Wednesday, October 7, 2020

IWSG & Working Writers

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.


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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! 

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October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

For me, a working writer is one who has moved past the hobby stage. I think a working writer is actively planning to publish or has already published a book and has plans to write multiple books to publish.

I spent the better part of a decade learning the craft, finding my voice, deciding on the age group and genre I wanted to write, and dodging life's curveballs. During that time I didn't consider myself a working writer.

Once I published Dancing With Dementia in March, I felt like a writer but not a working writer.

Now that the Bloo Moose series is on the loose and growing I definitely would consider myself a working writer. I plan on growing the series and have plans for at least 2 more series I'd love to write within the romance/romantic suspense world. I also have some SF I'd like to try but I think I'll stay on-brand for the foreseeable future.

How about you? Is your definition similar to mine? Are you a working writer? Do you have plans that are bigger than your time to achieve them? Anyone else write in series?

PS: Reaching For Balance (Bloo Moose #4) releases on Tuesday, October 13. It is currently available for preorder for $0.99. It will pop up to regular price of $3.99 after release, so pick up your copy now!

PPS: If you want to try the series out, Reaching For Normal (Bloo Moose #1) is FREE at all retailers!

PPPS: Reaching For Christmas (Bloo Moose #5) releases on Tuesday, November 10. It is currently available for preorder for $0.99. Its price will pop up to $3.99 after release as well.






48 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's great you have so many books planned.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You should've felt like a writer with Tick Tock. That was some stiff competition but yours was one of the best stories.

Natalie Aguirre said...

My definition is a lot like yours. And I'd say that you are definitely a working writer.

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I considered you as a working writer with Dancing with Dementia. You did a great job with that book.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia

mshatch said...

Yup you're definitely a working writer!

Jemi Fraser said...

My brain is a bit of a crowded place at times :)

Jemi Fraser said...

You're so right! I was only thinking of 2020. Tick Tock was a HUGE step for me!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks! I'm definitely feeling like I'm working! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much, Pat. DWD will always be the book of my heart!

Jemi Fraser said...

And having so much fun!!

M.J. Fifield said...

I definitely have plans that are bigger than my time to achieve them. But that's part of the fun, right? :)

I preordered my copies of #4 & #5. So excited for you!!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I love your series of romance novels! I've been having a lot of fun reading them, and I really appreciated Dancing with Dementia - I needed to read it since I have aging parents.
I've pre-ordered and I'm reading to read more. :)
Congrats!

cleemckenzie said...

Yes. Planning to publish does take you out of any hobby area. So exciting to see how you're rolling out your great romance series! Big cheer.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I'm enjoying reading everyone's definition of a working writer:) Love the title Dancing With Dementia!

Elephant's Child said...

You are a frantically busy writer. Working doesn't even begin to cover it. Loud applause from here.

emaginette said...

Can't blame you. Your series is wonderful.

Anna from elements of emaginette

Carol Kilgore said...

I have a series of standalones all set on the Texas Gulf Coast plus the Gracie trilogy which will sometime soon become the Gracie and Friends series with a new book. And another series also currently in the works. So I have two series with firmly created worlds and one with a loosely connected setting for continuity. All are loosely in the mystery genre, just different facets of it. I love writing and I can't imagine not being a writer.

Jemi Fraser said...

EEK - I mean Yay!! Thank you!
It's always scary when people read our stuff! :)
Big plans are the most fun for sure!

Jemi Fraser said...

You made my day!! Thanks so much, Tyrean!
DWD will always be my "heart" book - it's such an important topic!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Lee!! It's fun (and terrifying) to have my stories out in the wild!

Jemi Fraser said...

It's fun to see how we all define it!
DWD works because my mom has always loved to dance and we sure had to learn to dance around the steps of the disease!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Sue! Definitely busy over in my corner of the world, but having a ton of fun!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Anna!!! So sweet of you to say - I'm having so much fun with it!

Jemi Fraser said...

LOL - we'll see how Life helps me keep up with the plan!

Jemi Fraser said...

Gracie and Friends!!! I'm wonderfully intrigued!
I can't imagine not writing either!

Toi Thomas said...

I like your definition of a working writer. It's cool that you have so much planned for your writing. Congrats on your release and thanks for the discounts.

Olga Godim said...

I think getting published, especially by someone else: a magazine, and anthology, even a newspaper (like me) qualifies you as a working writer.

Jemi Fraser said...

So many plans ... so little time! One step at a time :)
Thanks!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Good point. Getting my first story published in the Tick Tock anthology was a HUGE moment for me!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I hope you're doing super well with your Bloo Moose romances. I've loved them all!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much, Lynda! I've got another one heading your way soon!

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

I like your definition of a working writer :-) Happy writing!

Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist

nashvillecats2 said...

Hope you manage to get your books written.

Yvonne.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Ronel!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Yvonne! ME too :)

A Hundred Quills said...

You have wonderful plans Jemi. I wish you luck with the 'working writer' life!
Sonia from https://soniadogra.com

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks :) The trick is going to be to live up to them! But it'll be fun to try!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

You said it simply. Beautifully. A working writer is past the hobby stage. Well done!

Stephen Tremp said...

Blue Moose on the loose. Love it. Great blurb right there.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Stephen! It's a fun series to write so the blurb fits! :)

Diane Burton said...

I agree with your definition. So glad you have so many stories in the planning stages. My mind whirls with new ideas, too. Making the time to write (and finding the energy to write) is my problem. It will come. As will yours. Good luck.

Jemi Fraser said...

I love having the stories walking around in my head vying for dominance :)
Hope things are looking up on your end!

Yolanda Renée said...

I'm thrilled for you! I can't wait to read the next one in the series. And I have a review to prepare!

Denise Covey said...

Jemi, you're definitely a working writer. I don't think there's any criteria especially. I haven't majorly published, but I've been writing hard and learning hard for many years.

Jemi Fraser said...

And I've got a new story winging your way in short order! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I agree - it's up to each person to define for themselves! You definitely qualify!

dolorah said...

I like that your definition is so specific to yourself. And that you spent so much time figuring it out. I think this Why question is unique to every writer. The journey is unique, even if the outcome isn't.

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