Created and hosted by the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post is here again – and so am I.
Apologies for the two weeks of silence, but it was those midwinter distractions, and even now I feel inundated with emails that subtly hint at what I should be doing.
But I hesitate to reflect on 2018 or make resolutions for 2019. Okay, I may review my reading tomorrow and I have resolved decided to develop and focus on Fevered Few, my NaNoWriMo novel. But more about that another day/week/month.
First, the IWSG post which got me scribbling in my little black notepad over midwinter-fest.
January 2 question – What are your favourite and least favourite questions people ask you about your writing?
“What are you writing now?” is my favourite question and lets me ramble about my WIP – or attempt to explain it as briefly as possible. Answer: Fevered Few
“Why haven’t you published anything since 2013?” is THE question that I dread so my least favourite. Answer: Because I take years to finish anything and change novels mid-edit.
“So, you never submit anything?” annoys me because I dislike the Answer: Nothing of value it seems.
“Why are you being rejected?” is another least favourite, and enough to make me feel dejected. Answer: What do you think?
“But you’ve been a winner?” is a question/comment that hovers midway between favourite and not. Answer: This is a chance to crow about a writing prize as a kid and the giveaways that make up my TBR pile. Or the point when I confess that my writing has yet to win a prize this century – so, that’s why I’m an Insecure Writer in an Ace group called IWSG.
And now the real question: “What are the questions to ask – or not ask – about your writing?”
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The awesome co-hosts for the January 2 posting of the IWSG are Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!
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
Writing Wings 
I haven’t been published for a while either. Yeah, it hurts but it won’t stop me for plugging away. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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That’s the right attitude, Anna – keep plugging away.
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I’ll have to remember some of your answers – they’re goodies!
Keep plugging away 🙂
Happy new year, Roland
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Glad my off-the-cuff replies work, Jemima – I wondered it some were a bit sharp. Or perhaps I held back.
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If only we knew exactly why something was rejected, eh?
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If only, Patricia. I’ve read a few interesting posts from agents trying to explain ‘why’, and in some cases I understand – but not in others.
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I’ve not had a book release in over three years, so I know the feeling.
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I’m reassured and shocked and sad, Alex as I see you as a successful author – not one of those that churns out dross to get numbers out, Quality not quantity.
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Heh, like your favorite question. All writers get rejected until they don’t, ask Stephen King. That would be my pat answer if I was asked that but alas I am not because I have not published yet. Happy IWSG.
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Good answer, Juneta. I’m wanting to add that low sales feels as bad as a rejection some days. And remember that we’re never too old to get published – well that’s my thought for 2019.
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Good answers, Roland. I’ve taken notes!
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Glad you are paying attention, Jacqui – there will be a test soon 😉
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I haven’t published anything recently either, except by myself on wattpad, but that is another story.
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Is that a route that I need to go, Olga?
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I don’t know. You might try and see if it works for you. One of my stories there – my only romance up to date – already got 38K readers. Other stories of mine on wattpad don’t fare nearly so well though.
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I’ll give it a try as I have an ‘inactive’ account on Wattpad – as a reader.
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I love your questions and your answers! They do mean that people are interested in you and your life, otherwise there would be no questions at all. 🙂 Is that you on the motorcycle?
As I’m working on a memoir, I have not written or published any articles in magazines, so there is a big gap at the top of my resume these days. We can’t do it all!
Best of inspiration and success with “Fevered Few”!
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The questions arise mainly in interviews- or my imagination, Liebet.
The biker is an unknown female biker posing as my main protagonist. My biking days are long gone and the only wheelies now are in my wheelchair.
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I know, I know, those are tough questions and ones we don’t necessarily know the answer to. Especially, why we get rejected. I don’t often get that question, but I ask myself all the time. I wish I knew the answer…
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Rejection is a tough one, Sarah – especially if there is no clue/comment. I get left wondering what to re-write – if I don’t bin the draft.
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Well, if ya think about it, it’s better to be asked questions about our writing… even bad questions… than to be ignored. 🙂
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Yes, being ignored is far worse, Susan. If asked we have something.
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That’s a pretty great answer. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com
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Thanks Gina for approving my answer.
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Take two on leaving a comment. Let’s see what happens.
Thanks bunches for stopping by my blog. I can’t imagine someone asking me “why am I being rejected”. I think anyone who’d ask me that questions knows me well enough to know I’d just walk away from them as though nothing had ever come out of their mouths. I’ve only been asked “what I’m writing now,” once. It was nice. I wish more people would ask me that. I’m always writing something new, even if I’m not publishing or pitching it. Glad you’re back. Looking forward to seeing what 2019 brings for you.
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WordPress is being weird as I can’t even like your post – may have to go into my site itself. Anyway, the reject question might come as I haven’t done much submitting beyond the rejected shorts. Maybe 2019 will be different.
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Just keep going. I’m sure that prize is around the corner.
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Thanks Nick, it feels like a maze after five decades but I suspect that I might find the secret.
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Some rejections sting — especially when you’re not even sure why it was rejected in the first place! Keep on writing 🙂
Ronel visiting for IWSG day 2019 Goals, Resolutions and Questions
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I will, Ronel – as long as my mind is working right. And when the motivation drages me back off the floor.
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