Wednesday 4 May 2022

IWSG May 2022

It's the first Wednesday of the month and of course that means it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. The aim of the group is to offer a safe space, free of judgement, to share fears and insecurities about writing. Join us if you haven't already! Today's co-hosts are Kim ElliottMelissa MaygroveChemist KenLee Lowery and Nancy Gideon.


This month I've got an aim to finish up the edits on my trilogy finale by the end of May. It'll be exciting to get it done but also bittersweet to leave that world behind - I'll also be looking towards blog tours, cover reveals, reviews and so on, so I guess getting organised is my insecurity this month!

Let's have a look at this month's optional question: It's the best of times; it's the worst of times. What are your writer highs (the good times)? And what are your writer lows (the crappy times)?

Wow, quite a question. Something tells me we'll see some very emotional answers today. My answer would probably be pretty simple. My highs are when the writing is flowing and I feel like I'm fizzing with ideas that I can't get out fast enough, and my lows are when grinding a sentence out feels like getting blood out of a stone. I think regardless of promotion, sales, visibility and any other markers of success, my impetus comes from how well I'm getting on with the writing itself. Interested to read other responses!

You can check out those answers from other participants here

20 comments:

Natalie Aguirre said...

Totally agree with your highs and lows. Struggling to write is one of the worst lows for me.

Liza said...

There are so many ways to answer the question...but I think my favorite is yours! When the words are flowing, there is nothing in the world like it!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

And we've all had to grind out sentences before... No fun.

Christine Rains said...

It's so exciting you're finishing up the edits on your finale! I'm finishing up my own edits for a release this month too. I love it when my writing flows, but my low will always be marketing.

Melissa said...

"...getting blood out of a stone"
LOL That is a perfect description.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Completely agree with you Nick, when my writing is flowing its a huge high for me too.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Good luck finishing up -- and getting organized! Fun (stressful but fun)!

Liz A. said...

Yes, definitely when the writing is flowing things are going well. I totally know what you mean.

P.J. MacLayne said...

I find that the words flow better for me when I write by hand instead of on the compuer.

Damyanti Biswas said...

I just finished my novel in the middle of a writing low--the ending was a struggle --the last 15k words, but I did it anyway in a week or so.

All the best with your writing, Nick.

Kim Elliott said...

This month was a great question. I learned a lot about my fellow writers and found a lot in common. Thanks for sharing your answers! They were relatable.

Yvonne Ventresca said...

Best of luck with your trilogy edits!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yes!! I totally agree with it being all about where we're at with writing itself no matter where all the other stuff fits in. We are at heart creatives, and writing is our craft of choice.

Lori L. MacLaughlin said...

Those highs and lows made it into my post, as well. I think all writers can relate. Good luck finishing up your edits!

Denise Covey said...

Nick, I think you put the highs and lows of an author's life very succinctly.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Bravo, Nick, for aiming to finish your trilogy. Way to go! You can do it!

We ALL feel like we have days when we are trying to get "blood out of a stone" attempting to move forward with our stories. All best to you, sir!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nick - you've hit the right spot as per your commenters. Good luck with getting your first book of the trilogy out this year - all the best - Hilary

Annalisa Crawford said...

Count me in on any blog tours etc!

Most of the answers to this month's question seem to be the same. At the end of the day, writers want to write - the subject of marketing etc only appear to enter our heads when it's relevant. The actual writing is always at the fore.

Diane Burton said...

I love it when the words are flowing. Such a great feeling. When they don't, ugh. Hang in there. Enjoy those highs.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

When the words flow...that is a most special time!