Writing Wednesday

Wednesday is the day I share what I’ve learned on my journey from writing, publication, marketing; and doing it all again, and again. The kind of information I wish someone shared with me when I started.

It’s also the first Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for The Insecure Writers Support Group!

The Purpose of the Group:

To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. If you’ve been through the fire you can offer your assistance, and guidance. It’s a safe- haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting:

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs.

Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG 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.
Remember, the question is optional!

The August 7th question:

Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you’d forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming.

Omgoodness, yes there have been many times I’ve been surprised in positive ways. A few years ago, the publisher I had my first two books with went out of business with no warning. It was heartbreaking. My books were selling so well, and I was getting positive media attention, so I wanted them republished and back online as soon as possible.

A local publishing company that I worked with through my business for years offered to republish them quickly for me. To make a long story short that company merged with another and then those companies were bought out by an unreputable company.

I decided to rework those books, have them reedited and then start resubmitting but other projects were demanding my attention, so I decided to put those first books on hold.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a small event that included a panel of agents. One represented the genre I was currently writing so I introduced myself to her. I pitched my project and was disappointed that she seemed disinterested. She kept asking about my second book, the one no longer in print. Silly me kept shrugging those questions off and going back to my new project. A good friend who had been standing with us finally said to me, “She is interested in your second book. Stop pitching your WIP and start pitching the other.” The agent laughed and said your friend is right.

I was completely surprised to say the least.

That agent requested the manuscript and I’m waiting patiently…wish me luck!

How about you? When was the last time you were surprised?
Happy writing,
Doreen

The awesome co-hosts for the August 7 posting of the IWSG are Renee Scattergood, Sadira Stone, Jacqui Murray, Tamara Narayan, and LG Keltner! Be sure to stop by and thank them!