The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club discussion
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Introduction
Hi there!I'm thrilled to see the IWSG has a book club--great idea! I write dark fiction, mostly psychological suspense but also horror, mystery, and YA. My latest published book is called "Monsters in Our Wake."
Insecurities? Well, I remortgaged my home to make a go of this full-time fiction career, and I have two books launching in May! So I'm terrified.
I joined because I love the IWSG, the friends I've made through the group are amazing, and it's so much fun to discuss books with other avid readers.
J.H. wrote: "Hi there!I'm thrilled to see the IWSG has a book club--great idea! I write dark fiction, mostly psychological suspense but also horror, mystery, and YA. My latest published book is called "Monste..."
Hey J.H.! You're the first member to join and the first commenter! Woo-hoo! And all before I make the announcement. ;) Glad you're here. I sure hope you enjoy our book club. :)
Hello to all!I'm the owner of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and also an author - NA contemporary series and non-fiction books. I'm also writing paranormal romance.
I'm happy to see the IWSG expanding to help even more authors.
Thanks for inviting me to the group. I'm trying to get my name out there more, and discussing books is a good way of doing that. I write contemporary romance with hints of paranormal and suspense. As for insecurity, when I saw the name of this group, I said I need to be a part of that. I'm a total introvert, even on-line. Getting better at it, but still...not easy for me.
Looking forward to it.
Theresa wrote: "Thanks for inviting me to the group. I'm trying to get my name out there more, and discussing books is a good way of doing that. I write contemporary romance with hints of paranormal and suspense. ..."Welcome, Theresa! I'm an introvert, too, but I do have an easier time of it online. I hope you enjoy our book club. The IWSG also has a Facebook group that you might like. :)
Hello and thanks for inviting me to join the group! I write a blend of mystery, suspense and romance (with some paranormal and women's fiction thrown in!) and was first published in 2010 by The Wild Rose Press. Since then I've managed only a handful of smaller projects (the life-sucking "paycheck job" takes most of my energy), but I am hoping that reading/discussing others' books will help to get me out of my non-writing rut! Looking forward to the discussions!
I'm Shine. I found this group with the writing groups. I want to become a better writer. I write mysteries with suspense.
My first published book. I've self published a children's book. "Too Much Of Everything"©2016.
My insecurities are I want my books to be perfect. But reality is like trying to kill my quiet time.
My first published book. I've self published a children's book. "Too Much Of Everything"©2016.
My insecurities are I want my books to be perfect. But reality is like trying to kill my quiet time.
Hello everyone, I'm a retired equestrian journalist now juggling health issues with writing fiction. Although my debut novel was a mystery and I have drafted a few other books in that genre, I also dabble in post-apocalyptic stories and alternative history.My main insecurity is never reaching the point where I feel anything is ready to release, so best to start something else.
Welcome everyone! I am so happy to see you all here.I better introduce myself...I am the author of the Disaster Crimes Series and an editor. As an IWSG administrator, I create the free monthly newsletter and now run the book club. I am excited to get to know all of you and to read books with you. :)
I just joined this group, so if I flub and fumble, forgive me. Yes, I am an alliteration ho. I'm retired, so spend my days writing. My first book was published with The Wild Rose Press. I moved on to HarperImpulse and then Random House where I was told my plots were too heavy like my hips. After 5 books with them, I decided I couldn't handle their continued insults. I'd literarily lost my voice. I began self-publishing my books.Insecurity doesn't just affect newbie or pre-published authors. I've published around 20, some of which I've gotten the rights back to and am prepping for self-publication. I've won several awards. Yet none of that matters when your editor tells you you write slapstick, that your sex scenes are laughable, and you use words too difficult for readers to understand. Are romance readers dumb? No we are not. My goal for 2017 is to find me again. I'm floundering to grasp onto my old writing style...and, yes, I'm insecure.
Hi! I'm Karen. Thanks for the invite, Chrys.
I've been writing for over 30 years, everything from blog content to magazine articles to novels to even a restaurant menu (hey, whatever pays, right?), and one thing I noticed is that everyone has writing insecurities, no matter how long you've been at it or what you write.
Regarding fiction, I write literary women's fiction and a bit of flash fiction as well. My first series was the Bibliophiles, which centered on the stories of members of a classics book club. I've got another book idea brewing, but it hasn't quite come to the forefront yet.
I look forward to meeting you all.
I'm Diane Burton and I've been writing for over 20 years. I write sci-fi romance, romantic suspense, & mysteries. I have 3 series--2 sfr and 1 mystery. I joined because Chrys asked me to. LOL I'd do anything for her. :) Insecurities? We all have them, esp. when a story doesn't go the way you want it to. Mine, lately, has been why can't I finish the darn book? (which I finally did 2 weeks ago) I see so many familiar faces. Looking forward to getting to know you all better. I'm always eager to learn something new--or a reminder of what I should know.
Hi-ya. I'm Susan Swiderski, and like a lot of you, I was born with a book in one hand and a flashlight in the other. (It's dark in there!) Except for a couple magazine articles and stories, most of my writing over the years has been "pro bono" in support of various organizations and causes. I finally published my first novel in 2013, and it's a "slice of life" kinda thing... part women's lit, and part mainstream. Since then, I've been part of a couple anthologies, and I'm currently approaching finish line of the first draft of the first book in a trilogy. Pretty ambitious for an old broad like me, I know, but reading and writing are as vital to life as breathing. I have a hunch you'd all agree.
It's awesome to see so many of my fellow TRWP authors joining the IWSG book club.Although I am acquainted with most of you, I'm really enjoying reading your introductions. :)
Hi all!I'm Jemi and I write contemporary romance with a splash of suspense.
My insecurities can mostly be clumped under Confidence - or lack thereof. Taking those final steps to actually becoming published is very, very hard. One day!
I love learning new things and incorporating them into my work so I look forward to that with this group!
Hello, everyone. I'm Beth Camp and am happy to join a group of writers who want to talk about writing craft. I've always written stories and poems but I'm an OTA (older than average) writer as I began writing full time on retiring (banker, community college English teacher, etc). Did anyone else work 70 hour weeks correcting papers? My novels are stuck in the mid 1840s and typically take about 3 years to write. The first began in Scotland, second continued in Australia's penal colony, and my third (final edits) is set during the the fur trade era in Canada. Yes, I got to travel for two of the three books.
Online communities have been a wonderful resource -- especially the Internet Writing Workshop, IWSG, and ROW80. I love the structure of deadlines, the commitment to my writing colleagues, and the inspiration that comes from learning from other writers. As to my insecurities, gosh. So many doubts. But I persevere and write every day.
Looking forward to working with all of you!
Beth wrote: "Hello, everyone. I'm Beth Camp and am happy to join a group of writers who want to talk about writing craft. I've always written stories and poems but I'm an OTA (older than average) writer as I be..."How great that you were able to travel for your books. I wish I could. Welcome, Beth!
Hi! My name is Elizabeth. I am currently unpublished, but I have a few things I'm working on. Most of my writing would fall under devotional or Christian fiction, although I have dabbled in fantasy, science fiction, and poetry.My main insecurity is balancing my time between trying to write more and a full-time job. I am considering the idea of quitting my day job and writing full-time. That idea also scares me a little.
I joined because I have always wanted to be in a book club! I love reading and I enjoy discussing what I've read with my friends. I also highly appreciate the IWSG and all the work Alex and the admins do for it.
Hi Everyone,I'm Natalie. I have written some MG and YA fantasy, but not gotten far enough to submit. Now I am blog host at Literary Rambles and write articles for attorney websites full-time as a contract writer. Even if I don't have time to write fiction anymore, I hope this improves my writing and that I network in a different way with other writers. Because I am definitely one now.
Chrys wrote: "Beth wrote: "Hello, everyone. I'm Beth Camp and am happy to join a group of writers who want to talk about writing craft. I've always written stories and poems but I'm an OTA (older than average) w..."Thank you for your note, Chrys. Actually, the internet has opened up so many resources that I often 'travel' online now before hitting the road. I even found several 'informational' videos on the fur trade era on youtube. I hope there will be a writing retreat in your future. Best, Beth
Hi everyone! (And thanks for the invite, Chrys!) I've been lurking a bit but decided I should actually introduce myself (I somehow manage to be shy on the internet as well as real life *shrug*) I write whatever the characters in my head tell me to. I'll always have a soft spot for fantasy because that's pretty much all I wrote when I was younger, but I mostly stick to literary/contemporary fiction, with a dash of romance. Usually LGBT characters. I'll pretty much write anything if I like a story idea enough.
My main insecurity revolves around the fact that I'll probably never finish the novel I've been working on for six years. It's a bit of a doozy so I know I can't rush it but I do struggle with motivation. And getting distracted by shiny new stories.
I wanted to join this group because I've never been in a book club and I definitely need to read more, plus I love the IWSG!
Hello Everyone! Thanks for the invite, Chrys.I write crime novels - my début will hopefully be self-published this summer. Just sent off the final draft to my editor - yay! weekend off! I also write short stories under the pseudonym Tessa Castello and published my first collection last July.
The one thing I love to do most in life, apart from writing, is reading so this group is perfect! Look forward to all the banter.
Welcome, everyone! Awesome to see this group growing so quickly.I'm Alex, IWSG founder, science fiction author, and Ninja Captain.
Hello group! This is a fabulous idea - thanks to the people responsible!
Why did I join? Well to quote from above: "to get to know one another ... After all, we are in this silly, stressful, hectic writing life together." ;)
I write suspenseful mysteries for the young adult audience. I have two books out so far: WHO R U REALLY? and UNLOCKED. I wish I wrote faster, but I tend to be a bit slower. (One of my insecurities)
I look forward to getting to know you all better. Happy reading and writing!
Margo wrote: "Hello group! This is a fabulous idea - thanks to the people responsible!
Why did I join? Well to quote from above: "to get to know one another ... After all, we are in this silly, stressful, hec..."
Welcome, Margo! In the first book we'll be reading as a group (TBA soon) the author actually mentions how writers think they should write faster. I think you'll like it. :)
Hi All,I wish I wrote faster as well. Sounds like a book I would benefit from reading. When I see the volume of books other authors produce my brain starts playing with me, telling me I'm a bad writer etc. With the ocean of ebooks flooding Amazon daily, the only way to stay noticed is to keep putting stuff out there, which causes more pressure to write faster. I will be interested in learning what the author of this book has to say.
Hello Chrys, thank you first of all for the invitation. It is nice to reconnect with you! My real life name is Sharon, but I use the name Mary Thornell as my pen name.Ive been writing since I was about twelve years old, when I had devoured books like The Wizard of Oz, the [Color] Fairy Books, The Hobbit, LOTR, a lot of fantasy books, and just about anything that would continue to feed the love for "fairy tale" for me. I once heard that if I couldnt find what I wanted to read, to just WRITE what I wanted to read, and so I did. My first venture was to create a story that has long since met its death in the past and bad ideas, but I never gave up and began a new story while in high school. I ended up shelving that because I went to college and got caught up in anthropology (my major) but I joke that I think I majored in that so I could eventually return to my writing, because I have since then used my love for that subject as a basis for creating a couple of new stories, one of which is my current WIP. I don't know exactly what specific genre it could fall in, other than fantasy, but it involves time travel, a mystical McGuffin, and characters from time periods and countries that I find interesting. I have a second WIP that I tried to work out as a short story, but would like to expand into novel form in the vein of Charlaine Harris, as she has been the only vampire writer that got me interested in vampires and other supernatural stories.
Beyond that, I am trying to learn the art of writing SHORT stories, as any that Ive tried to write have snowballed into novels, as well as developing my writing skills to not only write BETTER, but more effectively and efficiently without spending all my time working through procrastination issues. Which leads to why I joined this group: its a marvelous idea, especially for a aspirational novelist like me. I look forward to participating!
Kathy wrote: "Hi All,I wish I wrote faster as well. Sounds like a book I would benefit from reading. When I see the volume of books other authors produce my brain starts playing with me, telling me I'm a bad wr..."
The author says writing is supposed to be slow, and she warns us against should...like "I should be done now." Or "I should produce books faster" because we see others doing it that way. I know many writers who struggle with this, so I thought it was perfect when the author of our first book mentioned this insecurity. :)
Mary wrote: "Hello Chrys, thank you first of all for the invitation. It is nice to reconnect with you! My real life name is Sharon, but I use the name Mary Thornell as my pen name.Ive been writing since I was..."
Hi Sharon/Mary! ;) It's nice to connect with you again.
In the past, when I tried to write short stories, they always turned out to be novels. I figured it was because they were meant to be long. :)
Oh. and the first book we'll be reading might help you with those procrastination issues. Thanks for joining!
Hello everybody!It's wonderful to see the group growing rapidly!
My name is Michelle and I'm one of the IWSG admins.
I'm a writer-in-the-making, on a never-ending journey; a logophile, avid reader, flash fiction junkie, coffee lover...and a few other titles.
Thanks for getting the ball rolling, Chrys!
Hey everyone!I'm S.Katherine Anthony, but you can just call me Kat.
I write "stuff" with romance, action, sci-fi and whatever floats my boat, but always with humor involved or I can't do it, or so I tell myself. I have an Urban Fantasy series begging me to finish, but I need more coffee first. Because . . . well, I just need coffee anytime, every time, all the time. I love reading books "on writing" so this is a fantastic group to be a part of. I'm also another introvert here, but I come with a (possibly concerning) obsession with quotes and memes. I know. I have issues. But, well, that's me! ;)
(And, Chrys! Awesome job with all the work done here!)
S.K. wrote: "Hey everyone!I'm S.Katherine Anthony, but you can just call me Kat.
I write "stuff" with romance, action, sci-fi and whatever floats my boat, but always with humor involved or I can't do it, or..."
Hi Kat!
'...coffee anytime, every time, all the time..." Yes!
Hi everyone! I've been writing for longer than I can remember and just can out with my first novel, Sketchy Tacos. It's a Christian YA travel novel set in Mexico. I had such a blast writing it and now I'm cracking away on the next books in the series. I would say my biggest insecurity as an author is I don't know how to sell books. Writing? Sure, I can do that every day. But how do I get them into the hands of people who will buy and enjoy them?
And I joined because I'm always looking to learn more about the craft of writing! It's so important to continually grow and improve and what better way to do that than in a community of writers? Thanks for letting me join!
Hi, I'm Diana Stout and I've published an epic fantasy, Grendel's Mother, and contemporary romances, Determined Hearts, Tomorrow's Wishes, and New Beginnings, needing to reprint the latter two. Also getting ready to publish a metafiction short story. Working on a romance novella series, with the first one, Shattered Dreams published, plus I have interests in writing historical mainstream from various time period, along with time travel. These days, I spend equal time between novels and screenplays.I joined as I'm always ready to learn something new, especially concerning screenwriting as I apply screenwriting techniques to writing fiction.
My biggest problem is too many projects, not enough energy or hours in the day.
Meg wrote: "Hi everyone! I've been writing for longer than I can remember and just can out with my first novel, Sketchy Tacos. It's a Christian YA travel novel set in Mexico. I had such a blast writing it and ..."Welcome to the group, Meg! Good to have you here.
I love your book title. :)
Diana wrote: "Hi, I'm Diana Stout and I've published an epic fantasy, Grendel's Mother, and contemporary romances, Determined Hearts, Tomorrow's Wishes, and New Beginnings, needing to reprint the latter two. Als..."Welcome Diana!
Epic fantasy, a metafiction short story, romance novella series, novels and screenplays? Wow. Such diversity. :)
Aloha Everyone,During my #IWSG travels today, I learned of this book group, first on Chrys' site, then a reminder from Lynda. A book group on Goodreads is perfect for my schedule, and I read so much there is always room for one more book.
I write murder mysteries (Pepper Bibeau mystery series) and just self-published a second anthology of 17 mystery short stories set in Hawaii by 17 authors that I compiled and co-edited.
One reason for joining the group is that I'm looking forward to having someone else pick out good books for me to read!
Gail wrote: "Aloha Everyone,During my #IWSG travels today, I learned of this book group, first on Chrys' site, then a reminder from Lynda. A book group on Goodreads is perfect for my schedule, and I read so mu..."
I'm glad our announcements brought you here and that you joined, Gail! There will be opportunity for members to vote on a book they want to read, but I agree...having someone else pick out good books is so much easier. :)
Carole Anne wrote: "Hi Gail,I am studying for a masters degree in creative writing with a university and two books by Lajos Egri 'The art of dramatic Writing' and his book on Creative Writing are so excellent that th..."
Hi Carole! I'll add his books to our group's book shelf. :)
Thanks, Carole, for the recommendation. I checked for it at Amazon for the ebook but it is in review. Will check back again because the list price is only $2.99.
Hi! I'm Lee. I'm unpublished, working on my first mystery/suspense novel. I'm in the process of transitioning to writing full time next year, because I am just not making any progress trying to do this on my lunch hours during 60 hour work weeks. I found this group through the IWSG postings. I joined the book club because the internet is the only way I've found to interact with other writer's on a regular basis.
Lee wrote: "Hi! I'm Lee. I'm unpublished, working on my first mystery/suspense novel. I'm in the process of transitioning to writing full time next year, because I am just not making any progress trying to do ..."Welcome, Lee! We hope the book club helps you. :)
Hi! I'm Samantha Bryant. I write the Menopausal Superhero series (3 books so far, the third releases in July 2017), and am dabbling in several other ideas (young adult, women's historical fiction, women's issues fiction, etc.). My day job is teaching middle school Spanish, and, besides writing, I love theater, movies, and baking. I recently took up running with my rescue dog and may eventually come to love that, too. It's been two years since my first book came out, so my big insecurities right now are about building a lasting career, and eventually making the leap to writing as a full time endeavor. I struggle with balancing time and energy and writing fast enough given the constraints on my time.
I joined this book club because I love book clubs :-) And I've had nothing but positive interactions within this group, so I want to be a part of anything the IWSG is doing, if I can. I hope to enjoy great conversations about thought provoking books and become a better writer as a result.
Samantha wrote: "Hi! I'm Samantha Bryant. I write the Menopausal Superhero series (3 books so far, the third releases in July 2017), and am dabbling in several other ideas (young adult, women's historical fiction, ..."
I love Superhero books! And mystery books!
I love Superhero books! And mystery books!
Hey, gang. I'm Lynda, and I'm an editor. Technically not a writer, unless you include blogging, which I consider to be writing without having to be nearly as creative all you authors are.I got to know a bunch of the IWSG people through S. Katherine Anthony and have never looked back. I've never met a better bunch of supporters than in this particular community.
I suppose my contribution is to help authors to be a little less insecure. I try to be as encouraging as possible while steering them in the (hopefully) right direction, all while learning from each individual.
I'm looking forward to getting reconnected here on GR after a significant absence due to work busyness. Thanks so much for the invitation! I love being one of the cool kids.
Lynda wrote: "Hey, gang. I'm Lynda, and I'm an editor. Technically not a writer, unless you include blogging, which I consider to be writing without having to be nearly as creative all you authors are.I got to..."
We are pleased to have you as a member here and throughout our IWSG community. Lynda. :)
Samantha wrote: "Hi! I'm Samantha Bryant. I write the Menopausal Superhero series (3 books so far, the third releases in July 2017), and am dabbling in several other ideas (young adult, women's historical fiction, ..."Hearing that you want to be a part of anything IWSG does make us proud of what we do, and happy to have you as a member, Samantha. :)
Hi, everyone!Glad to be a new member of this group. I'm Nadine Feldman, and I write contemporary women's fiction (What She Knew and The Foreign Language of Friends), though I'm also working on a historical novel.
As a writer, I feel it's important to read a lot, and I thought it would be fun to join in some discussions. I'm looking forward to sharing and reading what others have to say.
Nadine wrote: "Hi, everyone!Glad to be a new member of this group. I'm Nadine Feldman, and I write contemporary women's fiction (What She Knew and The Foreign Language of Friends), though I'm also working on a ..."
We are glad you joined. :)
1. Tell us a little about yourself. (The genre(s) you like to write in, your writing insecurities, and only here can you list a book/series you've published, but please keep it simple. No blurbs or buy links.)
2. Share why you joined this book club and what you hope to achieve from it.