IWSG: Getting by with a Little Help...
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| Read more about the IWSG's founder, Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh HERE |
It's that time of the month. No, not that time of the month!
It's the first Wednesday on a new calendar page which means...it's the day for writers to unite- to show support, love, and maybe even vent some insecurity (for which, of course, we're hoping others will offer up a "poor baby" for a lagging spirit!)
Check out the whole list of awesome peeps HERE!!
As a writer, the worst days of my journey are thankfully long behind me. Not because I have mastered my craft or have books sitting on any #1 spots.
No, my darkest days are behind me, because I have friends.
When I first started, I didn't know a single other writer. I had a dream and a desire, but no real direction. I would fill notebooks and write single spaced stories on floppy discs (yes, I started that long ago!). I'd write "The End" then wonder, what do I do now?
Fortunately for all of us, there is help. We are, with the click of a few keys, in the middle of a community that is so helpful and supportive, all we have to do is ask.
This little blog is nearing its second blogoversary...in those 730 days, I have had other writers offer up emotional, psychological, spiritual, and professional support. I have never felt more confident as a writer, not because my skills have grown, but because I have the opportunity to pick the brains of the smartest, most motivated people on the planet. From tweaking an opening to polishing up a blurb...whatever I ask, you deliver.
And in a time when people wonder if the blogging community is on the way out...I say this:
If you're blogging just to sell books, there may be better ways to market.
If you're blogging to be part of a community, then rest assured, we aren't going anywhere.
Need the proof of the wonders of the blog connection?
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| Buy the Book HERE! |
Check out the launch of Chad Morris' book.
Not a professionally organized, large press event...
Peggey Eddleman sent out a call to help Chad while he helped his little girl recover from brain surgery.
Bloggers heard.
And responded.
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Nick Wolford had a need. His step-son, Andrew, has cerebral palsy and the tuition costs of the specialist college that would best help Andrew is expensive to the point of practically undo-able.
Nick asked for contributions to an anthology.
Would writers donate short works to benefit Andrew's education?
Of course!!
You can buy the eBook HERE!
(I understand the book version will be available soon.)
And sadly, even when the time slips away that we can help our fellow word traveler, we can still help build a legacy.
Bridget Zinn passed on before she could hold this beautiful book in her hands.
But like a beloved orphaned child, we won't let it go into the world alone.
We will be answering the call to help. Writers will be launching "Poison" as a tribute and a farewell.
You can sign up HERE.
We may be weirdos in jammies. Heck, you might not have even brushed your teeth today, but be proud...and secure...you are part of something bigger than just yourselves.
You're part of a family spawned by words.
The writing community is amazingly supportive. It's been so great to move beyond the comments with a few folks and form friendships. So glad to see these books highlighted here as well.
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing. And wonderful.
DeleteWhen I started blogging I was short on writing friends as well. The blogging community is wonderful. Happy you're helping these authors by highlighting their books.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard coming from small areas where there aren't a ton of resources...well, until the internet community became so strong!
DeleteI love this online writing community. I'm so glad to be a tiny part of it.
ReplyDeleteI'd say you're a bit more than a tiny part!
DeleteNow I almost feel proud to be a "weirdo in jammies," though I did brush my teeth twice today! Thanks for sharing these wonderful books with us. I hope that Chad Morris' daughter has made a full recovery. I'm very sorry about Bridget Zinn.
ReplyDeleteJulie
LOL. I promise...I brushed mine too! I do have a husband that needs a kiss or two throughout the day.
DeleteAnd the response to writers in need has made me feel proud too.
I'm definitely a 'weirdo in jammies' but your post has made me very proud to be so. As a community, we're awesome!! Great post.
ReplyDeleteYes we are Awesome!!!
Delete:) This post looks familiar! Yep, this community is the best!
ReplyDeleteI know...Cassie Mae did it earlier and better...you've probably been there already. I was going to change it, but I for once had my posts up and scheduled to post and decided I'd just be an echo.
DeleteYour post made me smile and feel all warm inside :D
ReplyDeleteI love being a part of the 'weirdos in jammies' group! xx
We need to market special jammies...with name badges, so we can have an official "uniform".
DeleteThe writing community is def. supportive! It is great to have found it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful place to work!
DeleteYou are so very right, Elizabeth. The community is full of wonderful people and it is a pleasure to see their fast response to others' requests for help. It warms the heart. :)
ReplyDeleteQuicker than a blast of dragon breath! It was very comforting to see the swell of support.
DeleteThose friends make all the difference. I've met a bunch of great people I'd never know if I hadn't jumped into blogging.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a night and day difference for me. Just having people to bounce ideas off of is absolutely priceless!
Deletei'm so glad to have so many friends, too. especially you!
ReplyDeleteand wow. such touching stories behind these stories! thanks for spreading the word!
I feel very blessed Tara. People like you make me smile. :)
DeleteI am definitely feeling the love in the blogging community recently! It's a great place to be!
ReplyDeleteCan't agree more!
DeleteI love the writing community. I've made so many friends (a tough thing for me if you've read my IWSG post today) and have gotten so much advice that has helped me improve my writing. I'd be very lonely without the writing community.
ReplyDeleteIt has helped me immensely!
DeleteI'll have to check out your post.
I remember when I started, and it was so hard. My first tentative attempts at making online friends was so nerve wracking. And like you, I wrote a lot on those silly floppy disks. I have whole novels on those bad boys (thank godiva I didn't try to query any of those!!!).
ReplyDeleteI did....complete with staples and post it notes. I've come a long way baby!
DeleteSniffle...gosh, you touched my heart with this one, pal. Even though I'm still a baby-blogger, I'm beginning to see how tightly we're all woven together. It's great to know how much love and support is in our reach. Thanks for pulling me aboard the blogger ship! :)
ReplyDeleteI won't say I told you so...just happy you're here!
DeleteI love this post, Elizabeth and I couldn't agree with you more. When I started writing I didn't know any other writers nor did I have the courage to even tell people I was writing. But climbing out of my writers closet and meeting so many wonderful people in this writing community truly has been a blessing. I still struggle with insecurities, but I know I'm not alone and that is a source of strength for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elise! Your thoughtful comment gave me all kinds of warm fuzzies!
DeleteI didn't know any other writers either! I jumped online to establish a platform, but making friends has been the greatest bonus.
ReplyDeleteSame here. It was like getting married for the tax deduction and finding it can offer so much more!
DeleteWow, Elizabeth, this post gave me chills! I LOVE being a part of the blogging community. I'm so happy I began two years ago, even if I felt like I was talking to myself some days. It was so worth it to meet everyone.
ReplyDeleteYou know Ashley, you were one of the first bloggers to find my lonely little blog and I followed your comment back and found this niche of wonderful peeps. Thanks lady!
DeleteWriting support is the best! I felt so online before I started interacting with writers online. Now, like you, I have cheerleaders a post away. It's awesome!
ReplyDeleteI've seen several posts with these books... goes to prove what authors will do for each other (and so sad about the lady who passed before her book came out).
My IWSG Post
Yes you do!
DeleteAnd yes, this is a great community.
You're amazing! And you're right! The writing community is so amazing- it would be hard to stick it out without them. I can't believe how much I've learned and grown.
ReplyDeleteAmazing is the word I use to describe you Leigh...stop stealing it! :)
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