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#IWSG September 2018: What’s your publishing path? #amwriting #amreading

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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.

Hi there everyone. Guess what. I’m co-hosting today. Yay! Or Wish me luck, whichever you prefer. Be sure to stop by and say hi to my fellow co-hosts today: T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler!

Optional Monthly Question: What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

I tried traditional publishing but just couldn’t deal with the negotiating aspect of the process. I do, however, believe that if I’d had a better publisher the process would not have felt so restrictive. Many of my traditionally published friends have great relationships with their publishers. I’m a self-publisher at heart, but that doesn’t mean I’m against traditional publishing or won’t ever try it. In fact, I plan on submitting to the IWSG contest. Even if I don’t make the cut, I’ll be proud of myself for making the effort to actually submit my work.

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Last month, I started the habit of mentioning the member spotlight from the IWSG newsletter, so imagine my surprise when it turned out to be me this time around. Thank you IWSG. I’m so honored and grateful to be part of this community.

Be sure to stop by the IWSG blog today because we are announcing the judges for the IWSG Anthology Contest. I, for one, am very excited about this, especially since I think I might actually enter this one. In fact, I’m seeking at least two more beta-readers for the story I’ve been working on. It’s a YA historical-fantasy romance based on the Golden or White Stag mythology. If you’d like to beta read this short story, please visit my contact page and tell me why? (I’m asking for feedback by September 15th.)

Another honor that blew me away last month was that I won the Encouragement Award for the first WEP-IWSG Challenge. The winner and runner-up stories were amazing, and all the other stories offered good-quality entertainment. The next Write…Edit…Publish Challenge will be in October; theme- Déjà vu or Voodoo! I’m so ready for this. Check out my August story by clicking the image below.

Over at A Small Gang of Authors, I’ve taken on the role of co-manager. We issued our first-ever group magazine, which I think turned out great. Kudos to Erika M. Szabo for putting that together… Today, I’m finishing my blog series on words and their meanings in the English language. Oh, and we’re hosting our first-ever micro flash-fiction contest. Click the image below to learn more.

Takes you to Facebook.com

The IWSG Book Club book for August/September is: The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr. I guess I need to head to the library for this one. Haven’t picked it up yet, but I’m eager to. Memoirs have really begun to fascinate me lately.

I’ve put together a reader’s scavenger hunt, from September 7-9, and would love it if you’d give it a try. This is a real scavenger hunt. I’m using Rafflecopter to record the results, but this is not an online like and follow campaign. Its 50+ fun and bookish tasks for book lovers to complete and share online, such as taking selfies in front of their favorite bookstore or reading an excerpt from their current read, etc… The prize is a $50 gift card of choice plus $50 worth of bookish swag. Open to U.S. and Canada.

The whole point of this scavenger hunt is to make readers aware of my Lit Carnivale dream and have fun. That’s it.

Even though I can’t win, I’ll be posting my own task entries into the challenge, simply because I think it’ll be fun. Will you join me?

Follow the FB event to receive a reminder.

Now, on to the personal updates.

Well now, that was quite a bit, so I’ll keep this short.

Most teachers in the U.S. have headed back to school by now, and I’m not with them. This is the first year, in ten years, I won’t be working in a school. I think I’ll be okay, though. With my new job, I still get to work with the kids I love.

I have been writing up a storm. I just finished a piece I’m reluctant to release because it’s controversial and may make some people mad. Not sure what to do. I’m really proud of it, but not ready to face all the cyber-bullies.

I’m struggling a bit with my illustration, but I’m still doing it, so that’s something.

I just barely made it back to YouTube with this VIDEO, but it’s not quite BookTube worthy. The Carnie Loves Books Challenge should fix that this weekend.

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What’s your publishing path?

Are you entering the IWSG Anthology Contest?

Wanna beta-read my story?

Wanna try my scavenger hunt?

Any advice on publishing controversial topics?

The writing life comes with highs and lows. I’m blessed to be having a bunch of highs right now. I want to encourage you to stick with it and wait for your highs to come. They are on the way.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s other co-hosts:
T. Powell Coltrin,
M.J. Fifield, and
Tara Tyler R !

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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 #54).

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

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By Toi Thomas

Author and illustrator of children's books, as well as clean adult fiction and nonfiction. Toi is a geek-girl blogger, vlogger, reviewer, and advocate for a healthy reading lifestyle. She finds comfort in faith, family, and creative expression. Toi believes in the dream of world harmony and hopes all your dreams come true.

127 replies on “#IWSG September 2018: What’s your publishing path? #amwriting #amreading”

I’m new to IWSG and I’ve learnt a lot just from reading this post. Thank you for all the great information. And now look at what you’ve done – you’ve inspired me to try a contest or challenge!

Thanks for stopping by. I’m so glad I inspired you. Some of the writing challenges I try turn into so much more, but sometimes, they just keep me motivated.

By Post Author

What a lovely post. I would love to take part in your scavenger hunt but it’s only for people in the US and Canada. As for the controversial piece – put it on your blog and be mentally prepared for the backlash. Thanks for hosting the IWSG this month.

Thank so much for stoppy by. I am thinking about ways to share my controversial piece to test the waters, but it ultimately comes down to do I or don’t I.

By Post Author

Your scavenger hunt sounds fantastic! And good luck with the controversial piece – could you run it past a couple of people first? Thanks for hosting 🙂

Congratulations on the award! I understand your reluctance with trad publishing. If the connection between you and the publisher isn’t good, I can imagine it would take a lot of the fun out of writing. Do whatever makes you feel best.

Thanks for co-hosting this month’s IWSG!

I am not really sure. I’ve always wanted to go the traditional way. However, I took a self-publishing course from the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers this summer and I am seriously thinking about publishing one of my manuscripts myself.

Thank you so much for co-hosting.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Thanks for stopping by Pat. With so many options out there, why not try them all at least once. Plus, going one way doesn’t stop you from pursuing other paths as well.

By Post Author

Wow, you have a lot of great stuff here! I’ll check out the micro-flash challenge; I might almost be up to 300 words these days :p. And the scavenger hunt might be fun! I won’t be entering anything in the IWSG contest this year, I think. Just too far out of the genres I usually write in, though if I get an idea…

Congratulations on your awards and recognition—you deserve it, and thanks for hosting!

My goodness you are one busy gal, I’m impressed. I wish you continued success and the scavenger sounds like loads of fun. Thank you for co-hosting this month. Wonderful way to meet writers & make new friends.
Lynn La Vita

My thought on writing controversial topics? After you’ve decided your stance is something you really believe in, and you’re willing to take the crap for? Make good friends with the block button. People are entitled to their opinions, but not on your website/thread/page. And if they cross the line into abuse, report them early and often.

Hi, Toi! Good connecting, and happy IWSG Wednesday. We didn’t have a writing prompt for this month. I hope you don’t mind me borrowing yours, ha! This is a great post! I’m a hybrid author. I started out self publishing, and now I’ve gone traditional. It takes awhile to find the right platform.

I’m considering the contest. I write noir mystery pop-culture, and horror, yet I’m still thinking of entering. It’s out of my comfort zone. I believe as artists we need to embrace discomfort or stagnate. IDK. Thank you for co-hosting!

Thanks for stopping by. I agree with you. Most of the writing contests I enter are all about be stretching myself as a writer. YA isn’t really my thing, but I’m going to give it a go.

By Post Author

Congrats on all the great things! I had a few not-so-good experiences with publishers, and I’m much happier publishing myself. It’s a lot of work, but well worth it. Thanks for co-hosting today. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by. While I admit that it’s not for everyone, I love self-publishing. I’m willing to be traditionally published also, but being able to publish something myself is so rewarding. It’s an experience I can’t give up.

By Post Author

You’ve got a lot going on, Tori! Congrats on everything! As to publishing, I like that we have the power to choose different paths today. It’s definitely a different world! Thanks for being an awesome co-host!

Thanks for stopping by, Sandra.
He he, you called me Tori. 😀 It’s been a while since that happened. This is only funny because that’s my sister’s name. It’s a common issue. People usually need a double take before they realize I go by Toi (toy). 😉 Thanks for a flashback to my past. I needed that, and thanks for the well wishes.

By Post Author

Thanks for stopping by. I started keep track of my spot on the list when I realised it was rising. It’s sad that people have left the hop (usually just temporarily) for me to move up, but it’s fun to se how far up I’ll get.
I’d love for you to beta-read for me. I’ll be in touch.

By Post Author

Congratulations on the WEP win! Your story was awesome! And I’ve no doubt that you’ll do well with the IWSG Anthology!
So much going on and getting ready to happen, busy, busy, busy! Good luck with all your goals!

Thanks, Yolanda. I appreciate that. I’m working hard to increase my skill, but mostly I’m trying to have fun with my writing. I lost that for a while and WEP helped me get back to that.

By Post Author

I would think trad publishing might present more obstacles on the road to publication. The indie route offers more creative freedom perhaps and say-so as far as how an author wants their book to be in the end. But the experience of the publishing houses would be a big help–or could be or should be.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Yes, Arlee. That creative freedom is a big thing. When I briefly had a publisher, we never saw I to eye on anything. I felt like I was constantly trying to justify myself to people who seemed to have not read the book they were publishing. Still, I’ve heard others have worked well with their publishers, so I’m not entirely opposed to it.

By Post Author

I like the way you put your choice of Indie over Trad. I realize that I am like you in that respect. Even when I’ve had agents interested, I’ve been too cranky and opinionated to listen well. Maybe I should have. Maybe everything worked out as it should.

Thanks for stopping by. I agree that being able to listen and learn from others is important, but if that somehow compromises the vision I have for my work… That’s when I know self-publishing is best.

By Post Author

Sop much epicness! You know, I’m all for taking the jump. If we don’t try, we never know what could have happened, good or bad. =)

So much great stuff going on over at IWSG! Thanks for listing it all out for us, I hadn’t realized until I saw it like that how very much there actually was. And thanks for co-hosting this month!

Thanks for stopping by. You are totally welcome. I only listed a few great things IWSG has to offer. There’s also an active Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram community you can get involved with if you want to.

By Post Author

Congratulations on all your writing accomplishments and pursuits. You’re inspiring me to enter the IWSG contest again. I’m in the latest one, so fun to be part of that collection. I’m not really a romance writer, but maybe with the masquerade theme, I can come up with something.

Thanks for stopping by, Mary. I remember your entry; it’s good. Yes, the YA and romance criteria is a bit daunting for me. My piece has a love story but may not qualify as romance. It’s definitely YA, so… We’ll see what happens. I’d love to be part of the anthology, but I mostly just want the experience of submitting. I think it’s cool just to say “I did that.”

By Post Author

Sounds like you have a lot going on! I wouldn’t worry about the controversy. If you put your heart and soul into the piece, just be prepared to let the “water” roll off your feathers like a duck. You know it will come in but we write to explore truth and the human condition, not to make people happy, right? Well, we hope to make people happy sometimes, but not always.

Good luck with everything!

Thanks Charity. You make a good point. While I’d like to make people happy, that’s not why I write or why I wrote this specific piece. I wrote it with the intention of getting people to rethink their thoughts on a specific subject or at the very least, question why things are the way they are.

By Post Author

Congrats on the WEP win! You have been one busy gal. The restrictiveness of traditional publishing is one of my concerns in going that route, but it’s a bit premature for me to be worrying about it right now. But good that you’re keeping your options open. Thanks for co-hosting today.

Thanks for stopping by. I try not to say never whenever possible, but sometimes it’s called for. When it comes to publishing, I like keeping an open mind.

By Post Author

Thanks for stopping by. It does seem that trad publishing requires patience in many areas, but if it works, it’s probably worth it. I, however, like being in control too much. I’ll try trad publishing from time to time, but self-publishing will always be my preference.

By Post Author

Congrats on your award, and best of luck with the anthology submission! Thanks for co-hosting. 🙂

I hope you love your new job. Change is so odd sometimes. I’m still licking my wounds earned working on communications for a national political campaign. Sometimes I just wanted to scream, “It’s just a job that pays really well.” People are extremely mean these days but that said every once in a while I think it’s good to shake things up a bit and go out on a thin limb:) Good luck!

Thanks for that Patricia. I agree. Of course part of me will be dissappointed if I don’t make the cut, but I feel accomplished just by submitting. I think about all the other times i didn’t submit to something or all the people who won’t submit to this. Just submitting is a big step for me.

By Post Author

Congratulations with all your accomplishments, Toi! you’ve been a busy and successful bee as well and you’re doing a good job of encouraging us to produce some honey as well. 🙂 Thanks for co-hosting and good luck with your anthology submission and other events. Phew! If only I could be as productive these months!

Thanks Liesbet. I’m riding high at the moment and know that it won’t last at this degree, but I do hope to keep a good stride. Even if my September is less eventful, as long as I’m moving forward, I’ll be happy.

By Post Author

This may be a repeat, but how about putting in an author’s note before the reader starts the story that identifies the potentially “risky” subject matter and invite the reader to either skip the tale, or write something thoughtful, but not offensive to send … somewhere appropriate, and then you can have a ton of material for future blogs, discussing what actual readers think about the topic and the story.

Thanks for the advice, Tamara. I like the idea of letting the reader know what they are walking into but as far as inviting them to skip the story, I don’t know how that would work for a book. I think if I tell certain people not to read it in the description, that would simply cause back lash or prompt people to read it anyway (not a bad marketing strategy, but I don’t want to trick people into reading this. It’s not meant for everyone.) I do like the idea of blog discussions, though.

By Post Author

Congratulations, Toi! This is wonderful. Thank you for joining Our Author Gang. You have become such a valuable member. Your articles are interesting, insightful, fun and helpful to writers everywhere. Your kindness, generosity and tech-know-how are invaluable.

Hi Toi!
Goodness! I just took a deep breath for you and all your fantastic busyness.
I’m with you on the publishing process – thankfully, we have options. Your scavenger hunt sounds like fun!
Thanks for hosting, this was enjoyable AND encouraging 😉

I signed up for the scavenger hunt! Going to a friend’s book release, so I’ll already be at a bookstore I love! Good luck with everything, including figuring out what to do with that controversial piece.

Thanks for co-hosting, Toi, and congratulations on the new job! Good luck on your short story.

You have so much going on, and hosting the IWSG too this month. Thank you.
About your story that you think might be controversial: why don’t you try wattpad. It is a good site with a very diverse and friendly audience. You might find your niche readers there, although you won’t get any money from wattpad.

Thanks for the advice Olga. I actually did try wattpad a few years back. It’s a great platform, but it just didn’t suit me. I wasn’t willing to let go of my blogging time to give it the attention it deserves.

By Post Author

Thanks for co-hosting today and congrats on winning the Encouragement Award! This year’s IWSG anthology prompt actually got me started on a Pinterest storyboard for it. But I have two unfinished WIPs to complete, so I’m not sure I’ll submit. But been in a writer’s block the past several weeks so a new project might fire creative synapses and I might have a story ready to submit. Who knows?
Happy writing and hopefully you’ll release your story. Don’t let the cyber bullies and critics get in your way.

Thank you so much Lidy. I really appreciate the encouragement.
I’m glad you’re considering the anthology. I too have unfinished WIPs to work on, but when the muse strikes, I go with it. If this promp gets you out of a block, don’t pass on it.
All the best.

By Post Author

Thanks for being a host.

Wow, that’s a lot of interesting goodies in this post. Congrats on the WEP win. The hunt sounds cool, so I’m sharing info about that. Hope it goes well for you.

Thank you for that. I appreciate the shares. I too hope the hunt goes well, other wise people will wonder why I’m posting so much random stuff this weekend… But, people already think I’m little a kooky, so no biggie. :p

By Post Author

Oh wow, this post has been inspiring. I’ll check out the scavenger hunt, sounds intriguing. I need to do something writerly and outside the box. And of course I’m interested in the flash fiction thing. Congrats on the WEP win, IWSG spotlight, and the magazine collaboration. YOu got it going on!!

AS for controversial writing, ya know there is just as much argument FOR publishing controversial content as there is against it. Personally, I like controversial material; it makes me think, expands my mind. Open minded people are less vocal (ie posting reviews) than are snobs and bullies. Ultimately it comes down to how comfortable you are as an author in exposing uncomfortable subjects. You can’t fight bullies by remaining silent.

Thanks for co-hosting, and for the informative post Toi.

I must say, you’ve piqued my curiosity on that controversial story you wrote but are worried about releasing. If you did let it out into the world, where would that happen? I assume it’s fiction, but what’s the controversial topic that it explores?

I’m one of those teachers you mentioned. Working on day three with my new crop of students on this fine Thursday (yeah, I’m a little late to the Wednesday blog hop), and I’m so tired. The contests and challenges all sounded great (and congrats on your IWSG spotlight, while I’m thinking of it), but I am so wiped out at this particular moment in time that I can’t imagine taking on even more in the form of a contest or a scavenger hunt. My energy levels will climb back up again once my mind and body adjust to the “seasonal” transition.

Thanks for the post, thank you for hosting, and happy writing to you. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by. I totally get the energy thing. I remember how that first week of school feels. Actually, the piece in question is non-fiction. If it were fiction, I think it might go over better, but I don’t think I could find an angle to write this as a fiction story.

By Post Author

OMG, I’d tired just reading all you’ve done! I’m so happy for you to be honored by the IWSG community. Co-hosing is fun. Thanks for volunteering. We each have to decide which path to take in publishing. Some people are happy taking both routes. Best wishes in all your endeavors this month.

Yay and more, Toi for co-hosting…congratulations – and WOW. You are so productive and so interactive. Admiration and keep inspiring me with that energy. I can’t wait to read your next WIP entry and I do hope your short makes the anthology. (I’d offer to read it but I’m struggling with my workload – even if I am retired.)

Hi, Toi,

Congrats on you WEP win… it’s a true honor. Sounds like you are moving right along in so many fascinating directions a true Multipod… Multipotentialite. Makes life so much more fun and INTERESTING.

ALL the best with your projects. I look forward to reading you works….

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