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: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? (For example, by trying a new genre you didn’t think you’d be comfortable in?)
Never would I have thought in a million years that I would write anything resembling romantic comedy, yet, I have. And, I’m attempting to do it again in a sequel, but I’m pretty sure I’m in over my head. Give me fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal stuff to read all day long and I’m a happy camper, but when it comes to romance and or comedy, things are little more complex. I honestly don’t like most of the romance I read, but I keep trying it. I do find that romance with comedy is what I’m likely to enjoy more. When it comes to writing comedy, I don’t actually try to be funny; I just stick to what I know best- sarcasm.
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Now on to the personal updates.
I had a health scare recently, on top of my usual health issues, and became consumed with worry over it. I’m fine now, but I lost about three weeks of productivity. My house was in shambles, I got no writing done, and I was barely able to hold myself together my first week back to work. Since then, I’ve cleaned house, recorded a few videos (see my thoughts on book reviews below), finished reading some books, and plan to start writing (working on my current wips) after scheduling this post.
I’ll admit that I’ve been struggling with insecurity over whether or not I’m able to finish series I’ve started. I have so many notes outlining the continuation of stories I’ve already published, but I’m having the darndest time putting the continuations down on paper or screen. I think the main problem with this issue is that I also have new stories that need to be written. And then, I have all these side stories, works of fan fiction or, what I call ‘venting fiction’ (where I write a story to vent about an issue I’m having) that keep popping up. Needless to say, all of these stories are starting to keep me up at night…Oh…And…Of course, I feel like everything I’ve written to date needs to be rewritten so they can simply be better than they are (I may be able to come up with great stories, but I’m not always the most skilled writer).
My book, Chip and Skip Need Each Other, is nominated for an award and could use your vote. Please check my side panel <– if you are up for it. I’m still just so honored that someone actually nominated me. 😀
I got a great review (the first) for my book, Plants and Animals Change Over Time. Check it out here.
Next month, for my birthday on October 21st, I’m having a Kindle sale and a giveaway. For the occasion, I’m attempting to put together a Blitz and would love it if you signed up.
If the Blitz isn’t your thing but you’d wouldn’t mind to help spread the word, please consider supporting my Thunderclap campaign. Jump over to my side panel <– to support in the manner that suits you best.
If you have a moment, I’d love for you to visit my CURIOUS QUESTIONS page and offer your two cents on the question being asked. Thanks bunches.
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So, have you surprised yourself with your writing?
Insecure about finishing a series or two?
Received any awards or great reviews lately?
Think Thunderclap campaigns are worth the bother?
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tyrean Martinson,
Tara Tyler,
Raimey Gallant, and
Beverly Stowe McClure!
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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 #60).
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
23 replies on “#IWSG September 2017: How I surprised myself with #writing, my insecurities, & my kudos.”
I am so sorry about your continued health issues. They can get in the way of what we want and need to do. I’ll keep sending you positive healing thoughts. Hopefully soon you’ll be back to full steam and can finish all of your up and coming projects. 🙂
Thank you so much. I’m actually doing quite well. That last issue forced a series of tests and actions that should help me maintain a healther state.
That’s fantastic Toi! I wish you the best 🙂
So glad you’ve been able to get back to writing and I hope you’re able to do so uninterrupted for a long while!
Thank you. I’m working on my fall writing schedule now. Things look promising.
Health issues sure can be a pain and the scares make it even worse. Always good to catch up though and see what next will flow.
Hopefully no more scares after this. I’m looking forward to better health and more writing.
Sorry you were so sick.
For comedy, always go with snark.
I can help with the blitz.
Thank you so much for helping with the blitz. I’ll be sure to contact you with something that suits your blog standards.
I bet the comedy will be more than fine. They can be fun to write and read. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
I find that when I write comedy, it’s not fun until it’s finised. Then it’s fun and funny. 😉
Hi Toi,
I have to admit that I am not good at jumping over and reading side panels. However, I can help with the blitz.
As for your writing a romantic comedy, I say go for it. Let me know when it is finished. I love romance and romantic suspense and would love to do a book review on it.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia Everything Must Change
Actually, I have published one romantic comedy, It’s Like the Full Moon under the pen name Glorie Townson, but I’m tryingt to write the sequel now. Thank you so much for your willingness to help with the blitz. It means a lot.
Good luck with your romantic comedy. Sarcasm is my favorite too. I’ve never attempted humor in my writing. My stories are always dark. Either too depressing, or full of horror and gore.
I’m sorry about your health scare. At the beginning of this year, I was in the hospital for three nights. I found out I’m anemic and have a rare disease where I can’t absorb food properly. This made me start looking at my life differently–in a good way.
I feel ya on not having time to work on multiple projects. I wish there was more hours in a day. Have you tried a writing schedule? Something that’s planned way in advance or using an accountability partner. On Facebook, I joined the 10 Minute Novelists group. I commit to at least 15 minutes a day of writing. It’s worked so far.
Keep smiling,
Yawatta
Thank you so much.
Sorry to hear about your condition, but glad to hear it’s been a positve motivator to look at your lifestyle. I’m definitely doing that as well.
As far as my writing, I am actually working on a writing schedule. I usually apply a different writing schedule for each season. I find that between balancing my day job, blogging, and writing, the hours of day light also seem to affect my ability to write. I’ll take a look at the 10 Minute Novelists group.
Oddly enough, I only started trying to write romance as a challenge to myself. Most of the other stuff I write, aside from my children’s books, are quite dark at some level.
i love rom-com!
glad you’re back to healthy
and great video! and congrats on the award nomination!
Thanks for checking out the video and stopping by. I didn’t always love rom-com, but it’s becoming my 3rd favorite thing to read.
Congrats on IWSG #60. Joined your Blitz and Happy Birthday in October. Yes I do surprise myself at times. Happy Writing. Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
Thanks so much for helping out with the blitz. It means a lot.
I’m glad you’re okay. I know what it’s like to get distracted by health scares – I had a few of them this last year. Just take your time and finish projects as you can.
Way to go with your rom-com writing!
Thanks. I’ve got a plan and hope to be back on track shortly.
Hi Toi, it’s always good to meet another IWSG member! Well done on branching into romantic comedy writing. I’d imagine it would be so hard to write.
Wishing you good health! 🙂
Thank for stopping by. Nice to meet you. For me, it is hard to write rom com, but I like the challenge.