How did we get here to the first of the month so fast? You probably already know that the first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.
On this day, we post on our blogs to talk about writing. Some of us will reveal doubts or discuss struggles or triumphs. We try to visit at least 12 others in in the group and offer words of understanding or encouragement. For on this day, we writers are a unique online community of support. As our fearless leader Alex Cavannaugh says, "Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!"
This month's optional question: When the going gets tough in writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is? What do you think could help you get started?
Setting aside the horrific news that shapes and saddens our world, this month has brought unexpected twists -- and not plot twists!
First, I followed that tried advice to put my rough draft aside while waiting for beta comments. As those comments slowly trickled in, I was reluctant to start again with revisions. Perhaps part of me truly longed to be finished! I doubted my ability to do justice to this story I loved. Another week passed with no progress. And then, another. I met with a trusted writing friend who said, "You have to tell your story. No one else can!" Just like that, her belief pushed me back into a writing routine.
A friend confided he was losing his sight, and he just wanted to finish his book. Could I help him? Sure, I could and did. Only sheer stubborness kept me working on my own writing -- and copy editing his. Do you realize how much we take our sight for granted? How many typos, extra spaces, or lapses in story telling we might make if we can't see? How difficult is it to accept what has changed and to ask for help?
An e-mail brought news that a dear friend we've travelled the world with suffered a stroke and now is in hospice. At our age, such news is not unexpected, and yet, I feel helpless. Our only recourse is to persevere with our beliefs and actions, in hopes of making our world a little better.
I am grateful for every moment with those I love, for writers and readers, grandchildren, family dinners (regardless of how chaotic), for friends near and far. This moment, this now, is what we have.
Consider joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group: Just go to the IWSG's home page and sign up! Post your thoughts on your blog and visit our co-hosts for the June 1 posting: SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray!
Glad a friend helped you believe in your writing and get back into it. That's great that you could help another friend with their writing too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Natalie. Sadly, the month continues to be difficult, and I'm so behind in reading IWSG posts. But, what do we tell ourselves each day? Take another step. And so I shall.
DeleteThank you, Natalie. Sadly, the month continues to be difficult, and I'm so behind in reading IWSG posts. But, what do we tell ourselves each day? Take another step. And so I shall.
DeleteSorry it's been such a rough month. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose my sight. It would be terrifying. I'm glad you could help your writer friend with his story, and I'm glad you've gotten back into your own writing groove. Hopefully, June will be a better month.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lori. As someone who's worn glasses all her life, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Now, maybe July will be better, because June has been wretched! Write on!
DeleteHi Beth!
ReplyDeleteWe have so much to be grateful for.
I agree with your lovely words:" may the coming month bring us all healing, strength, and the ability to cherish each day." Amen.
I hope that the rest of your June goes smoothly.
Take care.