February IWSG (Where did January go?!?)

I don't know how it can already be February, but here we are, the first Wednesday of the month. And that means time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group.

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IWSG

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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

The awesome co-hosts for the February 2 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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Image borrowed from Gabrielle Bernstein's Oracle deck.

https://gabbybernstein.com/card-deck/

February 2 question - Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

When talking about people who have helped me through the years, three names can't be ignored: Wendy Russo, Ethan Stone, and Heidi Cullinan. Wendy and I have known each other since we were kids growing up in Wyoming, and she's been a huge help and source of support over the years. Ethan and I met back before either of us was published, in about 2008 or 2009, and I can only hope I've helped him as much as he's helped me. I'm still in touch with Wendy and Ethan, although there is always a bit of ebb and flow to our relationships (which I think is normal and natural).

Heidi and I met in 2010 when I randomly volunteered to drive to Iowa and share a booth at Des Moines Pride. After one weekend together, we began talking every single day, usually multiple times per day. Heidi was my rock for several years. But, shit happens. It's not anybody's fault. I always pictured our paths as arrows. We started in different places and were headed in different directions. It just so happened that we crossed somewhere in the middle, for a brief time. It was probably inevitable that we'd eventually grow apart. Still, I have to admit, I miss having that kind of writing partner in my life — somebody I can bounce ideas off of and commiserate with. I kind of wish I knew how to find that kind of relationship again, which is partly what led me to IWSG.

All that being said, my isolation is largely my own fault. I'm not the same person I was back then. I was a lot more open and trusting and naive about the writing world in general. These days, to call me jaded would be a massive understatement. But I am doing my best to have faith in the universe. I (try to) believe that it delivers what we need, when we need it. Eventually, I feel sure another writing partner will come into my life at a time when both of us needs it most.

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What Else is Happening?

For the first time in approximately 18 months, I am writing!! I'm working on a Christmas story and making really good progress. It's going to be on the shorter side — only about 25k words — but it feels good to be working again. I had honestly started to think maybe I'd never write again, so it's nice to put that fear to bed. This story (which I think will be titled Stolen Christmas) is part of a larger universe (can't say too much about that yet) and will be available in November of this year. Exact details TBA.

After that... well, there's still the hockey story I'd like to write. I've also been thinking again about re-visiting Bryan, from Meant to Be (which was included in the 2019 mass market release of Promises). Bryan was supposed to be part of a Coda meets Tucker Springs story a couple of years ago. That fell apart for various reasons, but I'm thinking I may simply write it as an addition to Coda. Also, the rights for Winter Oranges recently reverted to me. I've always wanted to write a follow-up story about Dylan, so maybe I'll actually get that done, which would mean I'd have two new stories out for Christmas 2022. We'll see.

That's all I have for now. Thanks so much for stopping by! 😁