The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
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!
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.
Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html
http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world! Our Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG
Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and Joylene Buter!
February 1 Question: How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?
In recent years, now that I am writing full-time, my reading habits have continually evolved -
for better and for worse.
My choice of genres has broadened from mostly mysteries to more diverse areas of interest, including non-fiction history of war. Interest in this particular genre initially blossomed as research to build backstory for my novels' protagonist.
Now I'm hooked.
My current reading list includes Last Hope Island by Lynne Olson (a Goodreads Giveaway win of a book to be published 4.25.17). Expanding my knowledge base would be one of the "for better" sides of the reader-becomes-writer experience.
On the down side, I often find myself editing as I read. It took a while to realize this occurred most when scenes dragged, characters had no character, or the plotline lost focus. These were not conscious considerations before I started focusing on the mechanics of writing my own stories.
While there are times poor writing or lack of editing become too much of a distraction, I will still read to the end of most novels. There is usually a lesson to be learned in how the author unfurls the climax.
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My reading goal this year is to read and review 72 books, in a wider range of genres than ever before! (Last year's goal was 71 and I hit 86.) As a writer, do you read more, or less?
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I edit as I go too, although I don't always have the patience to keep going til the end. Life is too short!!
ReplyDeleteYes, life is too short and editing isn't all that much fun! Better to get out and enjoy the research of the next project.
DeleteWow!That's an inspirational goal. And I've wanted to do a better job reviewing books, so I like that you've stated your goal as the number you want to review, not just read. I may have to do this.... I read way less, as terrible as that is. I don't have a lot of time, so most days I have to choose to read or to write...and write has been the winner for a few months now.
ReplyDeleteThe best compliment, and the one of the most helpful favors to an author, is a book review! Sort of a "do unto others" type thing for writers. Or maybe that is "due" :)
DeleteI think it's good to read from a broad range of genres. I do that too. I like to draw a little inspiration from other genres to help keep my own writing fresh.
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent way to get new ideas for stories and keep your writing from getting stale, also. Thanks for visiting, James.
DeleteFunny how writing changes what we see in books. Or don't see.
ReplyDeleteThat's an impressive amount of books you read last year.
Thanks for visiting, Alex, and for the comment about my reading list. Now the challenge is not to slack this year! Thanks also for keeping #IWSG alive and helpful for all writers.
DeleteIsn't it Stephen King who says reading is a must for all writers? We can learn a lot about what works and what doesn't.
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