For September’s Insecure Writers Support Group post I thought I’d discuss what the group can do for you as a writer. The group was created byAlex Cavanaugh and you can find the details and sign up list by clicking on his name. You will also find other great bloggers and writers already signed up. Once a month we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for our fellow writers. If you write, it’s a great one post a month, group to join in with.
September is all about new starts. We see the start of Autumn, the nights are drawing in, our children are starting new years in school. There is a general feeling of starting again in September. I like September as a month. So with new starts in mind, I want to focus on the positives of being an “Insecure writer.”
Yesterday I caught up with a friend by phone . I know this friend by talking to her over the internet. We have shared interests and writing in common. We will meet at an event next year. I’ve spoken with her before at some length. You kind of know when you are going to click. But after talking to her, I realised just how many genuine friends I have made simply by sitting behind my computer screen as a writer and reaching out to other writers who know exactly how frustrating it can be at times, or how joyous if things are going great, or just how lonely, because we do it on our own.
The world and indeed the internet as well, is full of odd people. People who try to defraud us, who misrepresent themselves, who try to harm us in some emotional or other more sinister way, but with the right attitude and precautions in place, the internet can open the channels and the world to us small writers hiding behind our keyboards, and I can now say I have friends around the country, I meet, chat with, exchange idea’s and manuscripts with and have genuine friendships with. And even though I will never probably meet some of the people I interact with online that live even wider afield, I do think I have struck up some genuine friendships there.
So, writers of the Insecure Writers Support Group, be grateful for such a place, the internet and the group. I don’t think there’s been a time quite like it where writers can be so out there and connecting. It helps me feel a part of a wider community of like minded people, even if I am stuck in my chair at my desk.
The Insecure Writers Support Group provides me with a place I know that once a month I can bare my soul and insecurities should I so wish and instead of being mocked, I’m supported, or I can have a positive month and say, hey, this whole internet engagement thing can create genuine friendships, jump in more. And this is what they can do for you. A place for writers to come together and find each other via the linky list on Alex’s blog.
Here’s to friendship.
Uplifting post, thanks. I too have made friends with people all over the world, who without the internet, I would never have found. Here’s to all kind of friendship.
I wrote something similar today – those friendships are invaluable, aren’t they? And so amazing that you can become such close friends with people that without IWSG and blogging in general we’d never have met!
Rebecca – I’ve benefited so much from the friendships I’ve made online. It really is good to know there are helpful and supportive people out there; writing would be awfully lonely and difficult otherwise…
I agree completely with the idea of fall being the time for a fresh start. October is my favorite month. Seems like I didn’t accomplish anything over the summer and I’m looking forward to the cooler (not cold) weather and more time for writing.
And you’re right, I’ve made so many friends in the writing world, I couldn’t imagine trying to do it alone. Nice post!
Great post. I enjoy IWSG because it’s nice to know I’m not alone out there in my struggles. Sometimes I feel a pressure to always put on a smile and act like everything is going great, so being able to say no, it’s not and I need support is awesome. Even more awesome when the group pours the support on me. =)
I totally agree with you about the “realness” of online friends, because I have experienced the same. Cool, isn’t it? I’m so glad to be part of this group. Nice to meet you!
Tina @ Life is Good
It is all that. I’ve only been around a few months (finding the group, I credit to you and Kate), but already not only feel the warmth of being myself but can see my mind unknotting, letting a bit more creativity escape. Nice.
What a lovely post, Rebecca. Think I might try to join. I’ve also made some wonderful friendships through the internet including yourself x
Well said, Rebecca! We may never meet a lot of the people we meet here online, but they are still awesome friends.
Great post – I love the fact that I’ve made friends online and have such a strong support network to fall back on if I need it. All the writers I’ve ‘met’ are so generous with their time and advice 🙂
This seems to be the consensus today. I think we all need these types of connections, whether virtual or real. Great IWSG post!
Kim Lajevardi
(This Writer’s Growing)
Hear hear! It truly is an honor to know you. 🙂