IWSG OCTOBER 4TH, 2017 When Overwhelm Makes You Insecure
Twitter is @TheIWSG
Hashtag #IWSG
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
FOUNDED BY
Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh
Writer’s supporting, encouraging and learning from each other. Post on your own blog about your struggles, your triumphs, and your successes. Talk about your works in progress the good, the bad and the ugly or some other writing relating topic on your mind. Read others, interact, comment, and grow within this wonderful author community. Every month there is an optional question for those who may need help figuring out what to post about.
Co-Hosts:
Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan!
The Annual IWSG Anthology Contest
Word count: 3500-6000
Genre: Mystery/Crime/Thriller
Theme: Tick Tock. The story revolves around a clock, is time sensitive, or has something about a specific time. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines. No erotica, R-rated language, or graphic violence.
Story deadline: November 1st, 2017
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges: Elizabeth S. Craig, Candace Havens, Anne Hawkins, Ion Newcombe, Lynn Tincher, Patricia Stoltey, and Mason Canyon.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.
C. Lee McKenzie‘s book Double Negative is listed in the Readers Choice Awards for YA and Middle-Grade books (page 12/16). Show her your support and vote here!
MY AUTHOR SPOTLIGHTS IN SEPTEMBER RECAP
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT FEATURE
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT JOURNEY
October 13, 2017 @ 16:00
I’ve often had trouble focussing on writing, but reading has always been possible, thankfully. I don’t know what would happen if that became a problem.
October 13, 2017 @ 12:04
Sorry to hear you’re struggling. Have you ever tried the Pomodoro Method? Sometimes it really helps people who have difficulty focusing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique
Hope next month is better for you!
October 11, 2017 @ 05:38
Are you writing a time/crime thriller? I think I might try it and see what I come up with. Take one day at a time. You’ll get done what needs doing.
October 11, 2017 @ 16:22
No paranormal fantasy adventure. Thank you.
October 6, 2017 @ 07:33
I have a terrible attention span myself. Often I’m right in the middle of writing somet
IWSG October
October 11, 2017 @ 16:22
LOL, yeah hate it when that happens.
October 5, 2017 @ 17:53
We can’t help but put parts of ourselves into our writing. And sometimes it sneaks in unintentionally.
October 11, 2017 @ 16:23
So true.
October 5, 2017 @ 14:21
I struggle with attention span too. It’s no wonder with all the stuff going on in the world. We’re all so connected to everything that’s happening because of social media so it’s a constant bombardment. And then there’s your own life as well. It’s a lot to take on! Sometimes you just gotta take a step back. Keep on keepin’ on, Juneta!
October 11, 2017 @ 16:24
Thank you.
October 5, 2017 @ 11:38
Hang in there, Juneta! You’ll find your calm, your focus again.
October 11, 2017 @ 16:25
Thank you.
October 5, 2017 @ 07:59
Oh, Wow Juneta! I’m having LOTS of trouble focusing, too. Yikes! I’m trying to find time to take baby steps forward. It’s soo tough. Breathe, my dear. You can do this. Go outside and let the sunshine fill you up. That’s what I do.
October 11, 2017 @ 16:26
Good advice. Thank you.
October 5, 2017 @ 00:05
I’m the same. My characters aren’t me, they’re someone else and I enjoy learning about them and seeing things through their eyes.
October 11, 2017 @ 16:27
Ditto.
October 4, 2017 @ 19:21
I know all about focusing issues. I almost always have brain fog issues lately which makes focusing nearly impossible. Every time I try to focus on something, my brain shuts down. The BeemGee thing I posted about is really helping (with the writing side of things anyway). Maybe you should check that out.
October 11, 2017 @ 16:30
I’ll check it out. Sounds interesting. I found a program StoryShop by Sean Platt, Johnny Truant and Dave Wright I am trying and really like.
October 16, 2017 @ 22:42
I’ll check that one out as well. It certainly can’t hurt! 😀
October 4, 2017 @ 17:16
“Letting my characters explore the unknown and unfamiliar is a lot less scary than doing it in my real life. It is also a lot more fun no matter the results.” – yes, that’s why we all write stories, isn’t it?
Did you talk to your doctor about your attention span problem? It might be medical and easily fixed with the right medication.
October 4, 2017 @ 15:52
Sorry to hear you’re having problems with attention span. It’s hard enough to be a writer without self-imposed difficulties. Take a little break and see if you’re refreshed when you return. Good luck.
October 4, 2017 @ 14:42
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like how you describe writing in a fashion that matches what you like to read. I hope your focus comes back soon.
October 4, 2017 @ 13:36
I think it’s hard to divorce ourselves completely from our characters and writing. I’ve been finding it harder to focus. With so much going on in the world, it’s sometimes hard to tune that out and focus on what we enjoy/want/need to do. In the past, working with timers has helped me focus. Even a few minutes is better than none. 🙂
October 4, 2017 @ 13:21
It seems 2017 has been a difficult time for a lot of writers. Hope things pick up soon, Juneta. Cheering for you.
October 4, 2017 @ 11:34
I thought I had missed the page for comments. Then I kept scrolling down and found it. Juneta, being overwhelmed is sometimes haunting. At least, it is for me. When it happens, I usually go to my favourite cafe, alone, with my iPad and start writing in my journal, jotting down my emotions and whatever else comes into my mind. I don’t try to make sense of it. I just write. Maybe that will help you. When we found ourselves in a labyrinth, we have to sometimes walk until we see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thinking positive thoughts of you.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
October 4, 2017 @ 10:10
I was really struggling with my attention span most of this year, but for me it was a symptom of depression.
I give my characters a lot…my past, my likes and dislikes, and more.
October 4, 2017 @ 09:31
I tend to struggle with focus a lot, as my creativity rolls in like waves. Sometimes I’ll be distracted by art, other times it’ll be a sewing project, or a website plan. I hope you get your focus back and you find yourself passionate for your loves writing and reading again.
October 4, 2017 @ 08:48
Hi, Juneta. Thanks for the reminder about the upcoming competition. I wish you peace and a calming of the overwhelm storm.
October 4, 2017 @ 07:15
I think many of us struggle with mental well being. Watching the news is enough to bring anyone down. I’ve always believed that getting my words down purged me of emotion. I write as much for my mental health as I do to entertain my readers. No doubt sharing perspective can do the same. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
October 4, 2017 @ 06:36
Little bits of us tend to end up in our characters.
I like the new set up for your blog posts. Classy!
October 4, 2017 @ 06:16
Definitely many of my perceptions get put into my stories. I sometimes think we can’t help it. I go through phases where I can’t concentrate on things. Hopefully your focus will come back very soon!
October 4, 2017 @ 05:24
Hi Juneta, I hope you can find peace among the overwhelm. When I am freaking out about all the things needing to be done, I just remember the old adage, “Eat an elephant one bite at a time.” Breaking down the huge overwhelm into small doable tasks really helps me and I feel so good when I get each task completed. Hugs.
JQ Rose
October 4, 2017 @ 05:13
My attention span is also a little off lately. I’m traveling right now, so it could be museum overload. Too much trivia in my brain at the moment? At least, I hope that’s it, what with Nanowrimo coming up. I’ll need my focus back, pretty please. 🙂 http://www.raimeygallant.com
October 4, 2017 @ 02:21
I’ve found that doing yoga again – meditation and all – has really helped me to focus. “Every Body Yoga” by Jessamyn Stanley has been a great help. Good luck!
October 4, 2017 @ 02:21
Hey Juneta! Good luck with your search for calm & peace 🙂
Hugs!
A xx
October 4, 2017 @ 02:11
I’m like you. I really avoid putting in personal information, but I think my characters share a lot of my emotions and hobbies. Things that interest me get in the stories all the time.