The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#50

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.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG are Allison Gammons, Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Rachel Pattison, and Ann V. Friend!

Don’t forget to visit them and thank them for co-hosting!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG.

You can join the IWSG Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWSG13/

You can also join the IWSG Critique Circle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWSGCC/

There’s also a NEWSLETTER!

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Newsletter will feature articles by industry experts, IWSG members, and administrators. There will also be a dozen links to helpful articles for writers in each edition, as well as a special Member Spotlight. Even if you’re not a member of the blogging group, you’ll greatly benefit from these FREE monthly newsletters.

The first issue goes out on February 24th.

Sign up link – : http://eepurl.com/bM8oHL

Those who are part of the IWSG monthly blogging are already signed up.

IWSG Newsletter

ARTICLES NEEDED!

Chrys Fey needs your articles for the IWSG Newsletter! If you’d like to submit an article for consideration, please follow the instructions below:

Who Can Submit: Insecure Writer’s Support Group Members

Topic Ideas: your number one writing, publishing or marketing tip; a motivational pep talk or inspirational story; a snippet about something you used to be insecure about but overcame or an Aha moment you had about writing/publishing.

Length: 200 words or less

How to Submit: Send a DOC attachment to Chrys Fey at ChrysFey(at)yahoo(dot)com
Put “Member Article” in the Subject Line.

Deadline: March 2nd (Next IWSG Day)

NOTE: Chrys needs a member article for our first newsletter coming out February 24th. If you’d like to be considered for that issue, please send your article to her no later than February 17th.

Thank you for reading! We hope to feature you!

                                             *          *          *

I’m excited to be a part of the Turning Points Anthology. It’s a project put together by Randi Lee and includes 33 authors from around the globe. Exciting!

turning points anthologyThe Thing That Turned Me ~ an anthology dedicated to turning points and those things that push us toward change.

My story started off like:

Shades Of Deception - graph

So it was back to the drawing board! Or is it story board? Next was editing mode in full swing! It was a real learning curve for me. 

Some of my weaknesses in the piece?

~dialog tags/beats missing (physical markers)

~watch the ellipses (a BAD habit I need to avoid)

~unnecessary description that blocked story flow and interfered with the suspense

~weak transitioning between scenes

~a need to complete the tension curve

So January proved to be very productive! I worked on the story every day last month. This was a new experience for me and, from a writing perspective, it’s a great start to the year.

Now all I need to do is keep the momentum going. How to do this? Well, I’ll be contributing to another anthology, this time it’s a local project: JOURNEY. So it’s back to writing EVERY DAY. I’m working to a deadline, so I have to keep moving! 

JOURNEY 2016

How’s your writing moving along? Have you ever written a short story for an anthology? All signed up for the IWSG newsletter? Would you like to contribute a member article for our first newsletter coming out February 24th?

Over the next week, I’m going to visit as many blogs as I can. If I don’t get to your blog, it means I’m stuck in the writing cave. But I’ll make a plan to get there!

Happy IWSG Day!

73 Comments

  1. Murees on February 3, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    Congratulations on being included in the anthology! Good for you for doing so much writing. So proud of you. I’m not doing much writing right now, but I’m cheering on all who is:)

  2. Southpaw HR Sinclair on February 3, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    That is a good way to start the year. Congrats, and best of luck getting the new story for the new anthology together.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:22 am

      Thanks, Holly! I’m working on it.
      There are good and not-so-good moments…

  3. Angela Wooldridge on February 3, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Oh ellipses… yeah, I have problems with those too… 😉

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:23 am

      I’m terrible with the ellipses…a bad habit I need to get rid of. 🙁

  4. Alex J. Cavanaugh on February 3, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    Awesome you have another anthology lined up!
    My problem is with exclamation points.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:23 am

      I’m wondering what have I gotten myself into!? But I’m hanging in there.

  5. Mary Aalgaard on February 3, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    You are such a fantastic writer. I am looking forward to reading all the stories that you contribute to these anthologies, and other work that you publish, or blog about. Congrats on getting into the anthologies and saying YES to the work, and for working hard to produce the best work possible. You are inspiring me today.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:25 am

      Thank you, Mary!
      Some days I feel like I’m not doing any justice…it’s those difficult days… *sighs*

  6. Yolanda Renee on February 3, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    Congratulations on the anthology / s.
    I have so many bad writing habits it drives me crazy and it seems that every time I fix one another takes its place. 🙂
    But writing is a learning process and I’m open to learning.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:26 am

      Yes. I’m also open to learning. I think that’s half the battle won, eh?
      You are such a great writer, Yolanda! 🙂

  7. joylene on February 3, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    You started the year right. Congratulations. I need to follow suit. My downfall has been the flu and now a nasty cold. Not a good way to start the year.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:28 am

      Joylene, I hope you’ve recovered from the bout of flu.
      Plenty of liquids…and some R&R is essential.

  8. Lynn on February 3, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    Love the concept. Can’t wait to read it. The Thing That Turned Me ~ an anthology dedicated to turning points and those things that push us toward change.

    Thank you, too for listing the weaknesses. Helpful reminder. I’d love to learn more about storyboard.

  9. Crystal Ra Laksmi on February 3, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    Thanks for sharing your successes of the New Year! I have been doing pretty good with my writing too this year. I am declaring to get more exposure for my writing this year and ISWG is a start. I am excited and it is amazing to find a group where we can support each other in good and bad. I wish everyone a productive writing year so it will also share with us all the divine aspects which helps us to become even more who we truly are!

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:29 am

      The IWSG is the most supportive online group in cyberspace. Great to have you as part of our online family, Crystal! 🙂

  10. L. Diane Wolfe on February 3, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Working on it every day is the way to get it done.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:30 am

      I’ve learned that.
      Even if it’s only thinking about a scene/snippet and rolling it over in my mind.

  11. Anna on February 3, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    I don’t know much about newsletters and was hoping to see a few before contemplating writing anything. As far as writing goes I’ve started something new and slowly moving forward. 🙂

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Seems like the newsletter is popular amongst authors. I’ll have to think about it. 🙂

  12. Stephanie Scott on February 3, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    What a great post! I can see how a collaborative writing effort would lead to revelations about your own work and story structure. Plus, those deadlines! Those are a big motivator for me 🙂 Thanks for bringing up the newsletter article. I might have something in mind.

    I’m writing about social media overload today with a few resource links on how to better focus your efforts: My IWSG post: Stephanie Scott

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:33 am

      The deadline is a great motivator. Others are depending on you. It makes all the difference. 🙂

  13. Hilary on February 3, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    Hi Michelle – you are achieving so much .. that’s good news. Turning Points – an interesting thought .. while a 200 word article should be fun to write ..

    Good luck with all your projects .. cheers Hilary

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:35 am

      Thank you, Hilary.
      I’m trying my best to be productive while I’m ‘on a roll’.
      The muse is such a fickle beast! LOL

  14. Julie Flanders on February 3, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    Wow, that’s wonderful! Congratulations on both anthologies. I look forward to reading your stories!!

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:35 am

      Thank you, Julie! 🙂
      How’s your new story unfolding?

  15. Juneta on February 3, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    Congrats on the anthology. It looks like you are going to be busy writing. Yeah for you. Wishing the best with all your writing,
    Juneta Writer’s Gambit

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:37 am

      I’m really deep in the writing cave. Some days I plod along…other days, the words seem to flow. It could be a flow of ‘gibberish’ though.
      We’ll see. 🙂

  16. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor on February 3, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    I love the graph of your story! Nice summary of the things you’re working to address in your editing. Some good food for thought of things to look out for in my own writing. Al the best for this month 🙂

  17. Doreen McGettigan on February 3, 2016 at 6:32 pm

    Congratulations on the anthology! I am all signed up for the newsletter and I love the idea. The first one comes out on my birthday:)

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:40 am

      It’s your birthday month. Cool. 🙂
      Hope you’re having a great month, and lots of sales with the Stranger In My Recliner, Doreen.

  18. C. Lee McKenzie on February 3, 2016 at 6:43 pm

    Congrats on being in that anthology! Great way to start a year off.

  19. Lori L. MacLaughlin on February 3, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    Congrats on your anthology work and being in that writing groove! I’ve never tried anything like that. Maybe someday. Looking forward to the newsletter!

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:41 am

      I’m just trying to hang on to that writing groove! 🙂

  20. Patricia Lynne on February 3, 2016 at 7:47 pm

    Good luck with the anthologies, and great job on writing every day!

  21. Tyrean on February 3, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    Congrats and way to go on all of your anthology writing!

  22. Elizabeth Hein on February 3, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Congratulations on the anthology. It sounds very interesting. Please keep us posted.

  23. chemistken on February 4, 2016 at 2:26 am

    Although I work on it almost every day, my writing progress is still pretty slow. Sounds as if you’re being productive though. Congratulations!

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:42 am

      I’m also slow…generally.
      But I’m hoping to work on that…speed it up a little.

  24. Medeia Sharif on February 5, 2016 at 2:10 am

    Yay on the anthology. I have two short stories in anthologies and it was a great experience. I got to try a shorter length of writing and different genres from what I usually write.

  25. Misha on February 5, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    I’m also taking part in The Thing That Turned Me. So exciting. 😀

    You’re not the only one who has ellipses sneaking into her writing everywhere.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:44 am

      Hey fellow collaborator! *waving*
      Can’t wait to see the variety… 🙂

  26. Loni Townsend on February 5, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    I have major trouble with ellipses… 🙂

    That’s awesome about the anthology! I’ve done a couple myself. Good fun. Best of luck with your story!

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:45 am

      Seems like I’m not the only one with the ellipses problem.
      Thanks, Loni! 🙂

  27. Lori Carlson on February 6, 2016 at 3:30 pm

    Congrats on being included in the anthology and good luck with the new one. I am busy writing my heart out this month and have plans for the upcoming months too.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:47 am

      Good luck with writing your heart out.
      When you’re “in the zone”, then you have to ride that wave all the way—— 🙂

  28. Pat Garcia on February 8, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    Hi Michelle,

    Thank you for dropping by my blog. Thanks also for listing what the IWSG has to offer. I didn’t know we had a Critique Circle. Cool!
    Have a great week.
    Shalom,
    Pat

  29. J.H. Moncrieff on February 10, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    I’m already contributing! Happy to have a new outlet.

    Congrats on your stories. It’s awesome to feel productive. I’m stuck in rewrite mode this year. All rewrites, all the time.

  30. Jemi Fraser on February 10, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    Good for you! Exciting to be in those anthologies.
    I’ve never tried short stories – my ideas never tend to work that way. Maybe one of these days!

  31. Crystal Collier on February 10, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    Goodness, that graphic looks familiar. 😉 It was definitely an adventure whipping that peice into shape, eh? But it gets easier the more we do it. Way to get out and committed to a new project! I’m in 2 anthologies over the next couple months with all the incumbent promotional aspects and then have a novel release this fall. I think that’s my 2016, if you know what I mean?

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:51 am

      I LOVE that graphic!! It shows me exactly what I needed to know. Thank you.
      Crystal, you are the Queen Of Productivity.
      I don’t know how you manage, especially with that cutie-patootie… 🙂

      • Crystal Collier on February 17, 2016 at 6:28 pm

        The same way any of us manage, eh? One day at a time–just like you did with this piece. (And I wouldn’t call me the Queen of Productivity, maybe the Queen of Cheese? I like that title more.)

        • WritingNut on February 21, 2016 at 5:13 am

          Congrats on the anthology! So, so happy for you 🙂 I love hearing news like this. I’ve been working to finish up my edits so far this year and NOT get distracted haha.

          • Michelle Wallace on February 21, 2016 at 1:28 pm

            Thanks for visiting, Writing Nut! 🙂



  32. Shell Flower on February 11, 2016 at 12:00 am

    That is so awesome you put in the time and effort to fix your story. Now you have more experience and an amazing story (I am guessing). Good luck with the anthologies and keep up the good work!

  33. Gisele LeBlanc on February 14, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    Congratulations on the anthologies, Michelle! That’s fantastic news, and it sounds like you’re off to a wonderful start to the new year. I’ve been working hard to try to get to a daily writing routine myself (I’m aiming for at least 5 days a week) and I know how challenging that can be. 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on February 16, 2016 at 6:52 am

      Yes, it’s quite a challenge! But perseverance will pay off…it has to. 🙂

  34. Victoria Marie Lees on February 22, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    Bravo, Michelle! All the best with your writing. I’m on the blog hop with C. Lee McKenzie, et al. I’ll join your blog, too.

    • Michelle Wallace on February 22, 2016 at 8:26 pm

      Welcome to my blog, Victoria.
      Nice to meet you! 🙂
      See you again on the blog hop.

  35. Cherie Reich on February 23, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    Congratulations on the anthologies! Although I don’t believe it’s necessary to write every day, it does make it easier to write if you make it a habit. 🙂

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