IWSG: Regrets and Wishes

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

AUGUST QUESTION - As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?

MY ANSWER - For my regrets, it would be all the times that I listened to the inner critic or others which drove me to give up writing at multiple points in my life. For wishes, it would be to find an amazing mentor, join a writer's group like The Inklings, and to inspire a new generation of authors to enjoy reading as well as to find their own voices. 

How about you? As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?

IWSG: Publishing Industry

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

JULY QUESTION - Is there anything you'd like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?

MY ANSWER - I feel like author compensation and support needs to be improved (fairer royalties, marketing support, editorial support, format flexibility, and less bias, etc.) There should also be less archaic return policies with an eye toward environmental sustainability.

How about you? Is there anything you'd like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?

IWSG: Inspiring Feedback and Affirmations

 It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

MAY 6 QUESTION - What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

MY ANSWER - It always makes me feel humbled and melts my heart a little when a reader tells me my writing reminds them of another favorite author. Luckily, for me, it's been in reference to someone I myself respect and enjoy. It's very uplifting to have a reader connect with your story and put you in a class with other favorites.

SAMPLE ANSWERS - Below are a few examples of comments left for writers followed by self- affirmations in case you have never received positive feedback. Don't give up!

1. Heartfelt & Encouraging

"Your words have a way of reaching beyond the page and into the heart. The way you weave emotion and meaning together is truly a gift—keep sharing your voice with the world, because it matters."

2. Motivational & Vision-Focused

"Every sentence you write builds a bridge between imagination and reality. Your storytelling has the power to inspire, comfort, and spark change—never underestimate the impact of your craft."

3. Gentle & Reassuring

"Even on days when the words feel heavy, remember that your voice is unique and irreplaceable. The world needs your stories, your perspective, and your courage to keep writing."

✨ Writer’s Affirmation ✨

*"My words carry truth, beauty, and meaning.

Every page I write is a step toward touching hearts and minds.

I am a storyteller, and my voice matters."*

🌿 Calming

*"I write with ease and flow.

Each word finds its place naturally,

and my stories grow like gentle rivers toward the sea."*

🔥 Empowering

*"My voice is bold, my vision is clear.

Every word I write shapes worlds,

and I have the power to inspire change."*

🌙 Poetic

*"In the quiet between heartbeats,

my stories bloom like midnight flowers—

rare, luminous, and unforgettable."*

How about you? What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

IWSG: Writing Playlist

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

APRIL 1 QUESTION - If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

MY ANSWER - My playlists change frequently but often highlights hits from the 1980s and 90s. While I enjoy other time periods, those seem to be the ones I'm drawn to the most, but the genre changes based on mood and needs. I'm just as likely to listen to classical as rap and enjoy country just as much as rock and pop. I'm fortunate to have a family that loves music just as much as I do so they are just as eclectic in their tastes.

How about you? If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

IWSG: Book Launches

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

MARCH 4 QUESTION - What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?

MY ANSWER - I've never launched a book alone because I've never attempted to publish an entire book. I have had the pleasure of working with many others on launching anthologies I was fortunate enough to appear in alongside. So, I look forward to reading what the other IWSG members say on this subject. 

How about you? What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?

IWSG: Rereading Early work

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

FEBRUARY 4 QUESTION - Many writers have written about the experience of rereading their work years later. Have you reread any of your early works? What was that experience like for you?

MY ANSWER - Yes, and the experience is a mixed bag. Sometimes, I'll read something, and I feel like "That was so amazing! Did I really write that? Why isn't all of my stuff this good?" Then, other times, it has been completely embarrassing. "This is so bad! Did I really write that? I hope no one else ever see this. I better burn/delete this." 

How about you? Have you reread any of your early works? What was that experience like for you?

IWSG: Coolest Gift

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

DECEMBER QUESTION - As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?

MY ANSWER: All of my favorite gifts have come from my husband. The best one was a few years ago. I returned home from two weeks visiting family during the summer break to find he had custom-built shelves to turn an extra room into a library while I was gone. Another particularly cool gift he gave me a couple of years ago was a custom engraved book press so I could personalize my favorite books. It's a seal that states, "From the library of...". Over the years, he has also given me personalized journals, mugs, a new laptop, and a dog to snuggle with for Christmas. He always manages to gift me with exactly the "Write" comfort item or necessity each year.

How about you? As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?

IWSG: Imagine Life as a Writer

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

NOVEMBER QUESTION - When you began writing, what did you imagine your life as a writer would be like? Were you right, or has this experience presented you with some surprises along the way?

MY ANSWER: When I was really young, I was a huge SUPERMAN fan and I thought I would be the next Lois Lane (without being fooled by men wearing glasses :-) As I got older, I discovered ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN and thought I would be the next Woodward or Bernstein. Clearly, I had a nostalgic view of myself as the next great journalist. However, as I entered life in first my high school newspaper and then college newspaper, I quickly realized how little glamour (and even less pay) there was - even though I became editor of both. By the time I graduated college and was offered a position with the city newspaper, I realized my passion lies just as much with the teaching of journalism as the actual practice of working in the field. By that time, I had also published a few pieces of poetry and began working as a freelance writer for magazines too. I also started submitting and publishing fiction as well. Today, I continue my passion for teaching and still enjoy writing my own pieces.

How about you? When you began writing, what did you imagine your life as a writer would be like? Were you right, or has this experience presented you with some surprises along the way?

IWSG: Favorite Thing

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

OCTOBER QUESTION - What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?

MY ANSWER: That's difficult. While I've enjoyed a lot of the fiction pieces I've written and published, I'm probably prouder of my nonfiction. The stories I've written, both published and not, that are raw - the ones that came from emotions I was attempting to process are my favorite. They are real. Don't get me wrong. Fiction can be just as real - if not more so - at times. However, the stories I've lived and passed on to family have meant so much more because we could share them. Not all fiction is for everyone, but real stories about family last a lot longer and engage more individuals in a personal way if they've lived it or known the ones who have. You could probably ask me again tomorrow and receive a different answer, but I'm in a particularly reflective mood about family as I write this.

How about you? What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?

IWSG: Five Unethical Practices in the Publishing Industry

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

AUGUST QUESTION - What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

MY ANSWER:

1) Hmmm... on the part of the writer submitting, I would say either plagiarism (including AI) or otherwise misrepresenting themselves and the information they are providing. 

2) If you mean on the part of an individual editor or publisher, then I would say I have run into multiple issues such as bias (due to race, gender, religion, politics, etc.)  Yes, this has happened to me numerous times. 

3) I've also had editors refuse to publish my work if I don't make the changes they want, and I don't mean to meet stated requirements/expectations. I've had requests to add sex scenes or change major plot points. While I don't mind some changes, especially if you can show me how it improves the piece, I absolutely refuse to add a sex scene just because "sex sells". 

4) I also don't appreciate being lied to or otherwise feeling manipulated by misrepresenting facts.

5) Being charged because the publisher had returns - especially when I didn't get a cut of those sales in the first place because they only pay authors a flat fee up front.

What about you? What do you believe is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

IWSG: Trying a New Genre

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

JULY QUESTION - Is there a genre you haven't tried writing in yet that you really want to try? If so, do you plan on trying it?

MY ANSWER - I've thought about trying a cozy mystery. I've enjoyed reading multiple and even watched them on television. I just haven't built up enough confidence to try one of my own, yet. Do you recommend any to read?

What about you? Is there a genre you haven't tried writing in yet that you really want to try? If so, do you plan on trying it?

IWSG: Impactful Books

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

JUNE 4 QUESTION - 
What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

MY ANSWER - There are so many! In high school: To Kill a Mockingbird - this book filled my senses and made me examine the type of person and parent I one day hoped to be. It's also one of the few movie adaptions that didn't disappoint after reading the original story. Flowers for Algernon is another one that stayed with me as I had previously no experience with the mentally handicapped. Just as the previous book, it reminded me to respect and treat others kindly no matter the differences. Tuesdays With Morrie is a wonderful reminder to cherish loved ones and prioritize appropriately because you never know how much time you have. There are also a number of series that took up much of my time. Anne of Green Gables was a wonderful reminder that it was acceptable to read and enjoy classic literature as much as contemporary. Alongside Little Women it made me believe writing was an acceptable pastime as well. I also spent a lot of time with the Sweet Dreams romance series (I think there were over 200), the Nancy Drew Files (I believe there were over 100), Fear Street (I think there were around 50 in the 1990s - there are more now), and the Christopher Pike series. While I certainly read many other enjoyable books, these series took up many hours of my teen life in the 1990s.

Sweet Dreams Book Series

Nancy Drew Files Series by Carolyn Keene | Goodreads

Fear Street - Book Series In Order

Christopher Pike - Book Series In Order

What about you? What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

UPDATED: IWSG: Fears

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

MAY QUESTION - Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them?

MY ANSWER - This post has been updated on 5/11/25. I never received the newsletter with this month's question. When I emailed admin on May 5 asking about the newsletter and posting for this month, they simply replied "Due to health challenges, one has not been able to put one together." I'm not certain how everyone else got the question for this month. I still have not received any other reply even after reaching out to several people several times. I know things happen, but I'm frustrated. This was already an incredibly difficult week for me so it's ironic that my fear might best be described as "Not being seen or heard". Which is how I am now feeling. How did you find out about this month's post topic?

How about you? What are your fears? 

IWSG: Fantasy Characters - Morgan le Fay

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. 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. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

APRIL QUESTION - What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

MY ANSWER - Morgan le Fay - Queen of the Faeries, enchantress, and Lady of Avalon - maybe best known from the Arthurian legends (King Arthur's possible half-sister). She also appears in "Sir Gawain and Green Night", Shakespeare, Harry Potter, various Marvel comics, the "Magic Tree House" series, The Librarians, Trollhunters, and more. She is often depicted as either a benevolent sorceress, or a villainous fairy queen.

How about you? What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?