Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus Book to Movie Trivia and Ninja News

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My awesome co-hosts today are M. Pax, Karen Walker, and Melissa Maygrove. Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

Today marks the twenty-fourth posting for the IWSG – two years of posting! (Although the official two year celebration won’t be until next month.)

When I started this group, I had no idea it would evolve into one of the largest regular writing feature online. I’m grateful for the three hundred members who post every month. I’ve gotten to know this writing family well and learned so much from you guys. The IWSG is still the greatest blessing and I’ve made some awesome friends.

I have some ideas for the group, things that will move it forward so that it continues to grow and evolve. I’ll be working on those plans over the next couple months.

Today I’ll just offer a word of encouragement for unpublished writers and authors alike: if a dude who never even planned on being an author, let alone writing a best-selling series, can do it, so can you! Don’t ever lose sight of your dream.

And if you know of a writer who needs support, encourage them to sign up. Let’s rock the two-year celebration next month with a slew of new members!

Thanks and be sure to visit other members on the list HERE.


Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who signed up to announce CassaStorm the third week in September! (Some of the questions made me laugh.) For those who missed it, you can sign up HERE. And you don’t have to leave a question – you can just sign up for the details. It won’t be the same stuff on every blog either. I’ll be sending different announcements and information and you can adjust it to fit your blog style. (Plus the questions will help shake it up a bit.) And don’t forget there are cool prizes!

Madeleine Sara at Scribble and Edit is hosting the Novel Films Blogfest II to celebrate the third anniversary of her blog. See her site for details.



And, special cover reveal...


The fate of the faerie world is in her hands...

Title: The Faerie War
Series: Creepy Hollow, Book Three
Author: Rachel Morgan
Cover Designer: Morgan Media
Publication Date: Oct 2013





Book to Movie Trivia!

Sometimes books become movies with new titles. I’ve named the movie – can you name the book?

1 – Carlito’s Way 1993

2 – Manhunter 1986

3 – Vertigo 1958

4 – Silver Bullet 1986

5 – Taps 1981

Did you sign up for the CassaStorm announcement? Participating in the Novel Films Blogfest? Think Rachel’s cover rocks? Know any of the trivia? And what is your writer security?

I will be a little scarce the next few days as we are taking off for the beach. (But I will be visiting a lot of IWSG posts today and keeping up when I can with my iPad.) This will be Mini-Alex’s first view of the ocean – wonder what he’ll think of it?

202 comments:

1 – 200 of 202   Newer›   Newest»
Jeremy [Retro] said...

i had a time coming up with a question... though challenge accepted. great post and lot's going on...

Suzanne Furness said...

Still trying to think of a question that hasn't already been asked but I'll get signed up anyway to help spread the word. Excited to hear your plans for IWSG next month.

Love the book cover Rachel it looks wonderful.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

just to add on... I give you this: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Unknown said...

I think Silver Bullet was a Stephen King novel, but I don't know the title.

Enjoy the beach!

Unknown said...

The group - a wonderful idea, just what is needed.

Patsy said...

2 years of IWSG? Wow. It's become amazingly popular in such a short time.

A.J. Walker said...

Beautiful cover for Faerie War. I check out Morgan Media's page and they have a lot of good work over there.

Misha Gerrick said...

Can't wait for Rachel's newest book. And of course I'm signed up for the CassaStorm announcement. ;-)

Laura Clipson said...

I'm looking forward to seeing your new ideas for the group. Have a great time at the beach! :)

The Words Crafter said...

Rachel's cover is sooooo pretty! Curious what the tweaks to IWSG will be...

I believe Silver Bullet? Wasn't that a story by Stephen King?

Have a great time at the beach!

Anonymous said...

Very cool cover, Rachel.

Love your words of wisdom, Alex:)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful cover to Rachel's book. It would certainly make me buy it.
Alex - I'll be away when CassaStorm comes out so it'll be difficult to spread the word for the first two weeks. However, when I get back I'll do my own post (you can never have too many, can you?) Hope that's OK!!

Mark Koopmans said...

Now, there is a slight issue...

What if Mini-Alex saw the ocean as he flew over on Air France #714?

Was he stuffed in a shirt pocket of a kind USPS worker, or did he suffer the angst of living in a bubble - envelope.

(In any event, I hope you brought your camera and black Speedos for the beach :)

Have a *great* vacation, and yes, Mrs. C., it's OK to tell Alex to "Step away from the Ipad." :)

Brian Miller said...

ok, i got cycle of the werewolf...
and manhunter was from a Thomas Harris book in the Silence of the Lambs series...so i got two of them...

alex, you are def an inspiration man...

Cally Jackson said...

I just love Rachel's covers. She's so talented. I just posted my IWSG post - cancelling the Campaign. :-(

Hope you have a wonderful time at the beach. Ditch the iPad! :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Suzanne, you can always think of one later.

Jeremy - Blade Runner!

Anne, correct.

Patsy, it's exploded.

Words, yes it was.

Tania, words of truth.

Susan, thank you! More than all right.

Mark, sadly all he saw was bubble wrap. No speedos although Kitty is convinced I have invisible underwear.

Brian, correct, and thanks.

Cally, I'm sorry.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Happy Anniversary to the IWSG!

Lovely cover, Rachael!

Alex, enjoy your vacation!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Have a great time at the beach Alex! Don't get caught in a rip current like I did!

Brinda said...

Have fun at the beach!

Liza said...

I'm on vacation. I have company and I've lost track of my days. At 6:15, I bolted out of bed and asked my husband, "When was the first Wednesday of the month?" "Today," he replied. O.M.G. It's IWSG Day!!! I wrote my post and then clicked here. Two years?? Amazing. Thank you, Alex, for all the work you put into this, and for the encouragement you continue to offer.

Christine Rains said...

Enjoy your time at the beach! My insecurity today is about book covers. Rachel's is awesome, btw!

shelly said...

Enjoy the beach.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Natalie Aguirre said...

Have a great trip. And I love Rachel's cover.

Rusty Carl said...

Dang - I think Hannibal and a Stephen King novel. The rest I have no idea. Looking forward to the iWSG changes.

Jennie Bennett said...

Beautiful cover! I remember when you started IWSG, I can't believe it's been two years. It took me a little while to sign up, but I'm so glad I did!

Sean McLachlan said...

Happy anniversary! And happy official anniversary next month!

Mina Burrows said...

2 years? Amazing! Congrats, Alex and great advice too!

Enjoy the beach! Sounds lovely!

Go Rachel!

Hart Johnson said...

Two years!? Holy cow! Time flies.

I LOVE Rachel's book covers. And I remember when SHE was pre-published, and there's her gorgeous series. It really is fun to all be on this journey together, eh?

Bob/Sally said...

Two years . . . WOW. I know I've missed a few months here and there, but I always look forward to the first Wednesday of the month. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Can't do it if you quit.

Manhunter is Red Dragon.

Unknown said...

Thank you so very much for sharing my cover, Alex! Wow, I'm honored that it has such a LARGE piece of space on this blog post :-) *beaming*

It's amazing that the IWSG has been going for so long. I'm interested to see what your ideas are for moving it forward.

Thank you for all the cover love, everyone :-)

Stina said...

I love Rachel's cover.

Even though my blog is now geared toward readers (since I lost my writing blog), I think I'll sign up for this and start in September like I had originally planned to. I definitely have insecurities like everyone else. :)

Have fun at the beach!!!

Marta Szemik said...

Have a good time at the beach! I can't believe it's been two years of IWSG already! Wow!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Yes, Alex, I do want your cloning machine. lol As long as my clone has my knowledge.

As for your September launch, I've provided a question. Will you be answering that for us to post on our blogs? How will that work?

Just need to know what more I need to do. :D

Jackie said...

I can't wait to see your ideas for the IWSG!
I haven't heard of that blogfest. I'll check it out!

Jen said...

Sometimes the simplest of encouragements go the furthest! Thanks as always, Alex, for helping us all feel as if we've got a sincere shot at a writing life!

Enjoy the beach! Congrats to Rachel on the new book (the cover is gorgeous) and a big THANK YOU to M. Pax, Karen Walker and Melissa Maygrove. I can only imagine what it's like to keep up with this list!

Cheers!
Jen

PS: Excited to see what changes you have in store for us, Captain! :)

Luanne G. Smith said...

Wow, two years already!? Amazing.

And what a beautiful book cover for the Faerie War. Love that.

Unknown said...

congrats for the 2 years mark and can't wait to see what your new ideas are for the group, especially since I decided to join it.

Unknown said...

Happy IWSG day! Thank you to this month's co-hosts, Mary, Karen, and Melissa. Y'all rock. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Optimistic, I won't!

Liza, thank you! And appreciate the dedication.

Rusty, you got the second one right.

Hart, yes it is.

Rachel, you're welcome!

Stina, we would love to have you.

Marta, and you haven't missed a single one. Thank you.

Donna, yes - the second week of September I'll send the book information and links and your individual question with the answer.

Jen, it just takes a word sometimes.

Carrie-Anne said...

I love the shades of burnt gold on Rachel's cover. As an amateur artist, I always seem to notice color schemes first, along with font choice.

Have fun at the beach. I can't wait to visit my aunt in Florida again so I can enjoy the beach for a few days.

Kirsten said...

Very cool about the evolution of the ISWG! I'm looking forward to where we're going to go next. Are we going to stop being so insecure? But what fun would that be?

Have fun at the beach, and keep Mini-
Alex out of trouble! :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Two years of IWSG is just super. IWSG has become an important part of my life.

Congrats to Rachel, the cover looks beautiful.

Laura S. said...

I can't believe it's been two years of IWSG already! I I signed up in June so this is my third posting. I'm glad I finally joined such a rockin' group of writers!

Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Rachel's book cover is gorgeous!

I think Manhunter is one of the Silence of the Lamb books? And SIlver Bullet has to do with werewolves? (Boy, those were pretty sad guesses.)

Yolanda Renée said...

2 years! Wow!

Awesome books covers, and I'm looking forward to your announcement and the new plans for IWSG!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

that was easy... just got the 30th anniversary blu-ray, been watching the 4 or 5 versions of it...

Isis Rushdan said...

I feel like this is a trick question. Silver Bullet was a book by Stephen King or maybe it was just a short story. I know for certain that Manhunter was based on the novel Red Dragon.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. mini Alex on holiday - what fun .. wonder whether he'll surf or just chill out ..

You're helping so many writers in so many ways and this IWSG section is great for people to air their writing worries ..

Cheers Hilary - and enjoy the time out ..

Nicole said...

Wow, Rachel's cover is gorgeous! All signed up on the CassaStorm linky.

Tonja said...

Have fun at the beach!

Suze said...

I hope you guys really enjoy your time at the beach. Renewal!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful, mesmerizing cover.

Hold on tight to mini-Alex. I hope he has a mini-floaty and mini-scuba gear. Enjoy the ocean, Alex.

It's hard to believe it's been nearly two years since you started this gem. I'm having more fun with it than I ever imagined. Thank you!

xoRobyn

Suzanne said...

Only signed up a couple of months ago, but have found both posts and comments so helpful and supportive, so huge thanks from me :)
Love the book cover :)
Have fun at the beach!
Suzanne @ Suzannes-Tribe

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Adriana, welcome!

Kirsten, no fun at all!

Laura, we are happy to have you.

Madeline, but you're on the right track.

Jeremy, we have the blu-ray as well.

Isis, correct!

Robyn, crap, I still need to buy those...

Suzanne, thanks for being a part of it!

Bish Denham said...

I don't know why I haven't signed up for the ISW. Maybe because I'm too insecure? :)

Susan Oloier said...

I'm signed up for the big announcement!
Have a great Wednesday!

Jemi Fraser said...

Love Rachel's cover - gorgeous!
Enjoy the beach!! :)

Unknown said...

Alex, when something like this takes off the way it has, you have to wonder if there was a greater purpose and hand involved. Thanks for being a willing conduit.

Mel Kinnel (@TizMellyMel) said...

Hmm..I'm stuck on the movie trivia. Can't wait to see the answers.

In regards to IWSG, I always appreciate hearing other writers' struggles and insecurities. Those confessions make me feel like I'm normal and not alone in my journey. I really looking forward to your plans for the group.

Margo Berendsen said...

Wow 2 years sure went by fast! Thank you for continuing to host this great feature.

Unknown said...

Congrats to Morgan on her new cover!

I love IWSG just the way it is, so I hope your new plans won't change it too much. And thanks for the encouraging words from the best-selling author! :-)

Unknown said...

Can't wait for CassaStorm!! And I absolutely love the IWSG, it's one of the things that keep me going with blogging and writing... one fixed point every month to look forward to, even if I do have the unfortunate tendency to rant... : )

Also, I'm rubbish at movie trivia...

Have a great time watching the waves! I'm sure mini-Alex will love it!

Tessa xxx

jaybird said...

I love this group so much Alex! A million thanks for starting it.

I have been really consumed by the self-doubt these past few weeks. I didn't think I had it in me, and was contemplating giving up. All the support and encouragement I have found here has made me change my mind. And I thank you for that!!

Chemist Ken said...

Looking forward to see what changes you have in mind for IWSG. Not that I think it needs to be changed, of course.

Let us know what Mini-Alex thins of the ocean. The first time my daughter saw (touched) Lake Michigan, she bawled. (The water was too cold for her)

Molly/Cece said...

Hi Alex, thanks for creating this community. Thanks to Mary, Karen, and Melissa for moderating IWSG. My writer security is a triptych: my imagination, my friends, and my perserverance. Happy IWSG day!

Sanderella said...

Changes! Always room for change and will be anxious to see those.

Enjoy your time at the beach!

Fairy book cover great, hopped over to Amazon to read her reviews on her books...I may purchase the first book. Looks interesting!

Thanks for sharing that information!

sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com

Tina said...

Mini-Alex at the beach! I hope he manages to stay dry AND have a good time! Can't wait for pictures.
Rachel's cover is amazing, as are her books.
Enjoy your time off. I want to go to the beach...
Tina @ Life is Good

ilima said...

Congrats on two years...I'm so glad to be a part of the IWSG crew. So, does mini Alex wear speedos or board shorts...or is it skinny dipping in his future? Have fun at the beach. *jealous*

Pat Hatt said...

IWSG i always thought about, but you have to kinda be insecure first right? lol too crazy to give insecurity the time of day.

And:

Wasn't it the same title? Or After Hours. Two of them I think.

Red Dragon

French thingy i can't even begin to spell without looking it up

Something to do with Werewolf

Father Sky

Tyrean Martinson said...

Beach time! That's sweet! I hope you and your wife, and mini-Alex all have fun!

I hope I'm signed up, but I'll double check, and Rachel's new cover rocks!

Thanks for IWSG, Alex!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Karen, thanks for helping today!

Bish, glad you joined us.

Julie, thanks! If I accomplish nothing else in life, the IWSG is what mattered most.

Mel, glad to hear you benefit from it.

Lexa, it won't change drastically.

Tessa, glad it keeps you motivated.

Jaybird, we won't let you give up.

Ken, that's funny. Yeah, it is cold.

Molly, thanks for being a part of it!

Ilima, I see no speedos in his future...

Pat, very good - got most of them. And you can be a secure writer and give encouragement.

Thanks guys! I will do my best to get to everyone today. Only a hundred blogs to go...

S. L. Hennessy said...

Two years is really amazing. I'm so glad I can be a part of IWSG. It's been a great experience and I can't wait for two more.

Ella said...

I signed up and left my question!
I hope you and the Mrs and mini Alex have a great time at the beach. Toss a rock in the big pond for me ;D
I hope to go soon~

Wow really two years-It has been such a great experience. Thank you Alex! I wrote an encouraging post today~

Stay cool Captain!

DMS said...

Enjoy the beach! Hope it is relaxing and fun.

Amazing how much the group has grown since you started it. Awesome!
~Jess

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm so thrilled for your success, Alex. Your 3rd book is going to be a huge smash hit. Enjoy the beach. Hope you find the time to relax. I have a lot of writer insecurities, but securities...? I have to think on that.

Unknown said...

I hope I signed up for the big announcement. Sorry if I didn't!

And sorry I have not been around. I'll try to backtrack soon. Hope you are well!

Cassie Mae said...

I just squeed my pants! Rachel's books rock!!! I've gotta get my hands on this one.

And yay for making it 2 years! Whoot Whoot! IWSG is a genius idea. Met so many awesome peeps through it.

Good luck with the tour coming up!

M Pax said...

Two years of IWSG? Really? Wow. I think I only missed one.

Of course I signed up for the CassaStorm Blitz.

You and the Mrs. enjoy the beach! Have a drink w/ an umbrella in it for me. :)

msmariah said...

Alex-- Enjoy the beach. We're going to mountains soon. This is why I like living in NC. You can have best of both worlds.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Two years of meeting great new friends. Thanks, Alex, for making such a neat opportunity for us. Have fun at the beach!

Anonymous said...

Bless you for the shout out Alex for my blogfest. I may just sign up for your launch. :O)
Rachel Morgan's success is awesome too.
Good IWSG advice. Amazed it's been going 2 years and that there are 300 insecure writers linked up!

Ray Rousell said...

Cool looking books, they remind me of an old English cartoon character Willo the Whisp for some reason.

Unknown said...

Just signed up with my question. It was hard coming up with one that had not already been asked! Love Rachels cover...Much great news as usual. Enjoy your time at the beach and don't forget sunscreen :)

cleemckenzie said...

Nothing better than a beach and for the first time? Fabulous. He'll either want into the waves or he'll want to keep away.

Enjoy!

Charles Gramlich said...

It's an amazing success story!

Julie Flanders said...

Can't believe it's been two years! I'm anxious to see what ideas you have for the group.
I signed up to be part of the announcement but couldn't think of a question and accidentally left my name in the question section. Sorry about that! Not sure where my brain was on Monday.

Rachel's cover is gorgeous!

Golden Eagle said...

I can't believe it's been 2 years. Feels like it was relatively recently.

I'll have to see if I can come up with a question for your CassaStorm announcement!

Hope you have fun at the beach.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ella, I'll even try to skip the rock for you!

Joylene, thanks, and I hope so!

Melissa, no worries.

Cassie, only you could get away with saying that.

Mary, thanks again for co-hosting today.

MsMariah, we do!

Madeleine, you're welcome.

Siv, the final questions will probably be really strange...

Lee, he'll probably keep away.

Julie, that made me chuckle.

Thanks guys!!!!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I love what you've done with the Insecure WRiter group, Alex. I'm random with my posting on it but this month I made it-- yay! And I always love visiting blogs on the first Wednesday of the month, they're the most interesting posts.

Morgan said...

Just wanted to drop by and apologize for not getting a IWSG post up today. We had an unexpected death in the family yesterday and I've been delayed. Such a wonderful group and I'll be on board next month!

(Love Rachel's cover, btw)

Anonymous said...

Isn't Rachel's cover cool? I am sad to report this is the first IWSG I will not be participating in group discussions. Please don't kick me off. I love that you have the inside track on the cool blogfest. Madeleine's looks like fun.

Elise Fallson said...

Enjoy the beach and make sure you bring Mini Alex's water wings.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Have fun Alex and you know I signed up. Your advice in IWSG was excellent and definitely something all writers should recognize.

Kelly Polark said...

I know none of those book titles. DOH!

Wow! Happy Two Years to the IWSG! It seriously seems like yesterday when you started that!!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Great cover for The Faerie War! Congrats on your upcoming second anniversary! It's been a terrific two years!
Have fun at the beach Alex!

Julie

Nancy Thompson said...

While too many things fall by the wayside for lack of time, I absolutely refuse to drop the IWSG. It means far too much to me. For that, Alex, I thank you!!

Sarah Ahiers said...

I can't believe that IWSG has been going on for so long!!

Cherie Reich said...

Love Rachel's cover!

Can't wait to see what you have in store for IWSG.

And I want to say #2 is Red Dragon, but I'm not certain.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Have a great time at the beach! I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that there will be *no rain!* We've been so waterlogged in NC.

Congrats on IWSG's success and its reach in helping others!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Rachel's cover is great. Enjoy the beach. Two years of insecure seems pretty wild. I don't remember when I joined but it might have been at the start.

The Angry Lurker said...


1 – Carlito’s Way 1993 : Carlito's Way?

2 – Manhunter 1986 :Red Dragon.

3 – Vertigo 1958

4 – Silver Bullet 1986: Cycle of the Werewolf.

5 – Taps 1981

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Karen, glad you posted! Will be there soon. Working my way through a very long list...

Morgan, I'm sorry! Prayers for you and your family.

Sydney, no worries.

Kelly, it really does.

Nancy, thanks - I really appreciate that!

Cherie, you are correct.

Elizabeth, a day without rain would be nice.

Fran, you got two.

Michelle Wallace said...

Enjoy the beach with Mini-Alex!
Congrats on 2 years of IWSG! I'm looking forward to the celebrations... and your new plans for the group! YAY!

And thanks for the ongoing support and words of encouragement to all us unpublished writers. My flash fic will be published next Wednesday... never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined that I'd have an article accepted and published - and it IS my first submission!!

My writer security? My "writerly strength" is flash fiction.

Rachel is sooooooo talented - her covers are stunningly beautiful!
Writer In Transit

Gwen Gardner said...

I'm all signed up for Cassastorm. Oh and have fun at the beach! Hello to Mini-Alex and Mrs. C!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Have a wonderful time at the beach, Alex! You certainly deserve a great vacation!!!

Mary Montague Sikes

Heather M. Gardner said...

2 years of IWSG! Holy Frijoles!

Great job, Alex!

New ideas? I can't wait to hear them. Let me know if you need any help!

Thank you, Alex!

Heather

Ciara said...

I'm online! Today was the first day of school so I had five minutes!

I signed up for your launch in September and I posted my IWSG today. I feel accomplished. LOL

Thanks for being the launch author for CK Reader Giveaways!

Anonymous said...

Two years is just the beginning. ;) I look forward to seeing how the group grows and evolves over the next two.

I signed up for the launch and posted a question, not necessarily an earth shattering one, but a question. Lol

Cherie Colyer said...

Great advice for aspiring authors. And Rachael's cover do rock. Have fun at the beach!

VikLit said...

Beautiful cover!
And I have NO IDEA of the books!

farawayeyes said...

Believe it or not, I read this post very early this morning, when I couldn't sleep, and there were NO comments, but alas my phone won't let me comment.

That is some AWESOME cover there - seeing it everywhere.

Go IWSG!

Robin said...

First view of the ocean? Mini-Alex will love it:)

Don't give up on your dream. Excellent advice.

Tonja Drecker said...

Yay, Rachel!

Wow, 2 years of IWSG is amazing! And so glad you started it. Hope you enjoy your days on the beach. Ipads mix with sand, huh?

Unknown said...

Congrats on 2 years of IWSG! You've built something really amazing. I'm just glad I can be a part of it. Rachel's cover is great. I think I have two of the movies: 2. Red Dragon 4. Cycle of the Werewolf.

Huntress said...

I don't remember how many followers you had in the spring of 2011 when I started reading your blog. But now, to see the multitudes surf your way everyday is truly amazing.

But not surprising :)

You are one fine human, Alex.

And...love Rachel Morgan's stuff. Yay for her too :)

Andrew Leon said...

You know, I don't think your success was just luck. You put a lot of work into the blogging community, and I think that has paid off for you. Not that I'm saying that I think what you've done has been about selling books; that's just a byproduct of what you've done.

Julie Musil said...

Alex, you are such an angel for creating this group. Thank you!

Johanna Garth said...

It's amazing how your idea took off Alex. You tapped into the insecure writer psyche and at the same time have created this great space to find and nurture friendships!

Annalisa Crawford said...

Have a great holiday, I love the ocean :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michelle, you are the flash fiction master! That comes as no surprise you would be accepted. We'll have to spread the word next Wednesday.

Heather, if you're offering, I just might take you up on that.

Ciara, thank you for letting me the launch author!

Kim, I bet it was a good question - thanks.

Faraway, we'll pretend you were first then.

T, just hope I don't drop it!

Michael, nailed both.

Thanks, Huntress. It amazes me!!

Andrew, that's exactly right. Book sales were a byproduct.

Thanks, guys!!!

Donna Shields said...

Wow! Two years? It hasn't seemed that long.

PK HREZO said...

Thanks for the encouragement! And I need to check out that blogfest. Only answer to your trivia I sortA know is Silver Bullet--something like the phases of the werewolf. Way worse than Silver Bullet. lol

Unknown said...

Always enjoy your words of encouragement, Alex! Enjoy your beach vacation:)
Cheers!
WriterlySam

Erin L. Funk said...

Congrats on reaching the two year mark for the IWSG! That's an awesome achievement! And the cover of Rachel Morgan's new book definitely rocks!

Leovi said...

I wish a long life for Insecure Writer's Support Group! Increasing! Greetings!

Nicki Elson said...

Rachel's book covers are gorgeous!

Your idea for the launch party is brilliant. I'm sure no one is surprised by my question. Looking forward to helping you blast this one off.

IWSG is my favorite, favorite thing in the blogosphere. :)

L.G. Keltner said...

Two years of IWSG! Time sure flies!

Unknown said...

2 years already?! Wow, time has flown! It's been good to see how much it has grown too - you've got one hell of an army :)

Krista McLaughlin said...

I love Rachel's cover! I revealed it today too. :) Her books are incredible and I can't wait to read the last one.

2 years - wow, that's awesome! I can't wait to celebrate such an awesome group!

Have fun at the beach!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

My writing insecurity - I suck so bad at it I'm afraid to even try anymore!!! Gak! (It's awful, but it's almost true.)

Two years of the support group? Holy moly! Congrats Alex!

Meredith said...

Brilliant motivation! Thanks so much for starting this. It's helped so much!

Meredith
Meredith’s Musings

mooderino said...

Happy second birthday. It's been a grand venture that's helped a lot of people.

mood

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

PK, you are really close!

Nicki, thanks on both counts.

Jamie, once heck of a Ninja Army...

Cathy, you are a brilliant writer.

Meredith, that's good to hear.

Cathy Keaton said...

Two years of IWSG? Pretty cool. It was an ingenious idea then and still is. Thanks for implementing it, since I've been helped quite a bit from this meme.

Unknown said...

I can't remember if I signed up for the announcement or not. Remind me where it is...I'd be thrilled to help.

TWO YEARS! Congrats, Alex, on such a successful endeavor!

Mark Means said...

Wow!

Rachael's covers are very solid. Simplistic, yet they grab your attention and draw you in.

I like them!

Have a great time at the beach and don't forget your sunscreen :)

Jennifer Lane said...

That's wonderful encouragement! I feel the same way--I never expected to publish books but it CAN happen.

Jo said...

Not being a writer, insecure or otherwise, I don't do much reading during ISWG although I think it's a wonderful group and it seems to work well.

Like the sound of the Faerie book, but at the moment my TBR list is awesomely long.

Only knew one of those films and I have no idea of the name of the book. When it comes to movies I am pretty pathetic I'm afraid.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Congrats to Rachel!!
And congrats to you for your hard work building up IWSG and turning it into a truly fabulous supportive group. You have me intrigued as to what you have planned with it.

klahanie said...

Alex dude,

As promised on Twitter, I was working my way through that list of IWSG and now I have arrived.

I know that the group has a lot of positive interaction. When you support and encourage each other, the inspiration breeds inspiration. That is superb and more fulfilment to all of you.

I will end by saying congrats to everyone mentioned in your links. As for blogfests...takes deep breath.

Enjoy the beach and watch out for those pesky autograph hunters.

Gary

Melissa said...

I'm a co-host, and I'm only NOW getting around to visiting the leader's blog. How awful is that! LOL

Congrats on the two year anniversary of IWSG. I'm off to visit more blogs... :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cathy, glad it's helped.

Mike, thanks for your help.

Lynda, I will let you know really soon. Might need your help.

Gary, always appreciate the support.

Melissa, no worries! Thanks for your help.

Shell Flower said...

Have fun at the beach. Perhaps mini-Alex will pick up surfing? Or maybe you will pick up mini-Alex and use him as a surfboard? Either way, have a blast.

I can't wait to see the new improved IWSG. Thanks again for starting it!

Cathrina Constantine said...

The IWSG sounds like a very supportive group and I'd like to participate next month, Alex. Also, I like the movie Vertigo, and Taps, the others I haven't had the pleasure of seeing.

Chuck said...

Yep signed up and ready to go! Have a great trip to the beach and get mini-Alex a life vest...a cool one of course!

Charmaine Clancy said...

You definitely rock the blogging world Alex. IWSG has powered on. I am way too unorganised to be running stuff like this, your mind must be like filofax! (outdated organisational reference kids).

Kimberly said...

Thanks for the encouragement!

I've only done IWSG for 2 months but everyone is so supportive! Thanks for such an awesome group.

I love her cover. :)

Helena said...

Have a wonderful time at the beach with Mini-Alex.

And yes, Rachel's cover is gorgeously rocking!

Ink in the Book said...

I've never missed a posting since I signed up for ISWG. But this month I did. I've been celebrating the birth of my beautiful new grand daughter!

Wonderful news this month, all around!

A Beer for the Shower said...

I like that cover. The simplicity actually works really well for it.

Enjoy the beach! As a landlocked Coloradoan, the beach is one of my favorite places to go that I almost never get a chance to see (unless I'm watching one of those lame Corona commercials).

dolorah said...

Wow, two years already. And new ideas sound exciting. I hit enter prematurely and my name didn't appear on the linky. Well, its good to be incognito sometimes :)

......dhole

Chancelet said...

Standing ovation for your launch party - happy to sign up for it! Can't imagine what kinds of changes you're talking about for IWSG... and can't wait to hear about them. Writer’s Mark

Samantha May said...

Two years of greatness :D You are truly a special kind of blogger for bringing support to so many writers. I tip my *invisible* hat to you, Mr. Ninja.

I'm stumped on the new titles. Vertigo is great film though!

Have fun at the beach and do NOT follow my lead by forgetting sunscreen.

Tammy Theriault said...

what?? no 2yr old birthday celebration? dang, i guess i'll remove the party hat...

:)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

IWSG was the most awesome idea. Excellent contribution to the sanity of us all.

Trisha said...

Rachel's book covers are always beautiful!

You've done an amazing thing building up the IWSG. I'm not yet a part of it though I think I will be someday. For whatever reason I just haven't got around to signing up for it.

Cynthia said...

Happy 2 year anniversary to IWSG! Although I haven't been with this group for very long, I've benefited so much from sharing and seeing what other people share. Thanks for putting this all together!!

Lisa said...

Yes, I signed up! Yes, I love Rachel's cover (s)!!! Thanks for sharing them. Hope you enjoy the beach! Spent a little time there myself this summer, lucky me. Now back to the keyboard!

Anonymous said...

My eyes are tired and I first thought I saw twenty-fourth year.

I loved seeing the posts up. So many encouraging and inspiring posts as well as writerly concerns I also have.

I love Rachel's cover.

Unknown said...

Have fun at the beach, Alex! Congrats to Rachel Morgan on her new release!

Tara Tyler said...

really looking forward to your iwsg evolving ideas!
i have to read the comments for the answers...
yay rachel!

Shah Wharton said...

Bet you thought I forgo again? Well I did, but I'm up now! :) I'll be hopping about too. I'm totally going to sign up for your tour (now I know I can) and how did I not know Carlito's Way was first o novel? Of course it was, it's narrated like one, come to think of it. May have to stop by Google to procrastinate some more.

Enjoy the beach! :D

Shah X

http://bit.ly/14AdKXQ

Kimberly Gabriel said...

IWSG is what keeps me blogging - at least it has been lately. I'm very grateful to be a part of it. All signed up for the CassaStorm announcement!

Julie Dao said...

Thanks for the encouragement, Alex! You and IWSG are inspiring!

Libby said...

I can name exactly none of those books.

Summer Ross said...

LOL- I can't name any of those.
Her cover does rock! She's doing quite well.
Not participating in anything for a bit still, working on getting caught up in life after a move followed by a vacation.
Have a great day!
~Summer

Stephen Tremp said...

Wow! I some how missed this one. Just signed up and submitted a question. Thanks for the second offering!

Anonymous said...

w00t! 2 years! Thanks for this group, Alex. It's been great to have and I'm glad I'm a part of it.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Have an awesome time at the beach Alex. I'm sure Mini-Alex will get a sweet tan although he'll probably have a raccoon face from the mask.

Kathe W. said...

Have a great time at the beach- sorry for being so remisss in visiting your blog more often! I'll keep my eye out for the next Creepy Hollow book. Cheers!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Heading for the beach? You just made me realize how long it has been since I sat by the ocean and listened to the waves. Maybe it's time to schedule a real vacation.

Catherine Stine said...

I'm not so great at film trivia, but the covers on the Creepy Hollow books are quite beautiful. And congrats on the IWG anniversary.

J.L. Campbell said...

Hi, Alex,
I remembered the ISWG post up to Tuesday and then forgot. Such is life.

I love, love, love Rachel's covers and this one is just as lovely as the rest.

Enjoy your down time.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the inspiring words, Alex. It's helpful to remember that every successful writer started at the same spot.

Glad you reminded us to sign up for the book release.
I'm planning to sign up this week :) Love the questions idea.

And last but not least... I love Rachel's The Faerie War book cover. Its brilliant and so exciting.

Doralynn Kennedy said...

That's so important. Never lose sight of your dreams. And a big thank you to M. Pax, Karen Walker, and Melissa Maygrove!

Mary Aalgaard said...

I think MiniAlex will love the ocean and feel both relaxed and inspired. Enjoy the trip. I was on a bike trip this week and missed posting for IWSG on Wed. I posted today. Maybe we could make it a week for posting insecurities? Anyway, thanks for starting this great group. My son looked over my shoulder while I was on your blog and asked for the next two books in your Casa Series.

Michael Di Gesu said...

WOW! TWO YEARS ALREADY!

GEEZ! I remember signing up for the first! I am flabbergasted it's been that long!

Enjoy your days at the beach, ALex and mini Alex.

Rachel's cover is STUNNING! Nice job, Rachel! Congrats!!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks so much, Alex, the mobility scooter arrives tomorrow, the moment of truth!!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Dude, I've been watching shark week. If you go near the ocean, don't take a swim. Sharks have been eating people more this year than any year.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Whoa! Checking in from the beach - I should've checked in sooner.

Cathrina, we'll welcome you!

Charmaine, I remember those...

Ink, congratulations and no worries.

Brandon and Bryan, like the one where the Corona bottle hides the fat guy in the speedo? I'd need a couple cases here...

Samantha, this pale dude burns easy - I have my sunscreen!

Trisha, please join us.

Shah, awesome!

Maurice, I just don't want him to melt...

Patricia, we almost never go, and it's really not that far...

Mary, tell him thanks!

Michael, I know what swims in our waters - I'm not going in!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Alex, your comment cheered me up :0)

alexia said...

Glad to know IWSG is going so well! And I can't wait for you to answer my question for your release party :)

Unknown said...

Alex, you ROCK!!! Thanks for supporting us all. I look forward to IWSG developments. :D

Rachel's covers are brilliant!

randi lee said...

Hey Alex! Have a great time at the beach! East or west coast? I'm all for helping out, still thinking of my question, though! And, hey, drop the iPad and enjoy the sun. I doubt anyone'll be upset if you miss a post, especially seeing as you're so caring and so devoted to your fan base all the time!

Unknown said...

Totally spaced out this months IWSG! Thanks for starting such an awesome group. Always fun to connect with everyone. New puppy taking up all time in my life! And I thought I didn't have time to write before!
~Just Jill

Anonymous said...

Wow, almost 2 years. Congratulations! The Fairy series looks interesting. I will have to add it.

Anonymous said...

I'm so I that I didn't even post about it this week.

Trivia:

1. I thought it was "Carlito's Way"? Or was it the second book (title escapes me) and the first book was that god-awful sequel?

2. "Red Dragon"

3. "The Living and the Dead"

4. "Cycle of the Werewolf" by Stephen King.

5. That book by that author, right?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Randi Lee, I'm on the East Coast.

Jill, no worries. You need to post photos of your puppy.

Joshua, you got three right - best so far!

Wanda said...

An inspiring dose of encouragement you have dished out Alex.

Carol Kilgore said...

The beach! Hope you find a Tiki Hut!

Brandon Ax said...

I have really enjoyed being a part of the group and meeting new people and sharing our thoughts, can't wait to see what is next. Also I am going to go sign up, I missed the post as I was away in the cave.

Tracy Jo said...

Happy anniversary! I will be back to the group in September. Thanks for all you do, Alex. Have a great weekend!

Cindy said...

Congrats on the Cassastorm upcoming release. The cover for The Faerie War is awesome.

Briane said...

I only just saw this post, but I signed up and put my question in. I'm always late to the party. But that's fine because I'm not really a partier. I'm the guy who goes to the party intending to be fun and friendly and make new friends and have a great time but then ends up sort of sitting by the bookcase all night, wishing that he could just pick up that copy of the book and go off to another room to read it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Brandon, thanks, and glad you enjoy the IWSG!

Tracy Jo, it will be good to have you back.

Thanks, Briane. And I've never been a party guy. Unless the focus is food of course.

Talli Roland said...

Rachel's cover is fantastic!
Congrats on two years of ISWG. What a fantastic idea - I'm not surprised it's been so successful.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the beach, Alex! I like reading and commenting on the IWSG posts; we all have our own insecurities, mos def.

Cate Masters said...

Have a great time at the beach!

Nigel G Mitchell said...

Congratulations to Sara on the blog tour, and that is an awesome cover, Morgan

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