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: When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?
To me, a working writer is one of two things, depending on how you look at it. 1) Ideally, a working writer is someone who makes a living as a writer. Writing is the work that pays their bills. 2) More commonly, I feel, a working writer is someone who works another job while also writing full-time whether it pays off or not. By full-time I mean, it’s just as much a part of their daily life as their paying job, and not a hobby they pick up when the mood is right, or vacation time is plentiful. (To clarify, there is nothing wrong with that. Writing should fit into your life in whatever manner suits you best.)
I think a working writer is supposed to look like someone who has a steady income stream consisting of: book sales, branded merch, guest articles and appearances, affiliate links and endorsements on their blog/vlog (or in this day and age, their podcast), and is at some level an influencer, even if it’s just within their local community.
I used to see myself as a working writer, but I recently had to take a leave of absence without pay (Just temporary. I’m back to work now.) I’ve struggled to read, struggled to write, and struggled to stay connected via my personal blog/platform and social media. I’ve struggled to see the point in sharing my words when I feel that so many of mine, and the words of other black people and people of color, seem to just go completely unheard by the powers that be.
So, the answer to this month’s question is also my insecurity. I’ve continued to cling to a few small supportive groups where I feel mine, and other struggling voices are not only heard but appreciated. Perhaps one day, down the road, I’ll be able to write an IWSG post where, as a working writer, I’ll be offering encouragement to someone else, whether a working, aspiring, or hobbyist writer.
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Thank you, again, for the WEP 1st-place award for the Long Shadow contest. If you’d like to see the guest article I posted at the WEP blog, click on the image.
Though I’m not reading as much as I like to (hardly at all) right now, I’m still excited about the release of Frozen Crimes, the 5th book in the Disaster Crime Series by our very own Chrys Fey.
BUY LINKS: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes
I’ve read the whole series and followed Chrys for years. Whenever I regain my reading strength, this will be at the top of my TBR.
Now, on to the personal updates.
I’m still here.
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What does being a working writer mean to you?
It may take some time, but I promise, I 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:
Jemima Pett,
Beth Camp,
Beverly Stowe McClure, and
Gwen Gardner!
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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 #37).
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 #blacklivesmatter