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!
February 2 question - Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?
It seems like such a long time ago when I joined the online writing community! Way back then I thought agents were for actors and that only famous people wrote books.
I've learned a lot since then!
On the very first day I decided to try to write a book, I stumbled across a site called Agent Query with a forum called Agent Query Connect. I didn't know what a query was. Nor did I know what a forum was...
Regardless, I clicked and a whole new world opened up for me. I discovered that regular people wrote books and that maybe I could, too. I discovered a whole new language (including query and forum) and a slew of acronyms (WIP, POV, MC...).
I found an amazing group of writers always willing to help others. I learned so much about craft, more about queries, the importance of being succint, and the power of feedback. I found my first critique buddies. I found the courage to share my work. It was an amazing community.
Agent Query is no longer around - and I never did discover the person/people behind the AQCrew persona but whoever they are, I hope they're enjoying fabulous success and joy.
If I hadn't stumbled into that inclusive, caring community, I doubt I would have ever have written books strong enough to be published. While I still keep in contact with many of those writers through FB and Twitter, I do miss the AQC community!
There are many echoes between AQC & IWSG which might explain why I think so highly of IWSG as well!
How about you? Any people or communities who have helped you along your path (writing or non-writing!)? Anyone else know about AQC?
45 comments:
That's sad it's no longer around. Glad you found us though!
Me too!
That group show you that you could do it, too. And have you ever!
I found a wonderful writing community through my blog. I also found my critique partners through it.
That's great that Agent Query helped you so much at the beginning. I joined SCBWI and found a lot of support and information that helped me when I was starting out. It still is a great resource.
Thanks so much, Diane!
I've found so many writing buddies through my blog as well! Love this blogging community!
I've heard nothing but great things about SCBWI!
Hi,
I find it fantastic that you had a group that was so supportive before you found the IWSG. You knew what you were looking for and felt at home when you joined the IWSG.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
That's exactly it, Pat!!
I'm always surprised when I stumble onto something the way you did with Agent Query. Was it an accident or was it luck? I suppose that question doesn't really matter. What does is that you found what you needed to spur you on and now you have a great series!
I've had a lot of writers, both in real life and online, that have taught and supported me so much.
I'm so glad AQC got you going—you're doing great!!
How wonderful that you found Agent Query. At just the right time for you - which became the right time for us and all your readers.
This was interesting to read Jemi, thanks for sharing. Hope all is well with you.
Yvonne.
That's sad they are no longer active, but I'm glad you found the support and encouragement! Your writing is so fun to read.
Happy IWSG day!
It was a terrific group of people!
Thanks, Lee. The story I worked on way back then still nudges my brain once in a while. I think it might be the impetus to series 3 if I get that far!
Thanks, MJ! We're so lucky when we find people!
You're so sweet, Sue. Thank you!
We've keeping on at keeping on, Yvonne!
Thanks, Tyrean - that totally made my day!
I remember Agent Query! It was a very helpful resource.
Finding community is huge. It enables us to attempt anything. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
I'm glad you found your first writing peeps and they were good. I found mine elsewhere, but they were good, too.
Community is so important! How awesome that you found one early to launch your dreams. I never came across AQC, but it sounds like the kind of support I've found with IWSG.
I never heard of Agent Query, but I think IWSG is a very supportive environment. I find it very helpful in a lot of ways too.
And of course, I like WEP. As a forum for flash fiction, I don't think it has an equal on the net right now. But then, I might be biased: I'm a member of the WEP admin team.
It really was! A great place filled with fabulous people!
Agreed! Definitely couldn't do this writing journey without my buddies!
And we've found more now as well!
There are a lot of similarities between the two groups!
I agree - WEP is another fabulous group of writers (and admin!). It's a great experience!
The writing community is truly amazing and supportive. I'm so glad you found it because I love your books.
Thanks so much, Lynda - you made my day!!
I didn't know Agent Query wasn't around anymore. I spent a lot of time with it years ago.
It was such a great site!
I know how you feel -- that's how I feel about thelitforum.com. It's so great to find a writing community!
It's so great to find a community that works for us!
AQC is new to me but I've always been slow to pick up on helpful resources. Too introverted for my own good, but IWSG changed a lot for me. I've met so many people through this wonderfully supportive community.
AQC & IWSG have a lot of commonalities! :)
As another introvert, I hear ya! It's difficult to join in so much of the time.
You are so fortunate to have discovered two great writing communities - first AQC and now IWSG!
The value of a writing community is immeasurable. I would never have even considered writing if I hadn't discovered the IWSG.
I know! Writers are amazing and I've been very lucky with the ones I've met!
I didn't think about the question referring to a community, but it helps to look at it that way. Mine was the local writing community and in-person events. Glad you found the AQ folks!
So lovely that you found such a supportive community just when you needed it, Jemi!
AQC was the first thing that came to mind - and then I felt a little silly when I read everyone's posts about real-life people :) But that's the way the brain works!
There was a lot of serendipity in that moment!
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