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IWSG - Writer Interrupted

This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post for July.  

IWSG is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. It's a monthly bloghop that offers a safe haven for writers to express their feelings and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It's also a venue for offering support, both in the form of comments and positive posts. Writers of all kinds are welcome. 

We 'meet' the first Wednesday of every month. If you're interested in learning more, click on the link above. And don't be intimidated by the size of the group. We're not expected to visit everyone on the list. 

Alex's awesome co-hosts for July are:




Please stop by their blogs and say thank you.

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Once again, my pre-made IWSG post sat empty until the eleventh hour because I wasn't sure what to write. I'm not really insecure. My feelings are more of the angry and frustrated variety. And, because I'm so grumpy and unproductive (not because I want to be—because things out of my control are keeping me from finishing my WIP), I don't have any good news to report. Well, I'm alive, (relatively) healthy, and I still have a job and a roof over my head, but that's about it.

I finally understand why people do crazy mid-life crisis things. If I was given to impulsive, irresponsible behavior, I would be, too.

Anyhow, I'll shove my crappy attitude aside and try to be encouraging.
Below are links to some good posts I've come across lately. 



Ava Jae over at Writability always has something interesting and helpful to say. She wrote a great post about sentence length and cadence.  “...writing isn’t just about conveying a story or message—although that’s a large part of it. It’s about conveying meaning in the purest way possible, in a manner that doesn’t distract the reader from the meaning, but enhances the experience."




E.J. Wesley wrote an excellent post, in his signature keep-it-real style, about the choices authors make. If you're struggling with publishing decisions, this one might help. Either way, it's worth the read. 




And this post from Jami Gold is just plain fun. She managed to write about the NSA and internet privacy without getting political at all. If anything, it'll make you laugh...and make you think twice when you do your next Google search on something like bomb making




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Thanks for sticking around despite my grousing. 
Wishing you fast fiction fingers and a safe fourth.





Comments

  1. we have tons of good posts from others, glad to see the blogging sharing love!

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  2. xD
    You're the second person to want pictures/video if I lose it. hahaha

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  3. Thanks for the links, will go check them out, Melissa. Here's some cyber chocolate and hugs-- hope things look up for you soon!

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  4. I need to read that one about sentences.
    Sorry you feel like a Grumpy Cat.
    Hope you have a good Fourth!

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  5. Oh wow! Thanks so much for sharing my post, Melissa! I really do appreciate it. :)

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  6. Hi Melissa, thanks for visiting my blog and thanks for the links. I hope that you'll be able to find the time you need to finish your WIP soon. :) I know it's not always easy when things happen. :)

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  7. You mean feeling frustrated and grumpy isn't normal when you can get the WIP done or it hits a glitch? Sheesh. I guess I'm Abby-normal too.

    Enjoy your 4th. We're working on a substantial outside *to do* list during the time off. I'm gonna be one tired unit but satisfied. :-)

    Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

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  8. I am so right there with you. I have a WIP that I just love. I think about it in the car, waiting in line somewhere, just every where. I get these great ideas and when I finally sit down at the computer all I get is interrupted. I was ready to toss the laptop out a window (and I still feel that every now and then), but I am getting better. I've adjusted my writing schedule and know that things will eventually get better.

    Thanks for sharing the fun posts!

    Meredith
    Meredith’s Musings

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  9. I love that line in 1408 about writers and drinking, not that it's the best ways of dealing with the ups and downs of the profession. Sometimes I feel like the sun will never shine again and sometimes I'm on top of the world, but I'd rather be that way than become a plastic fake-o that seem to be everywhere.

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  10. Great idea to share some inspiring posts. I have to chuckle as I also feel like I understand now why people do crazy mid-life crisis things. Haven't done them myself but I've been close enough I'm afraid.

    I'm sorry you've been feeling grumpy, I hope you have a great holiday and are feeling on a more even keel soon.

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  11. I think being grumpy sometimes is in the job description for writers. It's great that you found encouragement in the words of others. Happy 4th to you as well!

    Great IWSG post!

    Kim
    (This Writer's Growing)

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  12. I think its perfectly ok to feel the way you, we all have our moments. Now I'm curious what impulsive behavior you would act on lol

    Thanks for those link to inspiring posts. Have a great 4th and hang in there ;)

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  13. Sometimes ya just gotta be grumpy. At least that's what I tell myself. The hubby would disagree.
    CD Coffelt ponders at Spirit Called
    And critiques at UnicornBell

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  14. I totally understand the distractions keeping you from your WIP. It's tough, especially during the summer. I hope you get some time to concentrate on it. Keep chugging along!! If you want to sprint, yell. :)

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  15. Melissa, you crack me up. Maybe we need to get a bunch of mid-life women writers together for a road trip. Good heavens, yes, sometimes -- most times-- it's not about the insecurities as much as the grumpies!

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    1. Yes! That's what we need to do!
      Road trip! Road trip! Road trip! :D

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  16. Have a fun and safe 4th as well. I miss celebrating the 4th in the States. Thanks for the links, there're a couple I'm definitely going to check out. I think a little frustration is actually good. It'll make you more efficient when you finally get some writing time in. As for the grumpy part, chocolate and wine. Works for me... (;

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  17. Hey, a lot of us are in the same boat with you so (like my Dad used to say),

    "Don't think you're the Lone Ranger".

    We have your back and don't worry....things will get better.

    Have a great Fourth, Kemosabe :)

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  18. Thanks for the highlights, Melissa! I love all of EJ's posts. He always inspires me! And I'm with Julie... can I come on the road trip? ;-)

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  19. Having fireworks is the best start to feeling better. Don't worry too much about being grumpy. I think everyone needs it once in a while. I know. I'm specialist on that. Thanks for the suggestions. I leave you dragon hugs with the hope to make you feel better!

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  20. If you need some topics about insecurity, I have plenty to share--in fact I already have my August post titled and ready to draft! You're fortunate if you don't wrestle with insecurity, but I think we do have this in common: I also get grouchy when I'm away from my WIP for too long.
    Have a fun Fourth, and stay safe. :)
    (And I agree, Jami Gold is awesome!)

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  21. Oh no! No midlife crisis behavior allowed. ;)
    Hopefully things will get straightened out elsewhere and you can get back to writing soon. Good luck!

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  22. Sorry you're so frustrated right now! Have a nice, relaxing holiday, so you can come back refreshed :)

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  23. XOXOXO to you, Melissa! I've had my head in the mud, and haven't been around in a while, but still love ya. Sorry things are crappy in your neck of the woods. Stay strong, sister. All will be well. ;)

    Heading over to read E.J.'s post. I think I may know someone who may benefit from his message. I'll pass it along to her. Thx. and Happy Independence Day and IWSG. :)

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  24. Have a happy fourth, Mel. And thanks for the links.

    Nas

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  25. Happy 4th! Hey...we're not always insecure, and that's perfectly okay. Thanks for all your support when times do get tough. :)

    M.L. Swift, Writer

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  26. Really appreciated your links. Keep up the awesome and I hope your 4th was a "blast!" :)

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  27. Seems like the dementors have got hold of you, Melissa. I can SOOO relate to your frustration. I've been there and have just clawed my way to the surface again. YOU WILL TOO!

    It's life.... Have a piece of chocolate to feel better and wave that wand, yelling EXPECTO PATRONUM! It can't hurt... LOL. At least it may relieve some of your frustration.

    Hope the weekend is a good one for you!

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  28. Hope you feel better soon. Don't give up. Finding time to write is one of the most difficult things for me, too.

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  29. Frustration makes writing hard and very challenging. Finding time to write when all kinds of stuff interrupts can be maddening. I think a lot of writers struggle with this, not that this makes your situation any easier. Hang in there, be gentle to yourself, and do the best you can. It's all you can do.

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