My buddy George at CineMarvellous! just celebrated two years blogging and two hundred followers. Congratulations! If you’re into movies (and hopefully you are, as I talk about them all the time and you keep coming back), George offers the best movie reviews around.
Elizabeth Spann Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder also just released an eBook this week! Elizabeth is a big-time author and Progressive Dinner Deadly, a Myrtle Clover mystery, is available in eBook form for the first time Only $2.99!
Now, about that Insecure Writers Support Group…
I’ve noticed a lot of posts lately about doubts, concerns, and a lack of confidence. Insecure is a term most writers use to describe themselves. (Some would even say neurotic.)
The cool thing about this community is the amount of support available. Everyone is such an encourager. I thought it would be cool if one day a month, everyone involved in the Insecure Writers Support group posted either:
- A situation where they need some encouragement
- Words of encouragement for others about to face a situation
I think it'd be a good idea. I'm sure the blogosphere can support a catharsis the likes of which has never been seen, and it could provide support to writers who really need it.
ReplyDeleteI'm in for a writer's support group day. Just name the day and I'll let words of encouragement rip. This is a wonderful idea. Not only does it make each writer out there seem human, it'll help everyone not feel so alone. People need people, and writers should be able to count on the support of other writers. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm all for encouraging other writers. Go for it. I can' imagine making it this far on my journey with out some of the amazing people I've met along the path. It would be great to pass the love on to others.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Alex! Count me in.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOMG, how did I miss that post of yours over at Non-Review? I'll check it out right away ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention, Alex! You've mentioned me and my blog so many times already, I can't be grateful enough. Seriously!
Just one small thing though... It's "CineMarvellous", with double L (We've studied British English at school, and British people spell it with double L) :) Plus, it think this hybrid word look better with the double L.
Thanks again for the kind words, buddy!
I think it a good idea Alex.
ReplyDeleteOne has to feel secure in what they're writing about , self confidence if you have it is a wonderful thing, if you can pass it on to others all the better.
Have a wonderful "Viewing" day.
Yvonne.
Marlena, thanks!
ReplyDeleteLaila, my thoughts exactly.
Ciara and Suzie - great!
George, you're welcome - and crap, I'll fix that! What I get for writing this late last night...
Yvonne, I will make it so!
Great idea. Where do I sign?
ReplyDeleteAnother great sounding book I'm going to have to check out - thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe support group is a great idea, and definitely more cost effective than therapy.
I wanted to let you know, that I have an award for you on my blog! :)
Ha! Sounds like a good idea to me. And it makes me think of a bumper sticker I saw on my way home last night:
ReplyDelete"Lord make me the person my psychiatrist medicates me to be!"
I think it is a swell idea! And I'm a therapist. I could've used it last month. When do we start?
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great advice. I'm way too green to offer much in the way of practical advice, but moral support I can do :)
ReplyDeleteI say adopt a kitty!! They're excellent therapists and know when your time is up! LOL!
ReplyDeleteBut seriously!! Yay for this fab event!! I'm all for lots of hugs and cuddles over the ether! The more the merrier. Ahem.
Take care
x
I picked up Craig's book yesterday and can't wait to get into it. I'm sure I'll like it just as much as her previous Myrtle book.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the support group. Sometimes I feel, because I've been blogging awhile and because I've been picked up by a small publisher, that I need to be strong for the writing/blogging community but I know I have days of doubt and insecurity. I think the club is a fantastic idea.
I think that that's a very good idea! I think there are plenty of people who need support to keep writing. I'd love to help out!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, and the name is perfect. I'm in.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I think people gravitate to your blog because you're a master of encouragement, always upbeat and supportive. Even when you show the edge of your neurotic slip, you do it in a funny, self-deprecating fashion. Kate would be proud of you. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll go ahead and say that I need something like that desperately. :)
ReplyDeleteI love supporting other writers !
ReplyDeleteHello. My name is Heather and I'm an...insecure writer hoping to one day be an...insecure published writer.
ReplyDeleteWriter's Support Group? I'm there, man!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea! :-)
My wife is fond of saying that insecurity is the biggest problem in the world. I kind of agree.
ReplyDeleteHeck to the yes on the Insecure Writers Group! Hilarious. We can totally make that a meme.
ReplyDeleteIt's a group I could be president of. Would all the possible stories of rejection and despondency get one down? I don't know. But I know one kind word of support will keep me going for weeks.
ReplyDeleteA therapy day? LOL. I'm all for that. Had to send a friend a therapy request letter yesterday asking for writer insecurity help. So, yeah, I'm in.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth ROCKS.
ReplyDeleteI'm in, I think, if I'm not too depressed about my writing. :)
I think it sounds like a great idea, but it might be hard to write supportive things if you're in one of those moods where you're in need of support yourself. JUST a thought, and doesn't make the idea any less great. I think we could all do with knowing we're all in the same boat!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea, Alex! Go with it.
ReplyDeletecan i join? rollercoaster writing...
ReplyDeleteI'm never insecure. Wait, wait - what if that sounds stupid?
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a hand now and then. Knowing you are not the only one helps one to reach out.
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
I hereby dub it INSECURITY DAY. Sometimes it's better to give than to receive, so even on a really crappy writing day we can stretch ourselves by encouraging each other.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Would some writers be too insecure to join?
ReplyDeleteah, but there can be secure bliss in that little world of insecurity - well, or so i hear, anyway, you know, from others...............
ReplyDeletehave a great day mister! it's gorgeous here - blue skies and lots of sunshine!
I am feeling insecure about a lot but not so much the writing (wait til my book comes out in 2 months tho and that will change). Anyway, add me to your group. I can use some therapy LOL.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea! We all are going through our personal trials and tribulations, and words of encouragement can go a long way. I say yes!
ReplyDeleteI WUV this idea! Make it work, Alex.
ReplyDeleteAlex,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a big heart, you ol softie... I think this is a GREAT idea.
I have seen so much doubt too across the blogosphere lately.
One thing we ALL need to do is keep positive and KEEP AT IT!
Beth Revis had an amazing VLog on WriteOnCon talking about failure. She pointed ten stacks of novels before she hit pay dirt with her NY TImes best seller, Across the Universe. It was quite inspiring....
I think the idea for a writers' group sounds ace n' stellar, Alex. I'd be in. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know, Alex, what would I post about, and why would anyone want to read about my problems, and what if people don't like me or think I'm stupid, what if I reveal myself to be the fraud that I am...oh, wait.
ReplyDeleteOK, sign me up.
I think it's a grand idea. We all need a little encouragement now & then. I know I'd never be able to make it over the bumps without the support of my fellow writers. They keep me going.
ReplyDeleteInsecure Writers Support group? To me, having a group to angst with helps.
ReplyDeleteI belong to a large writing group--we've been together almost 5 years and we've had almost 500 continuous conversation threads that go to 300 comments and then someone else post an article. We do a lot of support and encouragement. We have quite a few pubbed authors (probably over 30% of our members)who share their knowledge too. Funny thing is, when we started out, none of us were published--all aspiring.
One of the reasons I set my blog up the way I did was to show the commonality between writers--regardless of genre. Authors talk about their triumphs but they also share the problems they're facing or have overcome and how. Many of the authors I have on the blog are bestsellers and you'd think they were problem free in their writing and you would think wrong, lol!
Alex, I'm going to look again at your blogfest guidelines. Maybe I can do a Monday-which is my day to blog.
BTW, if you need a review on your new book, let me know.
Sia McKye's Thoughts...OVER COFFEE
Neurotic? Writers? Well... maybe a little. That's a pretty cool idea Alex. Everyone needs a little encouragement now and again.
ReplyDeleteI dunno. Sounds like too much drama for me.
ReplyDeletethe group is a good idea and I would gladly contribute to it.
ReplyDeleteThe ebook looks lovely, adding it to my Kindle pile!
ReplyDeleteAnd the support group idea sounds marvelous, Alex..a place where writers can rant and feel safe and support each other
I'm torn on the idea of an insecure writers group. One one hand--the honesty and support would be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBut..but I would hate to see it turn into a complain fest. And that would certainly make me stop reading because I don't read blogs that are constantly complaining, being negative, etc.
Now that I think about it--I probably wouldn't participate because I have enough self doubts just sitting here by myself--reading others would probably push me down a spiral.
That said--it sounds like a lot of others are very interested in the idea, and I'm happy to support it in any way I can without actually participating.
It is a very interesting idea--I love the way you think about things, Alex. Always with this sense of community and how we can help each other.
I love it! Any chance to air my neuroses under the guise of therapeutic interchange is exactly what I need. Catharsis for everyone!
ReplyDeleteCool movie/review site! Thanks for telling me about it:)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea! I'll save a bundle on therapy... just kidding. ;)
ReplyDeleteI do love the idea. The whole reason I joined the blogosphere was to find other authors who had gone through similar situations and connect with them to see how they got through it as well as to tell my own tale of woe.
Rusty, you're already an honorary member! I'll do a sign up next week sometime...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy!
Doralynn, that's great!
Jan and Sarah, we'll start soon...
Kitty, how much does Charlie charge for therapy?
Clarissa, I feel the same way...
Thanks, Laura. I try to stay upbeat!
Sarah, we'll make it happen then.
Heather, great introduction.
Yvonne, that's why I hope we don't all post downer stuff on the same day. Might disrupt the universe.
Journaling, I think you might need it.
Jessica, that's why there's an either-or option.
Milo, I'll make it so!
Carol, probably.
Stephen, yes it can.
Michael, who you calling soft?
Li - perfect!
Sia, thank you! Will keep you posted on that.
Damy, that's the idea!
Thanks, Heidi! That's why I hope half of the blogs are encouraging rather than just down. I'll try not to be one of the down ones. Not often anyway.
Mark, George's site is awesome and so is the man behind the blog.
Where do I sign up?
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea.
Great idea! I'm all in. Writing is so solitary and rejection can crush a person's confidence. We have to stick together and uplift each other to keep the good karma flowing.
ReplyDeleteAlways thinking, aren't you?
ReplyDeleteNeurotic? You say writers are neurotic? Never would have guessed.
Count me in for sure.
Could be very effective and work both ways. Reaching out and supporting others is such a positive experience that it can be therapeutic for your own temporary doubts or negativity. I like it.
ReplyDeleteAlex - You really are awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteWould the possibility of a large group of writers posting their doubts all on the same day send the blogging world into a neurotic tailspin? It just might, but that's okay! LOL
I think it's a great idea too. I'd like to suggest that "writers" is broadly defined. See, I'm insecure about calling myself a "writer" because I'm not a published author. And I'm insecure about being seen as "less than." I still have some great insecurities AND encouragement to offer, though.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex.
xoRobyn
RaShelle, we'll just have to try it and see what happens!
ReplyDeleteRobyn, if you write, you are a writer! Authors are published. So you're good to go.
Thanks everyone - really wasn't sure if I'd come up with something good or something really dumb...
Insecure writers support group sounds wonderacious :)
ReplyDeletelol You just read my mind. I've been having what I'm terming a 'confidence crisis lately'. I think it'd be a great idea.
ReplyDeletecongratulations to Elizabeth! :)
It might affect the balance of the world and cause a change in the tilt. Or ... It could be a day of sharing and reaching out to others. I dunno. A tilt sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteSo is this just a lonely heart's club for writers or can copywriters apply too?
ReplyDeleteAlex, I've been SO wanting a support group or a friend that I can unload my writerly frustrations and/or find ideas to bounce off of! I'm going to email you--I'm in love! ;)
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!
Mary, sounds like I was just in time.
ReplyDeleteHelen, writers tend to tilt anyway.
Copyboy, you are always welcome!
Elizabeth, does this mean I did good?
Stupendous idea, Alex. Where do I sign up? :-) For every 3 positive thoughts I have, there are days when I seem to have 5 negative ones. Writing is just a tough, tough self-concious business. Lifting each other up is very important.
ReplyDeleteEJ
If I was a writer, I'd love the idea about having an Insecure Writers Support Group. Everyone can benefit from it. Writing is therapy in and of itself, a writers support group - sounds great!
ReplyDeleteA support group for writers? Sounds necessary.
ReplyDeleteNo time to comment here...I totally forgot to go back and read your guest post...now I am off to do just that...and comment there!
ReplyDeleteEJ, it is important!
ReplyDeleteChuck, that's cool!
Sounds like really good therapy to me.... :)
ReplyDeleteWe all have our doubts and hopes so it might be a good idea to share.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea! I can see where the concern about a tailspin could set in, but in reality I think it'll be uplifting because we'll be bopping around giving encouraging words, and encouraging others is the best way to lift one's own spirits---I totally read that on someone's blog...I'm pretty sure...but can't quite place it. Anyhow, I buy into it and think your idea is swell
ReplyDeleteSince a lot of bloggers write about this already it would be cool to put it into some organized effort where we all have a common focus. I like the idea.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Alex, yes, you did! ;)
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!
Good idea. Encouragement bolstered with the occasional tip would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the tip on Elizabeth's book.
Supporting others during their lows times is invaluable. Personally, I have a few closed forums I visit to really let it all out. I'm not sure I could do it on my blog.
ReplyDeleteNicki, I think it will be encouraging.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
Elizabeth, great
Found you through Girl Wizard, and am enjoying your blog!
ReplyDeleteYes,please. Support. Please.... :)
INCREDIBLE idea. Insecurity is a secure resident in my mind, especially when I open my laptop. I think connecting with the only other people who can understand is the only way to get through this!
ReplyDeleteWow, you must be my Ninja Godfather; yes I would love to have an Insecure Writers Support Group! You can kick me with kindness :D Great idea; artists need encouragement especially when their really world isn't so supportive.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds really good - you can never have too much support. I often find that the most insecure writers are also among the most supportive, so this would be a damn good way to get them to come out of their shell a bit.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea and would love to participate. I'm a great cheerleader and God knows I have a McMansion full of doubts and insecurities I work through with each and every project. This is why you are the awesome Captain Ninja. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, I now picture the entire blogosphere in one collective mood swing... But in all seriousness, I don't think that would be the result. After all, most people react with others' despair with trying to cheer them up, trying to help. So I guess the collective mood would be much more likely to be a happy one. I've only ever found support groups to be supportive - never gloomy or negative. I'm an optimist, anyway!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maggie!
ReplyDeleteSaumya, thank you.
Ella, the Ninja Godfather - I like it!
Thanks, Melissa - I try.
Cruella, as long as it's a positive mood swing, I think it will work.
Thanks for the support, guys!
regarding the IWSG:
ReplyDeleteI dont know. I have plenty of insecurities and complexes to share but would it help? Or would it become a sob story only I am interested in hearing?
Might be a downer. Even thinking about it makes me reach for chocolate. *nom,nom*
Thanks for the heads-up on Elizabeth's book -- I just bought a couple of the Riley Adams books but am way behind on Myrtle Clover's adventures.
ReplyDeleteDoubts? Do writers have doubts? I can't imagine why... :)
Ha! I'm a lousy friend! Totally didn't realize Elizabeth's book had gone up! And I think that insecure writer's idea is a good one! I think it gives us all heart to see fears conquered.
ReplyDeleteThought of you this morning...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dailyblam.com/news/2011/08/18/first-trailer-released-for-underworld-awakening-starring-kate-beckinsale
Funny post and good idea :)
ReplyDeleteI am not a writer but I am pretty insecure, so much that sometimes I'm up two hours deciding what pictures I put in the post for the day. I must also admit that I feel very rewarded by your support in the comments. Thank you very much Alex.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a really great idea!
ReplyDeleteI think it's an awesome idea!! Everyone always thinks "I'm the only one" but seeing others who have the same fears, doubts, and concerns as you is always a help at least to me..not only that but having a fresh pair of eyes is always a good thing. Sometimes you just need to talk it out to see what was right in front of you the whole time. You are super awesomeness!! Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the mention, Alex! I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI think all writers have such a difficult time with confidence. It must be because we receive so much criticism with critiques, the query process, editing, and then reviews. I think you've got a great idea!
Huntress, someone will relate and be able to encourage you, I promise!
ReplyDeletePatricia, me neither!
Hart, you are not a lousy friend...
Heather!!! I am all over that.
Leovi, you are welcome, and you have amazing talent with a camera.
Thanks, Dafeenah!
Elizabeth, you are welcome.
cunning plan me thinks captain Alex :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea! Count me in.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a very encouraging idea to me Alex!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea. Everyone needs a strong support network.
ReplyDeleteHi again Alex - I forgot; I wanted to add that Damyanti,(featured in your previous post) who published her A to Z Challenge stories, is teaming with Stu Nager and me to host a fiction writing blogfest tentatively slated for October! She's an extraordinarily talented individual :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! We'll make it so.
ReplyDeleteLi, I'll check it out.
where booze/drugs fail, a kissy-faced mauling by your dog is almost as good as encouragement from fellow strugglers... gopher it, alex
ReplyDeleteis there a link? rusty and i wanna know!
Most of the things you plan turn out being pretty awesome, Alex, so I'm sure it would work out.
ReplyDeleteWho needs therapy when there is the blogger community :) Yeah, I think it a good idea, I'd join.
ReplyDeleteI'm really behind in my blog reading - I'm still technically on a break for a beta read - but I've read through your last couple posts.
I don't get around to Rusty or Damyanti's blogs as much as I'd like, but I've been intrigued by both books. Thanks for the recommendations.
And I'm so glad you liked the Planet of the Apes movie - I'd see it anyways but your review just makes me want it more.
Have a good weekend Alex.
......dhole
Great idea Alex. I'm glad it took off.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laughing!
ReplyDeleteHey Donna! Go see it - movie is awesome.
That's a great idea Alex, count me in :)
ReplyDeleteat first i was like, what's unique about this group since only insecure people consider themselves writers. but it sounds very intriguing. i wonder if we're insecure about different things, like success or failure or judgement or criticism. or whether we're insecure about the same thing: all of them:)
ReplyDeleteEd, I bet the answer is all of the above.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm responding to this rather late but the Insecure Writers Support Group sounds like a great idea.
ReplyDelete