Happy February. It's that time of the month again...time to air all our thoughts and fears about writing (or to pass on some advice). Who knows? Maybe February 2025 has got some love in store for us all. Before I get around to answering the Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly question, I need to tell you what it is.
What is the purpose of the IWSG?: It is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.
When do y'all post?: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.
Where do I sign up?: You can go HERE and sign up.
The X (formerly Twitter) handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the February 5 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Louise Barbour, and Tyrean Martinson!
Every month, the IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
February 5 question - Is there a story or book you've written you want to/wish you could go back and change?
No, but I haven't written all that many books. I also have a lot more fun reading what other people have written. For example, the third book of the Rebecca Yaros trilogy just came out, so I can finally start that series and see what the hype is all about (I try not to start series that aren't finished anymore because I was burned so badly with George R.R. Martin).
And now onto the state of my blog. I think I'm going to pull back from my regular posting schedule and just post once a month for the IWSG. The state of the world doesn't seem good, and I don't think I'm the kind of writer to post fun things while the house is burning down. Checking in once a month sounds about right.
Or Brandon Sanderson. I gave up on his never-ending series.
ReplyDeleteQuite a few just post once a month for IWSG now. Part of why we keep it going.
IWSG has always been a support post for me - the one I could count on where I could meet and mingle with those who enjoy this crazy world with me. If I had to give up everything else to concentrate on my writing, I'd hang on to IWSG, too! It's where I go to forget the world is burning down!
ReplyDeleteHi, Michael! I hate reading a series when the author hasn't finished it and chooses not to, so I really hear you. I'm continuing with my blogging schedule of posting every Friday and on IWSG Day. I've made friends online all over, and I want to stay connected. However, I can understand your viewpoint. A number of people I know are very discouraged about the state of the world and are taking themselves off social media. I will focus on doing positive pieces as my way of pushing back. I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteHey, so I figure if anyone I know in the blogging community you’re most likely to know and/or be able to find out…I’ve recently been operating under the assumption that Pat Dilloway died of cancer late last year…Can you confirm?
ReplyDelete@Tony: I haven’t heard anything. I didn’t know he was sick.
DeleteHe posted late last year on an Eric Filler blog about it. And he’s been totally absent since. This is the only conclusion I can reach about the matter.
Delete@Tony: Well…damn. He was always good about posting. So, you are probably right. I’m saddened by this news. I met him in person once. I know he mentioned that he liked arguing with you on your blog. Some people just get all the bad luck.
Delete@Tony: I found his obituary online. His middle name is Floyd. He lived in Saginaw, Michigan. He died January 19, 2025. So, yes, confirmed. The Grumpy Bulldog has left us. There aren't any details on his obituary page, and I guess this is because people like you and me (writers) have to write them. The funeral home doesn't do that. I know this because I had to write the obituary for my mother when she died in 2016. But you can google "Patrick Floyd Dilloway" and add "Michigan" or "Saginaw" and you'll see that he was cremated.
DeleteI thought that was him, but I wasn’t sure.
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