The Insecure Writer’s Support Group by Ninja Captain Alex
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!
**************
You’ve come a long way, baby
Four years ago this month I sat down to write and haven’t moved since. I have the cobwebs to prove it. It was on my 54th birthday – yes, you can do the math. I wasn’t online anywhere, couldn’t understand why anyone would want to be.
Then I stumbled upon a writing community one day while doing research. It was the first time in my entire freakin’ life that I’d ever met other people as strange as me. It opened my eyes to a new world, one populated with bent minds. I fit in. It was a revelation.
Soon I learned that a writer needed a blog…and Facebook…and Twitter…and an avatar…and a bio… I struggled with all the writerly acronyms – BICHOK, POV, HEA, TBR, PP, WIP, TSTL, CP, MS – words that trip off my tongue now. It was a huge learning curve.
My very first blog post said something like, “I don’t know how to blog. Is it like talking to my cat?” Kevin Mackey, who has become a dear friend to me, replied with “Yes, it is” or words to that effect. He’s one of several people I’ve clicked with, but he was the first, so thank you, Kevin, for always being so supportive.
No doubt, he’s scratching his head right now, puzzling over my singular attachment to him. You’re stuck with me, babe. Deal with it.
To those of you whom I’ve met since then, thank you for being around. For being supportive. For bringing cheer and sunshine to my days. For illuminating my nights.
We are a team – as it should be. Pay it forward. Adopt a new writer today. Make them feel welcome.
It’s hard to believe you were ever a newbie, Laura, because I have looked up to you exactly the way you looked up to Kevin (who is awesome, by the way). Thank you for “adopting” me and thank you for this inspiring post.
By the way, what’s a BICHOK, HEA, PP, TSTL and CP?
I’m blushing now. You’re awesome, Cathy! You only need a swift kick in the pants.
BICHOK – butt in chair, hands on keyboard, HEA – happily ever after, PP – plot point, TSTL – too stupid to live (referring to a character…hopefully), CP – critique partner.
“…and haven’t moved since. I have the cobwebs to prove it.”
And the books to prove it also, Laura.
Re: blushing. May I join you? While scratching my head, I might add. I’m glad to have run across you here on the ‘Net. I didn’t recall being the first. But I imagine the question “Is it like talking to my cat?” tickled mt funny bone and awoke an interest to know more about someone who could frame such a question. And then dare to ask it out loud.
And I’ve enjoyed coming to know more of you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to panic. We’re at T-75 before the movers come and I have my hair to tear out yet!
Many thanks for the “awesome”, Cathy.
Please don’t tear your hair out, Kevin. The cats will treat you like day-old trash if you change so abruptly.
Happy movers day! *she says with a snort*
Cheers to that Laura! Happy to hear that blogging has made an impression on you. I know it has for me too. All the best for the new year!
And all the best to you, Clayton! The people I’ve met online have been extraordinarily helpful to my growth.
I find it hilarious that you’ve taken to blogging/etc. in the short amount of time you have because I seem to recall you thinking everyone I spoke to online was a serial killer.
Glad to see you don’t think it as bad anymore! I have some friends I’ve made online that I’ve known since I was pregnant with Caitlin, so over 16 years now? Some I’ve met in person (which really freaked you out), others I haven’t….but overall, they all mean a lot to me & have encouraged me to do things I never would’ve done, like go back to school. Or get that tattoo in Vegas….LMAO!
Yeah, yeah, Yvonne.
It takes me longer to warm up to an idea.
I love the idea of a writer adoption programme. That would be awesome! I’m glad you got bitten by the blogging bug and that it stayed with you!
Jamie
IWSG co-host
Mithril Wisdom
Hi Jamie! Thank you for co-hosting this wonderful group and for stopping by!
The baptism immersion into the online world is, indeed, a strange yet fruitful one. I’m glad, for my sake and my connection with you, that you took the plunge. I consider you my great supporter– your gentle and honest feedback about my MS helped me believe I wasn’t a total loser when it came to writing. I am not giving up on that MS, by the way, just tucking it away for when I can tackle it again. Thanks for connecting with me– very much appreciated.
I love having met up with you too, Julie! We have many strange quirks in common. LOL! Your writing is great and I’d love to read more of it.
Is it like talking to your cat – LOL!!! Think you’ll get a lot more response here than you will from your cat though. Neither of my two have learned to talk yet.
Mine either, Diane. But isn’t it odd how we strive to decipher every movement of theirs? That truly shows that cats are dominant.
I’m glad someone had the guts to ask about some of the acronyms, haha. BICHOK is my favorite- a concept my mentor would yell at me (in all caps, yipes) but I never saw it in all it’s acronystic (?) beauty before. Precious!
I’m also glad that you discovered and latched onto blogging! I enjoy your blog (and your books!!).
May this be a year of great things for you
And great things for you as well, Lexie! Bring it on, 2013.
Well, I’m glad to have bumped into you, and I enjoy reading your books. There is a huge learning curve, and I feel I’m still learning it.
Huzzah, Mary! I think we are always learning.
Like Mary, I’m so glad I bumped into you, Laura! I cracked up about talking to a cat, I never thought of it that way but there are definite similarities LOL.
I finished The Wise: Awakening over the weekend and loved it! Can’t wait for the sequel and more of Lelah’s adventures.
Bumping into wonderful people brings joy to our lonely writerly lives, Julie. Thank you, I’m thrilled you enjoyed Wish!
I’m up for adoption! Great post, Laura and congrats on the remarkable success you’ve made since setting out on this journey.
And IWSG makes us all adoptees/adopters at the same time, Lee.
You sound like me a little over three years ago – why on earth would anyone want to be online>
Now I know. It’s awesome!!
Congratulations on four great years, Laura.
Thank you, Alex, for starting such an awesome group!
That’s awesome. I feel normal amongst everyone here too.
It’s the first time in my life I’ve felt normal, Tonja!
Well, let’s not get carried away. Normal? It really depends on your definition, no?
*gigglesnort* Sorry, Kevin. Let me rephrase that. Finding a similarly bent group of people where my abnormalities for dreaming up axe murderers seems like the accepted order of the day…
Laura, it’s hard to believe you’ve been writing and blogging for only four years. You certainly have come a long way — in a very short time. I bet my cobwebs are worse than yours. A writer has no time to clean a house!
We could have a cobweb contest, Ron! No writer can be expected to deal with the mundane in life.
Oh, I’ve met a few writers that I’d like to adopt (and hire if I could afford it.) In no other field have I encountered so many people so willing to be so helpful.
This is such a helpful community, Jeff. Most writers are more than willing to help. Welcome to the IWSG frenzy!
You’re 50 now? As you can see, no … I can’t do the math.
I didn’t realize you had been writing that long…I’ll be scooting over here for many suggestions!
You’re bad at math, ML. I’m 42.
Drop by anytime. I don’t know if I can help you, but we can share a cup of tea and roar in the jungle!
This is such an amazing community, isn’t it? I am humbled by all the brilliant people I’ve connected with and gladly count you among them.
Here’s to a rockin’ 2013 for us all.
I’m so happy to have connected with you, Melissa! This community rocks!
Hi, Laura,
Happy New Year!’
LOVE your delicious sense of humor… I needed a laugh this morning on this grey Chicago morning. Thanks…
And you are SOOOO right… WHAT A COMMUNITY with a unlimited Cast of THE MOST AMAZING CHARACTERS!!!!
Unlimited cast of amazing characters is so true, Michael! I’m glad I could bring a laugh into your gray morning.