The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#35

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer 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.

Don’t forget our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

Reminder – the IWSG has also expanded with a second group on Facebook – the IWSG Critique Circle.

The aim of that group is to connect writers who want to exchange critiques and also find beta readers. And of course, there’s the support and encouragement with the WIPs. Check it out!

The co-hosts for this month are  LG Keltner, Donna Hole, Lisa Buie-Collard and SL Hennessy. Don’t forget to visit them and thank them for co-hosting!

*                    *                    *                    *                    *

Since most of you are busy with NaNowriMo, I thought that a little NaNo Drabble would be the right thing for today. Weighing in at EXACTLY 100 words (I checked with Word Counter), here goes:

Her newly-acquired, zombie-induced status was the product of many a sleepless night, burning the midnight oil.

Sleep had become her opponent, her nemesis, the bane of her existence; that elusive, unattainable, far-away ideal that she both craved and detested.

She walked around with blood-shot eyes that felt gritty, as if invaded by countless sand granules which could be acutely felt but were non-existent.

Sleep taunted and beckoned her… tried to entwine her in its warm embrace.

But she had a deadline to meet!

At least one thousand words per day.

Twenty five days remained to claim the ultimate – NaNoWriMo victory.

*                    *                    *                    *                    *

So I imagine the above experience will set in round about the halfway mark…or towards the end…I’m sure all the NaNoNites are still fresh and energetic at the moment?

Good luck to all NaNowriMo’ers! Break a pencil! Shred a notebook!

82 Comments

  1. SittieCates on November 5, 2014 at 11:37 am

    I love your NaNo Drabble, Michelle! Won’t be joining NaNowriMo this year. Perhaps next year. But, yes, to those who are joining, you’ve got the perfect advice: “Break a pencil! Shred a notebook!” 🙂 Love it! Good luck to NaNoWriMo’ers!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:05 pm

      No NaNo for me either…but one day, in the not-too-distant-future… 🙂

  2. Elizabeth Hein on November 5, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    This is my fourth year doing Nano and sleep has definitely been beckoning me. I have fallen asleep with my computer in my lap more times than I’d care to admit over the last few days. Bring on the coffee!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:06 pm

      Four times? So you know what to expect…
      Good luck Elizabeth! 🙂

  3. Crystal Collier on November 5, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    LOL! Break a pencil, shred a notebook. Awesome.

    I loved the drabble. Here’s to NaNo-ing and IWSGing. =)

    Unleashing the Dreamworld

  4. Shelly on November 5, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Excellent! I’ve been going crazy the last couple of months over my computer not working. I’ve had anxiety over it.

  5. Elise Fallson on November 5, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Love your drabble! And speaking of nano, I best get back to it! (((Ubuntu Hugs)))) 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      I’m so in awe of you…doing NaNo…gives me hope that I’ll be able to do it one day… 🙂
      ((((UBUNTU HUGZ))))

  6. L. Diane Wolfe on November 5, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    I’ve never participated in NaNo, but i imagine that’s what it feels like.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      Neither have I, but I reached that conclusion based on what others say about it…don’t think I’m too far off the mark…

  7. Murees Dupé on November 5, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Excellently written. I’m not doing NaNo, but I wish you and the other NaNo participants the best of luck.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      I’m not doing NaNo. My drabble is simply a guess as to what it feels like… 🙂

  8. Charity Bradford on November 5, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Exactly! Great drabble. Nano is different for me this year. In the past I’ve been a stay at home mom with lots of time. This year I’m substitute teaching almost every day and I find it harder to get in my writing groove. At this point anything and everything I get written will be good.

    Good luck to everyone else!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Wow. You are brave…and determined.
      Good luck, Charity! 🙂

  9. Diane Burton on November 5, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    Best wishes to all who join NaNo. I admire you all. I haven’t joined. I have enough stress in my life, thank you very much. 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      I agree. Good luck to them. (I’m not one of them…yet) 🙂

  10. EE Giorgi on November 5, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    Good luck Nano writers! I haven’t signed up but I am working on a brand new project and still feeling all the excitement 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      Neither have I.
      I’m working at my own pace too…not sure if I can have the stress of 1,700 words dangling over my head every day. 🙂

  11. Mary Aalgaard on November 5, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    I’m not doing NaNo, but it’s time to get at the play that I’ve started and not completed, but think about constantly!!!
    Play off the Page

  12. Alex J. Cavanaugh on November 5, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    I’m glad I’ve never felt that zombie-like when writing.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      Me too.
      But I’m just guessing about zombie-like state.
      You get those NaNoNites that churn out thousands of words, and feel more energised by it…

  13. Patricia Lynne on November 5, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Great dabble. I don’t do Nano either. Just not my thing.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      Maybe some writers are just not cut out to do NaNo? I wonder how that would be determined?

  14. Anna Simpson on November 5, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Very nice, and accurate. I feel watched and more than zombie like. hehehe

    Wonderful post. 🙂

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      Good luck, Anna! 🙂
      I’m sure you’ll ace it!

  15. WriterlySam on November 5, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    LOL! You crack me up:) I’ve learned not to even attempt NaNo, so I’m providing back up inspiration to their director:) Cheers to the sleep-deprived!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      Count me in as a part of your ‘back-up inspiration’ cheerleaders!

  16. Anne on November 5, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    Good luck with nanowrimo. Speaking of….back to writing!

  17. Krystal Jane on November 5, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    Love it! Break a pencil. ^_^
    Definitely energetic right now. Who am I kidding? I stay energetic! 😀

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      You are on a natural high… 24/7… 365 days of the year… 🙂 I love your spirit!

  18. S. Katherine Anthony on November 5, 2014 at 6:55 pm

    Shred a notebook & break a pencil LOL you’re too awesome!

    Love your NaNo Drabble too 😉

  19. Carrie-Anne on November 5, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    I finally signed up for NaNo, after several years of thinking it just wasn’t my style. It’s a thrilling feeling to keep such constant track of your progress. I can’t believe some of the participants pride themselves on knocking out the first 50,000 on the first day. How does that even happen if you have a life, and do they really expect such rapidly-generated words to be very good?

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      50,000 on the first day? You gotta be kidding?
      I’m wondering, how much of that will make sense…unless the person has planned…METICULOUSLY.
      Good luck, Carrie-Anne!

  20. Tonja Drecker on November 5, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    That does kind of describe the NaNo state, although going to sleep isn’t the problem. It’s waking up too early with all those new ideas 😉
    And yay to the new Critique Circle. Great idea!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:25 pm

      I can imagine how the brain must be constantly abuzz with all those ideas… 🙂

  21. Mary Pax on November 5, 2014 at 10:14 pm

    No NaNo for me, but I have to put the fingers to the keyboard. Two of my nieces are doing NaNo. Aww. Makes me proud. Slay it, Michelle!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:27 pm

      That is something to be proud of.
      The next generation of writers in your family…awesome!
      I’ll be slaying it…but the IT is not NaNo 🙂

  22. Georgina Morales on November 6, 2014 at 1:42 am

    “Break a pen, shred a notebook” has to be the best, most appropriate motto for a writers community. I love it! If you haven’t copywriter it, I’m calling dibs. LOL

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:28 pm

      Hey, that’s a great idea!
      In all fairness, we can share the copywrite. 🙂

  23. Jen on November 6, 2014 at 2:04 am

    This is fantastic, Michelle! Thanks for sharing. I’ve been lagging this whole time but I’m thankful for the word count I do have 😀 Oh and trust me, that feeling kicks in around week 3…the panic sets in during week 4!!

    Happy week!
    Jen

  24. Lynda R Young on November 6, 2014 at 7:09 am

    I can’t do NaNo this year, but good luck to everyone who is.
    Loved your drabble.

  25. Shannon Lawrence on November 6, 2014 at 7:16 am

    Nice drabble! I’m not NaNo’ing, but I am ShaNo’ing. ;0)

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      How appropriate! Love the personalised take on your writing process! 🙂

  26. Celine on November 6, 2014 at 7:47 am

    Oh I know the feeling well. Still bright eyed and bushy tail for now but I’m sure it will all go downhill soon enough 😉

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      I’m still in awe of your 150K-in-6-weeks stint!
      NaNo should be a breeze for you… 🙂

  27. Hilary on November 6, 2014 at 11:19 am

    Hi Michelle .. absolutely – what a great drabble. Gritty eyes – yugh … I’m not doing NaNo .. so my tail is bushy – particularly as it’s got cold today … cheers and enjoy your Springing Spring … Hilary

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      Here’s to being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Hilary! Cheers!

  28. Gisele LeBlanc on November 6, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    Loved the drabble, Michelle! I’m not doing NaNo this year. I’ve tried it a couple times but it’s not for me. I am so exhausted and mentally drained by the end of it that I don’t want to write for weeks after. I completed the 50k the first time though, so I have the satisfaction of knowing that I CAN do it. lol

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:34 pm

      You’ve already been there, done that, got the T-shirt! So you know that you CAN do it.
      I have yet to do it…

  29. Melissa Maygrove on November 6, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    Yes! Jam a keyboard! LOL

  30. Carol Kilgore on November 6, 2014 at 5:44 pm

    I’m working on the prewriting part of a new project, but not NaNo. Good luck to all who are participating.

  31. elizabeth seckman on November 6, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    What an awesome idea! A Facebook page just for critique swaps. Love that idea. And your NaNo drabble- how clever.

  32. LD Masterson on November 7, 2014 at 1:01 am

    Break a pencil. A perfect line.

  33. Lexa Cain on November 7, 2014 at 3:42 am

    Yikes! That Drabble makes me happy (yet again) that I’m not a NaNo-er. Why do people do that to themselves?

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:37 pm

      You’ve never NaNo’ed, Lexa? I don’t feel so bad now.

  34. Lucinda W. on November 7, 2014 at 4:17 am

    No NaNo for me this year! GL with your projects!

  35. Medeia Sharif on November 7, 2014 at 4:20 am

    I’m not participating, but wish lots of luck to those who are.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:44 pm

      Have you ever NaNo’ed, Medeia?
      Though you wouldn’t really need to, not with your discipline and excellent word output for writemotivation.

  36. Beth on November 7, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    fantastic Drabble! I loved it 🙂

  37. Doreen McGettigan on November 9, 2014 at 12:48 pm

    I love this! I’m not participating in nano this year because I’m editing but I can relate because I’m editing.
    Good luck with nano!

  38. Toi Thomas on November 9, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Sweet Drabble. It almost makes me want to try Nano. Almost. 😀

  39. Shell Flower on November 9, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    Hahaha. I’m shredding a virtual notebook and loving it. This year started on a weekend, so that gave me a chance to get ahead early. It’s harder (and more like your story) during the work week to keep up. Hoping to knock out 7000 words or so today. Good thing I love my characters!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:46 pm

      7,000 words! Sounds like you have a plan…go for it!

  40. Christine Rains on November 10, 2014 at 12:13 am

    That’s just how NaNo feels at times! 🙂 Well done. I’m not doing it this year, and I miss it.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 10, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      Is it like withdrawal symptoms…? 🙂
      Never mind. There’s always next year…

  41. Quanie Miller on November 10, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    Ha! Not doing NaNo this year but I appreciated that! Good luck to everyone who’s participating this year!

Leave a Comment


Notice: Undefined variable: user_ID in /home/writerintrans/public_html/wp-content/themes/bb-theme/comments.php on line 69