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 to visit them and thank them for co-hosting!
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 06th Question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?
So 12 years ago, blogging was really in full swing and I was fortunate enough to stumble on the blogging community as well as the annual A to Z Challenge.
I can remember when Alex asked me to join the team as an administrator for the newly-created IWSG group.
I’m not sure what made Alex ask me and I was really confused – what on earth did I have to contribute in terms of writing-related information or advice?
I am firstly a reader, and at that time, I was only dabbling in short fiction, the drabble being my favourite. I had no idea if I was even capable of writing anything longer than 100 words. Actually, at that time, the thought scared me. So how on earth was I going to write a story, even a short story at that? Plus I am the original snail writer. LOL
Anyway, back to Alex’s invitation – I’m not the type to back down from a challenge, so I accepted.
I may not have published a book… yet… but I have written a short story (far exceeding 100 words LOL), and have penned a few stories which are in different stages of completion. I’ve also contributed to the WEP Challenge (Write…Edit…Publish), and received some wonderful feedback on my writing.
In 2021, 860 member schools belonging to ISASA (Independent Schools Association of South Africa) were invited to submit articles for inclusion in their flagship, in-house educational magazine. My piece was one of the chosen few. That was a major coup!
If I hadn’t stuck with the IWSG, and the amazing support offered by members, I don’t know if I would have made much progress.
Thank you Alex and fellow admins, as well as the members (many who have become good friends), for the 12 wonderful years of friendship and writing adventures!
HAPPY IWSG-VERSARY!
Michelle – your short stories inspire me every time I read them. You have a way with shaping a short amount of words into a meaningful story. It’s been good to read your blog throughout all the IWSG hops. 🙂
That was such a huge accomplishment!! I always love your WEP stories as well.
Thanks for being part of this great group!
Bravo, Michelle for being an administrator to IWSG and for having an article published in your school magazine! Way to go! Oh, and by the way…I’m also a snail writer when it comes to accomplishing my short stories or essays. All best to you!
See, I knew you were a real writer! It was never a mistake bringing you on board. And I bet I could beat your snail pace.
I know exactly why Alex asked you to be an admin. You do a fabulous job and you’re a dedicated writer.
It’s awesome that you’ve been there from the very beginning! Woot!
Congrats on twelve years with the IWSG!! They’re lucky to have you as part of their team!
Michelle, I’ve always enjoyed your writing. You have a talent I’ve never had : the ability to write with such heart and compassion and detail in so very few words! I envy that gift!
I’m so thankful I wandered upon this group some 10 years ago. It’s been a wonderful constant in my writing life. I’m also happy to have known YOU through this group for that long! Aaaah, here’s to many more years of writing and connecting through the IWSG <3
Happy 12th Anniversary of the IWSG, Michelle! Thank you for all that you have done for our group over the years. You have been unfailingly kind and encouraging to me. I remember when ISASA accepted your article. I could feel your excitement and the validation the acceptance gave you through your words. Here’s to many more years of friendship and memories with the IWSG! xox
It is great you’ve been with the IWSG from the beginning. Let’s hope another 12 years will flow by just as quickly.
That’s why you’ve stuck with it. (And like me, being and admin, we have to! LOL)
I know what you mean! I thought the same thing, what did he see in me to warrant such a generous offer? You are a joy to know, Michelle. I’m grateful to have worked with you. Happy Anniversary.
And what an asset you are to the IWSG team! I’m glad he pulled you in and kept you blogging all these years. 🙂
Great job on your accomplishments including Admin-ing for IWSG. Keep up the good work:_)
That’s so great that the group helped you write more! Keep knocking down barriers.
The IWSG is celebrating 12 years today, which is so amazing for a blogging community of writers. A dozen years of support! 🎉
“The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein quote
September is library card sign-up month! Get one, use one, and be grateful such places exist.
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction &Reference Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge
Hi Michelle – I was delighted to see you were in South Africa – which gave me a blogging connection and I could remember my time there. Congratulations on taking/joining in with Alex and the IWSG admins – I always admire you all. I’ve watched you … and eventually joined IWSG – you’ve done well – congratulations on that story win. Also great to always see you here – take care and all the best – cheers Hilary
How cool that you’ve been with the group from the beginning. Thanks so much for all your work as an IWSG administrator. It’s such a great group.
What a great story. Glad you stuck with it. I haven’t published a novel (yet) either but I’ve been with group (unofficially) since the beginning too.
Wow! Twelve years is great, Michelle. I’m a slow writer too. Also, a very cautious one. The IWSG helps me to carry on.
Awesome! Congratulations!
Glad you joined and stuck around.
I love the journey you’ve had thanks to IWSG. This group is the best.
Hi Michelle. Thanks for all you do for the IWSG. And how I’d love to see you write for WEP again. It really has been a boon to so many writers.
Thanks for being part of the IWSG team! This group has meant so much to me over the last few years.
Congratulations on all those achievements as a reader first 😉 I too consider myself a reader first. We are a fantastic club.
Your history with the IWSG makes for a wonderful read. This group is so wonderfully inclusive and encouraging. I love it!
All hail snail writers! I’m the same and don’t know where I’d be If I hadn’t scrounged up the nerve to join the IWSG.