Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.
Today’s question – What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?
Least favorite question: Are you still writing?
The answer is, Of course, are you still showering? A writer, like anyone in any creative field, doesn’t suddenly stop. A painter paints. A musician plays or sings. A Chef cooks. And, a writer writes. My mind is always composing stories.
A favorite question: Where can I read more of your work?
Answer: This blog, various magazines, and last year’s IWSG Anthology Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime.
I have arrived.
Congratulations to the winners of the fourth IWSG Anthology Masquerade: Oddly Suited! My story did not get selected. The genre was YA Romance. Mine was YA, but more suspense and relationship than romance. That’s okay. I can use it in other ways. Onward and upward. By this time next year, I plan on having a novel written. There, I’ve said it. Now, it’s for the discipline to actually get all the words out, flesh out the story, and keep working through the sluggish moments when you want to abandon the whole mess and binge watch television.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: How do you push through sluggish moments to complete a project?
I lol’d at “are you still showering?” I’ll have to remember that one to use one day. Happy new year!
Thanks, Jennifer. I’m not usually that sarcastic. Mostly, I just think it in my head.
I do think that people don’t always understand that writing is pretty much as important to us as breathing!
Good luck on that novel. You can do it!
Thanks, Nick
Hi Mary, Happy New Year. People never understand what writing is all about. A few have asked me are you still writing. Crazy people.
Yep!
Be proud of Tick Tock and your other story. As you said, you can use it elsewhere.
Thanks, Alex. I am thrilled to be part of the Tick Tock anthology.
“Are you still writing?” Luckily I haven’t gotten that yet, but my husband is a stand-up comic and literally everyone he runs into asks him, “Are you still doing comedy?” Which I translate as…”YOU HAVEN’T GIVEN THAT UP YET???”
Absolutely, same thing! Have you watched The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? It’s a fascinating business.
Nice answers to the hard questions. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thanks, Anna
I like your answer to “Are you still writing?” Made me laugh.
Oh well if you didn’t get into this anthology. You now have a story to do something else with. Maybe another anthology will fit.
Yes. Patricia. I plan to use it another way. I could also turn it into a play.
Ha ha! I love your answer to your least favorite question. Mind if I borrow it? Have a great New Year!
Borrow away! Thanks. Happy New Year!
I do remember your story and it was good. So keep writing. And showering, too.
Thanks, Diane. Not the right fit for this anthology, but it will find a way into the world.
I’m fighting lazy when I have a lot of writing work to do but want to binge watch a bunch of shows. Now I’m going to shower and then write. LOL
Excellent, Susan. Writing well and smellin’ good, too!
What a great answer to the question “Are you still writing?” I’ll remember that comeback, Mary! Sometimes when I’m on a roll writing, I may forget to eat, sleep, and shower. Fortunately my husband usually keeps me on track. All the best to you in 2019!
Ha Ha. Yes, we can get caught up in our art as well!
Hey, at least you wrote a story and submitted. I wish I had done it, but chose not to. Happy IWSG!
I find that question about still writing insulting, so your rejoinder is perfect! I’m going to remember it for the next time someone asks me that.
That’s always such a weird question. And yet writers ask it of each other, too.
How do I push through sluggish moments? Guilt. Lots and lots of guilt. And rewards. Which sometimes I give myself before I’ve done the thing.
You can do this, Mary! Consider me your personal cheering section whenever you need me. I’ll be there.
Sorry your story didn’t make the cut, but you’re right–now you have a story you can find a new home for. You never know what could come of it!
Thank you, J.H., you are my role model for writerly success!
Keep on writing! Looking forward to your novel, Mary!
Happy New Year! 🙂
Thank you, Michelle. I awoke this morning with self-doubt. Your words have reset my intention.