IWSG, You Can Do the Thing!

Welcome to another installment of the Insecure Writer's Support Group conceived by illustrious Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh! Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG. 

The co-hosts for November are:

Tyrean Martinson  http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/

Karen Walker  http://karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com/

Denise Covey  http://dencovey.blogspot.com/  

Stephen Tremp   http://authorstephentremp.blogspot.com/

So this month I am all about encouraging my fellow authors. Whether you're taking part in this year's NaNoWriMo challenge or facing a personal writing struggle, I want you to know that its okay to stumble. 

Its okay to feel overwhelmed or lost in your story. Its fine if you don't have the end worked out. Not too big of a deal if life throws you a curve ball and you don't meet your writing goal...

DON'T GIVE UP.

I've met goals and jumped for joy...and failed to even come close and dove into some comfort food. Just sayin' it happens to all of us.

So I'm here to be a cheerleader, an "I believe in you-er," and overall good vibe sender.

I am going to be doing NaNoWriMo again this year so if you need a writing buddy, just look me up by name.  

Otherwise, my best wishes and warmest virtual hugs are coming your way...YOU CAN DO THE THING!

+Raquel Byrnes 

And...We're Off!

THIS is the year you polish that manuscript to such a gleaming perfection that no agent will overlook it. Your queries with astound. Your proposals will be riveting....just get started!


Its January, time to get cracking on that project you waxed philosophical over during New Years. Get out your notes or outlines or whatever you pantsers get out and make those keys start clicking.


Take a chance on that story you've been mulling over, okay brooding over, and jot something down. Take the what ifs and wrangle them onto that paper. You might be surprised with what you see. Something with promise, something worth fleshing out, something worth all the sweat and tears it takes to complete.


Its a new Year, a new Month...a new Week, even.


I can't wait to read all of your blogs and tweets to see how you're doing. Consider me your personal cheerleader of the virtual writing world. You can do it...you have it in you to create a spectacular piece of fiction. 


Rah-Rah-Rah...Sis-Boom-Bah!  Until Next Time...GO WRITE!
Photograph by Elvire. R

Wise Writer Award

I spent a lot of times haunting your blogs this past summer and I have to say, I learned a lot. From writing memes to posts about queries, you all shared a wealth of information that truly helps. I wanted to honor those of you who really helped me makes some sense of this crazy publishing world.

The Wise Writer Award comes with one requirement...that you share your favorite book on writing. For example, if you swear by Writing the Breakout Novel by Maass, then let us know so we can check it out. If anyone ever gave you some great advice...let us know that too.

So, without further delay, here are the three blogs that I learned from the most:

In My Write Mind by Justin W. Parente - This blog about the craft of writing has great series that cover hard to tackle aspects of fiction writing. Thanks Justin!

Wavy Lines by Laura Marcella is a blog filled with goodies to get you going on your writing day. Great quotes, encouragement, writing prompts, you name it -- she's got it!

Weekend Writer's Retreat by Calico Crazy and Grandma offer weekly memes that really stretch your writing style.

Thank you to all you die-hard bloggers who share your wit and wisdom. I encourage you to give them a visit and check out their wares.

Until next time...Go Write!