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.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
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.
September 6 Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn’t think you’d be comfortable in??
The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure!
Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing?
I did not expect to be able to write very short flash fiction and some longer pieces. It has been heartening to find that I could do it and receive positive feedback. I have written some longer pieces in fantasy and science fiction genres, and have enjoyed it. There are times when I will write something for a blog post or stream of consciousness and struggle with it a bit and think it is not that good. Then, it is surprising when others say they really liked the post. Should we write things because we think others will like it? Or write what we want to say?
Does anyone else do this? → If I am writing a story that I plan to submit to a writing community blog or even if I am working on a new story which I am not ready to share, I do not want to read other people’s stories from the community until mine is finished. I don’t want to compare my story with anyone’s writing because I worry it will influence what I am writing or make me doubt myself. I have started writing some science fiction and I noticed that The Hugo Award went to all women this year. ( Yay! Actually, I saw it on Art Fix Friday National Museum for Women in the Arts Blog). I did not want to read excerpts from their stories yet because I do not want it to show up in my story in some way.
This rings true for me, how about you?→”If you write what you yourself sincerely think and feel and are interested in, the chances are very high that you will interest other people as well.”-Rachel Carson
Notes Tied On The Sagebrush 
I always write what I want to say. I love that you included Rachel Carson’s quote. I think that’s great advice for anyone writing, at any level. I’ve had a few blog posts end up being way more popular than others. I sometimes think “I should write more of those” but it really doesn’t work that way.
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I think this way too. It is good to write what we want to say and try to stay true to ourselves. Thank you, Dan. 🙂
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I think Tolkien said something like that too. Write the kind of thing you want to read, because chances are you’re not the only person who wants to read it.
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It certainly is easier to write about something we are interested in or care about. For me anyway, the words seem to flow easier that way. Thank you, JS. 🙂
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This is a very good initiative, Deborah. I enjoyed to read your answers and your findings when trying new genres.
I learnt a few important things from your post.
That I surely can keep writing what I’m interested in, as that’s is when at my best.
However, I could try a new genre, and perhaps surprise myself.
Thanks.
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Yes, you can explore new paths in writing. Nice to see you are writing on WordPress. Thank you, Lucille. 🙂
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I think I’m neurotic enough that I want the approval of my readers, but I know I’m better off writing from my individual perspective rather than trying to tailor my style to please others. My perspective is that my weirder edges may put off some readers, but the same thing will be what attracts others.
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We like to have readers but we do need our writing to be our own. It is wonderful to have others appreciate our writing. 🙂
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