The awesome co-hosts for the December 1 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Diane Burton, Louise – Fundy Blue, Natalie Aguirre (hi Natalie!), and Jacqui Murray! Stop by their pages to wish them a happy IWSG Day and some happier holidays.
And the optional question for the December 1st posting is: In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?
I have already semi-seriously answered the question of what stresses me out the most in a giflist, with many silly gifs (my favorite) including seagulls, paper-chucking, and Freddy Mercury. It turns out Freddy Mercury has everything to do with author life. You can find that post here. But to briefly summarize that post: what stresses me out the most is the unanticipated amount of sheer, desperate marketing involved. I had no idea that social media could be a ravenous beast, sucking up all your time and energy, and excreting you carelessly on the other side without reviews, readers, or any kind of cash return. Or that all the alternatives to digitally pounding the pavement with leaflets cost a LOT of money. Seriously. A lot of money.
#SillyAuthor #TooPoor #RetreatsAreForBestsellers
On the other hand, what delights me most in this endless writing game are the other authors. I will be bold and make a non-negotiable statement: Nowhere else on the internet will you find a group as unselfish and helpful as authors. The sheer amount of helpful posts available out there, for free, is mind-boggling. Not to mention groups like the IWSG, specifically helping you hang your insecurities out in the fresh air, because insecurities are exactly like viruses and die in fresh air and sunshine. Science fact. In a writing slump? Other authors can help. Need plot ideas? Other writers will brainstorm with you. It’s amazing, and not something I ever take for granted.
To close us out, from my website to you, best wishes for a calm, healthy, happy holiday season. Full of your favorite activities with your chosen people, comfy seating to write with, and beverages which stay the right temperature.
Happy IWSG Day, SE! Marketing is absolutely a stressor! I am delighted by the kindness and encouragement other authors, especially in the IWSG! Have a happy holiday season!
Exactly! And happy holidays to you, too 🙂
I didn’t know the amount of marketing you need to do for your book. I am not there yet, haven’t even finished the first draft of a WIP novel, but I am working on the second for a novella. I do hope you are able to advertise for your books, and the gif post is hilarious. Ngl there should be more Freddy Mercury
There really should. Good luck as you finish your WIP and move into marketing mode! It’s a LOT, but thankfully there are many authors out there sharing their experience and it helps so much.
I so agree with that marketing is so stressful. The thought of it makes me wonder if I want to get published at all. I love the writing community too. Happy Holidays!
The community around us makes it all worthwhile 🙂
“Nowhere else on the internet will you find a group as unselfish and helpful as authors.” Truth. We congregate. The struggle is real. Happy IWSG Day!
Right? I knew it wasn’t hyperbole! Authors are awesome.
Exactly! Writers and authors are the most supportive. Of course, that’s because we spend too much time online…
I prefer to think of it as my ‘introvert-level-comfort-home’ and the perfect amount of time spent online, haha