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 are five objects we’d find in your writing space?
My writing space changes often, but at least I do accomplish most of my writing at home. Whether I’m at home or out in the community there are a few things I always have to have with me to help me feel like I’m truly ready to write, create, or anything else involving story creation. I need my Kindle. I keep my Kindle with me at all times. It has so many books, both fiction and nonfiction, with valuable notes I can reference. I also need my phone because, duh, it’s 2018. Smartphones can do so much and research is only like 10th on the list of helpful things. I also need a beverage. Writing makes me thirsty. If it doesn’t make you thirsty, you may not be as passionate about it as you think you are. Finally, the last two things I need are pen and paper, usually in the form of a spiral notebook and a pencil bag filled with all kinds of writing utensils.
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November’s IWSG Newsletter member spotlight was J.H. Moncrieff. I adore this writer and blogger and was delighted to see her gain this recognition. Be sure to stop by and check her out, if you have a chance…Oh, and she’s one of our lovely co-hosts this month.
Oh, and hey, guess what. I got a special newsletter feature last month because… I WON THE WEP THEME CHALLENGE! Muh Ha Ha Ha 😀 That’s right, when February comes along and you’re trying to come up with a story that fits the theme of 28 Days, you’ll have me to thank for that. Coming up with themes isn’t one of my strong suits, so winning this challenge was really cool. Thanks WEP-IWSG for the opportunity to participate. If you haven’t seen my feature yet, please check out the newsletter here to do so.
The December WEP challenge is happening now. I’ve linked up but haven’t posted a story yet. I’m hoping to add my contribution by the 15th at the latest (I posted on the 12th, ha ha) . I just hope I’m not the last one, but no big deal if I am.
Over at A Small Gang of Authors, I continue my series: Would you read this, where I pitch blurbs and cover art for short stories I’ve written. Today I share my first ever romance story, Encounter.
The IWSG Book Club book for December/January is: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
The discussion for this starts January 23rd and I’m ready. I’m already half-way through this book. The only reason I haven’t finished it is because I’m reading it before bed. It’s really entertaining and insightful.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
It’s the holiday season and I’m super busy, just like everyone else.
I don’t have my tree up yet and I’m craving a need to bake, but again, I’m super busy.
I’m so disappointed with myself. I have like 20 books I haven’t posted reviews for. Seriously. 🙁 My end of the year mission is to spend time with my family and post these reviews. My writing can wait… to some degree.
I’ve been working on a series of storytime videos, to hopefully promote my children’s books. Part of me is afraid people will download the videos and not buy the books? Any advice on this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Lastly, I’m a bit insecure about my ability to follow through with my dream to start a book fair and finish any of my current WIPs in the next year. My world won’t fall apart if I don’t achieve these things, but not doing these things makes me feel small and insignificant. I don’t need to be a big deal or center of attention, but I was hoping that my writing and my dream of a book fair would help me connect with other people. Other than the family and friends who put up with me, which by the way- none of them are readers, I don’t feel like I’m connecting with anyone. I love my reading and my writing; it’s part of who I am, but it is really lonely sometimes.
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What do you need around you when you write?
You gonna give the WEP-IWSG writing challenge a try?
Any advice about my storytime video series?
Got any good news to share or any encouragement to offer?
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
J.H. Moncrieff,
Tonja Drecker,
Patsy Collins, and
Chrys Fey!
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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 #51).
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
