Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Cool News and Insecure Writers Support Group

Big thanks to everyone who visited The Non Review on Monday for my guest post on B-movies.

My buddy George at CineMarvellous! just celebrated two years blogging and two hundred followers. Congratulations! If you’re into movies (and hopefully you are, as I talk about them all the time and you keep coming back), George offers the best movie reviews around.



Elizabeth Spann Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder also just released an eBook this week! Elizabeth is a big-time author and Progressive Dinner Deadly, a Myrtle Clover mystery, is available in eBook form for the first time Only $2.99!

Now, about that Insecure Writers Support Group

I’ve noticed a lot of posts lately about doubts, concerns, and a lack of confidence. Insecure is a term most writers use to describe themselves. (Some would even say neurotic.)


The cool thing about this community is the amount of support available. Everyone is such an encourager. I thought it would be cool if one day a month, everyone involved in the Insecure Writers Support group posted either:
  • A situation where they need some encouragement
  • Words of encouragement for others about to face a situation
What do you think? Good idea or really stupid? Would the possibility of a large group of writers posting their doubts all on the same day send the blogging world into a neurotic tailspin? Or would this be better than expensive therapy sessions? (Better than coming to me for therapy, because I might just mess you up even worse!)

110 comments:

Elisa DeLany said...

I think it'd be a good idea. I'm sure the blogosphere can support a catharsis the likes of which has never been seen, and it could provide support to writers who really need it.

Laila Knight said...

I'm in for a writer's support group day. Just name the day and I'll let words of encouragement rip. This is a wonderful idea. Not only does it make each writer out there seem human, it'll help everyone not feel so alone. People need people, and writers should be able to count on the support of other writers. :)

Ciara said...

I'm all for encouraging other writers. Go for it. I can' imagine making it this far on my journey with out some of the amazing people I've met along the path. It would be great to pass the love on to others.

Suzie F. said...

Great idea, Alex! Count me in.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
George Beremov [Nebular] said...

OMG, how did I miss that post of yours over at Non-Review? I'll check it out right away ;)

Thanks for the mention, Alex! You've mentioned me and my blog so many times already, I can't be grateful enough. Seriously!

Just one small thing though... It's "CineMarvellous", with double L (We've studied British English at school, and British people spell it with double L) :) Plus, it think this hybrid word look better with the double L.

Thanks again for the kind words, buddy!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I think it a good idea Alex.
One has to feel secure in what they're writing about , self confidence if you have it is a wonderful thing, if you can pass it on to others all the better.

Have a wonderful "Viewing" day.
Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Marlena, thanks!

Laila, my thoughts exactly.

Ciara and Suzie - great!

George, you're welcome - and crap, I'll fix that! What I get for writing this late last night...

Yvonne, I will make it so!

Rusty Carl said...

Great idea. Where do I sign?

Amy said...

Another great sounding book I'm going to have to check out - thank you for sharing!

The support group is a great idea, and definitely more cost effective than therapy.

I wanted to let you know, that I have an award for you on my blog! :)

Doralynn Kennedy said...

Ha! Sounds like a good idea to me. And it makes me think of a bumper sticker I saw on my way home last night:

"Lord make me the person my psychiatrist medicates me to be!"

Jan Morrison said...

I think it is a swell idea! And I'm a therapist. I could've used it last month. When do we start?

Sarah Tokeley said...

I think it's a great advice. I'm way too green to offer much in the way of practical advice, but moral support I can do :)

Old Kitty said...

I say adopt a kitty!! They're excellent therapists and know when your time is up! LOL!

But seriously!! Yay for this fab event!! I'm all for lots of hugs and cuddles over the ether! The more the merrier. Ahem.

Take care
x

Unknown said...

I picked up Craig's book yesterday and can't wait to get into it. I'm sure I'll like it just as much as her previous Myrtle book.

I like the idea of the support group. Sometimes I feel, because I've been blogging awhile and because I've been picked up by a small publisher, that I need to be strong for the writing/blogging community but I know I have days of doubt and insecurity. I think the club is a fantastic idea.

Jess said...

I think that that's a very good idea! I think there are plenty of people who need support to keep writing. I'd love to help out!

Tonja said...

Great idea, and the name is perfect. I'm in.

Laura Eno said...

Great idea! I think people gravitate to your blog because you're a master of encouragement, always upbeat and supportive. Even when you show the edge of your neurotic slip, you do it in a funny, self-deprecating fashion. Kate would be proud of you. :)

Sarah McCabe said...

I'll go ahead and say that I need something like that desperately. :)

Sommer Leigh said...

I love supporting other writers !

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hello. My name is Heather and I'm an...insecure writer hoping to one day be an...insecure published writer.

Tara said...

Writer's Support Group? I'm there, man!

It's a great idea! :-)

Charles Gramlich said...

My wife is fond of saying that insecurity is the biggest problem in the world. I kind of agree.

Christa Desir said...

Heck to the yes on the Insecure Writers Group! Hilarious. We can totally make that a meme.

Yvonne Osborne said...

It's a group I could be president of. Would all the possible stories of rejection and despondency get one down? I don't know. But I know one kind word of support will keep me going for weeks.

Luanne G. Smith said...

A therapy day? LOL. I'm all for that. Had to send a friend a therapy request letter yesterday asking for writer insecurity help. So, yeah, I'm in.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Elizabeth ROCKS.

I'm in, I think, if I'm not too depressed about my writing. :)

Jessica Bell said...

I think it sounds like a great idea, but it might be hard to write supportive things if you're in one of those moods where you're in need of support yourself. JUST a thought, and doesn't make the idea any less great. I think we could all do with knowing we're all in the same boat!

Christine Rains said...

Fantastic idea, Alex! Go with it.

Tara Tyler said...

can i join? rollercoaster writing...

Bryan Russell said...

I'm never insecure. Wait, wait - what if that sounds stupid?

Jules said...

Everyone needs a hand now and then. Knowing you are not the only one helps one to reach out.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Anonymous said...

I hereby dub it INSECURITY DAY. Sometimes it's better to give than to receive, so even on a really crappy writing day we can stretch ourselves by encouraging each other.

Carol Kilgore said...

Great idea! Would some writers be too insecure to join?

GYPSYWOMAN said...

ah, but there can be secure bliss in that little world of insecurity - well, or so i hear, anyway, you know, from others...............
have a great day mister! it's gorgeous here - blue skies and lots of sunshine!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I am feeling insecure about a lot but not so much the writing (wait til my book comes out in 2 months tho and that will change). Anyway, add me to your group. I can use some therapy LOL.

Anonymous said...

I think this is a great idea! We all are going through our personal trials and tribulations, and words of encouragement can go a long way. I say yes!

Bossy Betty said...

I WUV this idea! Make it work, Alex.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Alex,

You have such a big heart, you ol softie... I think this is a GREAT idea.

I have seen so much doubt too across the blogosphere lately.

One thing we ALL need to do is keep positive and KEEP AT IT!

Beth Revis had an amazing VLog on WriteOnCon talking about failure. She pointed ten stacks of novels before she hit pay dirt with her NY TImes best seller, Across the Universe. It was quite inspiring....

Suze said...

I think the idea for a writers' group sounds ace n' stellar, Alex. I'd be in. :)

Li said...

I don't know, Alex, what would I post about, and why would anyone want to read about my problems, and what if people don't like me or think I'm stupid, what if I reveal myself to be the fraud that I am...oh, wait.

OK, sign me up.

Nancy Thompson said...

I think it's a grand idea. We all need a little encouragement now & then. I know I'd never be able to make it over the bumps without the support of my fellow writers. They keep me going.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Insecure Writers Support group? To me, having a group to angst with helps.

I belong to a large writing group--we've been together almost 5 years and we've had almost 500 continuous conversation threads that go to 300 comments and then someone else post an article. We do a lot of support and encouragement. We have quite a few pubbed authors (probably over 30% of our members)who share their knowledge too. Funny thing is, when we started out, none of us were published--all aspiring.

One of the reasons I set my blog up the way I did was to show the commonality between writers--regardless of genre. Authors talk about their triumphs but they also share the problems they're facing or have overcome and how. Many of the authors I have on the blog are bestsellers and you'd think they were problem free in their writing and you would think wrong, lol!

Alex, I'm going to look again at your blogfest guidelines. Maybe I can do a Monday-which is my day to blog.

BTW, if you need a review on your new book, let me know.

Sia McKye's Thoughts...OVER COFFEE

TS Hendrik said...

Neurotic? Writers? Well... maybe a little. That's a pretty cool idea Alex. Everyone needs a little encouragement now and again.

The Happy Whisk said...

I dunno. Sounds like too much drama for me.

Ting Kubby said...

the group is a good idea and I would gladly contribute to it.

Unknown said...

The ebook looks lovely, adding it to my Kindle pile!

And the support group idea sounds marvelous, Alex..a place where writers can rant and feel safe and support each other

Heidi W said...

I'm torn on the idea of an insecure writers group. One one hand--the honesty and support would be beautiful.

But..but I would hate to see it turn into a complain fest. And that would certainly make me stop reading because I don't read blogs that are constantly complaining, being negative, etc.

Now that I think about it--I probably wouldn't participate because I have enough self doubts just sitting here by myself--reading others would probably push me down a spiral.

That said--it sounds like a lot of others are very interested in the idea, and I'm happy to support it in any way I can without actually participating.

It is a very interesting idea--I love the way you think about things, Alex. Always with this sense of community and how we can help each other.

julie fedderson said...

I love it! Any chance to air my neuroses under the guise of therapeutic interchange is exactly what I need. Catharsis for everyone!

Mark said...

Cool movie/review site! Thanks for telling me about it:)

Mel Chesley said...

I like the idea! I'll save a bundle on therapy... just kidding. ;)
I do love the idea. The whole reason I joined the blogosphere was to find other authors who had gone through similar situations and connect with them to see how they got through it as well as to tell my own tale of woe.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, you're already an honorary member! I'll do a sign up next week sometime...

Thanks, Amy!

Doralynn, that's great!

Jan and Sarah, we'll start soon...

Kitty, how much does Charlie charge for therapy?

Clarissa, I feel the same way...

Thanks, Laura. I try to stay upbeat!

Sarah, we'll make it happen then.

Heather, great introduction.

Yvonne, that's why I hope we don't all post downer stuff on the same day. Might disrupt the universe.

Journaling, I think you might need it.

Jessica, that's why there's an either-or option.

Milo, I'll make it so!

Carol, probably.

Stephen, yes it can.

Michael, who you calling soft?

Li - perfect!

Sia, thank you! Will keep you posted on that.

Damy, that's the idea!

Thanks, Heidi! That's why I hope half of the blogs are encouraging rather than just down. I'll try not to be one of the down ones. Not often anyway.

Mark, George's site is awesome and so is the man behind the blog.

Anonymous said...

Where do I sign up?
Excellent idea.

Isis Rushdan said...

Great idea! I'm all in. Writing is so solitary and rejection can crush a person's confidence. We have to stick together and uplift each other to keep the good karma flowing.

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Always thinking, aren't you?
Neurotic? You say writers are neurotic? Never would have guessed.
Count me in for sure.

L.J. Sellers said...

Could be very effective and work both ways. Reaching out and supporting others is such a positive experience that it can be therapeutic for your own temporary doubts or negativity. I like it.

RaShelle Workman said...

Alex - You really are awesome!!!

Would the possibility of a large group of writers posting their doubts all on the same day send the blogging world into a neurotic tailspin? It just might, but that's okay! LOL

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I think it's a great idea too. I'd like to suggest that "writers" is broadly defined. See, I'm insecure about calling myself a "writer" because I'm not a published author. And I'm insecure about being seen as "less than." I still have some great insecurities AND encouragement to offer, though.
Thanks, Alex.
xoRobyn

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

RaShelle, we'll just have to try it and see what happens!

Robyn, if you write, you are a writer! Authors are published. So you're good to go.

Thanks everyone - really wasn't sure if I'd come up with something good or something really dumb...

Unknown said...

Insecure writers support group sounds wonderacious :)

M Pax said...

lol You just read my mind. I've been having what I'm terming a 'confidence crisis lately'. I think it'd be a great idea.

congratulations to Elizabeth! :)

Helen Ginger said...

It might affect the balance of the world and cause a change in the tilt. Or ... It could be a day of sharing and reaching out to others. I dunno. A tilt sounds fun.

Copyboy said...

So is this just a lonely heart's club for writers or can copywriters apply too?

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Alex, I've been SO wanting a support group or a friend that I can unload my writerly frustrations and/or find ideas to bounce off of! I'm going to email you--I'm in love! ;)


♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, sounds like I was just in time.

Helen, writers tend to tilt anyway.

Copyboy, you are always welcome!

Elizabeth, does this mean I did good?

Unknown said...

Stupendous idea, Alex. Where do I sign up? :-) For every 3 positive thoughts I have, there are days when I seem to have 5 negative ones. Writing is just a tough, tough self-concious business. Lifting each other up is very important.

EJ

Aleta said...

If I was a writer, I'd love the idea about having an Insecure Writers Support Group. Everyone can benefit from it. Writing is therapy in and of itself, a writers support group - sounds great!

Libby said...

A support group for writers? Sounds necessary.

Chuck said...

No time to comment here...I totally forgot to go back and read your guest post...now I am off to do just that...and comment there!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

EJ, it is important!

Chuck, that's cool!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like really good therapy to me.... :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

We all have our doubts and hopes so it might be a good idea to share.

Nicki Elson said...

It's a great idea! I can see where the concern about a tailspin could set in, but in reality I think it'll be uplifting because we'll be bopping around giving encouraging words, and encouraging others is the best way to lift one's own spirits---I totally read that on someone's blog...I'm pretty sure...but can't quite place it. Anyhow, I buy into it and think your idea is swell

Arlee Bird said...

Since a lot of bloggers write about this already it would be cool to put it into some organized effort where we all have a common focus. I like the idea.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Alex, yes, you did! ;)


♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!

Bob Sanchez said...

Good idea. Encouragement bolstered with the occasional tip would be helpful.

And thanks for the tip on Elizabeth's book.

Lydia Kang said...

Supporting others during their lows times is invaluable. Personally, I have a few closed forums I visit to really let it all out. I'm not sure I could do it on my blog.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicki, I think it will be encouraging.

Thanks, Lee!

Elizabeth, great

Maggie Asfahani Hajj said...

Found you through Girl Wizard, and am enjoying your blog!

Yes,please. Support. Please.... :)

Saumya said...

INCREDIBLE idea. Insecurity is a secure resident in my mind, especially when I open my laptop. I think connecting with the only other people who can understand is the only way to get through this!

Ella said...

Wow, you must be my Ninja Godfather; yes I would love to have an Insecure Writers Support Group! You can kick me with kindness :D Great idea; artists need encouragement especially when their really world isn't so supportive.

Jamie Gibbs said...

That sounds really good - you can never have too much support. I often find that the most insecure writers are also among the most supportive, so this would be a damn good way to get them to come out of their shell a bit.

Unknown said...

I love the idea and would love to participate. I'm a great cheerleader and God knows I have a McMansion full of doubts and insecurities I work through with each and every project. This is why you are the awesome Captain Ninja. :)

Cruella Collett said...

Haha, I now picture the entire blogosphere in one collective mood swing... But in all seriousness, I don't think that would be the result. After all, most people react with others' despair with trying to cheer them up, trying to help. So I guess the collective mood would be much more likely to be a happy one. I've only ever found support groups to be supportive - never gloomy or negative. I'm an optimist, anyway!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Maggie!

Saumya, thank you.

Ella, the Ninja Godfather - I like it!

Thanks, Melissa - I try.

Cruella, as long as it's a positive mood swing, I think it will work.

Thanks for the support, guys!

Huntress said...

regarding the IWSG:
I dont know. I have plenty of insecurities and complexes to share but would it help? Or would it become a sob story only I am interested in hearing?

Might be a downer. Even thinking about it makes me reach for chocolate. *nom,nom*

Patricia Stoltey said...

Thanks for the heads-up on Elizabeth's book -- I just bought a couple of the Riley Adams books but am way behind on Myrtle Clover's adventures.

Doubts? Do writers have doubts? I can't imagine why... :)

Hart Johnson said...

Ha! I'm a lousy friend! Totally didn't realize Elizabeth's book had gone up! And I think that insecure writer's idea is a good one! I think it gives us all heart to see fears conquered.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Thought of you this morning...
http://www.dailyblam.com/news/2011/08/18/first-trailer-released-for-underworld-awakening-starring-kate-beckinsale

Kelley said...

Funny post and good idea :)

Leovi said...

I am not a writer but I am pretty insecure, so much that sometimes I'm up two hours deciding what pictures I put in the post for the day. I must also admit that I feel very rewarded by your support in the comments. Thank you very much Alex.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Now that's a really great idea!

Dafeenah said...

I think it's an awesome idea!! Everyone always thinks "I'm the only one" but seeing others who have the same fears, doubts, and concerns as you is always a help at least to me..not only that but having a fresh pair of eyes is always a good thing. Sometimes you just need to talk it out to see what was right in front of you the whole time. You are super awesomeness!! Great idea!!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Thanks so much for the mention, Alex! I really appreciate it!

I think all writers have such a difficult time with confidence. It must be because we receive so much criticism with critiques, the query process, editing, and then reviews. I think you've got a great idea!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Huntress, someone will relate and be able to encourage you, I promise!

Patricia, me neither!

Hart, you are not a lousy friend...

Heather!!! I am all over that.

Leovi, you are welcome, and you have amazing talent with a camera.

Thanks, Dafeenah!

Elizabeth, you are welcome.

Laura said...

cunning plan me thinks captain Alex :)

kjmckendry said...

Sounds like a great idea! Count me in.

Summer Ross said...

It sounds like a very encouraging idea to me Alex!

Crystal Collier said...

Love the idea. Everyone needs a strong support network.

Li said...

Hi again Alex - I forgot; I wanted to add that Damyanti,(featured in your previous post) who published her A to Z Challenge stories, is teaming with Stu Nager and me to host a fiction writing blogfest tentatively slated for October! She's an extraordinarily talented individual :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, everyone! We'll make it so.

Li, I'll check it out.

laughingwolf said...

where booze/drugs fail, a kissy-faced mauling by your dog is almost as good as encouragement from fellow strugglers... gopher it, alex

is there a link? rusty and i wanna know!

Matthew MacNish said...

Most of the things you plan turn out being pretty awesome, Alex, so I'm sure it would work out.

dolorah said...

Who needs therapy when there is the blogger community :) Yeah, I think it a good idea, I'd join.

I'm really behind in my blog reading - I'm still technically on a break for a beta read - but I've read through your last couple posts.

I don't get around to Rusty or Damyanti's blogs as much as I'd like, but I've been intrigued by both books. Thanks for the recommendations.

And I'm so glad you liked the Planet of the Apes movie - I'd see it anyways but your review just makes me want it more.

Have a good weekend Alex.

......dhole

Maurice Mitchell said...

Great idea Alex. I'm glad it took off.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Laughing!

Hey Donna! Go see it - movie is awesome.

Christine Murray said...

That's a great idea Alex, count me in :)

Ed Pilolla said...

at first i was like, what's unique about this group since only insecure people consider themselves writers. but it sounds very intriguing. i wonder if we're insecure about different things, like success or failure or judgement or criticism. or whether we're insecure about the same thing: all of them:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ed, I bet the answer is all of the above.

M.J. Fifield said...

I know I'm responding to this rather late but the Insecure Writers Support Group sounds like a great idea.