Wednesday, October 7, 2020

IWSG: Wednesday, October 7, 2020 ~ Call Me a Working Writer

 




It's the first Wednesday of the month,
the day that members of the
Insecure Writer's Support Group
share their writing struggles
and writing successes
and offer their encouragement
and support to fellow writers.






To visit the IWSG website, click here.

To become a member of the IWSG, click here.

Our wonderful co-hosts who are volunteering today,
along with IWSG Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh are Jemima Pett, Beth CampBeverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner.

I hope you have a chance to visit today's hosts and thank them for co-hosting.
I'm sure they would appreciate a visit and an encouraging comment.
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Every month the IWSG announces a question that members can answer
with advice, insight, a personal experience, or a story in their IWSG posts.

Or, the question can inspire members
if they aren't sure what to write about on IWSG Day.

Remember the question is optional.
This month's featured question is: 

When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like? 


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Happy October, Everyone!  
I hope that you and your loved ones are safe, healthy, and happy.  

I see myself as a working writer.
It has been a slow journey, but last November was a turning point for me.
Right around Thanksgiving I learned that my short story "Dare Double Dare"
had landed a spot in the 2020 IWSG Anthology Voyager:  The Third Ghost.
For the first time I felt real.

My First Book Signing
Dream Come True
Credit:  Susan Fiscus




This past year has been a crash course
in what it means to be a writer with a published book.
I have learned so much from being included in the anthology.
I have been mentored through the process by L. Diane Wolfe,
Alex J. Cavanaugh, and my fellow writers featured in the anthology.
My ideas and my list of things to do as an author are increasing faster
than my ability to implement them.  But that's a good problem!

What does this look like for me?  
There isn't a day that goes by that I am not working
on something connected with my writing.
Staying safer at home since March 6th has helped me a lot.
I am not distracted by such things as traveling or visiting family.
That is not a good problem, but it has helped my writing.

Missing My Extended Family
and all the wild wacky fun we have together
Natalie, Jake, Bertie, Pat, Donnie, Andrew, Louise (Me), and Sara
August 7, 2016
Photographer Unknown



I'm mentally gearing up to tackle NaNoWriMo in November.
I've never done it before, but I'll never have a better chance
since I'm likely to be staying safer at home for the foreseeable future.
I think NaNoWriMo will be a powerful motivator.
I'm putting out into the universe so I can't chicken out.
I'm collecting some funnies for when I need guidance or a laugh.







I'm so looking forward to making the rounds tomorrow!
Happy writing in October!  



Till next time ~
Fundy Blue


Waiting for the Ferry to Tiverton
Grand Passage, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada
July, 2016
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved





Check out today's post at the IWSG Anthologies blog site:
Voyagers Author Roland Clarke and His Thriller "Spiral of Hooves."


Roland Clarke


This is the latest in a series about the Voyagers authors and what they're up to now.
Roland's post gives us a look into the exciting world of equestrian eventing,
and his novel Spiral of Hooves is a thrilling murder mystery
that will keep you turning the pages until long after midnight.

Courtesy of Roland Clarke

50 comments:

  1. That's wonderful you are going to write for NaNo.

    You have been one of the best pupils and have learned the curve really fast. You'll do really well with your new career.

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    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Diane! Take care!

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  2. That's great being in the anthology helped you fulfill your dreams. And awesome that Diane mentored you. She'd be a really good mentor to have.

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    1. Landing a spot in an IWSG anthology is a wonderful opportunity, Natalie. Have a great IWSG Day!

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  3. Sorry you can't visit family. You've done great maintaining the Anthologies blog. Keep learning and growing!

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    1. Thanks, Alex! I live to learn. Enjoy your day!

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  4. Bravo on writing for NaNo. I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes. I've yet to do Nano. Too lazy. As for not visiting your family, I totally understand. Mine are 4000 miles away. It's been a year since I've seen them. Seems forever.

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    1. Being apart, Joylene, is so hard, isn't it? Thank goodness for FaceTime. At least I can see their faces when we talk. All the best to you!

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  5. Love that kitten pic!

    I've done and won NaNo many times, but I'm not sure I'll do it this time around. I wish you all the best with it - you can do it! :)

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    1. Thanks, Madeline! I love that kitty pick too. Whenever I look at it I get a rush of warmth and happiness ~ Something that I really need. Take care, my friend!

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  6. I look at these people who claim to have more time since being forced to stay at home, and I think they must all be lying. I've been working from home, and saving 2+ hours a day commuting, and yet I seem to have less time than ever before. ;-)

    Might be the two little kids at home doing school at the same time. My son interrupted me three times while I was trying to write this comment.

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    1. I feel for you and all the families worried about their children having to do schooling at home. I don't know how you do it, CD! And I feel for educators too. Time ~ LOL! I'm constantly time-starved, and I'm retired. Surely these people who have lots of time are lying. Good luck with your book and your patience. We'll get through this!

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  7. I'm glad that the publication of "Dare Double Dare" has opened up new experiences for you! Good luck with NaNoWriMo -- may you be full of inspiration!

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    1. Thanks, Debra! I'm having the time of my life. All my best to you!

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  8. Published, isolated, maybe these two combined are a catalyst for the next instalment of your writing. Gather your family in your heart, see the photo of you in a circle, and be inspired. This is meant for you, and staying home, although missing the outdoors and the travel, is a time to reflect, and focus on the new words. Heaps of love, and admiration and pride as you, a friend and fellow blogger up North, continue on the journey of writing, XXX

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    1. Thank you, Jean! You always build me up and fill my heart. Love and hugs to you and Hugh!

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  9. An anthology is a great way to start and to learn. :)

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    1. Thanks, Chrys! I'm watching you in awe! You are an inspiration, my friend!

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  10. Way to go with your writing!
    And congrats to Roland!

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    1. Thanks, Tyrean! I hope you're having a great IWSG Day!

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  11. Staying in sure has its positives where writing is concerned. Great that you are constantly learning and promoing away too.

    I never bothered with nano as I could pump that many words out in a week. No challenge to me. Good luck with it though and let another story come to be!

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    1. Thanks, Pat. No one will ever match you, my friend!

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  12. The writer kitten meme is awesome.
    I am excited for the Pass or Pages query contest at Operation Awesome with the YA category this week. Plus, I have half a dozen books to review this month. And WEP coming up! Busy month. I hope you've been staying healthy and thriving as best as you can this year.

    - J

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    1. Thanks, J! I can feel your excitement, and I wish you luck with you success with everything. I went through a rough time in the early part of the pandemic shutdown, but I've made peace with being at home, and I'm now making the most of it. You take care too!

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  13. It sounds like you are getting a lot of writing done during this time. Congratulations on being chosen to be published in the anthology, and I look forward to reading it! I've enjoyed all the writings from IWSG over the years.

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    1. Thanks, Lynn! There is so much talent among the members of the IWSG The more I get to know its members and read their writing, the more amazed and inspired about our group I am. Have a great October!

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  14. Hey Ms Blue! The fella and I are going to spend Canadian thanksgiving on the Fundy shore so thought I'd drop you a line. Nova Scotia has been really pretty safe during the pandemic. The four Atlantic provinces are closed to those from outside unless one quarantined. We've gone on several teeny vacations around Nova Scotia and it has been nice. Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday but not willing to host a big "do" so thought we'd hit the road. I'm going to do NaNoWriMo this November too. I've done it several times and find it excellent. Let's stay in touch?

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    1. Hey, Jan! Lucky you to be spending Thanksgiving on the Fundy Shore. I didn't get home this summer, but I have big hopes for next summer. The Atlantic provinces have done a wonderful job of maintaining their bubble. I hope they can keep it going. I have friends and family scattered around the four provinces, and they have all been strict about quarantining and wearing masks. Meanwhile, here in Colorado, I'm stuck in "safer at home" limbo. I'm not complaining though. I'm fortunate to be healthy and okay. Enjoy Thanksgiving! I'm sure my family will be having a big do together in Smith's Cove (NS). I have no idea what Terry and I will do here. Yes, let's keep in touch! Take care!

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    2. Smith's Cove is where we're going! We're staying at Hedley House. I will take some photos and send them to you. I lived in Colorado as a kid (air force brat).

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    3. Hedley House! Wow! My mom worked there as a chambermaid a long time ago! It's a beautiful spot, and you should have a lovely time. I was an Air Force brat too, at least for a little while. My dad was stationed at Greenwood, NS, for part of his career. As a teacher I got to spend a week at the Air Force Academy with its instructors ~ even got to build a rocket and shoot it off ~ definitely one of the highlights of my life. What a small world! If you're interested, I could put you in touch with my sister Bertie. No worries if you're not. My email is mlouisebarbour@gmail.com.

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  15. NaNo is always fun -- and the forums are full of people on the same journey which means a lot of support when you need it. Have fun!

    Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement, Ronel! I have no idea what to expect, but I'm going for it. I hope you had a fun IWSG Day.

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  16. Hi Louise :)) I think it's a great challenge, the NaNoWriMo, I hope you are successful! I would LOVE to do this as well...I may unofficially! :) I'm so happy that you feel so accomplished, you totally deserve it. By the way can I still wish you a Happy Thanksgiving even if you don't live in Canada anymore? ;)

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    1. Hi, Rain! Of course you can wish me a Happy Thanksgiving, my friend! And I hope that you and Alex have a Happy Thanksgiving in your new home! I referred to myself as an American when I was talking to my brother last weekend, and he went ballistic at my sacrilege. Get over it, Roy ~ LOL I was and will forever be Canadian, but I am also American, and I love my adopted country regardless of the turmoil it is in. You have lots to be thankful for this year, having realized your dream of a place of your own. Wishing you and Alex plus adorable fur babies a fabulous Thanksgiving and October!

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  17. Congrats on the anthology inclusion, Louise. That's great.
    I love Roland's cover!

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    1. Thanks, Sandra. And yes, I love Roland's cover too!

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  18. Pleased you can write every day Louise, I started writing a book after my son passed away, this pandemic have held me up quite a bit.

    Yvonne.

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    1. You'll get back to your book, Yvonne. We get a pass on all kinds of things during this pandemic. Glad to see you surfacing, my friend!

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  19. Absolutely you are a working writer! And how did you manage a book signing? I'm just sitting on all my books, unable to go out and go anywhere I might sell them!

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    1. Some friends and I got together early in June, and I did a little signing. I wouldn't do it now! I'm hoping that next summer I'll be able to get my books in a few places in Nova Scotia. Meanwhile I can do lots to improve my website and write. Take care, Rebecca!

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  20. Best wishes for NaNo! It's always a challenge, but a fun one.

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  21. Thank you for sharing these wonderful achievements and your lovely sense of humor, especially kitteh's characters veering off the outline! And congratulations on your publication! May your first NaNoWriMo meet your every expectation!

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I appreciate the encouragement! All the best to you!

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  22. Congratulations on winning a spot in the anthology! And good luck with NaNo.

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  23. you are born with gift dear Louise and i could feel it when i read your very first post and i did not know you were a working writer ,i think such gift cannot be hide even if someone even want to ,it is like uncontrollable self grown grass on ground who is not sown by anyone yet it is meant to grow and make it lush :)
    heartfelt congratulations for finding place that helped you to grow more my friend and wishing you all the best with NaNo venture :)
    hugs!
    and yes i always love your photos specially your enlightened smile and peaceful eyes :) this make my day ,it is light to share and to uplift for sure :)

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    1. Thank you, dear Baili! Sending you much love and hugs!

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  24. Good luck with Nano! I will say that Corona sucks, but I do like that it seems to have slowed things down a bit for most of us. I've had more time to check things off my huge to-do list... but then again, I've also added on a lot more now that I'm at home more often and forced to see more improvements that need to be made before we sell the house.

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    1. I had to laugh at your list, Theresa! The same thing has happened to mine. It seems for every task I cross off, two more need to be added on. I'd loved to be done with Coronavirus, but apparently it is not done with us. Take care!

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate them very much.