Is it really July already? Where did June go? Is it time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post? In fact, this post is a day early due to the US Fourth of July Holiday. Does that mean we all get to celebrate? Oh wait, I’m a Brit living in the US, so I must acknowledge this celebration of when the US got rid of the British Empire. Or did we Brits get rid of the damn tea-dumping, pesky colonists?
On to the IWSG brain-teaser:
July 3 question – What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?
Those ‘ultimate writing goals’ are still moveable feasts.
First off, my goals are not what they were when I was in my teens, churning out scrappy shorts and dreaming of publishing multiple novels. When I was a working journalist, I had scaled back to one equestrian mystery with possibly two sequels.
Now I’m coping with health issues that make my goals move each day/month/year. OK – July 2018…goals = continue blogging for IWSG once-per-month, my Thursday Review every week – plus the odd blog hop/article/interview. And as for the fiction writing, attempt to write the three short stories linked to my Snowdon Shadows series. Perhaps I can dream of publishing one more novel – even if the first was a damp squid.
Is it wise to retire after one published opus?
Despite the brain fogs and jumbled thoughts, I still have urges to write – just not with any real hope of publishing anything else.
As I asked last month, is it time to just read and dream? (And become a ‘reviewer’.)
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The awesome co-hosts for this July 3 posting of the IWSG are Nicki Elson, Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne!
Purpose of IWSG: 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!
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.
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!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
Writing Wings 
Our goals do change over time for all sorts of reasons and I can see how your health issues would impact what you’re focusing on in terms of your writing. I enjoy reading your blog posts and I’m always glad to see a new one from you.
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Thanks, Ellen. My posts might not be as entertaining as yours – and Simon’s – but I aim to produce a few consistently.
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I tried to retire after one book but readers wouldn’t let me.
Aren’t squids usually damp?
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I’m lucky to only have one ‘demanding’ reader, Alex – well, one that mentioned my sequel with anticipation. Marine squids are damp, but I don’t recommend the firework variety. [Oops, they are squibs and I messed up my simile. Face palm.]
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That’s the crux of life, eh? Change. Without it we’d stagnate and grow boring. No thank you! 😉
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I’m with you, Crystal – evading the boring tag (at least, for a few more years).
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Don’t squids live in the water, and are therefore should be damp? Therefore, it is what it should be, so your first novel was what it should be?
Hope things improve and you’re able to meet your goals.
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You are as right as our Ninja Captain, but thanks, Loni. A squib like a damp firework – not a tentacled creature of the deep. Maybe I can keep moving my goal posts?
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Well said, Roland. It is enough I think. We-all have a book or a few in us but not an endless stream. I feel a few more which I’m working on but after they’re done, it’s like I don’t see anything beyond.
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That is sort of what my wife says – one book in me, Jacqui. So, I won’t panic about getting another one out…yet.
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If the idea of reading and dreaming and reviewing makes you happy and feels right, then that’s what you should do. But if the thought of not writing anymore makes you sad – then don’t stop writing.
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Good advice, Nicki as I can’t stop writing – or reading and dreaming and reviewing. So, I just have to prioritise.
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My goals evolve as I get older and health and all that affects them. Best Wishes in all you do. Happy IWSG!
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Thanks, Juneta for that sensible thought. Happy IWSG to you too.
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lol, More a fact, than me being sensible since my ability to get around has declined and a few other kinks in myself. The changes have definitely affected my ability to sit still and write and I get that fog you talk about. Just agreeing with you more than anything else, lol.
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When we understand ourselves, we make life rich. When we have true friends to talk to, life is even better, like our IWSG friends. I always look forward to your blog posts, sir. More power to you. And I don’t like squid. Wet or dry!
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These IWSG posts show who my true friends are so many thanks, Victoria. You may be ‘digital’ friends but you are closer than the physical friends that I never see.
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Roland, one published opus is an amazing accomplishment. 🙂
There are thousands of people who don’t ever complete a first draft. It lays there and collects dust at the back of that old mahogany drawer…
Keep up the good work!
Don’t stop writing!
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Thanks, Michelle – that one published novel does make me proud, even if I have a few other draft novels gathering dust.
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Our goals change according to age and circumstances. I think you do what you can and enjoy what you do. Best wishes, Roland.
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Reassuring and encouraging words as ever, Diane – thanks.
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