want this blog to be competition for other book blogs and I don’t want to do this all by myself. My hope is to create a collaboration that helps bring indie books mainstream.
As blog admin for the Reading Indie blog, I want to:
-create a list of other book and author blogs to help readers find the kinds of books they are interested in.
-promote books even if they aren’t free or discounted and show readers that authors are people too.
-give authors an outlet to build up their SEO with guest posts, interviews, and creative link backs.
-create a gift box prize that intrigues readers into wanting to know more or experience more that indie has to offer.
4) My adventures don’t stop there. I’m attempting to plan two blog events for the Reading Indie blog:
-one for Indie Pride Day (July 1st I believe). Would you like to be featured in a book promo video?
-one for International Authors Day (July 14th). Would you like to do a blog swap promo?
****
So, ever thought about saying, “I quit” to writing?
Thinking about taking a blogging break anytime soon?
Wish me luck for my Reading Indie adventures? :/
****
After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
JH Moncrieff,
Madeline Mora-Summonte,
Jen Chandler,
Megan Morgan, and
Heather Gardner!
****
Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #64).
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
21 replies on “#IWSG June 2017: New Adventures, Counting Blessings, Blog Break, & Can’t Quit”
Toi,
Every time I read your blog posts for IWSG, I learn something new. I didn’t know there is a International Authors Day. I live overseas and sometimes have the lonely blues. It is nice to know that such a day exists.
All the best with your new plans. They sound great even though they are connected with lots of work. But anything good is connected with hard work in my opinion. 🙂
Also congratulations on the blessing of receiving a fan mail post from a reader. Those kind of things will make any writer’s day a great day.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Everything Must Change
Thank you. I’m actually looking forward to this challenge, but I’d be a fool not to admit this will be difficult. Still, I think it’s worth pursuing.
Just so you know, I got the date wrong. International Authors Day is July 14th.
Fan mail is the best.
I’ve started taking a week off from blogging each month and I’m enjoying it.
Mentioned the new site today! What does the blog swap entail?
The idea is that two similar genre authors would promote each other and link back to the other’s blog. I’d host a list of all blogs participating and offer a giveaway. Visiting readers would have the option of visting the swap blog only or checking out the whole hop.
Writing is something I would never quit, but I’ve thought about not blogging more than once. I’ve cut back to twice a month hoping that will get me through this bad patch. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
I hear ya. I think I’m going to stick with my once a week blogging goal for now, but this time off should help me plan that out better than I have.
If it works, go with it.
Congrats on all your new adventures, Toi! You are truly a force to be reckoned with.
Blogging takes so much time, but in my experience, it’s been totally worth it. And what amazing people we meet through it!
Good luck with all your new projects. If you need my help, let me know. xo
Thanks for the encouragement. Do you link you’d like to try one of the promotions I’m currently working on?
Could be! What’s a blog swap promo entail? Feel free to message me!
Awesome and exciting stuff! I would love to help promote, except I’m going on hiatus shortly for…er, health reasons. When I’m ready to jump back in like crazy, I’ll totally pop in and see what I can do.
Glad to hear you’re interested. I totally understand needing to take time off for health reasons or any other. Fingers crossed, Reading Indie and all my other projects will be live and active when you’re ready.
You sound busy. Congratulations on all your success and adventure. Fan mail that is so cool.
‘ Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
I know right; I love fan mail. Thanks for the well wishes.
Congrats on the sales and the awesome fan mail! Hope you enjoy your break.
Wow, you’re taking on a lot. Best wishes for all that work you’ve planned.
Good luck with your break! Sometimes we all need to take a breather and refocus. And yeh for fan mail! 🙂
I’m not a writer per say but I do blog and I have never thought about giving that up because I enjoy it and the creative process. Many congrats on your book sales and the raving review!
Enjoy your break and good luck with all of your upcoming ventures.
I think about a break from blogging from time to time. I think I’d miss it, though. It keeps me honest.
Looks like you have a crazy blogging schedule ahead. Enjoy your break!