The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#59

insecure-writers-groupPurpose: 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.

A big thank you to our co-hosts for this month’s posting: Joylene Nowell Butler, Jen Chandler, Mary Aalgaard, Lisa Buie Collard, Tamara Narayan, Tyrean Martinson, and Christine Rains! Don’t forget to visit them and thank them for co-hosting!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG.

NOVEMBER 02nd QUESTION: What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?

When I pondered the question for this month, I was stumped. What aspect of being a writer do I enjoy most? I have NO IDEA! For those who don’t know, I had no definite plans to become an author. I’ve always been an avid reader but I didn’t get into ‘serious writing mode’ until a few years ago.

This journey is such an individual, unpredictable and erratic one…yet exhilirating too…
It’s a known fact that I LOVE writing flash fiction. I’m a flash fiction junkie! But I’m not sure if that’s the aspect I enjoy most. Anyway it feels like a predictable answer.

As the writing journey progresses, different types of challenges pop up all the time. And not only in terms of the actual writing. There’s networking too – which I love! With each new challenge, I discover new things and push myself to another level. So maybe that’s part of the answer to the question. I’m loving the actual journey…and fellow-travelers I’ve met along the way.

My writing journey is also part of an ongoing journey in the process of self-actualization as I strive to expand my horizons and reach my fullest potential. To be self-actualized means to understand that I must never stop growing as a person and learning as a professional. To self-actualize also requires an understanding that there is no such thing as a ‘final destination’ or end game, only one of the many levels since the journey never ends.

A BIG thank you to all my fellow scribes, many who I’m proud to call friends…the writers/authors/poets/bloggers who have traveled with me thus far and helped to enrich my life in one way or another. Your support has helped to mold and shape my writing experiences. With that in mind, I feel that I’m already a winner…reaching the ‘destination’ or next level is a bonus!


Happy IWSG Day everybody!

Good luck to all my friends doing NaNoWriMo!

74 Comments

  1. Hilary on November 2, 2016 at 7:21 am

    Hi Michelle – good to see you … and it is an amazing journey with some wonderful outcomes of varied sorts … as you say reaching the ‘destination’ and then moving on is a real bonus. Good luck – cheers Hilary

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:26 am

      Thanks, Hilary!
      I need to pop by your place. I’m missing out on all kinds of wonderful info… 🙂

  2. Nicola on November 2, 2016 at 8:16 am

    A great post. I admire your dedication and determination, Michelle. Good for you. Keep it up! Have a super November.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:27 am

      Thank you, Nicola!
      I’m determined to see this journey through to wherever it leads me. Have a great November too! 🙂

  3. L. Diane Wolfe on November 2, 2016 at 10:49 am

    You enjoy all of it and that’s wonderful! Don’t lose it. Keep that child-like wonder and joy.

  4. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor on November 2, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    Somebody else mentioned networking and connecting with others in their answer and it really resonated with me. That’s definitely one of the things I’ve been enjoying about this writing journey I’ve been on.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Yes, cyber friendships are special relationships too!
      I’ve met many wonderful people via the online writing community and I feel closer to some of them, than I do to people in my real-life circle.

  5. Christine Rains on November 2, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    This is one of my favorite answers today. I love the journey too! I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:32 am

      I’m so glad we connected on this journey!
      You are an amazing writer and there’s no telling where you’re off to next! 🙂

  6. Angela Wooldridge on November 2, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    Hi Michelle,
    Great answer – after all, who could want such a fantastic journey to end?

  7. Alex J. Cavanaugh on November 2, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Feel blessed you enjoy most of it! That’s awesome.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:34 am

      It’s a blessing, for sure! Thanks to you too, for making it possible.

  8. Madeline Mora-Summonte on November 2, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    Excellent post, Michelle! Loving the journey and the fellow-travelers we meet, improving not only our writing but ourselves as well – I’m with you! 🙂

  9. Stephanie Scott on November 2, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    Your answer is great! One of my favorite things about my grandmother was how she sought to learn something new every day. Even in her final days in a nursing home, after suffering several strokes, she still taught others how to play cards, did Sudoko puzzles and other brainteasers to keep her mind sharp. It was only her physical body that failed her. Thanks for today’s inspiration!

    Here’s my IWSG post for November: YA Author Stephanie Scott

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:36 am

      Learning never ends!
      I always tell my grade 8 and 9 students that I’ll be learning until the day I die.
      Well, some of them look at me strangely… LOL They’ll understand as they get older.

  10. joylene on November 2, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    You’re one of the most dedicated writers I know. And an inspiration, too! Happy IWSG Day!

  11. Jemima Pett on November 2, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    I love that you got hooked on flash fiction. I do find that if I’m writing novels I have difficulty doing flash, though. Or maybe I’m just have trouble doing flash at the moment. 😉 Keep up the good work!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:37 am

      I can write flash fiction everyday!! It exhilirates me! 🙂

  12. Patricia Lynne on November 2, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    I like your answer to the question. =)

  13. C. Lee McKenzie on November 2, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    I’m learning to love Flash Fiction, too. So glad you’ve chosen this avenue and are inspired to continue.

  14. Mina B. on November 2, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    Great post, Michelle. You are one heck of a writer too. It is a total journey that never ends does it? We have to enjoy the ride while we can. 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:39 am

      Thanks for the wonderful compliment, Mina! 🙂 Yes, we must seize the moments…enjoy the ride while we can.

  15. Anna on November 2, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    You also deserve a round of applause. We all reap what we sow.

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:40 am

      You are right, Anna. We reap what we sow. 🙂
      I believe that input=output. That applies to every facet of our lives!

  16. HR Sinclair on November 2, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Flash fiction is tricky and difficult, but when it come together so sweet. Congrats on that! 🙂

  17. Susan Gourley on November 2, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    I want to go back and change my answer to yours. It’s much better and really put into words something I feel but don’t think about very often.

  18. Ryan Carty on November 2, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    To the unending journey!

    It is sometimes hard to pin down any “most important” anything. It is always situational and that’s a good thing. Like you say, there is no final destination, and as we grow and change, what is of value often does as well.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:43 am

      Yes, that’s exactly it!
      Hope the chapbook is moving along, Ryan.

  19. Shannon Lawrence on November 2, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    This is a great answer, and I once again forgot to answer the monthly question! Are you considering gathering your flash fiction into a collection and self-pubbing it the way Yolanda does?

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:44 am

      I do have plans for my two flash fiction collections…need to work on them!

  20. Pat Garcia on November 2, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    Hi,
    I like your statement, “my writing experience is part of an ongoing journey…” Very well said. So agree with you.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat

  21. Lisa on November 2, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    Yes, how to pick only one thing I like best about writing? I’m enjoying all the different reasons folks are writing about today.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:45 am

      It’s inspiring to hop around and read all the awesome answers, isn’t it? 🙂

  22. Julie Kemp Pick on November 2, 2016 at 11:56 pm

    Michelle, As I’ve said before you’re the Queen of Flash Fiction and your contribution to the IWSG is beyond words. I’m so glad that I met you on this “journey” and I’m constantly amazed by all that you do.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:46 am

      You’re one of my earliest supporters, Julie!
      Thank you, a million times! 🙂

  23. Tyrean A Martinson on November 3, 2016 at 12:28 am

    You are definitely a winner, and a treasure to know!
    Your flash fiction rocks!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:46 am

      Thank you, Tyrean! I’m so happy we connected. 🙂

  24. Tamara Narayan on November 3, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    The journey is the reward. I like that idea.

  25. Carol Kilgore on November 3, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    Writing is a journey for me, too. I love it! Well, maybe everything except the fine editing part. I’m stuck in that mucky land now, LOL.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:47 am

      You are an amazing writer, Carol! I’m so happy we met! 🙂

  26. Susan Swiderski on November 3, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    If you’re enjoying every aspect of writing, I’d say that’s a pretty darned good indication that this journey is one you were meant to take. Like you, I think it’s a blessing to savor every part of the journey, and to NEVER rest on our laurels by thinking we have “arrived” at our intended destination. There’s always more to do and learn. More genres to try. More connections to make.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:49 am

      More connections to make…yes!
      I’m glad that we connected, Susan. I love your writing…hope to read more of your work… 🙂

  27. VR Barkowski on November 3, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    Great post, Michelle. Writing is indeed a journey, and while things may not always go exactly as we plan, we’re constantly learning and moving forward. How many non-writers have that privilege?

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:49 am

      Non-writers have NO IDEA what they are missing out on.
      We are the richer for it. 🙂

  28. Crystal Collier on November 3, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    *high five* I’m with you 100% of the way. Here’s to the journey, and cheese!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:51 am

      *high five back*
      You are one of the MOST AMAZING writers I’ve met. Thank you for your ongoing support. Much appreciated! 😉

      • Crystal Collier on November 9, 2016 at 8:44 pm

        Aw. You’re making me blush, Michelle. Thank you so much.

  29. Diane Burton on November 3, 2016 at 10:12 pm

    You wrote: I must never stop growing. That is so true, for all of us. When we stop growing, we stagnate and so does our writing. Great post.

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 6:52 am

      It’s all about learning…growing…moving forward…
      Thank you, Diane!

  30. Liesbet on November 4, 2016 at 2:22 am

    I love your answer, Michelle. The journey is often more important than the destination, in life, in writing, in love! You have come a long way in a short time. Amazing! I just watched the Chef’s Table on Netflix and one of the cooks mentioned that from the moment you feel like you have reached your highest potential, it is time to quit. We all need to grow and enjoy that process of improving ourselves and creating new things, as writers as well as as chefs!

    • Michelle Wallace on November 4, 2016 at 10:00 am

      Thank you, Liesbet!
      The journey is what it’s all about! The destination is a bonus! 🙂

  31. Jennifer Chandler on November 4, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    The continual growth and expansion is what I love about this profession. We start out loving story and grow to love words. We continue to love characters and worlds and then we begin delving into form and function and…the list goes on. I love the growth that I’ve made personally through writing and all the wonderful people I’ve met (LIKE YOU!!!!) through blogging 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on November 5, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks, Jen! 🙂
      You know I love your writing voice. Can’t wait to read your book…

  32. Michael Di Gesu on November 5, 2016 at 12:25 am

    Hi, Michelle,

    That was beautifully and and expressed! Enjoy the weekend~

  33. Debbie Johansson on November 5, 2016 at 5:15 am

    Good on you for finding the type of writing you enjoy. I wrote a flash fiction piece once and found it was harder than it looked! I agree with what you say that one of the best things about writing is the journey – sometimes we focus too much on the destination that we can forget to enjoy the ride. Keep up the positive attitude Michelle! 🙂

    • Michelle Wallace on November 5, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      Flash fiction can be quite tricky since every word has to earn its place.
      Thanks for the visit, Debbie! 🙂

  34. Mary Aalgaard on November 5, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    You ARE a winner, and so inspiring.
    Cheers!

  35. Stephanie Faris on November 7, 2016 at 2:25 am

    I think of all of the great writers I never would have met if not for being a writer. That’s definitely one of the best parts! But there are many, many challenges in writing…there’s so much gratification when we tackle those challenges and win, though.

  36. Cathrina on November 7, 2016 at 11:36 am

    Hi, Michelle. I also love flash fiction. It’s gratifying and I believe it’s tricky to engineer a story in so little words. Thank you for your wonderful post!!!! I’ve made so many friends through blogging over the years.

  37. J.H. Moncrieff on November 7, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    Well said, Michelle! You give so much to your fellow writers, I’m not surprised you get a lot of it back.

    But I’m glad to hear it. 🙂

  38. Elizabeth Seckman on November 11, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    I love your answer! I think you’re so right. We are winners. We’re taking risks and putting ourselves out there…that takes guts.

    And the friendships are worth more than the cash…though some cash is nice every now and then.

  39. Cherie Reich on November 17, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    And what a beautiful journey becoming a writer can be, despite the hardships of it too. 🙂

  40. NRRN on December 6, 2016 at 7:07 am

    Well said. Yes, its true. All the friendship is worth this.

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