Wednesday 4 January 2023

IWSG January 2023

A brand new year and it's time for our first meeting of 2023 for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Hope everyone's excited and has great plans for the year ahead. Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Jemima PettDebs CareyKim LajevardiSarah FosterNatalie Aguirre and T. Powell Coltrin.


January 4 question - Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finished my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?

I had a think about this - I initially dismissed the question because I've never had a "word of the year" but on reflection it might be quite a nice idea. And a good word for my 2023 might be "present." No, it's not a hangover for Christmas, I'm not fixated on receiving gifts. No, I mean it would be a good idea to be present in the moment and receptive to opportunities, especially in the year when my first traditionally published book is released. It's about not second guessing things in terms of what could go wrong or right because it's easy to get into a tailspin that way. I'm not saying that nerves or anxiety about my work coming out on a particular platform are going to go away. I think those are ever present for all of us to a degree no matter where we are in our career. But it's about managing that and not letting it stop us enjoying special moments when they happen. Obviously, being present is a good motto in any situation - with family, for example. 

So, yeah, that's the word I'm going to take going forward for this year. What about you? See how others answered at the IWSG list here.

27 comments:

Karen Baldwin said...

I like your word "present". Also...your thoughts on being receptive to opportunities. I had a fortune cookie the other day that said "be open to new opportunities" I saved it to remind me of that. Happy New Year writing.

Liza said...

"Present" is a great word for all of us. Thank you for the reminder to live for now and not what could be or might be. Happy New Year, Nick.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Being present so you can really experience your first year of having a book traditionally published sounds like a great word for 2023 for you. I hadn't thought of picking a word for the year either but like the idea.

Melissa said...

Everyone's post is making me want to change words. LOL Good one.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Great choice of word Nick. Present or live in the moment is pure bliss. Happy New Year!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Being present means not stressing about the future - excellent!

Nancy Gideon said...

Great word and sentiment. Too often we get caught up in stuff that distracts from what's important, dismissive of those who need and deserve our attention. Being present is being attentive to others and things around you not absorbed in self. A good thing to practice and may have just become part of my vocabulary for 2023

Jennifer Hawes said...

Being present connects us to the moment and makes us focus on so many important things. Good luck to you this year.

Patricia JL said...

That sounds like a great word for you.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Great word. I've tried to be present for the past few years - for me, as well as being receptive to opportunities, it allows me to stand for a moment and just observe the daily things around me. I think that's why I'm so bad at updating my Instagram account - I watch instead of take photos!!

Jean Davis said...

Great word choice. Enjoy all your special moments in the coming year!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Being in the present means you don't miss those special moments.

cleemckenzie said...

Being present is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Perfect word choice. Happy 2023.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

I've said it before. All the luck with your new release. Bravo! I love your word for the year. You are right. We all need to be present in our lives with our families and friends. And of course, our writing. Thanks, Nick! All best to you in 2023!

Liz A. said...

Nice word. It's always a good idea to remain in the moment, especially during exciting times.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Always a good word! And great sentiment. Happy New Year!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That is a good word. Best of look with your new release.

Nicole Pyles said...

I love "present" being your word! I'd love that one too. I saw someone's word choice being "hope" and that's another good one.

Michelle Wallace said...

I've never had a 'word of the year'...
But I believe in perseverance. So maybe that will be my ongoing word for years to come.
All the best for 2023, Nick!

Bish Denham said...

A most excellent word, Nick. Being present in everything we do/say/think etc is really the key to success and happiness. May we all be present in 2023!

Adrienne Reiter said...

This is my first WOTY, too! Present is an excellent word. Not struggling with the past, worrying about the future but enjoying the moment. Finding joy in life isn't that mystical. Happy New Year, Nick!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

A great word! Being present lets us experience the fullness of life without those pesky second guesses.

kjmckendry said...

YES! Totally agree! Sometimes I forget to be present in the difficult moments, but I'm trying to learn to be grateful for those as well and see them as either opportunities to improve or as reminders of how good things are usually!

Happy New Year Nick! Hope 2023 is awesome for you! :)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Present is a great word. I try to be more present myself. It helps to keep life in perspective.

Mark said...

Happy New Year, Nick! I think 'courage' or 'luck' need to be my words for this upcoming year:)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nick - belated ... but here ... being present is most definitely something we all need to pay more attention to ... just paying attention to others rather than living in our own worlds ... but you've got lots going on - so all the best for this coming year - cheers Hilary

Deniz Bevan said...

That's a great choice of word! It reminds me to be more mindful in all my interactions, especially with family <3