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: How has it helped?

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.

SEPTEMBER 6 QUESTION - The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

MY ANSWER - I came across the IWSG in 2014. I was immediately drawn to the idea of a support community for writers. We don't all have friends and family that can both support and understand what and why we write so this group was needed and appreciated by so many. I don't think I have missed a monthly posting since I joined nine years ago. While I don't always interact at the level and frequency I would wish, it's been nice knowing the group was there and reaching out to each other every month like clockwork - something and someone to count on. This group has offered support, education, encouragement, and inspiration. I wish they still held the annual anthology contest/call, but I appreciate how many members are still there supporting each other in their individual pursuits. If you've never joined, please consider doing so.

How about you? Are you a member of the IWSG? If so, when did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

IWSG: Support and Influence

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 QUESTION - Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

MY ANSWER - Yes, I was once a part of a great critique group. We were a great support to each other. We met weekly, and the time was so inspiring, motivating, and just fun. Unfortunately, many of them have moved away for a variety of reasons. We briefly tried to continue digitally, but it just wasn't the same. Priorities changed, life happens, etc. I really miss that time of support and influence. It's difficult to recreate.

How about you? Is there someone from who you miss receiving support or influence?

Life in Pieces

Hello all -

I'm writing briefly today with a heavy, but hopeful heart. My house sustained only minor external damages. We are back in it with additional family who was not so lucky.

My parents had more than four feet of water in their home and had to be rescued by the Cajun Navy. We were finally able to get back to their house today to start clean up. They've lost nearly everything. They were still some of the lucky ones.

I'm sure by now, you have seen news coverage showing homes with only rooftops sticking out of water. The New York Times listed my town of Bridge City as one of the six most highly effected areas in Texas. Houston isn't even on that list. I've shared the article on my facebook page. This disaster has shown some of the best AND the worst of people.

THE BEST - Even people who have lost most of their own possessions are sharing what little they have with their community. Local people who had no damage have opened their homes, hearts, and wallets to those around them. Local chain restaurants and churches have pulled together to get any food and supplies possible to people who are in need. The perfect examples of southern pride and Christian hospitality are giving thousands someone to lean on.

THE WORST - Federally funded relief organizations are barely helping. They make a big show coming in for the cameras, but then turning away help to many in need. I've seen people with pets, children, or seniors turned away. I've seen restaurant owners and churches with food and supplies turned away from being allowed to help because those federal organizations won't get their federal dollars if they can't prove they are using a set amount of money. I've seen them only allow their evacuees to have 2 bottles of water and an MRE a day while people flying in hot meals are being dragged away from the buildings because they are not federally approved supplies. I have seen people leave the shelter to get supplies from those offering them in the parking lots or down the streets, and then being told they are not allowed back in the shelter because the chose leave it for a hot meal. You can search articles and facebook posts on this. I'm not the only one witnessing it.

PLEASE, if you feel moved to donate - find a local charity or church. Lake Charles, Louisiana has many that are supporting Texas. My own church: http://www.tbclc.org/  is one. If you know certified remediation or construction crews, many in this area will soon need help.

Continued prayers and support will be needed and greatly appreciated for a long time.