Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Insecure Writer's Support Group

It’s time for 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. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My insecurity today stems from a date that is approaching fast –
February 28, 2012.

The release date for CassaFire, my second book.

What’s going to happen that day?

I’m throwing a big Catch Fire! Blog Party that day and participants have a chance to win one of five copies of CassaFire.

But you know how the saying goes – what if you threw a party and no one attended?

I’m not a big name author and I’m uncomfortable with promotions. So it’s likely to be a small party.


In fact, I never even planned on a second book, let alone a party for it.

Some days, I still have no idea what I am doing. All of my efforts might be for nothing. And that’s a scary feeling.

I appreciate all of my blogger friends and hope I’ve been able to return the support you’ve shown to me.This stuff isn't easy and some days we wonder if our voice will even be heard.

So, I will extend the invitation to join the party one more time. (Full details HERE.)

Are you ready for your big release day? Ever throw a party and no one showed up? Maybe if I served Hot Tamales…?

Please visit other members of the Insecure Writer's Support Group today-


134 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Great post Alex, I have of course already joined up for the party.
Will there be entertainment? if so I could reccomend a good singer....
I may be a little jet lagged as I arrive home from your wonderful country on the 26th.
I am positive your new book will be a huge success.

Yvonne.

The Angry Lurker said...

Joined the party.....

Isis Rushdan said...

Your book is going to do great! Have no fear. You have tons of friends ready to support you. Can't wait for the 28th.

Rek Sesh said...

You are worrying for nothing...I am sure the gate crashers from A-Z will turn up too with their friends in tow.
This is to confirm my name in the roll call and say "Aye, Aye, Captain this cadet is hear with her sob story."
28 feb has been kept free for the party...are ethnic wear and flat shoes allowed?

Rek Sesh said...

Hear should read here... forgive my misplaced enthusiasm.

Old Kitty said...

I've got my bottle of bubbly, my sparkles, my nibbles and my cheerleader's outfit WITH pom-poms so YOU BETTER HAVE YOUR PARTY!

:-)

Take care
x

Unknown said...

Hi Alex, I have already signed up for The Catch Fire! Blog Party and am at the moment reading CassaStar!

Going well so far!

As a newbie to all of this I am just blown away by the number of people who support you!

I am sure you will do well with Cassa Fire!

Carolyn

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yvonne, you are in charge of entertainment then!

Rek, yes they are! Thank you so much.

Kitty, I want pictures!

CM, thank you for reading my book! And that's what makes this community so awesome - it's so supportive.

Ciara said...

I doubted myself so much that I signed-up again. If I'm on there twice, I apologize. Too many things to keep track of. :) I'm looking forward to the release. I know it will be great.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I know that fear because I have it too. I can't sign up for the party because we have a regular post on Tuesdays, but it looks like you have a lot of participants already.

I did win your book on Goodreads. Can't believe my luck. So at some point I'm planning to shout out about it on my blog and give it away. I think it's good to promote a book not only at the release date but later when people may not be thinking about it. Just my ideas.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Oh and e-mail me if you'd like to do an interview with the giveaway this summer. I'm booked with interviews till then but I'd love to interview you.

MISH said...

Party? Did somebody mention a party? I'm sure you'll do just great, Alex. There's such an amazing support structure to cheer you on...
I'm volunteering as a cheerleader... got my colour-coded cheerleading costume complete with detailed dance moves/sequence... any other cheerleaders eager to join in?

I'll have to first get my tech-guy to add the badge to my side-bar and then I'll be ready to rock 'n roll!!
You know the story... I'm STILL the tech-challenged kid battling with the basics... *sighs*

M.J. Fifield said...

Oh, I'm sure you'll have a huge turn out for the CassaFire party. Nothing to worry about there.

Last summer, I threw a bridal shower for a good friend and though thirty people RSVP'd and said they were coming, only five showed up.

Brinda said...

You had me at Hot Tamales. I've already signed up and look forward to it!

Golden Eagle said...

I'm sure you'll have lots of people show up for your party! :) I know I'm ready for it.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I know you will do well. But, no matter what, things work out. It's our choice to make bad decisions better and bad situations work for good.

Yes, I planned for months an event. I put together a huge community event, brought in speakers from our capital and others and two people came. The Cardinals were in the series that night. :)
Teresa

Cate Masters said...

We'll be there to cheer you on, Alex.
I always wanted to learn how to do balloon animals for book signings. Better than candy, eh? :)

Rusty Carl said...

All signed up. And throwing a party where no one shows up is a huge fear of mine. Huge. So I feel your pain. But, based on the number of folks that have signed up I'd think you're probably going to be just fine.

But man, that date is approaching fast.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

But Alex, you ARE a big name author. Didn't you KNOW that???

Jeremy [Retro] said...

i am down for the party, will there be balloons. either way i will be there.

Laura Eno said...

Snort. Mr. Ninja throw a party and nobody comes? Never happen!
I thought I already signed up but I can't find me...or I'm going blind. Signing up again and hoping it doesn't explode. :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ciara, that's all right!

Natalie, and I really appreciate that. Hope you enjoy it! And I'm booked until May, so that works for both of us.

Mish, thank you - and yes, it appears there will be a whole row of cheerleaders.

MJ, that is terrible!

Journaling, that's a real bummer, especially after you worked so hard!

Cate, I'll take a balloon animal.

Rusty, thanks for reminding me!

Cathy, it doesn't feel like it at all!

Laura, did you just snort on my blog?

Thanks everyone so much!

DL Hammons said...

*snaps to attention* Already ready to go, SIR!

Oh, and it could go the other way. You plan a party, and the room's too small to hold all the guests!!

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

You are so incredibly supportive of other writers, it's amazing! I signed up and I'm excited to spread the word!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

It seems like I just barely got over feeling insecure from last month, can't believe it's that time again!

Tonja said...

I think you'll have plenty of people celebrating with you. Good luck on your new book.

Liza said...

Alex, when you think of all you have accomplished and all the loyal readership you have developed over the past couple of years, I'm pretty sure book #2 is destined for success. First off, you tell a great tale. Secondly, I don't know what you do in your daytime job, but you are an unbelievable marketer.

Heather M. Gardner said...

What exactly are you smoking anyway? You throw a party once a month and we all clamor to get here first!

We got your back.

HMG

Matthew MacNish said...

I need to get my review written.

Jess said...

Don't worry, we're all here to support you! Good luck with CassaFire!

Amy said...

Great post Alex! I'm looking forward to the Catch Fire! Blog Party, it's going to be great. I also can't wait to read CassaFire, I bet it's going to be just as awesome as CassaStar. :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

You'll probably be overwhelmed with the guest list and have to open up another room! And, I'd say you're a medium-sized author. The big-named authors didn't get there overnight. Congrats on all your inspiring accomplishments!!

Sarah Ahiers said...

for some reason i missed signing up for this before. Weird.
Well, i'm signed up now!
And don't worry, peeps will definitely show for your party

Sarah McCabe said...

Do any of us have the slightest clue what we're doing? I know I don't. but at least we're in it together.

LynnRush said...

Yay!!!! Oh, crud. I forgot it 's Insecure Writer's Support Group. Darn it. I'll catch you on the next round. My brain is mush (editing caves will do that) LOL

Super excited for your release date. Woot!!!!! My sophomore project is coming out May 2012 and I am both excited and scared.

Write on, my friend!

Anonymous said...

Hahaha I had exactly that fear, so I had the "Party" the week before. Silly, I know. But that fear of people not showing up was so overwhelming.

Anyway, good luck to you! I'll have my local library order a copy so they'll have both your books on their shelves.

Anonymous said...

BIG UP Alex. You will do fantastically! We are all here for you dude! X

Unknown said...

I'm not experienced with release day but I'm excited for yours.

I've never thrown a party that no one showed but it would be horrible. I'm sure a lot will attend yours.

Kittie Howard said...

You're gonna do great! But you're right, this stuff isn't easy (to do all the time because there are only 24 hrs. in a day and, whew, where does the time go?)

Nicki Elson said...

Well, you certainly got lots of us to show at your IWSG party! I'm looking forward to Catching Fire later this month---it's going to be a blast (get it? a little spaceship pun, eh?

PK HREZO said...

I'll be there for the big CassaFire day!! As I'm sure others will as well. :)

Jessica Salyer said...

I too, have the fear of throwing a party and no one showing up. I just signed up. I'll be there. :)

Marta Szemik said...

Absolutely will be there on the 28th! I'm sure the party will be a big success!

Unknown said...

I'll pop in on the 28th but I can't take part as there's that pesky exam....

*sigh*

Jasmine Walt said...

With the sheer amount of active followers you have, I'm sure it will be more than just a 'small' party, Alex. It's so exciting that your release date is coming up! :D

I will try to stop in. No clue what's going on that day in my life, but I will try. :)

Unknown said...

Stop worrying! There'll be so many at the party you'll run out of margaridas in the first ten minutes.
(I joined your Insecure group LOL).
PS Do we need to bring a bottle?

Copyboy said...

This insecure writes group is gradually getting VERY secure. haha

kjmckendry said...

I never know what I'm doing! But I will be there at your party!

Unknown said...

Couldn't imagine not showing up for your party and it looks like you have nothing to worry about. Your friends will be there to cheer you on, insecurities and all :)

cleemckenzie said...

I did give a party once and only ONE person showed. I was thirteen, so that non-party had a great impact on my tender soul. I still have to write about that.


Here's to February 28th!

Luna said...

Hot Tamales are my favorite movie candy!

You show great support for others. There's no doubt that they will return the favor.

Congratulations on the release of your second book. This month! I'll be at the party.

Sommer Leigh said...

OMG I forgot today was the insecure writer's support group day. For some reason I thought it was next wednesday.

I'm going to show up to the party fashionably late.

Brianna said...

I have no doubt your party will be well-attended! It's surprising to me that you would worry about that, but that's also why I love the IWSG. It's so comforting to know that even successful writers have insecurities.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I know your party will be a huge success Alex! Sorry I won't be able to post an IWSG story today, as I' ve been busy helping my mom move. I will try to catch up on other blogs though. Julie

Laura Josephsen said...

I'm sure that you'll have a lot of people at your party. :D I know I'll be there. But I understand the sentiment--I'm not comfortable with promotions, either...at least not if they're my own! I love promoting other people.

I think all writers have moments of "AHH what am I doing!? What if no one cares? What if this book sucks? What if I can't fix it?" And on and on...

But I think you've already made a mark on the world--I mean, even with the Insecure Writer's Group, you're encouraging people to encourage others--and that you'll continue to do so.

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

Your party will be a huge success! And your second book will be a hit. Just remember, you can't please everyone. Next to art, writing is the most subjective thing on the planet!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I can't wait for your book!

Cherie Reich said...

Aww! We're not going anywhere, so we'll come to the party. I have that same insecurity too about promoting and such, though. :)

~Sia McKye~ said...

I love your book. When did you say the next one is coming out? lolol!

Alex, trust me when I say, you will have lots of support for your book and cheering you on sweetie.

Half the time, we're all unsure if our voice is heard or we're doing stuff right.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Hart Johnson said...

Ha! I'm in! Sorry I had missed this earlier--blog breaks are a pain that way. You will do great!

Johanna Garth said...

No worries. I'm sure you will have your full ninja army in attendance!

Anonymous said...

HUNDREDS of people, if not more, are going to attend your party! Cheers!!
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

DL, never thought of that!

Thank you, Rachel.

Liza, thank you! And I as far as marketing and promoting, I still have no idea what I am doing.

Thanks, Heather.

Amy, I hope so!

Mary, I don't even feel medium-sized.

Lynn, I'm sure it will rock.

Stephen, I appreciate that!

Nicki, you're so funny.

Thanks, Jasmine.

Susan, if you think we'll run out, you might want to bring one.

Clee, I'm sorry!

Sommer, that's all right.

Thanks, Brianna.

Thank you very much, Laura.

Sia, you're ready for the third one already???

Thanks everyone!

David P. King said...

Count me in (looks like you've amassed a HUGE party, sir)! :)

Carol Kilgore said...

I could have sworn I signed up for this, but I didn't see me on there. It's there now. Party on!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

You know you are going to have so many guests that they will have to bring their own refreshments!

I'm there, of course! The ghost of Mark Twain might even be there -- he loves free food and drink! LOL. :-)

Christine Rains said...

I'm ready for the party and I'll be there! :)

I have Attack the Block to watch this week. Any good?

Nancy Thompson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nancy Thompson said...

You, Alex, are like the most popular kid in school. Of course everyone will come your party! I think I might have signed up twice. I didn't realize I had singed up a while ago, and I signed up again, but I don't see my name at the bottom so maybe it didn't take the second time. I'm such an idiot! Anyway, my point is, I will be there. Wouldn't miss it for the world!!

Leovi said...

Yes, you're right, the uncertainty makes us hesitate. but I think CassaFire be a success than CassaStar, previous experience supports you.

Steven said...

Damnation, I forgot to join the support group again! Okay, I am going to sign up for March, I swear. I will attend your party, because I know what it's like to have nobody show up to yours (okay, I had like 5 people show up for the launch party I threw for my first book, when I had invited hundreds).

Karen Lange said...

I am sure that it will be a success! How can it not be? :)

Melissa Sugar said...

Alex, your book will do great. It is however humbling to know that even someone like you has moments of insecurity. I do not think you have to worry about a party with no-shows. Your party will be the hit of the party circuit. I have signed up and am looking forward to it. Thanks for the reminder about today. It totally slipped my mind that today was the 1st Wed. I will have to do a multi-purpose post when I get home from work this evening.

Julie Flanders said...

Oh, how fun! Just signed up for the party and I can't wait. Congratulations and best of luck with the big release!

Tara Tyler said...

i love this group! venting is an important part of this process =)
thanks for listening!

Anonymous said...

Woohoo! Congrats!!!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, David!

Roland, Twain is more than welcome.

Christine, it's great! Very funny.

Nancy, thanks, although that wasn't true when I was really in school. And the list is for the IWSG.

Steven, that's all right. Sorry about your party - see, that's why I'm nervous.

Melissa, insecurity knows no status!

Thanks so much everyone - you guys rock!

Emily R. King said...

I'm all signed up for Catch Fire!

Cindy Pulido said...

Great post! I can't wait to start reading your book. Thanks for the support. :)

Denise Covey said...

Great post Alex. I joined up for your party awhile ago. Now I'm sure it'll be a big bash but I understand your insecurity big time.

Denise

Laura Barnes said...

Ugh, I feel anxiety FOR you when you put it that way. I totally am afraid of throwing parties that no one comes to. Probably why I don't throw parties. :)

Margo Kelly said...

Oh I want you to have the BEST party ever! I won't be able to join because I may not have internet access that week ... but have a BLAST without me. :)

Patsy said...

It's going to be a great party, Alex!

Mark Koopmans said...

Hey Alex,

You should plan on throwing your *next* party (for #3 Book:) in Hawaii... I can bring the little umbrella stick thingies for the weird cocktail drinks :)

Dude, Catch Fire! is going to be a hit. You da Ninja Captain, c'mon now :)

PR said...

If you enjoy doing something then the effort is always worth it. Stupid question but I am a newbie to the blogosphere, is a blog party and a blog hop the same thing? :P

M Pax said...

I'm sure your party will be huge, Alex! You're welcome to do promo on my blog at any time. :) I'm looking forward to reading Cassafire.

Laura said...

I'll be there Alex... with bells on :)

Shannon Lawrence said...

It looks like a lot of people are coming to your party, Alex! I've signed up and wish you luck with your book launch.

Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 A-to-Z Challenge!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Somehow I don't think you need to worry about no one showing up to the party

Southpaw said...

I can understand your fear. I think it is a deep rooted fear in all of us - that no one will come.

But rest assured, we will all be there!

Anonymous said...

Just accepted your invite to the bash to end all bashes! I mean, your book release event. ;)

Being someone who never had a lot of friends, I understand where you're coming from. But it really is better to have a few people who really appreciate and love you than a thousand who couldn't pick you out of a crowd, even if you were standing right next to them.

Funny enough, we're standing right beside you! (Virtually, of course.)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Laura, I usually don't either.

Mark, you have a deal, dude!

Hey Anna! A blog hop (or blogfest) is usually a one day event where everyone posts their own take on a theme. The IWSG is a monthly blogfest. A party is a one shot deal and the host usually sends some basic information for everyone to post.

Thank you, everyone! Crap, now I need to order the catering...

Arlee Bird said...

I guarantee that your party will be a smash. And I'm pretty confident that CassaFire will sell at least as well if not better than CassaStar.

Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Last year, I threw myself a going away party when I was moving out of the Bay Area. NOBODY showed up for 30 minutes. Taking pity on me, the waiter (who was cute) said we'd have dinner together if nobody showed. Of course, my luck, that's when they started arriving.

Your party will be much more successful from beginning to end. Just don't forget the chocolate.
xoRobyn

Miranda Hardy said...

I'll be there. I hope the release party is a smash!

Jeremy Bates said...

looking forward to the release!

and btw, how did the voting go for the trailer?? i've signed up my trailer for feb!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, hope so!

Robyn, you have all the luck!

Jeremy, mine finished third with almost five hundred and fifty votes, so be prepared for tough competition and lots of groveling to get votes.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Alex, yes! I'm ready for any book you write.

You're gonna make me wait until next year, aren't you. Sigh...Good things come to those who wait...Get cracking, Alex. I didn't agree to patiently waiting, LMAO!

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Emily Genther said...

Hot Tamales are a good idea but chocolate is a must for a party :)

Lydia Kang said...

Allrighty...I'm in!
I'll take some of those Hot Tamales...yum.

Unknown said...

Signed up! It'll be 7 days after my neck surgery...will have laptop in the bed. :)) And, you'll be fine! Look at all the people already signed up for the party!

Off to write my Feb. IWSG post.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Alex! Why do I always forget about this day? I just remembered today? I'm so sorry. *sigh* You'll do fine with your second release--much better than the first. At least now you know what to expect! ;)

*hugs*
you'd do great!

Misha Gerrick said...

I hope that your party is a great success. :-)

Jamie Gibbs said...

I'm more of an atendee than a host, though I really should give it a shot sometime. Looking forward to the release of CassaFire - it's going to be all kinds of awesome!

Jen said...

Argh! Yet AGAIN I missed the IWSG post. Boo! No worries, though. Off to visit now. Better late than never, right?

Your new book's title lends itself well to a promotional campaign. I mean, come on: Catch Fire? How cool IS that? I'm sure it will be fabulous! BTW, I just signed up for the party :D

Cheers!
Jen

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sia, if I don't get to writing soon, it will be a longer wait than that!

Thanks, Candy. And hope your surgery goes well.

Jamie, you should play host sometime.

Jen, you like that play on words, huh?

Maurice Mitchell said...

You go Alex. Your ninja army has your back. Just remember to only use it for good and not for evil. ;-)

Dafeenah said...

thanks for the help in getting that sorted!! Good luck on your party and much more success to you!!

Unknown said...

Of course I'll be there!

Nancy said...

Signed up but am not sure what to bring to the party. People not showing up big time fear of mine. In fact, I usually will poll invited guests to make sure they are coming.

Leovi said...

Well etoy and waiting for instructions to the party, we were going to send an email at this time, no?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Maurice, I will only use the Force for good!

No problem, Dafeenah.

Nancy, chips and dips are always welcome.

Unknown said...

I can't wait for the Catch Fire Party. Small parties can sometimes turn into huge bashes. I have no doubt we will really turn up the fun for CassaFire.

Sorry I missed IWSG. Maybe I can post something late. :(

Gwen Gardner said...

Hi Alex- I just signed up for both the IWSG and the Catch Fire party. I'm also a new follower - can't believe I wasn't following before, I see you around all the time! Congrats on your 2nd book release.

D.G. Hudson said...

Don't worry, Alex, people like me who love science fiction will buy it. (I'm already signed up for your launch party.)

It's the power of the number of supporters that you do have who can spread the word.

Put your Ninja skills to work. A little Jedi mind-meld wouldn't hurt either.

Author A.O. Peart said...

I've signed up a loooong time ago because how could I possibly miss such a bash!!!
Looking forward to the release day. :-)

Donna K. Weaver said...

I'm so in! Hubby and I loved your first book and can't wait for this next one.

Mark said...

Signed up and doing what I can to offer my support, keep it up:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melissa, you have a legitimate excuse! Now get better.

Thanks, Gwen!

DG, channeling the Jedi...

Angela, Donna, and Mark - thanks!

Anonymous said...

I signed up for the party. I bet a lot of people are going to show up. :)

I understand this post completely. I'm sometimes nervous or scared that something I'm planning for won't have a good reception.

Helena said...

I really believe your book will do just great. And I totally understand when you say that most days you feel like you don't know what you're doing. I feel that way EVERY day.

Not So Simply Single said...

For God's sake, I don't know why you are so insecure. I figure if you don't like my writing, fu@# you and go read something else.

Then again...

Nah, I will stick to that...

Lisa

Suze said...

'My insecurity today stems from a date that is approaching fast –
February 28, 2012.

The release date for CassaFire, my second book.

What’s going to happen that day?'

You are going to be overwhelmed by all of the support of your friends and everyone who believes in you. You will reap what you have sown.

:)

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations on your second release, Alex! And thanks for starting the Insecure Writers Group.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Can't wait. Already signed up.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Medeia, thank you!

Helena, I hope so.

Suze, thank you. I've just done what I could for my blogging buddies.

Deniz, thanks and glad you're enjoying the group!

Thanks, Donna.

J.C. Martin said...

Erm, I'm pretty sure I've already signed up (have had the button on my sidebar for yonks), but just in case, have signed up again. Sorry if you get a double-RSVP from me.

Your fear of throwing a party no one turns up to is one I share. What if no one signs up for the giveaway? What if all my work is for naught? Thing is, with the help of fellow blogger buddies, you'll pull through! :)

Talli Roland said...

You know it won't be a small party! :) Have I signed up? I'm pretty sure I have... hm. Is there going to be wine?

dolorah said...

You will do great Alex. 125% of your followers comment on every blog. That shows you that you are a "big time author".

Bloggers have bought, read, and reviewed you novel. You have proved the lie that "blogging does not sell books."

Bask in your glory Alex. The second novel is sure to be an even bigger seller than the first.

......dhole

Sarah Tokeley said...

You might not read this, as I'm so late getting here but I wanted to say thank you for all that you do - and your only party problem is going to be not having enough chairs for all the people that want to be part of it :-)

Jemi Fraser said...

I use a similar method in Google Reader, but I have one for best blogger buddies and then one folder for each day of the week, along with agent blogs, ...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JC, so far, so good!

Donna, thank you so much for your encouraging words!

Sarah, I did read your comment - and thank YOU.

Birgit said...

You have a 2nd book published! Some people think of writing a book and think of getting it published but never act on it...you did and congrats to that!!

Shockgrubz said...

Thanks for letting me in the party, Alex.

I am a bit late with the comment, I had thought I had done this before, but I guess it was just deja vu'.