This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post for May 2026.
Please stop by their blogs and say thank you.
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I'm participating in the May I Write A Novel writing challenge again this year, hosted by Craig Martelle over at Successful Indie Author. There's still time to join the fun if you want to challenge yourself and rack up some serious wordcount.
The format is different for 2026. Instead of using a community spreadsheet, you register on the site, then you post updates on your progress that show up in a main feed that's visible to others. You can create and name different projects on your personal page and keep track of more than one. It's a really neat setup.
There are videos for those who like to do sprints, and the entire thing is available year-round. It's not just for the writing challenge months (May & November). You should check it out.
(Note: I might be slow to make return visits this month.)
I'm indie and have never queried, so none from agents.
The most inspiring feedback I've received would have to be messages from readers telling me how much they enjoyed my novels and asking if supporting characters are going to get their own books. That's what turned my standalone debut into a series.
The sweetest feedback I ever received was from a book reviewer who reads an insane amount of books on her mission to support authors. When I thanked her for reviewing one of my books and offered to send her a free publisher copy for the next, she replied that she'd been waiting for that one to be released and had already bought it. "I actually read it when I needed a book to read for me, not something someone else needed me to read."
Next would be encouragement from my mother, who has always supported my writing, and that from fellow authors. I've learned a lot from author bloggers, and I'm blessed to have found some wonderful critique partners over the years.
My longest-standing CPs aren't afraid to call me out on mistakes, but they also tell me when something is good, and they throw in comments that leave me howling with laughter. I've started keeping a box of tissues on my desk, so I have something handy to wipe my screen when one of those remarks makes me spray my beverage.
I still say - even with all the drama that sparks here and there - the writing community is one of the most altruistic groups around. We're one of few professions that don't eat our young.
Thanks for visiting.
What's new with you?
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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.
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