IWSG: October Edition

Today I want to tell you about how last month's Insecure Writer's Support Group directly impacted me---as in, next week I'll be embarking on something that I never ever would've expected pre-last-month's-IWSG. In case anyone out there doesn't know, IWSG was invented and is managed by the one and only (he claims, though many of us suspect clones) Alex J. Cavanaugh, 

First, I read Steven Symes' September IWSG post--- it was about facing our fears, only not just facing them, purposely putting ourselves into fear-inducing situations to make ourselves stronger. 

Then, I read M. Pax's post about some very interesting things she did to rev up her book sales. She's always been very forthright and open about sharing her self-publishing experiences. I realized after reading her post that I was anxious to scratch my self-publishing itch, something that had always scared me before, but Steven's post was still whispering in my ear to just face it already, so guess what...

I'm facing it with a quirky novella (pictured above) that's been sitting on my hard drive---except for a wicked fun outing at the last season of fellow IWSGer D.L. Hammons' WRiTE Club (penname Sissy Grimm). Lots of you saw the cover reveal at the blog of yet another IWSGer, Michael Di Gesu, or perhaps saw tweets about it from Jennifer Lane, Cherie Colyer or other wonderful IWSGers. You guys do not just talk the talk---and it's knowing y'all would have my back that gave me the courage to do this. So THANK YOU, all of you, for your encouraging words every single month---they have made a positive difference in this writer's life.



I'm giving away 5 copies of the novella on opening day next Tuesday and you can enter to win one below. AND you can read an excerpt right now at Fabulosity Reads. 

Comments

Annalisa Crawford said…
Self-publishing is a completely different experience, but it's great to be totally in control. Good luck with it.
10/02/2013 8:04 AM
Johanna Garth said…
I love reading about how writers inspire each other. Good luck with your venture into self-publishing!
10/02/2013 8:10 AM
Alex J. Cavanaugh said…
The support, inspiration, and encouragement here are amazing.
Out next Tuesday? Will give you a big shout out either Monday or Wednesday.
10/02/2013 9:56 AM
Suzanne Furness said…
Congratulations and good luck with your novella. Such support and inspiration in blogland.
10/02/2013 10:14 AM
Suze said…
I am *completely* in awe of you taking the self-pub leap. I mean, I've watched Mary Pax succeed with it and was in awe of her for so long and now seeing you do it, it's had a really strong effect on me. You've always seemed to me someone who doesn't make excuses, you forge ahead, you get things done--you're fearless, woman! And I say that because it's not what we feel that determines what we really believe in the end, it's what we do.

WELL DONE!
10/02/2013 11:19 AM
Crystal Collier said…
Wahoo! Okay, yeah, put that badboy up for grabs, but if I don't win me one, I'm totally going to have to go buy it. DO YOU HEAR ME? So wash your fears away--because there are too many other compulsive readers out there like me. (Or crazier than me--until we start comparing cheese trophies.) ;)
10/02/2013 2:15 PM
SK Anthony said…
That's fantastic! Best of luck. I love the cover ;)
10/02/2013 3:22 PM
Michelle Wallace said…
Congratulations on taking the self-pub route... you are so brave!
Mary Pax never fails to amaze me.
She is doing so well with Backworlds audio and Backworlds IV just around the corner... as well as her story inclusion in that anthology...
She is consistent and hardworking... really on top of her game... a real inspiration to any writer who is considering self-publication!
Go for it Nicki!
10/02/2013 4:49 PM
M Pax said…
Come into the water. :D No matter what, authoring is hard work.

This month is so busy.. but I can give your novella a shoutout 10/11. Send me your data.

Sometimes it's so frustrating, but I love captaining my destiny.
10/02/2013 5:23 PM
Morgan said…
Ohhhh... inspiring. Thanks for sharing these posts, Nicki. It is an amazing group. I think one of the biggest things that paralyzes my writing is feeling like I'm the only one who struggles--that I'm alone. But I DEFINITELY know that's not the case. And reading other stories and where people are really do help to lift my spirits. :)
10/03/2013 8:48 AM
Jackie said…
Woot on your novella!
As for the question in your contest linky... "What's in your basement?" ... we don't have one, but as a child, our basement consisted of a laundry room, canning room, and this other room with this huge green furnace thing. It scared me as a kid. LOL
10/03/2013 8:56 AM
Unknown said…
It is so great how the IWSG inspires and supports eachother! Good luck with your new novella :)
10/03/2013 10:31 AM
Jennifer Lane said…
Way to face your fears! How inspiring. :-)
10/03/2013 10:31 AM
The Armchair Squid said…
Good luck with the self-publishing adventure.
10/03/2013 12:12 PM
Tonja said…
Congratulations for stepping out of your comfort zone.

New follower.

http://tonjamatney.blogspot.com
10/03/2013 4:44 PM
Julie Flanders said…
Wow, this is fantastic!! So wonderful to read how you were inspired by the other writers. Congratulations and best of luck, I know this will be a big success!
10/04/2013 1:48 PM
Unknown said…
I don't have a basement :)
10/04/2013 4:28 PM
Cherie Colyer said…
This is such a great group and it's wonderful that others have inspired you to scratch the SP itch. I know I'm looking forward to reading your novella.

P.S. I love your new banner =)

10/04/2013 9:29 PM
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