Because this is my first post as a member of the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG), I thought I should share its mission with readers of the J.Q. Rose blog who are not sure what it's all about. Author Alex J Cavanaugh explains it this way:
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.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
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But wait a minute...who believes writers are insecure? Afterall, aren't writers the ones who brave speaking in front of small groups as well as to crowds at famous writers' conferences? Aren't they the ones who are talking with folks one on one at library gatherings, flea markets, festivals, and even in school rooms?
Let me tell you a secret. Writers are great actors. When getting up in front of a group, our guts are squirming and our knees are knocking together so loudly, we hope the crowd can't hear them. Sometimes a quick race to the bathroom precedes the eloquent, enlightening, entertaining talk to the audience. Yeah, we're just a bunch of adolescent kids in adult bodies scared to death we will make fools of ourselves and disappoint the people we care about.
But somehow, we are driven to share our writing with others in order to brighten readers' lives. We want to make people laugh or shed tears or just feel something. So we act like we are self-assured in order to give a piece of ourselves to readers. And it is exhilarating and so worth it--when it's all done!
Thanks so much for stopping in for my maiden voyage into this group. Come on back the first Wednesday in September and every first Wednesday of the month thereafter (and maybe tomorrow for the Hobby Hoedown event with Anne Stenhouse. She shares her foray into belly dancing.)
Please take time to hop over to other blogs and hear their voices. You can find a list at Alex's IWSG page.
