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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Insecure Writer's Support Group Day!

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 read what we're about and sign up there or below. 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.

I’m also visiting Lynda R. Young at W.I.P. It today, talking about writer support.

Thought I’d offer something encouraging today.

Be happy where you are right now.

God says to be happy and give thanks in all things. Writers always say they write because it makes them happy. But while we all want more, if we’re not happy where we are right now, even if it’s just the writing stage, how can we be happy with more?

I have to remind myself of that as well. I’ve been dry of ideas lately, which has been a bummer, but so many other good things are happening. The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, for one. CassaStar’s recent jump to Amazon’s Top Ten. (Took almost a year – is that a slow burn, or what?) CassaFire’s upcoming release, along with blog tour and blog party.

Most of all, I’m really happy with the friends I’ve made online. No one can put a price on that!

So, are you happy right now?

Don’t forget to visit W.I.P. It! Lynda has a wonderful spirit and is the master of writing tips.

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121 comments:

  1. Jessica BellNovember 2, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Wow, congrats on getting into the top ten! That is really fantastic news, Alex! Will check out Lynda's now ...

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  2. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyNovember 2, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    Thanks again for writing the fabulous guest post on my blog. The Insecure Writer's Group truly is a great initiative.

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  3. Old KittyNovember 2, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    I'm so happy now that I have my coffee!! And danish pastry. And Daniel Craig. In my dreams anyway. Ahem.

    Take care
    x

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  4. Golden EagleNovember 2, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    I'm feeling pretty optimistic at the moment; and you're right about blogging friends. :)

    I'm off to read the guest post!

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  5. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 2, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Thanks, Jessica!

    Lynda, thank YOU!

    Kitty, if I could get Daniel Craig for you, I would.

    Golden, that's good!

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  6. PK HREZONovember 2, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    Excellent advice, Alex. I have to remind myself this as well. If we enjoy what we're doing, then it's all good. I think it helps too to take the pressure off ourselves. Like the ol writing acronym KISS--keep it simple, stupid. I like to remind myself this for life in general. We have to keep it simple. :)

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  7. Marta SzemikNovember 2, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Great words of encouragement. Thanks Alex. Yes, I am happy now. With everything that's happening you can add excited as well. It's a great time to be a writer. I cannot imagine the support writers had, or lack off, before computers.
    Happy Hopping!

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  8. UnknownNovember 2, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Great words of encouragement! I need to remember to be happy right now, just doing what I'm doing. I have been stressing way too much of late.

    Congrats on the Top Ten!! Slow Burns last longer than quick, bright strikes. Here's to even more chart success for Cassastar!

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  9. Miranda HardyNovember 2, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    It's great to be thankful for all things, and I truly am. I'm in a happy place right now.

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  10. Christine DanekNovember 2, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    Congrats again and yep I'm learning to be happy where I am.
    It's a good thing.

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  11. Laila KnightNovember 2, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Wonderful words to start the morning. I'm sure your ideas will start popping up again soon. Am I happy?...heck yeah! There a huge secret: be happy first. All that happiness will send good things your way. Have a great day, Alex. :)

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  12. T. Powell ColtrinNovember 2, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    To be thankful in all things is a great way to live life. Happiness is a state of mind that (I think) we have to govern. One way for (me) to be thankful is to (literally) acknowledge my daily blessings.

    Congratulations on the top ten.

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  13. GailNovember 2, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    That means Cassafire will climb more quickly!

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  14. rekhaNovember 2, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Maybe there is some truth in slow and steady wins the race...I am enjoying writing again just for the sake of it...publishing if it happens is a bonus...will catch your guest post later in the day...have a nice day...

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  15. Jemi FraserNovember 2, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Hoping your idea well is full again really soon! :)

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  16. Rusty CarlNovember 2, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Ideas are like wind, they blow through and knock you over and then they're gone. So don't worry about that, just try not to get hurt when your next idea hits... you have to capture that wind... I might be taking this metaphor a bit too far.

    I'm happy, in a melancholy sort of way, but still happy.

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  17. LizaNovember 2, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Love your positive focus Alex! I'm going to drink me a cup of that!

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  18. Cally JacksonNovember 2, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Congratulations on making the top ten. That is an awesome achievement!

    And yes, I agree with your advice about being happy where you are right now. This doesn't mean you shouldn't strive towards future goals, just that you don't have to attain those goals to be happy.

    'Happiness is not a destination, it's a way of travelling' - that's one of my all time favourite quotes. :-)

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  19. RHYTHM AND RHYMENovember 2, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Congrats on the top ten on Amazon you well deserve it. I'm sure the next book will also be a success.
    Yvonne.

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  20. George Beremov [Nebular]November 2, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Alex, a slow burn or not, making Amazon's Top Ten is a great achievement. Better late than never, you know. ;)

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  21. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 2, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Melissa, I hope you're right!

    Gail, that would be awesome!

    Cally, that is an excellent quote.

    George, that's true!

    Thanks and hope everyone is happy right now!

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  22. JulesNovember 2, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    The grass does always seem greener... congrats on the top 10 and I'm happy but cold. :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  23. Arlee BirdNovember 2, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Intrinsically I am happy, but I wouldn't necessarily say that writing makes me happy. It is a big part of the formula though. Writing helps me achieve fulfillment which adds to my greater sense of happiness and well-being.


    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  24. MISHNovember 2, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Just posted my first Insecure Writer's Post... my concerns seem so trivial...
    Congrats on your achievement! I'm very happy... I am blessed and have a lot to be thankful for...

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  25. UnknownNovember 2, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    I love being able to say this, but I am very happy right now in my life. My writing is back on center stage, where it should have been all along. My family life is great. And since I've been running five days a week in preparation for my half marathons, I've never felt better in my own skin. Life is good!

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  26. DL HammonsNovember 2, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Congrats on cracking the top ten! You da' man!! :)

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  27. Michelle GregoryNovember 2, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    i wrote 1300 words yesterday. at the moment, i'm ecstatic.

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  28. Michelle GregoryNovember 2, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    and congrats on the Amazon stat.

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  29. LeoviNovember 2, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Yo vivo con frecuencia en un estado de ansiedad porque creo que me voy a quedar sin ideas para continuar fotografiando. Luego tomo la cámara miro por el visor y desaparece la ansiedad. Hay que actuar más y divagar menos.

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  30. LeoviNovember 2, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    I often live in a state of anxiety because I think I'm going to run out of ideas to continue shooting. Then I take the camera and look through the viewfinder anxiety disappears. We must do more and wander less.

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  31. Heather M. GardnerNovember 2, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    That is all good news and like you tell me all the time, the ideas will come back when they are ready.

    I am happy. Busy and broke but happy. I have a good family and great support from my online family. I'll take it!

    Thank you!
    Heather

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  32. Carol KilgoreNovember 2, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    So very true about being happy. And yes I am :)

    Your ideas will come when you're ready for them. Trust and Faith.

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  33. AmyNovember 2, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Thank you for sharing Alex! Your definitely right about putting a price on happiness. Writing makes me happy and it doesn't get any better than that, I love the fun of it.

    Heading over to check out you Guest Post! :)

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  34. Hart JohnsonNovember 2, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    It definitely is important to just enjoy the process. Being thankful for each milestone... and being thankful for just being this passionate about something.

    I would LOVE to be 'just writing'... I just need some success to give up the darned day job so I can!

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  35. Charles GramlichNovember 2, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Most of the time, during the moments of actual writing, I'm having fun and am definitely happy. It's all the other business side of it that takes away some of the happiness.

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  36. KH LeMoyneNovember 2, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Captain Ninja - that gives me a chuckle! And what a great way to welcome in November with thanks. Congrats on the ten-spot, good to see all your hard work paid off.
    ~Kate

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  37. Mary AalgaardNovember 2, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Great message, Alex. Just looking at the list of 202 insecure writers shows how much this support is needed. So glad you're out there for all of us - in the clouds.

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  38. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 2, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Lee, well said!

    Mish, nothing is ever too trivial.

    Nicole, that is awesome!

    Go Michelle!

    Leovi, I can't imagine you running out of photo ideas.

    Hart, you and me both!

    I said something wise - thanks, Karen!

    And thanks everyone.

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  39. LynnRushNovember 2, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Awesome post. Just what I needed to read this morning.
    You ask if I'm happy. I'm trying to be. Off the heals of the death of my MIL it's difficult. But I am happy I had her in my life the 16 years I knew her. She rocked my world with her unconditional love and support. She was the best mother in law anyone could have asked for.

    So, yeah, I'm happy mixed in with a bit of sadness.

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  40. julie feddersonNovember 2, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    I try to not think in terms of "I'd be happy if. . ." and see things the way my kids do--despite how wrapped up you get in life, sometimes the things that make you happiest are a warm blanket and a Scooby Doo video. It's when all the day-to-day pressure leaks in that you forget that. Everybody deserves more, but being happy is all about the less.

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  41. Bossy BettyNovember 2, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Sugar! This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today! You may be my angel, Alex. In which case, I have a little list for you to work on....

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  42. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    That's great advice. Be happy where you are. Simple, yet powerful! I had to do just this very thing this morning. Find out where you need to be, make necessary adjustments, and be happy with it!

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  43. LunaNovember 2, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Congratulations, Alex! Thank you for this wonderful reminder. :)

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  44. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    "If we’re not happy where we are right now, even if it’s just the writing stage, how can we be happy with more?" -- a great reminder, sir.

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  45. Annalisa CrawfordNovember 2, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Great advice, but sometimes hard to follow. I'll try to try harder!

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  46. farawayeyesNovember 2, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Today,more than ever, I needed to hear that I've got a friend. I think I'll go download that song, so I can hear it over and over. Thank You for all that you do.

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  47. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderNovember 2, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Being top ten is awesome Alex. You are an inspiration.

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  48. SuzeNovember 2, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Alex, I loved your message, today. Very timely and I have taken it to heart. Thank you.

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  49. BrindaNovember 2, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    "Be happy where you are right now." I needed that! Thanks.

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  50. Empty Nest InsiderNovember 2, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Thanks for the great advice and congrats again on the top 10! I'm off to the bloghop! Julie

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  51. Luanne G. SmithNovember 2, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Yep, I think a lot of our insecurities as writers comes from comparing ourselves to others and feeling as if we don't measure up. It's good to take stock and be happy with where you are and what you've got.

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  52. kjmckendryNovember 2, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    That's awesome you're in the top ten! Wow!

    I am happy! I am so thankful for everything in my life right now!

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  53. Chris PhillipsNovember 2, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    I like the support group idea. "Hi, I'm Chris Phillips, and.. I'm a writer" :sobs: :slow and dispersed clapping from audience: "I've been writing for a little over a year now... I just can't stop!" :more clapping:

    You should be happy. great job on the top 10.

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  54. BriannaNovember 2, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Thank you for the encouragement, Alex!

    Writing my novel is so much fun! In fact, that's part of the reason I struggle to find time to write it -because it's more like playtime than work and I feel guilty enjoying myself when there is serious work to be done. It's only when I start obsessing over publication and the business side of writing that I don't enjoy myself. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the moment!

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  55. Tara TylerNovember 2, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    i'm happy for you and i'm just happy to be here!
    thanks for your support!

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  56. MarkNovember 2, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Good, sound advice about being happy where you are. Now just to put it into practice;)

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  57. LD MastersonNovember 2, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    Actually, pretty happy over here. Life is good. Congratulations on that top ten. Awesome!

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  58. Tyrean MartinsonNovember 2, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    Thank you Alex! I'm happy with where I am today. Yesterday the writing went easier, but today the plot thickened and the writing went a little slower . . . but I'm still happy with it.
    Love your advice today - let's keep giving thanks in all things!!!

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  59. Wendy Tyler RyanNovember 2, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    Very happy to hear about your book doing so well. Also encouraging to hear that it took that long - maybe there's hope for me cracking the top 10!

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  60. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Good point, my friend.

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  61. Sommer LeighNovember 2, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    I am happy to hear Cassafire is doing well!

    I'm really loving some of the insecure posts today. I posted about you, your blog post at Lynda's blog, and others over at Nathan Bransford's forums today as an inspiration point for NaNo writers.

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  62. N. R. WilliamsNovember 2, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    Good advice Alex. Happiness is elusive. My personal situation is desperate on many levels. Recently I have been singing the hymn, I surrender all, and trust me, that helps.
    Nancy
    N. R. Williams, Fantasy Author

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  63. Nicki ElsonNovember 2, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Amen to that, Alex. Satisfaction is a true blessing.

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  64. Cate MastersNovember 2, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Psyched to hear that CassaFire's in the Top Ten. Patience pays off, I guess, something I need to remind myself occasionally.
    And yes, I love how supportive and open the writer's community is. Thanks for providing us a great place to come together.Sorry if this shows up twice but I'm having real difficulty commenting lately. Takes a few tries before they stick.

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  65. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 2, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Lynn, I'm really sorry. Remember the happy moments.

    Julie, that's funny - happiness is a Scooby Doo video.

    Betty, send the list and I'll what I can do!

    Thanks, Milo. It is the truth though.

    Faraway, you are welcome!

    Chris - funny!

    Brianna, enjoy your writing without guilt or stress.

    Tyrean, but if you're still writing that's what matters.

    Wendy, if my book can do it, anyone's book can do it!

    Sommer, thank you so much!!

    Nancy, we need to remember we're not in charge anyways.

    Cate, I'm glad you enjoy the group!

    Thank you everyone!

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  66. DafeenahNovember 2, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    congrats on the top ten!! thanks for this hosting this group!

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  67. Patricia JLNovember 2, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    I'm getting happier by the moment right now. This month I remembers the support group and got a few things off my chest in my post. That made me happy, helped me get back on track.

    Congrats on getting into the top ten Alex!

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  68. Roland D. YeomansNovember 2, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    A slow burn is a consistent burn, Alex. Wow. The top ten. I am so happy for you. I know how hard you worked for that. Congratulations! Roloand

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  69. SouthpawNovember 2, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Nice use of "Slow burn" for a CassaStar!

    I'm off to a really late start today, but I'm not frantic. Like you say we must be happy so I look for the things that make me happy everyday - the little things and the big things.

    Today it's cold, but beautiful outside. To warm up the house I'm baking a cake. Happy. (Banana cake with cream cheese frosting for the curious minds out there.)

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  70. Isis RushdanNovember 2, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Giving thanks helps keep me centered/grounded. Count your blessings, not your problems. Also, why wait to be happy when you can get started today.

    Great post.

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  71. Nancy ThompsonNovember 2, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Thanks for putting things into perspective, Alex! Yes,I'm happy. My skin is thick enough now that I don't let all the little things get me down anymore. And I have so many other things to be happy about. I always look on the bright side of things, but sometimes, I need someone else point me in the right direction. I'm heading over to WIP It right now. I love Lynda!!

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  72. Johanna GarthNovember 2, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    This is exactly what I needed to read this morning after I came off feeling really blue about my day's writing work! Thanks Alex.

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  73. AnnNovember 2, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Congratulations Alex on your Amazon rise! Long may it continue. Thrilled for you. And thank you for organizing this support system. It had been very helpful.

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  74. HelenaNovember 2, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I LOVE that your book has reached the top 10 but took a year to get there. The traditional idea that a book has to sell big immediately or it'll disappear always struck me as an artificial rule created by marketing departments. And CassaStar selling so well now means it's got great word of mouth going. That's what turned the first Harry Potter book into a phenom.
    Now if I could only get word of mouth going about MY book. Dang....

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  75. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 2, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Patricia, that's great!

    Thanks, Roland. It was a total surprise. More like total shock!

    Isis, exactly!

    Nancy, that you always look on the bright side does not surprise me!

    Helena, I've heard big publishers don't market much past the first few months. My publisher has continued pushing my book and I'm blessed because of that.

    Thanks everyone and glad I could make today a little brighter!

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  76. Jessica SalyerNovember 2, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Congrats on top ten!! That's awesome. Today's a good day. I wrote for the first time in what felt like ages yesterday.

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  77. Elizabeth MuellerNovember 2, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Alex, Congratulations for making the top 10--that's AWESOME!

    Guess what? You won, congrats! :)

    ♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

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  78. L. Diane WolfeNovember 2, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    I'm trying to be happy where I'm at right now. Just want a little less going on in my life.

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  79. M PaxNovember 2, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Happy IWSG, Alex!

    I'm happy I bumped into you. Will see you over at Lynda's.

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  80. C D MeetensNovember 2, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    I know what you mean about needing to be happy with where you are. I'm really happy I'm finally managing to write novels (rather than half a story), and that I met so many great people online.

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  81. C D MeetensNovember 2, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  82. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comNovember 2, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I was just thinking today how lucky I am to be able to follow my writing dreams. I appreciate my blog connections with every comment. Thanks for the post, Alex.
    xoRobyn

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  83. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 2, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Jessica, that's great!

    Elizabeth, what did I win?

    Mary, glad I met you as well.

    Robyn, there you go!

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  84. Susan Gourley/KelleyNovember 2, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Good advice. Somedays I'm happy, other days I pound my head against the wall.

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  85. SaumyaNovember 2, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Couldn't agree with you more about how important it is to be happy now. It's something that's too easy to forget. CONGRATS on the top 10!! I'm almost done reading it and am excited to write a review. You really have a gift, Alex.

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  86. TonjaNovember 2, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I sort of missed it. I have heard that writers should enjoy the stage where they are just writing, doing the creative thing they love, without worrying about what comes next. I agree with that. Thanks for hosting!

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  87. alexiaNovember 2, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Alex, I think that's fantastic that CassaStar has hit the top 10! So often it seems like books come and go in a blaze of (sometimes) glory, and then poof! So, that's super great news!

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  88. Melissa SugarNovember 2, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Excellent advice, Alex. I am really glad I stopped by to visit your blog today as I took a break from NaNo because I completely forgot about the IWSG. I didn't forget, I just lost track of what day it is. I am really going to try and get my post up before midnight, but my 7th grade daughter, just told me,10 minutes ago that she needs help reading the first 6 chapters of TUCK EVERLASTING, for a test, TOMORROW! I am furious that she waited until now. Please forgive me if I do not get the post up timely.

    Thank you, Alex for being such a loyal reader of my blog and for always offering the best advice. You just seem to know what to say and I really appreciate the effort you put into your blog, reading the content of others and leaving comments. You are just all around the best.

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  89. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 2, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Susan, that has to hurt!

    Saumya, really? Wow, thank you so much!!!

    Alexia, it just sat there and simmered...

    Melissa, thank YOU. And if you miss a post, that's all right. I'm just trying to do my best and support others.

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  90. UnspokenNovember 2, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    I believe there are times we are going to be sad and that's okay. But, I am at a place of peace presently. Happiness ebbs and flows.

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  91. CopyboyNovember 2, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    Top 10? That's amazing! Hey who cares about the dry spell. You've had a whopper of a creative one.

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  92. msmariahNovember 2, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Alex-- Another great post. Thanks for your work helping other writers.

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  93. Susan Kaye QuinnNovember 3, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    This month was too crazy to post, but next month I already have it in the docket! :)

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  94. Jeff BeeslerNovember 3, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    In a way, I am happy with what's going on in my life. I'm making awesome new writer friends, first two days of NaNo have been extremely productive, and things are just looking up.

    But there's a difference between happiness and complacency. I want to continue fighting for my happiness, not just being happy. If I remain happy, I stagnate. I need to grow as a writer no matter what.

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  95. dolorahNovember 3, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    I love to hear it when things are going well for a fellow writer.

    Yep, I'm happy right now. Life serves peaches sometimes as well as pits :)

    ..........dhole

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  96. LeoviNovember 3, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    Congratulations on the jump to Amazon's Top Ten. Good foods to simmer have more flavor.

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  97. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 3, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Cobyboy, thanks!

    Susan, you've had a lot happening.

    Jeffrey, well said.

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  98. Hilary Melton-ButcherNovember 3, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    Hi Alex .. I've just come across this post - that (to me!) looks a good one for Insecure Writers .. and relates to your Space interest ...

    http://www.stevenpressfield.com/2011/11/out-of-my-comfort-zone/

    I hope you enjoy it and think it's appropriate .. cheers Hilary

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  99. Super Happy JenNovember 3, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    I almost forgot about support group yesterday, but my post is up now!

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  100. Karen LangeNovember 3, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Thanks for the reminder. Going through a challenging time while trying to get some projects out of the way, all the while wanting to carve out time for the WIP. It'll all come together. It always does. Congrats on the top ten!

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  101. AnonymousNovember 3, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Hi alex
    Fantastic blog post, It is true, we all get a bit stick sometimes and need a bit of a boost. Which is what is so great about the Insecure writers group. Thank you so much for your comment on my blog :) You are pretty awesome too :)

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  102. TL ConwayNovember 3, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Alex, thank you for the reminder. It's so easy for me to focus on things that I haven't yet done or milestones I have yet to reach (50K words, ahem), that I forget to simply lift my head up, look around, and be grateful that I'm even here to do this.

    Taking your message, scribbling it on a sticky note, and placing it on my monitor today. Here's to a better outlook...

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  103. Christopher HudsonNovember 3, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Well, I was happy ... until you reminded me that I whiffed on an Insecure Writer's Post ... gee, thanks, Alex.

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  104. Sangu MandannaNovember 3, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    It's such a simple thing, but so easy to forget: be happy where you are. It's so easy to get caught up in wishing for more to happen, or for something different, or to be two steps ahead of where you are... sometimes I look back on where I was and wish I'd appreciated it more!

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  105. CiaraNovember 3, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Alex - This is such an amazing group. I found so much comfort this month visiting everyone's blog. I'm afraid I was unable to participate but I will be joining back in next month. Keep going!

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  106. Patricia StolteyNovember 3, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    After two days of NaNoWriMo and 4,301 words, I'm thinking a week from Wednesday will be the day I start feeling insecure.

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  107. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 3, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Thanks, Hilary - I'll check it out.

    Jen, that's great!

    Thanks, Karen.

    Eve, glad you're enjoying the group.

    TL, that's the spirit!

    Sorry, Christopher.

    Ciara, I'm going!

    Patricia, no - you're doing great!

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  108. CA HeavenNovember 3, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Must admit I've been sloppy about the IWSG posting, but I'm back on track this month >:)

    Cold As Heaven

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  109. Julie DaoNovember 3, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    I'm happy because I'm getting back into writing this weekend!

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  110. Bish DenhamNovember 3, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    I look more for contentment than happiness. So am I content with where I am right now with my writing? Most of the time yes.

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  111. Sarah AhiersNovember 3, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Top ten?! Go you!!! That's awesome!
    I'm a bit in the middle of happiness right now. Had some really horrible personal news, but also had some really really great professional news, so i don't really know where that leaves. *shrugs*

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  112. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 3, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    Cold, that's good!

    Sarah, then I am both happy and sad for you.

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  113. Lydia KangNovember 3, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    What?? What? You're in the Amazon top 10? Congrats Alex!

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  114. AnonymousNovember 3, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Congrats on CassaStar's Top Ten, Alex! That's awesome!!
    Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets

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  115. KM NalleNovember 3, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    Congratulations on making Amazon's Top 10!

    I love this post. Sometimes being happy is a decision we make.

    I hope you find your inspiration soon Alex.

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  116. Kelly PolarkNovember 3, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    YAY, Alex!!! :)

    I'm a pretty positive person though I was bummed that
    I had an epic nanofail today. But that's okay. It was mostly distractions by my kids and work. But I got to watch my boy play basketball and buy books for my kids at the school book fair. So that makes me very happy!

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  117. AmityNovember 4, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    I almost forgot, it is that time again for the Insecure Writer Support's Group...:)

    I guessed I have missed so many things again...

    Blame that to my being irregular in blog world...and thanks Alex, I saw you first came to my new post, glad about that!

    Will it be late if I will post today for this post/bloghop?

    Have a great weekend Alex...I am with kids enjoying with them...sort of a long vacay from work and I guess will do me good, too, coz I am on vacay from baking too, lols!

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  118. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 5, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Lydia, yeah! It's been bouncing around in the top twenty for weeks now.

    Kari, I know it will happen.

    Kelly, family trums all.

    Amity, you post whenever!

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  119. AnonymousNovember 5, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Great post, Alex. Sorry I'm a little late. I'm on dial-up and it takes me a while to visit blogs. I must say you're post was very uplifting. Thanks for sharing.

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  120. J.B. ChicoineNovember 9, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    I'm late getting around to the IWG posts...
    ...I've given happiness as a writer a lot of thought lately. I've had a year of experiencing some big writerly lows and recently, a real high--those ends of the spectrum come and go, leveling out to a general sense of happiness, simply because I like writing and enjoy feeling productive. I'm hoping that remains the case over the next year...

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  121. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2012 at 4:52 AM

    That's such good advice: Don't Worry. Be Happy! I think we should all be reminded of that mantra esepcially when writing submissions aren't successful and the happiness levels drop for a while.

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