Blog Schedule

I post on Monday with an occasional random blog thrown in for good measure. I do my best to answer all comments via email and visit around on the days I post.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Insecure Writer's Support Group

The brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh, the 
purpose of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is: 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!

Posting is the first Wednesday of every month.

To check out how others are spreading inspiration OR to sign up, go HERE.

"Originality implies being BOLD enough to go beyond accepted norms." Anthony Storr

I decided a long while ago to write what I want to and not be swayed to write what's popular. I write what I want to read. I don't know if that makes me original and bold, or lazy and stupid, but I do know I'm comfortable and at ease with my subjects and my characters. 

I'd like to think I feel more insecure than anyone else, but I bet each of us has our moments of being really scared about putting our words out there. Well, I'm here to tell you, scared as I am (and will probably always be) there are people right here on the blogs who will help.

I'm going to step out. What follows is a list (don't we writers love lists?) of all the people I can think of who have helped me with my Anansi stories. These people, in no particular order, helped in small and large ways. They helped when I asked, they helped without my knowing (until after the fact) OR they asked ME if they could help.

This is one small way I can say thank you to the legions, who like stage hands, made this play possible. 

Adrienne Saldivar
Anne Gallahger
Angela Ackerman
Robyn Campbell
Vijaya Bodach
Diane Wolfe
Alex Cavanaugh
Stephen Tremp
Kelly Polark
Joy Campbell
Jess and Stephanie
C. Lee McKenzie
Lenny Lee
Nicole Zoltack
Judy Croome
Medeia Sharif
Carol Kilgore
Liza Salerno
Lynn Kelley
Marcia Hoehne
Natalie Aguirre
Lynda R. Young
Susanne Drazic

What this list means is that YOU can do it too. All you have to do is make friends, be friendly. Volunteer to help spread the word. Offer what advice you can. Be encouraging. At the very least, be nice. 

I'm sure there are people I've left off this list, just as I'm sure there are bloggers I am unaware of who have bought my book. Thank you seems insufficient. 

PLUS, there are my friends and family who have cheered me on and helped to spread the word. 


Thank you one and all!

Lastely, remember this quote from Francis Ford Coppola. 

"I don't think there's any artist of any value who doesn't doubt what they're doing."




Don't forget, YOU TOO, could win a copy of Anansi and Company. All you have to do is hop over to The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow and fill in the Rafflecopter. It's open until February 16th! 

Of course, you can also find him in the rafters at Amazon.

9 comments:

  1. Hey Bish,

    I'm helping out Alex this month and co-hosting, but I've seen you around, I think at Lynda's blog. Who can forget a name like Bish? Very nice. :)

    This is my last month with the group (at least for awhile until my ugly insecurities get to be too much) because I'm taking my blog in a bold direction. It's only been through the support of the "stage hands" that I'm able to feel confident enough to do it.

    Love the cover of your book!

    M.L. Swift, Writer

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  2. Friends are so important in this business, even as we are just getting started. Saying Thank You is even more important. Keep networking!

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  3. So glad you got so much help with your book and I was glad to help too in my small way. It's important that we stick together and help each other out.

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  4. That's wonderful you thanked everyone. (I think I was just along for the ride though.) We don't do this alone and that list is proof.

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  5. What a great post! We love that you pointed out ways we can all go for our dreams- by sticking together and helping each other out. We were thrilled to help you and Anansi get the word out. :) So happy for you that you have a strong network of friends, authors, and bloggers. Your advice is spot on!

    Also- we think writing what you want to read is just genius. :)

    ~Jess and Stephanie

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  6. Hey, Bish. I'm honored to be on your list! Thank you for letting me be a part of your success.

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  7. I am so glad you found people to support and encourage you along the way. Friends are wonderful this way.

    Leanne Ross ( readfaced.wordpress.com & @LeanneRossRF )

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  8. Shoot! We're thanking YOU for sharing Anansi with the world. Good on you, my friend. Good on you! It was an honor. xoxo

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  9. Hi, Bish,

    Because other people have helped me so freely, it's easy for me to help someone else.

    Hope Anansi is burning up the rafters.

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Your Random Thoughts are most welcome!