Purpose: 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!
Posting: 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.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 7 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn, Rebecca Douglass, Jemima Pett, and Pat Garcia!
Every month, we announce 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.
Remember, the question is optional!
May 7 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?
Yikes! This is a tough one. I have two fears/insecurities.
One is that my writing isn't good enough and the world doesn't need my stories. I'm not really sure if what I am doing to combat it is correct. I am just plugging along with my writing, because I enjoy it. I try to read craft books and fiction books and get feedback from others.
The other is a mindset thing. I'm not sure how to market my writing. Do I want to make money from it? That would be nice.
But.
I'm a minimalist in life and trying to buck the consumerism mentality. So I try not to purchase unnecessary items. For example, I check out a lot of books from the library instead of buying. I'm not sure how to merge the two.
I know lots of people don't feel that way. But I feel icky trying to sell my books to others. Or maybe I haven't found the best way for me to market?
Do you have any advice?
Hugs,
Allie
Yeah, I think there are a lot of us that find marketing a challenge. My suggestion is when someone is doing a virtual book tour let them stop at your page and see where that leads. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I check out books from the library too. I get your fears because I have them too. I'm sure you have talent. Many of us fear that. Most of the authors I interview say to focus on parts of marketing you enjoy the most and to remember you can't do it all.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard anyone address the minimalist/non-consumer aspect of marketing before. I'm with you. I hardly ever buy books--unless it's like a reference that I'll read over and over again. I can relate to what you're saying, but I don't know what the answer is.
ReplyDeleteMarketing was difficult for me. I just connected with a lot of people online before my first book released and they helped spread the word. I did the same in return and they continued to help with my next few books. I think connecting and supporting other authors is the key.
ReplyDeleteI'd always prefer that I make money with my writing, but with integrity. Marketing can be very tricky. I'm no longer willing to invest a lot in trying to make it back with profit, but if something happens then great. I think it's mostly how much effort you're willing to invest and that can be tough to do on the cheap sometimes.
ReplyDeleteLee