Conscience preys on me, and my reluctance to lose my IWSG contacts keeps me making brief appearances – even this late entry.
Is this monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post an attempt to stay connected? Should I accept this as a vain attempt to salve my conscience? Could it be an exercise for my brain – or a diversion from urgent work?
Answers are not needed, although the Ninja Captain might post a comment. Thanks Alex J. Cavanaugh in advance – and thanks for creating the Insecure Writer’s Support Group without whom my writing would be non-existent.
Don’t forget to visit via the IWSG site for better answers to this month’s challenging question.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
As usual, I need to remind myself the question is optional, but why not attempt an answer.
February 3 question – Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a friend as:
a person who you know well and who you like a lot, but who is usually not a member of your family
In this digital/internet age, I suspect physical contact is not a requirement – Covid-19 exacerbating such contact now. So, level of contact is a key factor.
I often call my writer/blogging colleagues ‘friends’ and I hope you see yourselves as such – well, those I interact with regularly–
Like some of my fellow Voyager anthology colleagues.
Like those of you who encourage my WEP/IWSG entries – the Sparkle Anwyl fans.
Like my beta readers, whom I fear I’m letting down at present.
Like those readers and writers who supported my Spiral of Hooves launch.
Apologies for not listing you – omissions are too easy to make – so, I hope you know who you are.
Although these raise a crucial question: when do such friendships end?
Contact with those latter Spiral of Hooves friends has tailed off as my debut fades – in some cases to a memory.
And that reminds me of a real concern: where are my real-life friends? Even before lockdown, I had none. They were lost back in the UK, even if trawling through my list of Facebook friends, I still have plenty I interacted with in my equestrian days.
However, genuine contact fell away when I retired…when the MonSter took its toll.
But isn’t that ‘fall’ a real test of friendship?
Look to those who stand with you in the darkest hour. That’s reality regardless of physical contact. And my blogging friends are the ones who keep me going now.
Advice – Association – Affinity – Allies – Amigas – Amistad
**
The awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG are Louise – Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!
How can I be repetitive asking you to agree these guys are the best? Especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available. They are truly the best…and one is someone I’m proud to class as a true friend—
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 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.
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.
For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Writing Wings 
I think you and I are expressing the same issues with the friends we made in the past – some of whom are still genuinely friends, but we don’t see them or even contact them very often. It doesn’t mean we can’t pick up just where we left off – which in my experience is what friends do… even if there’s twenty years in between.
There are all sorts fo friends… some of them blogging, some of them something else!
LikeLiked by 2 people
And that Joe Cocker gig made my day 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having emigrated to USA, I can only pick up online – in fact I rekindled an old school friendship that way after decades. Ironically only physical UK friend who visited was…the guy who is now married to my ex. My US wife and I are good friends with them still – strange.
LikeLike
Oh thank you, Roland!!! You are my true friend, and I think of you all the time. And you’re in my prayers every night, even when I’m feeling agnostic. I’m so relieved to see your post! I loved getting to know you, my Voyager buddy! And thanks for Joe Cocker!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I realise my sharing has stalled recently, Louise – apologies special friend. I struggle with distractions of my own creation, but I try to do a bit. Music helps – Joe Cocker has been a favourite for decades.
LikeLike
Louise rocks!
Sometimes we lose contact with older friends. That’s what new ones are for, wherever they might be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I seem to have replaced physical friends (back in the UK mainly) with digital ones worldwide – like you I hope Alex, and Louise, of course; plus all the others.
LikeLike
I love how online contact makes it easy to reconnect with friends after long absences, though in some ways it maybe makes us more complacent and less likely to ‘check in’ because it’s so easy? 🤔
Keep writing, we are here. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Emma. Online helps both in reconnecting and staying in touch. Most of my friends are in the UK, but I suspect I’ll not get back there or see them. Yes, complacency hovers too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you. The MS beast has made friendship feel like a huge hurdle. For me, and for anyone brave enough to take the risk on me. I am endlessly grateful to the ones I have found (and treasure) here in the blogosphere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew you would understand about MS and friendship, Sue. And I treasure making contact with you, even if we never met in person 🙂
LikeLike
I think you nailed it–I’ll say that when the crap hit my life, I found out who my friends are, and it wasn’t all the people I expected. But every single person who reaches out a little bit to help with whatever is valued and valuable, so thanks, Roland!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m grateful to all those who see beyond such barriers. I value our contact with each other, Rebecca. despite us going through different challenges. May 2021 be a year of healing and achievement for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blogging contacts are good to have. Not sure that I would properly refer to any of them as actual friends, but it’s a title that sounds nice. I like having friends, but true lasting friends are a rare find.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suspect, Lee, we are in such a changed environment – digitally changed – that ‘actual friends’ are not what they used to be. You spark some puzzling thoughts. Are digital friends the 21st century form of ‘pen pals’? Before mass transport were friendships forged across distances true, arranged, superficial, or plain impossible?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think a digital penpal is a good way to describe what we have now.
I’m thinking maybe true friendships are more difficult to find in our times. We get more access for communication and I guess that can be good–and bad sometimes.
Lee
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting post on how friendships change as our life changes and we grow older, move, retire. Online groups like IWSG and WEP are great for connecting with other writers (as you point out) and sometimes readers. FB for family and faraway friends. And there’s the telephone. Sadly, I hate talking on the phone, yet for many of my writing/quilting friends, they do love to chat. Thankfully, they’ve come to accept my idiosyncrasy, at least in the morning when I try to write. Well, this is a bit of a ramble, perhaps because with quarantine, connecting with other writers is simply a treat. Thank you for your ramble! May 2021 bring you good health and lots of words (that you like).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good points, Beth. I chat to a few people on the phone, like my brother, sister, and niece, but because of my health issues, talking can be hard as my speech sometimes slurs. All the best for 2021.
LikeLike
I agree. Chatting over here is also difficult. Throat lozenges help as does hot tea. Hope your health improves and all else for all of us in 2021!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thinking of you and hoping you are doing well, Roland Diane says they’re working on final edits for the next anthology. Time flies. Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to the new anthology, Louise – even if I failed to write my story idea 😉 Great to hear from you.
LikeLike