Insecure Writers Support Group badgeI ask ‘how are you today?’ because I realise I don’t communicate with my readers well enough.

How are you in Lockdown?

In these weird days of lockdown it’s easy to be wrapped up in our own concerns. You may be worried about how you’re going to cope if you’re not at work, or home-working. Being insecure in your writing may be the least of your worries. Or maybe you’re feeling even more pressure to get your writing projects done.

Well, I have no magic answers. I’m just glad that so far, my friends, family and I are all healthy enough. I sympathise if you have had bereavements. I’m glad my parents have already passed on and didn’t have to experience this. I send thoughts to you if you are not so lucky.

This was brought on in part because of a blog post shared by the Story Reading Ape. It explains more appropriate marketing ideas for us authors in these mad times. It’s worth reading, even if most of us aren’t involved with the sort of specialists for whom she discusses non-fiction marketing. She features fiction at the end. You may find it interesting.

Keeping busy?

One of the things recommended in these days is to keep busy, but not so much that you pressurise yourself.

I was getting a bit overwhelmed with all of the things I need to do with regard to writing. Then I saw some other things that would take me ‘outside’.

  • Lockdown Orienteering (Orienteering is an enjoyable sport, running—or in my case, walking—a course through the forest using map & compass). This virtual version is very complex, and as a friend did well in the last event, I’m having ago at the next one!
  • Wildlife webcams. Many organisations will have webcams at their nature reserves. At this time of year they tend to be focused on nests. As I prepare this post, I have the Woodland Trust one at Loch Arkaig running in another tab. Yesterday it was just the osprey sitting on the nest, occasionally looking around. Today she’s calling. Maybe it’s time for a shift change! (He’s come back: said hello, and left again. She looks disgusted.)
  • Air Displays, and other virtual events. Several of my friends went to a virtaul concert last week.  This week I’m at a virtual air show! The Shuttleworth Collection houses early flying machines and maps progress through to recent developments. They set this up as a ‘choose what to pay’. I can watch it over a month for £5. I assume that other prices have more benefits!
  • I’ve also signed up for a FREE Creative Writing and Critical Reading course!

What I’m finding is that these help me balance my little world, and refresh the brain for the next bit of writing.  Why not share any virtual events you’ve found?

This is an IWSG post!

This month’s awesome IWSG co-hosts are Feather Stone,Beverly Stowe McClure, Mary Aalgaard, Kim Lajevardi, and Chemist Ken!

Please take time to visit them, and as many other participants as you can. You’ll find the list here.

Question of the month

Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE? Care to share?

My answer: I turn on my computer, stand up and do a few stretching exercises, then sit down (or currently, stand) at my computer and get going! (Do NOT go to any social media first, that loses me hours!)

By the way if you’re a new writer, or unpublished and wondering, (or even if you’re not) read this lovely post from Anne Allen! 4 Newbie Writer mistakes…

Stay safe this month – see you next time!

#IWSG | How are you today?
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8 thoughts on “#IWSG | How are you today?

  • 6 May, 2020 at 8:47 am
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    Hi Jemima – well done on getting your move sorted out pre this recent stand off. My mind wanders too much but I’m doing what I need to do in this time. The Lockdown Orienteering sounds fascinating … as too all the opportunities that are out there for us all … perhaps we’re more aware of what’s available now. Take care and stay safe – Hilary

  • 6 May, 2020 at 5:01 pm
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    I am fortunate to be able to get out into the outdoors for real, with some fantastic open space right next door. And what you say about social media is spot on! I need to set some rules about that, and stay out of that wormhole!

  • 7 May, 2020 at 10:50 pm
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    This sounds like a fun writing ritual! Take care and hope you’re enjoying a very pleasant springtime!

  • 8 May, 2020 at 1:52 pm
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    Ospreys make the most fabulous nests! They look comfortable! We are doing well, probably still in lockdown until the end of this month. It IS getting a little tiresome. We don’t walk on the local trails because so many people are out there, not wearing masks nor maintaining social distancing. My husband goes out to the store for food and the local gardening store. That’s it. I drink a lot of coffee! Hopefully you and the boys stay well and safe. I think orienteering is a great way to get outside for some exercise!

  • 9 May, 2020 at 8:26 am
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    Apologies for not responding and visiting as planned. I’ve had a poorly animal needing a lot of nursing.

  • 12 May, 2020 at 9:49 pm
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    I am in a transition/holding position between finishing the spring semester (on-line, something I swore I’d never do, but like my mother used to say, “Never say never.”

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