I will be straight for today’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post as life has become hectic. In fact, I’m writing this before the chaos and stress arrive in the form of three undisciplined step-great-grandkids – okay for short periods, but they are staying for a month with their parents before the parents buy their own place.
This may be the last post that I manage for some time. My writing will also suffer – and probably, my health.
August 1 question – What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?
Don’t let your debut creation become a trap – money-trap or time-trap. Or even an ego-trap. Or downward spiral.
My debut novel took over thirteen years to get published – in December 2013. Although there were minor hiccups and cul-de-sacs, the result was okay. In many ways, I needed to leave it there and move on – case made.
However, the pitfall was over the next five years, during which I poured money and time into correcting the textual errors in that version, re-publishing and over-promoting the paperback – at the expense of my next project.
I’ve taken ages to drag myself out of the ‘spiral of shame’ pit – in fact, only last week, I changed the front page of this blog, so visitors get to the Blog posts first not the Welcome that promotes my sole novel.
Next step away from massaging my ego is to change this site’s focus completely. Then, focus on the future.
Ducati Monster 695 https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/first-rides-tests/2009/april/apr3009-top-5-bikes-for-women/
**
The awesome co-hosts for the August 1 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover, Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!
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 
Really good reflection, Roland. Luckily (or not) for me, by the time I self-pubbed my first book, I had 3.5 more waiting, ready with editing. That has carried me through and I am still finishing up that .5. We’ll see what happens next!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for that encouragement, Jacqui – maybe my book drafts can be the legacy I leave behind 😉
LikeLike
Move on to the next project.
Sorry about the kid invasion. I wouldn’t get anything done either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have, finally, Alex – hence the Ducati…unless you mean the project beyond Wales.
LikeLike
Meant to say that the invasion was delayed slightly – the kids had to ‘help’ their mum clean old flat. Now screaming here…and yelling.
LikeLike
Yeah, having two young kids of my own, I know how stressful the little fiends can be. I hope you survive!
I did move on past my first book, but I admit it’s languishing because I’m so slow with the follow-up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least, Loni, these kids are only here for a few weeks while yours are for life…well until they fly the nest. So, all power to your pen.
LikeLike
Focus on the future. Great advice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wish that was working, Nita – maybe tomorrow. Thanks for dropping by.
LikeLike
My writing has to be put on hold when people come into town. We live on the coast so all summer we’re getting family and friends coming in to stay and we get to play tour guides. I love it, but it does take up a lot of time. Best of luck with the family stay.
Yes! I love your thoughts on getting stuck in an old project. I have a series that I started working on years (and YEARS) ago and for a long time it’s the only thing I’d look at. Finally, I put it away and started working on other things. Will I ever return to that first story? I believe I will, but not until the time is right. I can’t steal the time from these other projects that are moving along at a momentum of their own. And, had I not stepped away from the old project, I wouldn’t have found these other stories hiding out in my mind’s closet.
Best of luck to you in your new path 🙂
~ Jen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise thoughts – thanks, Jen. I’m not sure which past traps me so.
LikeLike
I sometimes think it’s like breaking up with a girlfriend or walking away from someone to leave your wip alone and move onto something new.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good analogy, Claire. MS makes moving on so hard – well, doing anything decisive. But we’re warriors, aren’t we?
LikeLiked by 1 person
supposedly so
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some very good advice there I wouldn’t have thought about that, hope that you manage to stay sane with the invasion 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for that ‘endorsement’, Kate.
I just wish that advice was not ignored by my traitorous brain. Or maybe that’s the invasion which has scrambled everything,
LikeLiked by 1 person
We learn so much from publishing that first book. I did publish one on Amazon to see how it all worked, but now am writing a whole heap to do a multi-launch. All the best for moving on. And thank you for signing up for the WEP challenge. You are welcome to share an extract from your WIP and get feedback if you wish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the idea of a multi-launch, Denise. WEP Challenge has got me thinking about what my ‘Change of Heart’ is. I will proably tackle something linked to my WIP, as you suggest.
LikeLike
There is something disruptive living with children, lol, but it is awful lonely when they move back out. Hope you have a great time in the invasion. Happy belated IWSG.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That makes sense, Juneta – although I’m never lonely with dogs for company.
LikeLike
Thanks for the advice 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for dropping by, Ronel – and for your sad but inspiring post about Tony and your coping.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE that advice. Everyone I know of falls prey to it, whether it’s the what if game (post publication), or the fix it a million times. We really do need to just move on and make the next best thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No longer sure if what Iwrote is wisem Crystal – as about to give up today
LikeLike