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.
The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!
Today’s question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?
Over twelve years ago, a casual comment to a writer friend led me to the name and idea of an Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
We began as this blog hop before launching the website a year later. Then followed Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a newsletter. And book contests! Our Twitter pitch, #IWSGPit. Plus we even sell IWSG swag. (Profits help pay for the domain name and email.)
First, big shout-out to my fellow IWSG Admins - Michelle, Diane, Pat, C. Lee, Juneta, Sandra, and the dozen previous admins who kept everything going.
Second, a big shout-out to all of you! Those of you participating in the blog hop, members of the Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram groups, subscribe to the newsletter, participated in the contests and #IWSGPit, support writers by reading…you are all awesome!
September Movie Preview
Here are the theatrical releases for September. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
1 –
The Equalizer 3
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Stars: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, David Denman, Sonia Ammar Robert McCall finds himself at home in Southern Italy but he discovers his friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends' protector by taking on the mafia.
How many sequels do we need before Denzel can balance his checkbook?
15 –
A Haunting in Venice
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Stars: Kelly Reilly, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh
In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.
Spoiler alert – the gondola did it!
22 –
Expend4bles
Director: Scott Waugh
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, 50 Cent. Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren
The Expendables will square up against an arms dealer who commands the might of a massive private army.
Surprisingly, this movie is about tea parties and long, intricate conversations…not!
When did you discover the IWSG and what has it meant to you? Any movies catch your interest this month?
Be back in a couple weeks with a special guest!
88 comments:
Your description of Expendables 4 🤣😂😂😂😂
Happy IWSG Anniversary
"The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library." – Albert Einstein quote
September is library card sign-up month! Get one, use one, and be grateful such places exist.
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction &Reference Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge
Hi Alex. Happy Anniversary to IWSG! A huge shout-out to YOU for all the effort. Thank you!
I'm a little annoyed they gave up on the Expendabelles, but I hadn't liked the casting choices I was hearing (wrestlers instead of women who had been in action films), so probably for the best.
Happy IWSG Birthday!
Happy Anniversary to the IWSG! I enjoyed learning how it started. I wasn't part of the group back then, so I didn't know what inspired you to start it. Thanks for following through and keep our group going all these years.
Congratulations to the IWSG for all its years of helping writers!
This is a day to celebrate you, Alex! Look what you inspired. Hooray for a casual comment that resulted in something so good and helpful. But as we all know, it wasn't just the casual comment. It's been lots of behind the scenes work, for you, for the administrators and for all the multitudes of co-hosts since then. Kudos to you all, but especially to you, Alex, Ninja and IWSG mastermind!
IWSG has been an anchor and a refuge for me over the years. 'Thank you' just isn't enough.
Happy IWSG Birthday, Alex!!! You rock! Thank you for all that you do, too. I appreciate you and IWSG website.
I'm always interested in your take on movies. Thanks for that, too!
Teresa
Happy Anniversary, Alex! Congratulations on 12 years.
I discovered the IWSg about a year after it formed, around the time you started the website.
Great movie previews this month, but nothing strikes my interest.
Happy IWSG anniversary! I'm so glad you started the group!
Happy 12th Anniversary with many more years to come!! This is the best group of bloggers that I am so happy to be acquainted with. Thank you, Alex!!!
Those movies aren't on my list, but I've got The Dive and The Boogeyman on my radar. :)
It must be cool to see a casual comment turn into a community of support, Alex. Thank you for your foresight and follow-through. I forgot to mention the great book contests! I enjoyed being part of the young adult romance anthology.
Happy anniversary to the IWSG! Thank you so much for creating it, Alex. I probably wouldn't be blogging without it.
Equalizer 3 seems like one of those movies where they just made it in Italy so everyone could get a vacation to Italy.
My biggest question with the Poirot movie is that in the last one it was a big deal that he shaved off his mustache and now the mustache is back. Are they going to address that in the movie?
I'm not sure why Expendables 4 isn't going straight to some streaming platform and/or Redbox. A pretty weak lineup. Santa's Summer House had a better lineup of washed-up action stars.
You started something special. I still hand at our business card at cons and conferences and people get a big kick out of the name.
Thanks for sowing the seed so many years ago. It's grown into something massive and helped so many.
Happy IWSG-versary!!!
You rock, Alex!
Happy Birthday to IWSG! Thanks for creating the group! It's really kept us connected through the years!
I like a good murder mystery, so the Haunting in Venice sounds like one I'd like.
Happy Anniversary to all of us insecure writers and a special big HUZZAH to you Alex, as our faithful leader!
Thanks for bringing us all on this wonderful ride with you!
Good job, Alex! It was a great idea and wonderful group!
Congrats to you and the group for a wonderful community. Twelve years is amazing and obviously shall continue as long as we have keyboards to pound. Great work! As for movies - your snarky comments are perfect. The gondola or the mustache of Poirot....food for thought. Movie world is still a bit sad - hopes up, but not for three hour flicks. Happy September to you and yours.
So thankful you went with your idea and created such a fantastic group where writers feel safe and appreciated!
I first discovered the IWSG when I created my blogger after a few years hiatus from writing, and I was looking for other blogs to read. I kept coming on the same "badge"/questions, and after awhile I saw it for what it was. Happy Birthday and congratulations! And thank you. Although I haven't participated very much I always look forward to reading the answers to the monthly questions.
Joaquin from Find Meaning in Adversity
Hi Alex - you've really set the bar high for us all - be it as a leader, us as participants, offering advice and guidance, and generally being the glue keeping us all linked to the IWSG, WEP, A-Z world - I'm so pleased I came across the various groups ... and really appreciate all the comments you make on my blog. Thanks so much - cheers and happy anniversary to IWSG et al - it all came along at the right time for me and my blog. Hilary
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for bringing the group to life and keeping it going all this time!
I think I scared my cats when I laughed at your description of The Expendables!!!
Alex, what can I say? This group has helped me more than I can express. I know I've been an on again, off again member but every time I've had to leave for health reasons, I knew I'd be back. There's just so much encouragement to be found here. I'm forever thankful I stumbled in this lovely gathering more than 10 years ago!
Happy Anniversary! And may the IWSG live LONG and PROSPER!
XO Jen
Happy 12th Anniversary!
Been an IWSGer eight years now. Joining the IWSG community was the best decision I've ever made. Thanks for creating the group.
There's an Expendables 4? Did I miss the third movie?
Just wanted to join the throng! Thank you, Alex, for the inspiration, tenacity, and caring that led to IWSG becoming such a wonderful resource for so many. I do feel connected to so many other writers I never would have known, each month learning something new. All I can say is a heartfelt thank you!
I'm back to the IWSG blog hop to help you celebrate 12 years. Thanks so much for all you do to connect and encourage us.
I'm looking forward to A Haunting in Venice, love Branagh as Poirot!
Happy Anniversary! You have been a guiding light to many writers. Sometimes, we need a little help from our friends.
Thank you for supporting all my wanderings.
Brightest blessings to you!
Word for the day - Encouragement
It's been great to be an admin and to work with all the others who help keep your idea going. Thanks again, Alex!
What a weird cast for the Expend4bles, Alex. I heard 50 cent is doing his final concert in Sacramento soon. But then I remembered about all of Elton John's "final" concerts - just a money making scheme. Either way, I won't be there.
Cheers and thank you for all you do. You are also the reason that I did IWSG posts for a while.
You're the best of blogland.
Be well.
Happy Anniversary, Alex!
I have no idea why you asked me to be an admin but I'm glad you did... and so glad that I accepted!
What a ride!
Happy IWSG Anniversary!!!
I love your movie descriptions - the gondola did it! LOL.
J Lenni, I aim to amuse!
Liza, I really appreciate that.
Jennifer, glad you're in that anthology.
PT, they do need to address the mustache in the room...
Diane, that's good to know.
Joanne, no more three hour movies!
Lidy, you probably didn't miss much...
Michelle, glad I did and you've been one of the most faithful.
Thanks, everyone! Wow.
"Over twelve years ago, a casual comment to a writer friend led me to the name and idea of an Insecure Writer’s Support Group."
The fly on the wall says that casual conversation was the start of something big that benefited many, including PJC.
That, including your SciFi books, your hilarious spot-on movie critiques, and general all-around good guy sensibilities have earned you a premium place in the writing world for posterity - thanks!
I mean really. Insecure Writers. Who would join a group with that name? Whiny, no spine writers complaining all the time? What? NO! Talented writers, smart, funny, clever skilled storytellers who generously offer support and share their wisdom to pull up each other. Fantastic! You have done an amazing job (and I know with lots of help) for us. Congratulations! IWSG is an example of a large oak tree started from a tiny seed. Fabulous idea. Thank you!!!
Twelve years of a wonderful group is something to be proud of, Alex! The IWSG has been really important to me. Lately Terry and I have been watching 6-10 episode mysteries on Netflix and Amazon Prime, usually at the end of a busy day. Lol ~ Do I ever have a day that isn't busy? Very rarely! Thanks for many years of friendship and fun! Take care, my talented friend!
I was following you, and that' how I found IWSG. It's lovely it's still going!
Expend-four-bles? They have to stop using numbers in place of letters. It's unseemly.
Many, many thanks for the brainstorm that created this group. I hope you know how much we all appreciate you. My husband loves those Equalizer movies but then his tastes run to John Wick also. He'd probably like the Expendables, but I don't think I ever introduce him to that series.
A new Poirot movie! Should be interesting.
Thanks for all you do for our community, Alex! I'm so grateful :)
Another Poirot mystery? I'm in. I love Agatha Christie's Poirot. David Suchet was the best Poirot, though. All best to you, Alex! Thanks for all you do.
Happy Anniversary!! I found out about this through...you! You were always the kindest, commenting on my blog when few did and, from this blog, I met many others and feel enriched because of it. Some sweet souls are no longer here, like Jo but memories last!
As for movies, I want to see all 3! The last time Denzel starred with Dakota, she was a little girl. I do like him as the Equalizer ( I almost wrote Energizer). I love Agatha Christie so this Branagh film will be good to see. I admit it...I love The Expendables!! I am not a gun person but I love that big ass gun that obliterates the bad guy. It's stupid but I just love it plus the music Is great.
Happy anniversary to you, Alex! Thanks for all the hard work you put in for this community.
PJ, big thanks!
JQ, appreciate that.
Louise, you rock.
Susan, I think the John Wick movies are a couple steps above it.
Thanks, everyone!
I love the Equalizer films and am so glad there is a third. Happy Anniversary, Alex!
Happy birthday, IWSG! So glad you had the idea. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Congrats on 12 years! Whoosh!
Happy Anniversary, Alex!
Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Congratulations!
I know how much your blog and the IWSG blog as well as WEP have helped me with my writing goals.
It's awesome!
Celebrate! You deserve it.
I'm cautiously looking forward to the Venice Mystery because the Orient Express was a real stinker!
Thanks for getting the IWSG going, Alex!
The movies just aren't doing it for me this month. Maybe the Kenneth Branagh. Maybe.
Well, thanks Alex and to the admins who have kept this group and its blog hop alive!
The movie of September that kind of appeals to me is "A Haunting in Venice". The only problem is that I haven't read any of Christie's Poroit novels. Maybe I'll have to speed read one in time for the movie.
Have we really known each other that long? I guess so. I was here when it started, back in the days of the AtoZ list. Boy time flies. Congrats Alex on creating something so successful.
Congratulations and a big THANK YOU for those past years. As the Polish say Sto lat! (A hundred more!)
Happy Anniversary, IWSG! And thank you, Alex, for all that you've done and do. I bet you never saw it blossoming like it has.
Thank you so much for starting the group, I don't know what I would have done without it. The same, but worse, probably, and without all the fun :)
Jemima
Happy IWSG-iversary!
Happy IWSG Anniversary! I learned about it right for this here blog when it first started. :)
Alex, I bet you have no idea how many people have come and gone over the years that have been helped and/or inspired by something you've done or started. Thanks so much for being a huge support to all of us neurotic writer types. :D
Steven, not sure I've read any of those books either.
Rhonda, it is that long!
Tonja, I never did!
Charity, thank you!
And thanks to everyone here and everyone in the group! I made sure to visit every single person on this list this month and the posts were just amazing.
Thanks for creating IWSG!
Happy Anniversary!
Of the movies you listed, A Haunting in Venice sounds the most appealing. I've liked the other Poirot films.
Happiest of anniversaries, Alex. You and that friend of yours had a great idea. I mean, what writer isn't insecure at some point?
The Expendables... It seemed like a fun idea. And then... well, and then.
Happy Anniversary! 12 years is a good solid run for any blog. Not sure when I discovered this tidy little mammoth group of yours, but it was definitely during my halcyon days of blogging when I used to follow lots of blogs and some used to participate in the blog hop, so I gave it a whirl for a spell.
God bless you for doing it. The IWSG is more than just a website, it's inspired. Hugs!
You! Have always been there commenting on my blogs. SO appreciate that. And being part of IWSG encourages me. Y
I love how the idea of this group sprang to life and kept on going. You've done a great job keeping this blog hop alive, Alex. Thank you!
Happy Anniversary, Captain! Can't thank you enough for the creative haven your brainstorm (IWSG) provides ;-)
I love that the guys can Expendables are still making movies, I wonder how many movies they still have under their belts though at this point. I will watch another equalizer cuz I like those movies.
Congrats on 12 years! I discovered this amazing group around the time I signed the contract for my first novel. While I'm not as active as I used to be, I love popping in to see how everyone is doing and to say hi. 🙂
Happy anniversary IWSG! That is serious longevity in this fast-changing world. You clearly tapped into a latent need among writers.
Alex, the IWSG is an institution, much like I view WEP.
So grateful to this wonderfully supportive group! Trying to be more consistent in participating. www.heidiangell.com
I so appreciate the IWSG! This group has helped me on my journey from, "Hey, I think I'll try writing fiction," to published short stories and a couple of novels in progress. Thanks so much for creating such a wonderful resource!
I love your snark added to the coming attractions. I'm halfway through watching Murder on the Orient Express now, getting ready for the next Poirot movie. Should be fun.
Happy 12 years! They sure picked some umm odd choice names fir such a tea party.
I got to admit, I'm a Denzel/Equalizer fan:)
Hope you're having a great one.
Happy 12th Anniversary!!!! It is amazing how much has happened to all of us in these past twelve years! Remember when we all blogged daily? I still remember how incredible it all was back then and the IWSG just added to all that excitement. Now most of us are only posting monthly, just as you seem to be. It saddens me a bit, but it is totally understandable because life is so hectic and unpredictable. Let's hope and pray we all manage to stay together another twelve years!
How's the writing going?
Wow, happy 12th to IWSG and congrats to you!
I'll probably go watch Poirot when he lands up here...though I wish Branagh would tone down the mouche a bit. David Suchet is still my favourite Poirot.
Can't recall when I joined the FB group, not as long as 12 years but not too short of it either.
Sorry, I haven't been around lately. I had fallen & hit my tail bone & I was laid up for a while. I'm better now! WHEW! That was scary though I tell ya & my back is fine. Anyway, how have you been my friend & your summer? Hope that's been really good too! This blogging was really hard to get back into, but I'M BACK!!! Finally!!! I'll leave my link below. Anyway, I hope you're having a good summer being as fall is around the corner. We having a flag raising where I live and guess who is going to be there!!! LEE GREENWOOD! WOO HOO! I'M SURELY GOING! OH, and a carnival & a couple of really good bands. I'll let you know how it was. Take care my friend and greeting to the family! Hope all is very well! :)
Dolph and Sly together yet again. :) I like Denzel Washington, but I haven't seen any of the movies from that series.
I'm looking forward to "A Haunting in Venice." Also congrats on your 12th year anniversary. Time marches on, and I think most of us are still here that have been here for a decade or more.
Took me longer than I thought, but I'm here. Hope you're having a great September.
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