The May 2026 IWSG is all about inspiring feedback from readers.

Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo. Hopefully, some of the places where you work offered some fun activity or potluck to make the day go by just a little faster. It's also the first full week of May, which means that it is time for all of us to put up our Insecure Writer's Support Group posts. If you'd like to sign-up yourself, go HERE.

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 you Post?: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. That's when you should post your thoughts on your own blog.

What should you Post?: You could talk about your doubts and the fears you've conquered. You could discuss your struggles and triumphs. You could offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. These are just a sample of the kinds of things that people regularly address when the IWSG rolls around every month.

To get the most out of the blogfest, you should 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.

The X (formerly known as Twitter) handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 6 posting of the IWSG are Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

Every month, the management of the IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post, but it is always optional.

May 6 question - What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

Oh this is a tough one. I've received so many emails over the years, especially for stories that I post for free online on well-trafficked story sites. The most inspiring thing? Someone doing a fan-casting of characters in a story I wrote. But maybe the best thing was someone saying that I was "too good" for a particular website and that I needed to have an agent and a publisher. That was nice of them to say, and it spurred me on to write a few more chapters. I think that (as writers) it is easier to get our work in front of people than it ever has been. However, it is also more difficult than it ever has been to make any money off it. And as an aside...I sometimes wonder if money has any value anymore after I've paid $20.00 to DoorDash a burrito from Chipotle.

Anyway, thanks for visiting.