Everyone should co-host a monthly IWSG meeting. Some of us do it regularly, some maybe do it just once, but everyone should do it, as it’s not hard and it’s enjoyable!
This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post, in which we share our successes and failures as writers, our insecurities, in fact. Anyone can join in, just sign up at the IWSG Sign-up page, write a blog post on the first Wednesday of the month, and go back to that sign up page to link with everyone else–or a goodly sample. Our host is Alex J Cavanaugh, and cohosting this month are:
Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn, Rebecca Douglass, Pat Garcia. and me!
This month’s question
Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them?
IWSG May25
My greatest fears are, in random order, I’m not good enough, my worlds don’t interest other people, and that I don’t network well enough.
That last one is easily solved by networking more. Visiting other people, joining in with things like IWSG, A2Z and other blog hops. And since Alex offers every participant the opportunity to co-host, you can join in the easy way.
Even if you are shy of visiting people who you don’t ‘know’, co-hosting prompts you to visit a selection (advised by Alex beforehand) that you have a duty to visit. They may be people you’ve known for years, or people you’ve been scared of for years, or people who’ve only just joined IWSG. You may find it difficult to ‘break the ice’ as ‘little old you‘, but as a cohost, you are part of the IWSG, and making sure everybody feels included.
The bonus is that many people visit cohosts and a few other ‘friends’, so you get to meet people on your own blog who you may not otherwise see. And of course, you’ll visit them back. Even I can do that!
The thing I find most difficult is keeping up the momentum! But just like all the rest of the things we have trouble with in writing, nobody is saying you have to get it right all the time. Starting over may be an option, or just picking up where you left off, and carrying on.
Everyone can co-host
Just email Alex J Cavanaugh, and he’ll fit you in!
In other news
I’ve submitted two flash pieces to the National Flash Fiction Day’s Flash Flood, which takes places on 14th June. Fingers crossed one might be accepted…
This month I must submit flash and short stories to the Bridport Prize.
Then again, I also need to write some flash fiction for this blog. I’ve found a couple of new weekly prompt sites recently. If only I can find them again…
What about you? Done any writing recently? Planning to cohost? Other insecure thoughts? Tell all in the comments!
Hi Jemima, fingers crossed for your flash fiction entries.! I hope you do well. Personally I love your flash fiction.
I am nearing fruition in my for a collaboration.. with author Dan Antion. It’s been a great experience. 💜💜
I look forward to reading it, Willow 🙂 And thanks for being a stalwart supporter 🙂
I agree with you that co-hosting and participating in this group is a great way to network. I think you’re doing a great job of networking. We only have so many hours in a day, and you can only spend so much time of it networking.
Thanks, Natalie!
That is an excellent reason for co-hosting! Thanks, I never thought of it that way.
Appreciate you co-hosting today.
Thanks for the opportunity, and for all you do, Alex:)
Now I wonder who’ve you been scared of visiting in the group… LOL. Great reasons to take part in bloghops.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day A Refresher on Book Marketing
Well, it can be daunting visiting strangers. And some are stranger than others lol
Great bit on why co-hosting is great! I agree. Best of luck with the submissions. I just keep plugging away at the short stories, though I sometimes wonder if I know how to write short at all.
I’m about to start reading The Business of Short Stories, which I have probably had on my kindle or iPad for over five years. Didnt have time to read it before… might learn something that will get me accepted! Have fun with your co-hosting today. And best wishes for Thursday.
Great shout out for co-hosting here at IWSG. I have met a lot of kindred souls this way.
Thanks, Jacquie. Lots of kindred souls and lots of great authors!
Thanks for co-hosting today, Jemima. And you’re right, it’s a good idea to jump in and contribute in this way. https://substack.com/@cleemckenzie/p-162835681
Thank you, Lee.
Thanks for co-hosting, Jemima. Sounds like we all have the same fears. Another reason why IWSG is so important.
Thanks, Joylene. Someone certainly knew the score when they thought of the name for the group!
HI,
Good job with your submissions. I hope the stories you submitted win.
All the best and thank you for co-hosting.
Shalom shalom
Pat Garcia
Thanks, Pat. I’ve missed out on the June event ones, but there’s more to work on for May 🙂
You are a great writer, Jackie. Have no doubts. I have a new book coming out later this month – Daniel Boone and Me. I’m waiting on comments from my ARC readers.
I’m looking forward to reading it Noelle. Thanks for all your support and encouragement.
Networking can be EXHAUSTING…and there are so many ways to go about it. I guess we all have to find a balance we can maintain. Thanks for hosting today! @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
I looked at a sample of my writing from about 10 years ago and came to the conclusion that I’m getting worse at it. Then I also realized that I’m not going to worry myself over it. At least I’m pretty content with my life and my health seems to be okay for now. What more can I ask for? Well, lots, but still I’m okay.
Lee
You’re so right about co-hosting–it’s a blast! I have to be careful about when I volunteer so I’m sure I’ll have the time to visit folks, but I’m always glad when I do it.
Yes to being connected. Thank you for encouraging others to co-host. I’ve only done it once, so maybe it’s time to raise my hand once again! Please know that your writing is appreciated. I hope your fictional shorts find a home and look forward to learning more when you post on your blog! Will try to subscribe now. Enjoy the rest of spring — and keep writing!
Good luck with your submissions, Jemima! And thanks for the shout out about co-hosting. I’ve done it a number of times, and I have always enjoyed it. I just jumped in and went for it. Perhaps teaching elementary school for 25 years helps me with including and encouraging others. 😂 All the best to you!
I wish you luck in the Flash Fiction contest. Maybe I should participate too. I enjoy writing flash fiction.
Co-hosting can be rewarding and a fun way to network.
You’re absolutely right, co-hosting is a blast! Thanks for doing just that today 😉 Very best and fingers crossed on your submissions! I should make it my mission to submit more often since I’m so worried about running out of time – or where-with-all 😉 Mind if I follow you around? Have a wonderful month of May!
Good luck with the flash fiction. I love flash pieces; they are so fun.
I’ve having issues viewing your site. It looks like all the coding has been striped out.
I’ve enjoyed co-hosting on those occasions when I’ve been able to put up my hand. There’s no doubting it takes up time and effort, and it’s time sensitive too, so it’s not like catching up later – which is what I’m doing at the moment 🙂 Thank you for co-hosting and for reminding me to get back into writing some flash fiction (and maybe even submitting them!)
Debs posting today from Fiction Can Be Fun
Also found at Debs Despatches