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IWSG

#IWSG August. 2023- Conflicts in writing.

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.

Optional Monthly Question: Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?

I seem to write things all the time that cause me to pause afterward. I think it’s part of my process. Sometimes I write things I have no intention to develop, but I have to write it down to know that.

I’m currently rewriting an entire series, but not because there’s a moral conflict. The original simply doesn’t reflect who I am as a writer now so I’m redoing it. Still, I have written some things that might be in conflict with the public appearance I’ve developed over the years- my platform. I’ve considered if it might be worth taking on another pen name to put those out, not to deny that I’m the writer, but to keep a distance from my current fans who may not be into the more edgy/alternative stuff. IDK- I’m still figuring it out.

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Now, on to the personal updates.

I was a little late in posting this message today. I was out of town for a while and returned on a Monday, so the rest of the week was pushed back for me. I thought today was Tuesday. Oops!

Yes, it’s true, the IWSG Book Club has come to an end. I enjoyed being a part of it and will miss it. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped spread the word about it.

I took some time off from the blogosphere after several problematic encounters. I have since determined that the blogosphere, on the whole, is no longer a safe space for me. I love the IWSG and will continue to participate and lend support and encouragement where I can, but I’m changing the nature of this blog.

Moving forward, this blog is a writing log for me. I’m not looking to acquire fans or followers unless they just happen to show us. If I’m going to be connecting with readers, I’ll be doing that on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or my Patreon (which includes a follow, for Free, option).

I hope you all are doing well- reading, writing, and creating with truth and purpose.

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Have you ever written something that gave you pause?
Where do you connect most with readers?

My response time has gotten slower but I’m still making my rounds.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Kate Larkindale,
Diane Burton,
Janet Alcorn, and
Shannon Lawrence!

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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 #27).

Did you know you can follow me for FREE over at Patreon to receive a monthly update on the creative projects I’m working on? I tell you the truth, it’s better than a newsletter!

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.

Categories
IWSG Videos

#IWSG March 2017: “Ever reworked an old story?” & outrageous expectations

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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.

Monthly Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?

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Yes and no. I recently re-wrote a short story that was derived from a blog writing prompt and turned it into a novella (see “We Are Jardin”). I’ve also developed recent stories from ideas I wrote down years ago. I think it’s worked out pretty well. I don’t, however, think I’ve given new life to anything I’d written more than five years ago. Maybe I should give some of my old stuff a once over to see if there’s something special there.

As for my insecurities, outrageous expectations. I do it to myself, but I don’t think there’s anything I can do to change it. It’s part of who I am. I want things for myself that just may never be possible. So, I’ve decided to attempt the unlikely even if I look stupid, which won’t be too far off from the fact that I already feel a little stupid. In spite of that, I’m proud of myself for trying to do things. Too many people never really try to do anything for fear of failure or looking stupid.

So, maybe I’ll continue talking to my camera as I try to grow a You Tube presence that just isn’t meant to be. Maybe, I’ll keep writing books that no one is the slightest bit interested in reading. Maybe I’ll keep posting to a blog that, while I’m ecstatic about the followers I have, it hasn’t grown in over two years. And when it’s all said and done, I’ll at least be proud of myself for doing something.

In happier news, I found out that J.H. Moncrieff has a new book, Monsters In Our Wake, that looks really cool, and hopefully a little scary. I’m hoping to read and review the book soon and have already contacted J.H. for an interview. I’m really excited about this. I really do miss interviewing authors on a regular basis. Gotta look into doing that more.

And to end things on an annoyingly selfish note, here’s my latest You Tube video.

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Reworked any old stories?
Have any perceived outrageous expectations?
Want to be interviewed?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tamara Narayan,
Patsy Collins,
M.J. Fifield, and
Nicohle Christopherson!!

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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 #69).

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