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Tuesday, July 3, 2018

IWSG - Staying on Course



Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the July 2018 virtual meeting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh and comprised of writing members just like you (and me), featuring writing tips, resources, articles, contests and IWSG swag! See what we’re all talking about here and join us as we share our writing journeys.

*Normally we meet on the first Wednesday of every month, but as tomorrow is the 4th of July, many of us may be busy celebrating. Enjoy!

Regrettably, my word count has drastically dropped since my last post. I’m quite sure I am ineligible for the 500 Club – have you heard of it? 500 words per day. Easy, right? Clearly, I’ve had a little trouble staying on my writing course of late. But I have, however, pounded the lettering off of my 10-key. This too shall pass, as will any obstruction along your course as well – you’ll see!

As far as writing goals, all I ever wanted to do was write. Over time, three things occurred to me in route to my writing Polaris that have served as proverbial carrots; not only keeping my goals in sight but expanding them as well. #1: Much as I loved journaling, I discovered a tendency to tweak chronicles of tedium into missives of near-fantastical fiction – and I liked it! I liked it so much I wanted to share it. #2: Thanks to encouragement from casual readers, I wanted to be published. And #3: I had a lot to learn about the publishing industry. For instance, Traditional publication requires that you’re either extremely talented – or very fortunate, and even then, it’s not a given. Independent publication mandates ultimate ambition and an unwavering belief in yourself as a writer with the capacity to be your own Star. 

By the way, if you haven’t yet read the IWSG Newsletter, I highly recommend it!

Are you a stargazer? You can see the roadmap to the Milky Way via the Summer Triangle in the eastern sky tonight!

Fun fact for Crime Writers:  Although it is legally (and morally) forbidden for lawyers to offer counsel, clients sometimes seek advice before committing a crime.

Happy Writing!






20 comments:

  1. Hi, diedre!

    I admire you tremendously for striving to meet the membership requirements of the 500 Club. My bar is set somewhat lower. I belong to the 5 Club. :) I just reviewed what I wrote here so far and realized, to my delight, that I have already exceeded my daily quota. :)

    I also admire you for believing in yourself. If you don't believe, no one else will. I love to come here and have my brain massaged. Is tipping allowed?

    I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday, dear friend diedre!

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    1. Hi Shady!

      Good to see you! Time has become as valuable as rain these days, and both are in ghastly short supply. It's astonishing to find I worry less about writing than having time to do so. Thankfully, it's a temporary agony ;-)
      I'm encouraged by overcast skies, here in the woods today. Hope your holiday is enjoyable ;-)
      In terms of tips, my friend, your comments are always more than enough!
      I'll be back on track soon - see you then!

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  2. First comes the joy and then the realization that you have much to learn and do, right?

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    1. So true, Captain! I actually enjoy both learning and doing, I just need a route without landslides that block the way - ha! Soon, very soon ;-)

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  3. Howdy, dIEDRE! ~

    >>... Traditional publication requires that you’re either extremely talented – or very fortunate, and even then, it’s not a given.

    That is quite true. Unfortunately, there is a glut of wannabes in all of the arts and creative professions because nearly everyone with even just a modicum of interest believes they have an exceptional talent.

    So the "Finders" have to weed out an awful lot of deluded dreamers.

    From what I've seen, I think this is the order in which names become household:

    1: Who you know.

    2: Lucky breaks (right place, right time).

    3: Talent.

    I believe that for every famous person in the arts, there are 10 more talented people we'll never even hear about.

    I used to think that I too had been given a notable talent. It took awhile to learn that what I really needed was to know someone who knew someone... (Lucky breaks were simply outta the question.)

    A very Happy & Safe 4th of July to you and yours, dIEDRE!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'

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    1. Howdy Anonymous!

      I see we think a lot alike - again ;-)
      But don't let those pesky facts ever change your mind about having notable talent - you rock it! You know it, and so do I.
      Hope you're also rocking the holiday!
      See you soon, my friend.

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    2. What a kind thing to say. You almost make me believe, dIEDRE.

      (Sorry I'm so late here. When I post under the "Anon" category -- which I have to do from the work computer -- I do not receive Email notifications of responses.)

      ~ D-FensDogG
      STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'

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  4. It's such a shame that talented writers like yourself have such difficulties getting published the traditional way! Sounds just like showbiz and in a way, I guess it is. I think life gets in the way for everyone sometimes, regardless what your goals are. Knowing you, you will get back in the groove, for sure! Happy 4th of July, diedre!

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    1. Hi Debbie!

      You say the kindest things, thank you. I really don't mind the Hybrid idea and find I rather enjoy the independent aspect of traditional alternatives.
      I will be back, bless your heart, and sooner than later, I hope ;-)
      Happy holiday to you, dear friend!

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  5. I wanna be a stargazer but never in the right places to see some of the magic. Happy 4th & Happy IWSG!

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    1. Hi Juneta!

      My favorite time to stargaze is right as I fall asleep. Tiny sprinkles of magic for my dreams ;-)

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  6. Hi Diedre - things come along and knock us off our perches ... yet we get to where we want to be in the end - without probably setting the world alight ... but that's ok - we're writing and getting on with life ... good luck - and those stars have magic in them - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary!

      That's it exactly! The encouragement in your eloquent description is much appreciated - thank you! I'm all the more anxious to return to my perch ;-) See you soon, dear Hilary!

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  7. I've been on a writing break lately and would like to get back into the flow. Hopefully, I can get things going this summer and not have to wait for school to start again.

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    1. Hi Tamara!

      Often, the best thing about taking a break is returning refreshed, when words can once again flow like a freshwater stream. Hang in there!

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  8. That's an interesting fun fact! Wonder how many people have done that. LOL

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    1. Hi Patricia!

      I thought so too ;-) And what a great premise for a story!

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  9. I just got back from another road trip tour of the United States. Had a great time. Wish I could afford more.

    500 words a day sounds pretty good to me, but I can understand having difficulty in maintaining that output over the long range. That's partly why I haven't done NANO again in recent years. I should though.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Hi Arlee!

      I hope your trip was wonderful - and relaxing! I imagine you'll have some interesting posts coming up and look forward to reading about your adventures.
      What a crazy summer this has been!

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  10. I was more of a stargazer in my youth.

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Any thoughts? Join the conversation, comments welcome here!