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.
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?
Congrats on winning the anthology! So excited to see that you won. You so deserve it. And you know I cut myself some slack on writing. I am writing more regularly now. I like your idea of a word count per week.
ReplyDeleteThe writing goes so much more smoothly when you're not so hard on yourself. But do-able goals are key too. Thanks, Natalie!
DeleteCongrats on winning the anthology contest! What a wonderful way to start off the New Year :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellen! I'm feeling so blessed and looking forward to 2018.
DeleteYou know your limits and that's good.
ReplyDeleteBig congratulations on being the top story! Aren't you glad you cut those words and entered?
Ha! Killing your darlings (Stephen King?) is always hard, but it sure paid off this time. Thanks, Alex!
DeleteCongrats on your big win! Looking forward to reading your story.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tamara! I'm looking forward to reading all the stories too.
DeleteCongratulations on the win!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria :)
DeleteLearning not to beat yourself up over a limitation is fantastic. Can't say that's a skill I've ever mastered.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your anthology win!
It's such a difficult skill to master and I'm not always successful, but with writing I'm learning. Thank you!
DeleteCongratulations on placing first in the new Anthology! So awesome! A Great title, too!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe I placed again, but what a way to start the New Year!
Looking forward to the process, and then reading all the stories!
Wishing all success with your goals!
Happy 2018!
Congratulations to you as well, Yolanda! I love mysteries and can't wait to read the anthology.
DeleteCongratulations on getting into the anthology! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteIWSG post: Taking Chances
Thanks so much, Megan, and Happy New year to you!
DeleteCongratulations on your winning story for the anthology, Gwen!!!! A great start to the New Year!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathrina, I'm still in shock, but so honored to be in the anthology.
DeleteI'm so delighted your story came out on top. It's a great way to kick of the anthology. Plus I think the cover is going to be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the cover, Diane!
DeleteWoo hoo! Congratulations! Can't wait to read the new anthology. I had to chuckle at the "cut 5,000 words" part. Ouch,indeed.
ReplyDeleteHehe, it was tough to cut my darlings. But if Stephen King can do it ;)
DeleteHuge congratulations on your story, Gwen! This should be a great anthology.
ReplyDeleteThanks, C. Lee, and congratulations to you as well!
DeleteCongratulations, Gwen - I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sylvia, I can't wait to read the other stories too!
DeleteCongrats on the top honors! How cool is that? Let me offer a box of delish Gum Drop Island chocolate as your reward, heh heh.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nosey! Hehe, that was kind of fun to say ;)
DeleteCongrats on the win. Sounds like you have a plan that works for you. Impressive word goal.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Thank you, Juneta. I have to have a goal, but I'm flexible at the same time :)
DeleteCongrats on having the top story for the anthology! Looking forward to reading it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jemi, and congratulations to you as well!
DeleteKnowing your limitations and adjusting yourself to them is smart.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on winning the contest!
And Happy New Year!!!!
Thank you, Chrys! Happy New Year to you as well!
DeleteJust read that you won and couldn't wait to come over and congratulate you!! Yay!!! That's wonderful!! What a great way to start the new year! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie! I'm so thrilled with the way this year is starting.
DeleteCongratulations on your win!!! I'm excited to read more. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy writing in 2018! I think you have some wise goals, knowing your strengths.
Thanks, Tyrean. Happy writing to you as well!
DeleteCongrats on winning! That is so awesome! Woot!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loni! Woot!
DeleteCongratulations!!! When I heard you were planning to enter, I was sure you'd get in. You write great paranormal cozy mysteries.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks, Cherie! I wasn't at all sure I'd get in. LOL.
DeleteWhen you're ready to give up and not try, that is the the exact time you must try one more time. At least it was true here. Conrgats, Gwen.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. Thank you, Eden!
DeleteCongrats on your story in the anthology, Gwen. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Olga, and Happy New Year to you as well!
DeleteYay, Gwen! It's exciting to learn your secret and to see you headlining the IWSG Anthology! I can't wait to read your story! All the best in 2018!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fundy Blue. I was so excited to make it into the anthology and can't wait to read the other stories!
DeleteCongratulations! And that's a good goal for writing. I try not to beat myself up, either.
ReplyDeleteBeating yourself does no good and only makes you feel bad. We're all doing the best we can. Thank you, Deb!
DeleteI used to be super strict but then I read Richard Bausch's (heard/read him?) rules for writing and one of them really stuck with me. It goes, "Never ask yourself more than 'Did I work today'." It got rid of the guilt and even on days where I don't write a thing, I reason that my brain needs a day off and away from my WIP. I love that we all have our own ways of writing... that's why I love this group so much. Have a great 2018!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great guideline to go by and I'll have to remember it.
DeleteHappy New Year!
I cut myself so much slack the pressure is non-existent. Shame . . .
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your story acceptance. So nice when when something so unexpected keeps getting better and better.
Good luck in the year to come.
Hehe, I know you'll get back to writing, Donna! We all need a break sometimes to just do nothing.
DeleteHappy New Year!
Congratulations on winning the anthology. Sounds like your new year is off to a terrific start!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. Happy New Year!
DeleteHuge congratulations on getting the grand prize! That was a nice piece of luck about the theme this year!
ReplyDeleteIt sure was lucky, because I'm all about mystery. LOL. But really, I feel so blessed to make it into the anthology!
DeleteCongrats--and the big winner too. Yes, that is a good start to the year.
ReplyDeleteIt's the best start to the year!
DeleteCongrats on your win! I'm so jealous that you have discovered balance that works for you and I still have yet to do so. Maybe 2018 is the year for me. Wishing you even more success in 2018!
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Mandy
Just a basic goal, but I know I need to get a little more specific, such as actually completing a project. LOL.
DeleteCongrats on your win, Gwen. That must have felt fantastic (not the cutting of the 5,000 words). It's so important to know our limitations, but I like to push against them as often as I can so that I don't end up stuck in a rut. As a teacher, my writing tide is the opposite of yours. Summer is my time for abundant writing. Thanks for the post. Happy writing to you, and happy 2018.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had the summer to write. But even if I had a summer off to write, I actually like writing in the winter. It's cozy to me, so helps with writing cozy mysteries.
DeleteCongratulations! I'm so excited for you. I love your Indigo stories. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine! Indigo is becoming quite popular ;)
DeleteHappy New Year Gwen! I agree, plans are good but it's also good not to be too hard on yourself. There has to be a balance in there, so that way you don't get overwhelmed and give up altogether.
ReplyDeleteAnne from annehiga.com
That's so true. Too much pressure and you lose all creativeness!
DeleteCongratulations on snagging the top spot, Gwen. A well-deserved win! I love the world of Indigo Eady. Happy 2018!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Michelle! I was so surprised and so happy!
DeleteOh, wow, many congrats on your short story win! That's such amazing news!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heather!
DeleteWhen I had a day job, I had to learn my limitations so I didn't burn out trying to get everything I wanted done, too. Beating yourself won't get writing done, so why do it?
ReplyDeleteSo true!
DeleteI love your header. I'm so excited about your victory. Booya! Yeah, I've had to learn my limitations, too. The day job really drags on me many days and I have to allow myself the down time I need. I scaled way back on what I do.
ReplyDeleteSomeday we're going to be full time writers, Mary. Hang in there!
Deletethis is great
ReplyDeleteSatta king