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Wednesday, September 5, 2018

IWSG Sept - 2018 - Let's Talk About This


“For it’s a long, long while from May to December, but the days grow short when you reach September.” ~ Maxwell Anderson

Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the September 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.

*We meet on the first Wednesday of every month – join us and enjoy!




It’s Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month, and I think we should add one more – Book Bloggers! After all, competition is stiff, and they typically work for free. Perhaps the next time a Blogger grants us a good review or introduces the next prodigious author, we could click on that little “Donation” button?

Someone (probably not a writer) once hinted that achieving your goals in late August or September has the effect of tapping your well of motivation bone-dry. As a writer, I disagree. I’ve not yet finished writing about summer (which it still is, here), as we streak headlong into fall. For those fortunate enough to live near the splendor, can there ever be too many descriptions of nature’s seasonal changes?

Let’s say your book just hit shelves and e-readers everywhere and you’re thinking about taking a well-deserved hiatus. The 60-page beginning of your next book can wait, right?  One thing you might want to consider is that, in terms of sales, size matters when it comes to your personal catalog. Readers may miss out on one book among a hundred other authors, whereas an author with say, four books on the shelf (or website) spreads across search engines like warm syrup over a stack of pancakes. Not that we writers need any incentive, of course ;-)

This month’s IWSG Optional Question: What publishing path are you considering, or did you take? And why?   I chose Independent – twice. I’ll likely publish that way with all the books I want in my catalog someday. However, I advise extreme caution when choosing an independent publishing method, even as I rejoice that there are (now) so many to choose from. It’s a uniquely exhilarating experience; one that allows creative freedom in content and cover design, control of financial returns, as well as expedience in the publication process while providing essential knowledge of the industry. You’re on your own in marketing, but don’t let that deter you. If you want your garden to grow, you water it, right? Professional editing remains a must, and preliminary (feedback) readers are advised. Now, if this has in any way piqued your interest, I strongly suggest perusing the invaluable resources offered right here, by the Insecure Writer's Support Group.

What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you? What tool or gadget could you not live without? What traffic sign best reflects your writing journey right now?

Happy Writing!



10 comments:

  1. Hi, diedre!

    It's good to see you, dear friend!

    Unfortunately nature's seasonal changes are barely noticeable in my part of the country. Disney World is currently running a TV spot emphasizing that fall in Florida is about the same as summer in Florida.

    It makes sense that it is important to get several books to market to draw the attention of readers, build your brand and attract search engines.

    I could live without any tools or gadgets, but not as comfortably and happily.

    Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend diedre!

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    1. Hi Shady!
      Good to see you too!
      Ha! So true about seasonal changes. We don't see changes so much as indications here in the desert, such as Monsoon and Monarch butterfly and nectar bat migrations. Still, it's nice to know that time goes on ;-)
      Lately, my traffic sign seems to be "No Parking", though I think I'd accomplish much more if I did.
      Enjoy the sunshine!

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  2. It does make a difference when you have multiple books out there. Hook a reader with one and you'll likely sell all.

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    1. Howdy, Captain!

      I wholeheartedly agree! And it's folks like you who make the rest of us believe it's possible ;-)

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  3. Hi Diedre - well said ... and that well of inspiration is always there ... we just need to tap into it. A series seems to be the way to go - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary!
      Agreed. Often, just knowing the well is there is a comfort. Tapping that well is exhilarating!
      I like the idea of a series ;-)

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  4. Hello, Dierdre. My current traffic sign is Yield. I'm away from home taking care of Mama, who's ill. But I brought my computer and have managed to make at least incremental progress on my WIP each day. Such progress is crucial for my sanity. Love the pancakes & syrup metaphor! I wish you happy writing in September.

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    1. Hi Sadira!
      Best wishes for your Mom. Hugs to you for managing to maintain progress on your WIP!
      You're so right about the correlation between writing and sanity.I took my laptop on a recent trip and didn't even open it. I chewed my lip the whole time and now look optimistically forward to September!
      Happy writing!

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  5. Maybe I should write several quickie books, good ones, but not great ones, so I can fill up more space on store shelves or Amazon pages or something. Yeah, I should be so industrious!

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    Replies
    1. Hi Arlee!
      Or, you could keep writing songs! You'd fill up shelves - and probably sell-out stores - no matter what you decided to do ;-) Hang on to that magic pen!

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Any thoughts? Join the conversation, comments welcome here!