Wednesday, December 6, 2017

IWSG & BackTracking

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.

December 6 question - As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

Tough one. I'm one who prefers to look forward rather than backward. It was a very difficult year with several medical issues & dementia taking up huge amounts of our time and energy.

Writing-wise, I would wish that I'd been able to squeeze out more time for a rewrite that I put on hold at the end of the summer. My heart was full and I wasn't able to dig in with the energy & joy required. I haven't given up on the story, and with the input of an amazing crit buddy, I'm looking forward to that rewrite in the new year (after I finish up my NaNo project).

How about you? What writing projects are you looking forward to in the new year? Any rewind wishes? 

34 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

When you're dealing with family and health, it's difficult. Your heart is full of other things.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

You did an amazing job, especially under the circumstances, Jemi! That's great that you were part of NaNo. Hope 2018 will be a good year for you, in every way.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I hope you can slip into a better season, one of writing and editing now.

Chemist Ken said...

Nothing like the input from a critique partner to get you fired up over your story again. I hope 2018 treats you better.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, health problems and dealing with someone who has dementia can be time consuming. My mom doesn't have it but is not all there mentally. She's taking a lot of my time and will be moving to where I live in the spring. Hope we both get more writing time for ourselves in 2018.

JeffO said...

I'll hope the coming months and year brings you some calm. As for me, I'm hoping to get my WiP out and on submission this coming year. I'm feeling very positive about it so far.

Tamara Narayan said...

I hope to continue querying one novel while writing a new one. It's a strange set of jobs to balance.

Jennifer Hawes said...

I wish I had spent more time writing over the summer, but oh well! I got very inspired during NaNo, so it's a win-win. Hope you get lots of writing done this month, er, or next year!

Chrys Fey said...

It's great that you haven't given up on the story and are looking forward to rewriting it in 2018. :)

Cherie Reich said...

Sometimes we just don't have the energy to write, and writing takes up a lot of energy. Here's to a better 2018!

Cathy said...

Hi, I am new to ISWG and happy to meet you! I hear you regarding family issues that slow or prevent writing. I was there for 2 years and am finally, slowly making my way back to writing. Best wishes to you. Crises end, or you learn coping skills and arrive at a new normal.

Stephen Tremp said...

Jemi, best wishes to you and your writing. Here's to a healthy and wealthy 2018!

www.stephentremp.com

emaginette said...

I'm glad things ended on an up beat. Next year can only be better (or so I tell myself). ;-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Jemi Fraser said...

That's exactly it! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Elizabeth!! I hope so too :)

Jemi Fraser said...

That would be awesome! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I know! Love my crit buddy!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Agreed! Taking care of others is important - but I want to squeeze in more writing time too! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Awesome! I'll be hoping for success for that WIP!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

It is!! Good luck with the querying and the writing!

Jemi Fraser said...

NaNo is always such fun!! And, yes, let's assume the rest of the December is a right (write!) off :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I am! Love the characters - just need to figure out the tweaking! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

It truly does! Thanks - things have to look up soon! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Welcome to IWSG! It's a fabulous group!!!
I think I'm in the new normal - which is a little scary :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I love the sound of that Stephen!

Jemi Fraser said...

Agreed! We've always got to be looking at the up! :)

DMS said...

Sounds like there has been a lot going on in your life. I am glad you have a good crit partner and I hope you can get to those revisions soon. Also- sending happy, healthy, and relaxing thoughts to you. :)
~Jess

Leslie S. Rose said...

It's sooooo hard to be creative when life derails you. Here's to a year of getting back on track surrounded by rainbows and unicorns instead of fog.

TL said...

Wishing you a healthy coming year with an abundance of words and finished WIPS.

klahanie said...

Hi Jemi,

Well, it took me a week but I finally ended up here.

I like to think that after such a trying year for you and your loved ones, here's to next year being one of such a positive, inspirational focus.

All the very best with the rewrite, my amazing friend.

Gary

Jemi Fraser said...

Thank you!!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

That sounds perfect!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I really, really hope so Gary!
Here's to a wonderful, peaceful, positive 2018 to us all!!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I'm not sure if I would redo any of 2017. It's been one of my happiest years, personally and professionally.

I'm looking forward to being able to focus on a YA I started in 2016. I have put it on the back burner for far to long. I'm also looking forward to querying a few "completed" (lol) manuscripts.

Merry Christmas, Jemi!