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.
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!
September 01st question – How do you define success as a writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published? Making a certain amount of income from your writing?
Today is day 63 of my 100days100words challenge. Yes, I’m still plodding along…
I’ve tried this challenge twice and completed it once. It’s not always smooth sailing, especially when you get close to the end.
It’s given me a kind of writing momentum.
100wordsX100days is an excellent way to keep impostor syndrome in check!
It has helped me to discover my writing style: I feel energized and am productive when faced with the prospect of writing in short bursts.
The first 50 days ranged from good to great.
Thereafter, it’s been painful at times.
I’ve written when I’m fresh in the morning and also when I have struggled to keep my eyes open late at night.
Once I dozed off and woke up with a start, grabbed my phone and proceeded to type furiously…
I’ve written fiction as well as creative non-fiction…
… and there’s also the times I’ve rambled = pure twaddle!!
It’s been a great boost for my creativity.
I try to end off a day’s session with an incomplete sentence or idea, so that I have something to return to the following day.
Day 16 has been my most productive day – I wrote 1,197 words.
At the moment, I’m wondering why on earth did I sign up for this challenge, again. But it’s like giving birth – you forget the pain until the next time it comes around!
Coming back to the question of the month – at the moment, for me, success would be completing the 100days100words challenge.
What about you?
Happy IWSG Day!
Good for you! Challenges like those terrify me, but if it helps keep imposter syndrome at bay, maybe I should rethink them!
That’s a lot of words in one day! Keep after it.
I laughed out loud about giving birth. So true. Completing any writing project is definitely like birthing a baby.
The best success is one that we have to struggle to meet. It’s all the sweeter.
I know you’ll succeed this time too. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Congratulations! I’m impressed by your decision to take that challenge. I go through days where writing is easy and day when it seems impossible. I think a 100 words a day for 100 days might change some of the extremes of my writing habits.
I really need to try that as 100 words a day might be all I can manage.
Good luck as you proceed through the challenge! You can do this, for sure. (Again)
Hi Michelle – you’re still going … good for you – and yes 100 words for a 100 days would be possible … also some of those could be crafted into short stories for publication. Also you’re always busy with lots going on … and those little snippets could add into a story book. Cheers Hilary
I did comment – so I hope it came through … cheers Hilary
“Pure twaddle” – love it.
When I was writing my vignette collection, I forced myself to write daily too, and I had the same variety of experience that you are. The bad days were quite inspiring because I learnt how to move on without trying to make something perfect. Good luck with the next 37 days.
You’re rocking this challenge. It’s been interesting to hear what you’ve learned about yourself and writing through it.
Great challenge! Assignments like that always take me to unexpected places. So worth the effort.
way to go!
a little writing every day keeps the angry muse away…
and that is success!
glad to hear you are doing well =)
Congrats! I had to restart my 100×100 due to an injury. I’m happy with where I was, so I don’t mind starting over. It’s a good habit.
Gotta love imposter’s syndrome…NOT! Ugh…
It sure sounds like the 100 words for 100 days is challenging! Imagine that. You’re a superhero to be able to accept a challenge like that!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
I like your plan because a hundred words a day is a sensible, doable challenge. Good one! Sorry I’m so late visiting this month. It has been a bit overwhelming with the large number of anthology entries and a new book in the wings waiting to come on stage.
Glad you are still plodding along with your challenge. Day 16 sounds like an awesome writing day.