#IWSG: 2023 Word of the Year

It's the first posting of the year for Insecure Writer's Support Group. It you'd like to join, go HERE. 

Thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts for keeping this event ongoing: Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!

January 4 optional question - Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finish my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?

I was texting with a friend on New Year's Day and she asked me about my "word" and shared that her word for 2023 is "release". I replied that that had been my word for the last fifteen years and that I was ready to let it go. *groans at my own joke*

Anyhoo, upon further thought, I chose the word "patience". Until recently I would have said that I am a very patient person. And I am...or I was. But I've found that age-related issues have provided me with new ways to test my patience in a different way. So thank you for that, Universe! *shakes fist*

I'm glad my friend prompted me to choose a word for 2023. I can use it as a way to be more mindful about being patient. 

Did you choose a word this year?

If so, please share! 

Happy New Year, everyone!

 

IWSG: A Secret Revealed

It's the first Insecure Writers Support Group event of 2018! On the first Wednesday of every month, we post on our blogs about the current status of our writing journey, then make the rounds to lend support and share experience and knowledge. If you would like to join, go HERE. 

Many thanks to Alex Cavanaugh and his awesome co-hosts for this month's postings of the IWSG: Tyrean Martinson, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Megan Morgan, Jennifer Lane, and Rachna Chhabria!


Pssst! I have a secret to reveal. But first...

Optional question - What steps have you taken or plan to take to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

I don't have a strict writing schedule, but I do have a basic guideline. I try to write 2500 words per week, give or take. Sometimes the words flow and I write more. Sometimes less. With a full-time day job, that's about all I can manage--during the winter months. During the summer, my writing comes to almost a complete stop. The day job gets too busy, and by the end of the day, I'm too exhausted, and any attempt at writing something creative is futile.

What I'm getting at is that I know my limitations and I've learned to not beat myself up over it. But even if I don't write, I'm planning or working on something writing related in my "spare" time. 

In 2017, I nearly finished another Indigo cozy mystery (in which she's all grown up now!). Then I did some brainstorming about where I was going and changed tactics. I decided I needed an Indigo cozy short story to offer for free in order to build up my newsletter list. So, I set the novel aside and wrote the short story.  AND THEN, I saw the IWSG Anthology Contest announcement which said that this year's theme was mystery. I had to enter! I cut about 5000 words from the short story (ouch!!!), submitted it, and you can GO HERE  or HERE to find out my secret revealed!

EEEP!!! All I can say is that it's going to be a great year!

What are your plans for the writing year?

Are you strict with yourself, or do you cut yourself some slack? 

IWSG: Buh-Bye Hello

 

 

Happy New Year!

 

Thanks, Alex Cavanaugh, for hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group, the best go-to spot in the blogoverse for writer support. 

 

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Buh-Bye 2013!

You threw out some challenges, but I'm ever so grateful you offered some solutions, as well.

Hellloooo 2014!

Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve. Perhaps an ace or maybe even some magic???

 

I'm very excited for the new year. It's a time to set new goals, reaffirm old ones, refresh our spirits and guide our souls anew.

 

I'm looking forward to it all!

 

My resolution for 2014 is to be proactive with my writing goals. And, here they are:

 

1. Blog less. Alas, it's true. I can't keep up with the posts, comments and return visits and still write. Something's gotta give. So, I'm on blog hiatus until April, then I'll be back blogging one day per week. And, I'll be doing the A-Z through Untethered Realms. It helps to share the load :) I'll still be on Facebook and Twitter if you want or need help promoting in that way. I'd love to help.
2. Implement a writing schedule. Since I've been working full time, I have seriously neglected my writing, and I miss it terribly. My new schedule will be 2-3 hours Monday and Thursday nights, and whatever I can fit in on weekends.
3. Publish my three-novella series by May or June. The first one is done, the second is outlined and the third is just a glimmer.
4. Publish my short story in the first anthology (of a 4-part series) with my Untethered Realms group in October. Then work on the second/third story.
5. Work on my idea for a new series. They might be novellas, I haven't decided. My goal is to outline and write the first novella.
6. Explore screenwriting.
7. And yes, the perpetual goal of losing weight, exercising and getting healthy; physically, mentally and spiritually.

I think I'm being pretty ambitious, but I'd really, really like to get it all done.

 

What about you, what are your goals for the new year?