The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#27

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group! is a platform for all writers where we get a chance to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. The group posts the first Wednesday of every month. You are encouraged to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.                     

Don't forget to check out the IWSG on Facebook. The "News & Promo Saturday" feature is up and running. For those who don't know, the Saturday feature is a platorm where you have the opportunity to post one promotional piece and share some "writerly news" with the group, e.g. if you are planning a book blog tour, or want to share a great book cover, or maybe your book is going on sale, or will be free for a limited period… you can post your links in the Saturday post… or maybe you've landed an agent… signed a book deal… sold your 100th e-book… are excited about that long awaited for e-zine publication… hit that word count you've been working towards… secured another great Amazon/Goodreads review… wrapped up all 26 A to Z posts (you have approximately 26 days left before the challenge…)

The IWSG facebook Saturday feature is the appropriate posting place for all this wonderful news! Check it out… and please pass this news along! Thank you IWSG'ers, you are AN AWESOME BUNCH OF PEEPS!

                                         *          *          *          *          *

During the 2012 A to Z Challenge, I posted 26 short pieces/vignettes.

                                                              *deep breathe*

                    I've decided to self-publish these pieces.

                                                       *releases breath*

Well, there's no going back… and I HAVE been toying with this decision for a L-O-N-G time now… and the A to Z coming up next month has made me realise that time is passing and I need to make some decisions, but most of all ————

                        It feels right and I'm excited at the thought!

But for me, it has to be done properly. I want to put out a quality product. So even if it takes me another year… then so be it!

I've been doing some homework/research, and making enquiries here and there. The ball is rolling along…

I have a million-and-one-things-to-do… and the A to Z Challenge is in 26 days… and I've just submitted a proposal to start up a writing club…

So I really need to get cracking… and I still need to hop around to IWSG'ers later on…

So now I'm off to:

1. manage the state of self-induced shock that I've created

2. continue my homework/research

3. figure out where to start with the list of things to do

I'll be visiting IWSG posts over the next few days!

           HAPPY WORLD READ ALOUD DAY TO EVERYBODY!!  

95 Comments

  1. Pat Hatt on March 5, 2014 at 5:49 pm

    Quality beats rushed any day, good luck with all the list

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:20 pm

      The list was a shock… sooooo many things to do & not a clue what order to follow…LOL

  2. Cindy W. on March 5, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    Congratas on your decision! I agree, quality takes time. Enjoy the time spent learning.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:22 pm

      I'm looking forward to the process. Trial and error learning (whilst it can be painful at times) lodges firmly in the brain.

  3. J.L. Campbell on March 5, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    You go, Michelle! Have fun in getting yourself organized to go forward.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:23 pm

      I'll be calling on you Joy (in those moments of desperation…) 🙂 when I'm tearing my hair out…  LOL

  4. Alex J. Cavanaugh on March 5, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    Congratulations, Michelle! You let us know when it's ready to go out into the world.

  5. Murees Dupé on March 5, 2014 at 7:39 pm

    Congratulations! So many exciting things happening for you right now. You are more than capable of doing an amazing job. Best of luck.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:25 pm

      Thank you for the vote of confidence Murees! And yes, there is a lot of exciting writerly-related things happening…

  6. joylene on March 5, 2014 at 7:39 pm

    Michelle, I'm dumbfounded as to how you do it all. Honestly, can I borrow some energy! Thanks for all you do. Congrats!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:31 pm

      Joylene, my energy feels like it's wearing a little thin… need to keep some for the A to Z challenge… but hey, you're welcome to a dose. I'll bottle some and courier it to you… 🙂

      I'm happiest when I'm helping others (it's a weakness and a strength…) but also a blessing…

  7. Julie Flanders on March 5, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    Oh wow, how exciting!! Good for you. Congratulations!! If you want help with cover reveals or promos or anything else I'll definitely be signing up!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:32 pm

      thank you Julie! I'll take you up on that offer! 🙂

  8. Diane Burton on March 5, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    Good for you! Patience is so necessary to put out a quality work. Best wishes.

  9. Lexa Cain on March 5, 2014 at 8:02 pm

    Woohoo! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you as you begin the adventure that is self-publishing. It's going to be very exciting. Good luck!!  🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:33 pm

      Yes, it IS going to be an exciting adventure! I'm looking forward to every moment (the good and not-so-good LOL)

  10. Melissa Maygrove on March 5, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    Woot! Good for you.

    Indies, unite!!! 😀

    IWSG #268 (until Alex culls the list again or I goof and get myself deleted. :P)

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:35 pm

      I second that Melissa! 🙂 Good for you too, as you're also moving forward on your publishing journey…

  11. Carol Kilgore on March 5, 2014 at 8:59 pm

    Congratulations on a great decision!

    I think I'll read The Cat in the Hat aloud to my dogs. Seems perfectly wicked … and fun 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:37 pm

      Perfect choice. I love anything by Dr. Seuss. How did that reading go Carol? 🙂

  12. Crystal Collier on March 5, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    Whew! Way to make some bold decisions. I'm excited for you, Michelle.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:38 pm

      Thanks Crystal! Not just bold, super bold! And on that note, bring on the cheese platter… 🙂

      • Crystal Collier on March 12, 2014 at 3:26 pm

        *holding out platter* I brought my spicy cheese today–because you're being so adventurous. 😉

        • Michelle Wallace on March 12, 2014 at 3:38 pm

          Thanks. You can pass the wine too… the sweet rose'  🙂 I'm so excited! You won't believe it! Like a child-let-loose-in-a-toy-store-where-she-gets-to-choose-any-toy…

  13. Mary Pax on March 5, 2014 at 9:25 pm

    Let me know if I can be of any use to you in the indie publishing thing. 🙂 You'll love it. Go Michelle!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:41 pm

      Oh Mary, thank you for the offer. Truth is, I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm determined to learn. And I know that I'll love it! I may just call on you (in my moments of hair-pulling desperation LOL)

  14. Jemi Fraser on March 5, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    Great decision! It's scary to take that leap! Once my stories are ready, I think I'll be leaping with you! 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      It's very scary Jemi.

      But you know what? If I don't try I'll never know… and I'll never learn. And I so want to learn and progress and grow… 🙂 and yes, join me in the leap… you're more than welcome…

  15. Elsie on March 5, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    I'm so excited for you, Michelle!  I can't wait to read them.

    I tried to read aloud at the dentist today, but it was kinda hard with all that metal equipment in my mouth.

    <a href =http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com>co-host IWSG</a>
    <a href ='http://elsieiswriting.com'>Elsie</a&gt;
    <a href=http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com>AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge</a>

     

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:45 pm

      Thank you Elsie. It sounds so exciting when somebody says: "I can't wait to read them"… and a bit scary too… 🙂

  16. Patricia Lynne on March 5, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    Good luck! We're all rooting for you.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      Patricia, you are a honey! Thank you for the support. I need it. 🙂

  17. Tyrean on March 5, 2014 at 11:49 pm

    That's wonderful!!! Love your decision, and I know I'll love seeing your finished prodcut. Have a wonderful day and best wishes on all your endeavors.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      Thank you for the vote of confidence in the "unfinished product", Tyrean. It boosts my confidence, gives me strength. I will get there. God bless you!

  18. L. Diane Wolfe on March 6, 2014 at 12:11 am

    How exciting! Yes, you just created a lot of work for yourself. But it will be so much fun.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:53 pm

      I'm a firm advocate of good, solid, old-fashioned hard work! And I'm looking forward to the "fun" part too! Thanks Diane.

  19. krystal jane on March 6, 2014 at 1:07 am

    Go for it!! 😀 Definitely don't worry about how long it might or might not take. It sounds exciting. 

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:55 pm

      I think the excitement and enjoyment will override everything! You're so right – time is not the issue! 🙂

  20. Lynda R. Young on March 6, 2014 at 1:37 am

    That's so awesome, Michelle!! It might be a lot of work, but well worth it in the end.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      Absolutely Lyn. It's hard work and time well spent!

  21. Sommer Leigh on March 6, 2014 at 3:23 am

    Don't be afraid of self-publishing. Seriously. It's so forgiving, way more forgiving than pretty much any other step of publishing. If you put out your product and discover, OMG, you accidentally used the wrong "you're" on page 1, it's a quick fix. No one will be the wiser. If the cover starts looking dated in a few months and falls behind the trends, you buy a new cover or hire a new artist. It doesn't sell as well as you hoped, you write something new or you try a new marketing strategy. Self-publishing is not as scary as you think. You'll be ok, I promise!!! Congrats on taking the leap because it really is a lot of fun.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you for the encouraging words, Sommer Leigh! You make it sound so simple… and so flexible… and so manageable… 🙂

  22. WriterlySam on March 6, 2014 at 6:27 am

    YAY!! I'm thrilled your taking this leap! We'll all be there to help support you *and pass you wine*

    <a href="http://writerlysam.com/2014/02/11/the-great-and-powerful-a-to-z-theme-reveal/">WriterlySam  &nbsp; Join the A to Z Theme Reveal Party! </a>

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      Thank you Sam! Make sure you stock up on sweet rose'… 🙂

  23. Robin on March 6, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    I have wondered if some of my best writing hasn't happened on my blog… so good for you for thinking "outside the box" and turning those pieces into a collection. Yay!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:03 pm

      Did you reach a conclusion about it? Maybe you need to look closely at some of your writing that's on your blog, Robin. Who knows what you may discover? 🙂

  24. Charity Bradford on March 6, 2014 at 4:14 pm

    Congratulations! And good for you for wanting to put out a quality piece of work. 

  25. Sherry Ellis on March 6, 2014 at 6:57 pm

    Congratulations!  Good luck navigating the self-publishing process.  I'm sure you'll have a wonderful book!  (That's good to know about the Saturday postings for the Insecure Writers Group on Facebook.  I may have a new book coming out by the end of the year that I might announce on it.) 

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:05 pm

      A new book? Congrats Sherry. I hope it's about Bubba's adventures. That boy is one-of-a-kind… 🙂

  26. E.J. Wesley on March 6, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    Good luck with your goals! Definitely take your time and do it the way you want it done. Being proud of what you've created is probably the number one thing I'd recommend an indie strive for. 

  27. Shell Flower on March 7, 2014 at 1:18 am

    Yeah, girl, sounds like you are ready! Let me know how it goes, 'cuz I am really considering self-publishing something soon, too. Your learning experience will be great blog fodder. Good luck!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:09 pm

      Shell Flower, you should really publish your A to Z story. It would make a great short story/novelette (can't remember the length of your piece…) 🙂

  28. Julie K Pick on March 7, 2014 at 7:36 am

    I remember how beautifully written those pieces were, and I know they'll make a great book! Congrats on taking the plunge Michelle, and I can't wait for it all to come together!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      Oh Julie. You followed them closely… I remember… 🙂 Thank you for the ongoing support! 🙂

  29. Medeia Sharif on March 7, 2014 at 11:32 am

    Yay for this decision. I'm sure it'll be spectacular and I can't wait to get a copy. 

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Thank you Medeia. With your speedy reading skillz, you'll probably read it in no time. 🙂

  30. Elise Fallson on March 7, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    I'm so glad you've finally decided about self publishing! It'll be great, your writing needs to get out there! Plus, there are so many wonderful people who are here for you if you need any advice/help, so no worries. 🙂 

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks Elise. Yes, I need to be more proactive. Well, I've made the announcement. Now it's onward and upward… no looking back… and watch your inbox for when I mail you in one of those hair-pulling moments LOL

  31. Hilary on March 7, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Hi Michelle – just sometimes you think .. what on earth am I doing .. but like you I'm determined to do it all .. I nearly wimped out of the A-Z .. but as I'd decided last year what to do this year … I'm in ..

    Good luck with the writing club, self-publishing .. we'll do it!  Happy March .. April rolls towards us – cheers Hilary

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:19 pm

      Yes Hilary, we WILL do it! And I still have those what-on-earth-am-I-doing moments… but I just ignore them… they don't have a strong hold over me, like before… *fingers crossed*

      We'll do it. We will. Remember you are not alone. I am not alone. There's comfort in the online community of fabulous and supportive bloggers. I keep on reminding myself of that fact.

  32. Doreen on March 7, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    Good Luck on your publishing journey!  I am still pondering a theme. I better hurry.

    Have a great weekend.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:20 pm

      I hope you've discovered a theme, Doreen! See you around on the A to Z circuit!

  33. Al Diaz on March 7, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    I just read "The journey of a thousand  miles start with one step." So one step at the time, Michelle. That way you won't feel overwhelmed. I'm very glad for all the exciting things you plan to do. The dwarves and I will cheer for you. Dragon hugs!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:24 pm

      Father dragon, that is one of my favourite quotes. It's like a sign. Thank you for the reinforcement. Thank you for sharing in the excitement! I'm blessed and honoured. 🙂

  34. Gary on March 7, 2014 at 11:29 pm

    Hey Michelle,

    Nice going on the self-publishing.  You'll be just fine with that.  Quickly skipping past the ridiculous alphabet challenge, I want to thank you for being part of the "I Was Seeking Gary" dedication postings!  My ego cannot take much more 🙂

    A peaceful weekend to you,

    Gary 

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:26 pm

      Gary, thank you for popping in to share the moment. I'm so glad. 🙂 And I have to confess that I LOVE that ridiculous alphabet challenge…

  35. Shelly on March 8, 2014 at 1:06 am

    Yay! I'm soooo glad that you made that decision.

    hugs and chocolate!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:28 pm

      Hey Shelly! *waving madly* Thanks to you too, my friend, for your encouragement over the years… always believing in my abilities… YOU ROCK!!

  36. Lara Lacombe on March 8, 2014 at 1:54 am

    How exciting for you!  I can't wait to see your pieces collected in one place–I hope you'll keep us posted as you work on this project! 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:28 pm

      Lara, I'll try to keep you guys posted. Maybe via the IWSG monthly posts… 🙂

  37. Annalisa Crawford on March 8, 2014 at 8:25 am

    The ideas that keep returning and won't let you shake them off are always the right ones! It'll be a great experience. Enjoy the process and good luck.

  38. Catherine Noble (@Catherine_Noble) on March 8, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    This is so exciting! I'm sure it will be a great success, your writing is exquisite.

    Are you planning on doing the same for this year's A-Z? I'm thinking of doing another creative writing style A-Z, but with different exercises than the last time!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:33 pm

      Catherine, thank you for your support and positivity. I appreciate it. (That's such a strong word – "exquisite"… but such a beautiful word to apply to writing – I feel honoured) 🙂 This year my A to Z will be short, fun and interactive… similar to the way I ran it last year.

  39. Beverly (@Bevimus) on March 8, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    God bless you, Michelle!  You give me hope and inspiration to get cracking on my own goals!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:35 pm

      Beverly, you've made my day with that comment! Thank you. I'm soooo glad that I've inspired you!

  40. Elizabeth Seckman on March 9, 2014 at 5:23 am

    I think that's awesome!! And I agree, quality over speed!

  41. Trisha on March 9, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    YAY!! Good on you for deciding to self-publish these stories. How exciting!!

    I am well aware of the encroaching A to Z. I'm not sure I will participate this year, but I probably will, 'cause I can't resist.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:39 pm

      Come on Trisha… you can do it! I know you can!

      Just keep it short. It's manageable… and attractive to potential readers who are more likely to pop in and read short posts. Problem solved.

  42. tara tyler on March 10, 2014 at 11:25 am

    congrats, Mish! lots going on for you!

    wishing you successes in all your goals =)

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:40 pm

      Thank you Tara! You are a honey! Thanks for all your support! I really appreciate it!

  43. C. Lee McKenzie on March 10, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    Here's my very best on your self-publishing adventure! I know you'll do great.

  44. emaginette on March 11, 2014 at 12:37 am

    What a brilliant idea! Go for it.

    <a href="http://emaginette.wordpress.com/blog">Anna from Shout with Emaginette</a>

  45. emaginette on March 11, 2014 at 12:38 am

    Oops, I've seen a blog do this before *blushing*

    • Michelle Wallace on March 11, 2014 at 10:41 pm

      Thank you Emaginette. Welcome to my place. 🙂 I'll swing by your place as soon as I get a chance…

  46. Emily R. King on March 11, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    Way to go! That's an excellent idea, Michelle. Best of luck moving forward!

  47. Amanda Royce-Hale on March 29, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    A well thought out, brave and excellent approach to the A to Z!  I congratulate you in advance, because just putting it out there makes you a winner in my book.  Looking forward to the results!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 29, 2014 at 4:29 pm

      Thank you for the visit! I'm not sure how brave I actually feel… 🙂

      Good luck as you "wing it" through the A to Z challenge next month!

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