Wednesday, October 3, 2018

IWSG & Life's Craziness

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.



Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

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October 3 question - How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

Wow - timely question!

As many of you know, I've got a family member recovering from some major injuries. Events like my loved one's accident and subsequent recovery require a lot of time outside of our regular schedules. As we all know, time is a valuable and coveted commodity. Like many of us, I don't have enough of it and the current situation gives me less time for writing.

When I don't have regular writing time, my groove gets a little bumpy and my confidence drops. To get back into my groove, I end up needing to reread my WIP. More time required, but it does work.

On the flip side, writing most definitely helps me through all parts of life. It's a fabulous way to relieve stress and work through situations.

Despite all the ups and downs that life throws along our paths, I know I'll continue to write.

How about you? Does writing help you cope and relieve some stress? (Except when it's causing you stress!! 😄)

58 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Your energies are needed elsewhere and that's all right. Time to write will return.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Writing will be a good way to relieve the stress of what you've been through.

Jennifer Hawes said...

When I'm in a place I can't write, I pull out a notebook or my phone and jot things down. It really helps me feel less helpless. And not so guilty because I'm not writing.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Major events seem to be weights on our writing shoulders. I hope your family member is doing well. Write! :)

Chemist Ken said...

You'll always be able to come back and write again. That's the important thing. Just write when you can.

cleemckenzie said...

During really stressful times just getting down a few words helps. Hope your family member heals and is healthy again very soon.

emaginette said...

Venting. Helps me cope. Helps me be strong. I can say anything to a page and nothing bad happens. Then I burn or delete it and I still feel better.

Fiction does something similar but for completely different reasons. ;-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Raimey Gallant said...

Writing is my biggest stress reliever. I also do yoga and read a fair amount, and I stream, too, but writing has the added benefit of making me feel like I'm making good use of my time. Happy IWSG day! http://www.raimeygallant.com

Crystal Collier said...

Writing allows me to escape reality when it's too much. I suppose in that way, it keeps me sane.

Rosemary Johnson said...

Understand everything you say. Medical conditions (your own or family members') take up writing time and emotional energy. I know!

Btw, my blog is Write On at https://rosemaryreaderandwriter.wordpress.com. Google won't let me use my WordPress profile when commenting.

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm like you. If I don't write for a few days, I get really cranky. Hope the recovery process is proceeding faster than predicted.

Meka James said...

Well wishes to your loved one! Writing is good to help you through tough times. Whether you journal or write something uplifting to get your head-space clear.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I think it's great to know that you'll come back to your writing. Sometimes when you're super busy, that's all you can do.

JeffO said...

Even when real life elements creep into the writing, writing provides an escape from the reality, and also gives a way to maybe process things in a different way from simply mulling it over.

I hope your family member is recovering well, Jemi.

Jemi Fraser said...

This is so true - just trying to keep my mind working on things :)

Jemi Fraser said...

It sure will!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

That's a very good idea. I'll have to pick up that habit!

Jemi Fraser said...

They are weights indeed!
He's showing good improvements - thanks!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Yes! I think you're exactly right, Ken!

Jemi Fraser said...

I hope so too, Lee. He's doing well, although it looks to be a few months still!

Jemi Fraser said...

That's a fabulous idea! I did that kind of thing in high school a lot (burned those pages in bonfires!). I'll have to try that again!

Jemi Fraser said...

I agree - I do find exercise helps a lot - and reading is always a joy and an escape! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Yes - that escape does exactly the same for me!!

Jemi Fraser said...

They really do!!
I found you!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

He's moving along well - thanks! It will still be a while, but he's so relieved to see good progress! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Meka!
I mostly write romance for that very fact - it's always a positive to dive into!

Jemi Fraser said...

That's exactly it! Sometimes there's not a single minute in the day - and that's the way it has to be

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Jeff - he's making steady progress which is a huge relief!
I agree - writing provides both an escape and a chance to work things out!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I can relate :)

And it's good to hear you will continue to write.

Mary Aalgaard said...

I hope your relative is recovering and that you're able to find time for yourself and your writing.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Glad your writing helps you and best wishes to the family member going through a rough time.

Michelle Wallace said...

Family and health are top priority!
Everything else will fall into place thereafter...
Hope you're well, Jemi. 😃

Doreen McGettigan said...

I'm so sorry your family member. I hope they continue to heal and recover.
When I'm in the middle of family trauma or illness I journal. It's something I can go to when I have more time for ideas to expand on.

Christine Rains said...

Writing definitely helps me relieve stress. (Marketing causes it! *LOL*) It's helped me through all the rough times in life. Hope your family member heals up well and you find your way back to your writing. :)

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Sorry to hear about your family member's struggles. I hope they feel better soon.

In times of great trauma, writing is the last thing on my mind, aside from feeling guilty I'm not doing it. In those moments, I need to take care of myself, and that's what I do.

Jemi Fraser said...

I think many of us can! Life can be completely crazy!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Mary - me too! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Susan - much appreciated! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much Michelle!! We're making progress!

Jemi Fraser said...

He's making good progress but it's a long road!
I haven't journaled in a long time - might be time to do that again!

Jemi Fraser said...

YES!!! Marketing is definitely stress inducing! :)
Thanks - me too :P

Jemi Fraser said...

That's exactly what I've had to do - it's getting easier now so I hope to pick up the writing soon!

Gwen Gardner said...

Writing is more an escape for me, rather than a stress reliever. But life does have a way of intruding :( And family comes first, always. I’m glad your family member is going to be okay. 3>

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Gwen - he's been 'fixed' and now it's all about healing and recovering strength.
Writing is definitely a great escape!

The Cynical Sailor said...

Focusing on supporting your family is so important. Sometimes, our other pursuits need to take a backseat. From reading the comments above, it sounds like he's on the road to recovery and healing which is great news.

Jemi Fraser said...

He really is, although he'll have a few long months before we can say he's healed, but we're thrilled with the progress! :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thankfully you have an escape with your writing... Taking care of loved ones is stressful, but remember to take a bit of time for yourself. You don't want to get too run down and get ill.... take care.

Chrys Fey said...

My writing takes a hit when something is going on in my life. And then it's hard to get back into it.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Sounds like a stressful time. I hope things improve and you can get back to writing soon.

mshatch said...

Glad your relative is on the mend. These events can definitely put a damper on writing. I've had to take breaks before but I always come back.

Jemi Fraser said...

It is tough - thanks for the tips! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

It is!!! Getting back in the swing of things is tough :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Shannon - I hope so too!

Jemi Fraser said...

Me too!! :)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Jemi! Thanks for sharing your Flash Fiction. You're amazing! I've always loved writing. It's such a huge stress reliever. So easy to get lost in the worlds I write! Haha...

((Hugs))

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Elizabeth! It really IS so easy to get lost in those words and those worlds!! :)

Dawn Simon said...

I'm so sorry to hear one of your loved ones was injured! Yes, the unexpected throws all things, including writing. And yes, I get how writing can pull us through tough times. Hugs to you and your family. Be gentle on yourself.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Dawn. He's healing and getting stronger but it's a long road!