Once again it's time for the Insecure
Writers Support Group, whose mission is to share and encourage. Writers can express
doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have
been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for
insecure writers of all kinds! IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh Thanks,
Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. And thanks to this month's
awesome hosts: Sandra
Hoover, Mark
Koopmans, Doreen
McGettigan, Megan
Morgan, and Melodie
Campbell!
Have you recovered from Thanksgiving? Black Friday? Cyber
Monday? Did you brave the elements to capture the bargains? Or did you (like
me) stay home and enjoy that second cup of coffee and visit with company?
Thanksgiving at our house was laid back and enjoyable. I didn’t
rush around, as I’ve done in years past, making sure everything was “perfect.” Half
of my family came along with my sister. (We’ll see the other half at Christmas.)
As we settled down at a table loaded with more food than we could eat, we
thanked God for our many blessings. That we live in a (mostly) safe place, have
a home and plenty of food, and loved ones to share it with.
Something else we’re thankful for—we live in a place where
we can choose our profession. We can write on any topic without censorship.
Most of us don’t even give that a thought. We take for granted what others in
the world crave. Freedom.
As an indie author (self-published), I’m responsible for all
aspects of releasing a book. Since I have zero artistic ability, I hire a cover
artist. And since, despite my degree in English, I can’t see my own mistakes, I
hire an editor. Everything else is up to me. One thing I’ve learned is to be
flexible. The book that (in my plan) was supposed to be released in October is
still with my editor for a final proofing. I used to get upset. Now I force
myself to remember that some things are out of my control and I have to go with
the flow. I can tell you that The Case of
the Fabulous Fiancé (An Alex O’Hara Novel) will come out before Christmas.
One deadline I did make this year is a writing short story for
The Roses of Prose blog. Each year, we give back to our readers by offering a
collection of free short stories, and I was given the privilege of going first.
My story is in three parts. Part 1 came out yesterday, Part 2 today, and the
conclusion will come tomorrow. If you get a chance, pop over and read “The
Christmas Jailbirds.” http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-christmas-jailbirds-by-diane-burton.html
Despite the frenzy of the next four weeks, I hope you take
time to enjoy the season. Wishing you all peace and joy and writing success.
Click here
to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on
Facebook to see who’s
blogging today.
