INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Last month I mentioned how I write for a few different blogs and how this blog wasn't originally intended to be a book blog. When I self-published my first book I worked diligently trying to promote on social media and researching cost effective measure to self-promote. One of those suggestions was to connect with possible readers and other authors through blogging. I became obsessed with joining different blog hops to follow other blogs, thinking I would in return be followed back, and I don't regret anything. Spending all this time connecting, joining, and participating has been an invaluable tool. I've been able to connect with supportive and awesome individuals. Such as this support group, it has really helped me along both my blogging journey and as a self-published author.

Originally, I wanted to blog about everything and anything, to share my opinions and my universe. When I realized at the time that the majority of my posts were about books, I decided that maybe creating individual blogs would be more beneficial. I didn't want my opinionated posts swallowed up and missed because of the nearly daily posts about different books. I think it can go either way and it should suite your needs. I don't mind keeping up with a couple different blogs at a time and wonder if it really made all that much difference at all really. However, I think a lot of people that are in these positions get caught up in the business of it all too. I know I watch a lot of YouTube videos too and I've watched where the YouTuber seems pulled and conflicted because they're getting Trolled or they feel that their integrity is being compromised in one form or another. For instance, I wouldn't want someone that comes here to check out different blog tours to see a personal post and then decide to hate this blog because of my personal opinions.

Either way you look at it, the people writing are human beings. We deserve the right to our own opinions and just because we might not agree on something doesn't mean we can't still communicate, participate, and get along. But, me being the person that I am just decided to spread out as much as I could and created blogs for different passions that I could create, write, and share! Because that's just how scattered-brained I can be! Not really, I think it takes a lot of focus, dedication, and creativity to be able to do what we all do. It's not something to kick ourselves about too much. We need to commend our accomplishments - each post is an achievement and each word written is an accomplishment. So, keep up the great work!

IWSG Link

IWSG Anniversary

Insecure Writers Support Group 

Celebrates 2 Year Anniversary

While I have not been with the group for two years, I can definitely agree that this group is an amazing one to be a part of, so thank you +Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating it, and thank you to all the amazing co-hosts throughout the years that have helped to keep us all in-check. I would highly recommend joining if you love to write, love to read, are an aspiring author within any format, or just want to be a part of a wonderful group of charismatic people with the passion to create, share, and support.  Join the Blogging Sensation!!

My Testimony

As a new self-published author, I felt like a very small and feeble fish in a very big and intimidating pond. After reading article after article of tips and tricks on the self-publishing realms, one of the suggestions that seemed unanimous was blogging. So, with anticipation I jumped on the bandwagon and things started to look up. However, while my eyes were high in the sky, my spirits started to plummet. I think most of us have the dream of our creations, our writing, that once people read it they would immediately fall in-love with it and then it will be an over-night sensation. Well, at least this was a self-indulged concept that I would play with like a kitten with a ball of string. Then again, sometimes we need those indulging perspectives to get us through difficult times too. But! The great outcome of a difficult time was finding the Insecure Writers Support Group. Here you are able to connect with other writers, you can vent, share advice, and learn a lot about the field. It is an absolute invaluable tool, much like the Tailors tools for defeating the giant. This group provides those tools for the writers taking on the self-publishing proverbial giant as well. So, arm yourself, prepare for battle! 

I originally had joined the group to gain exposure for my work. Joining groups and blog hops really helps you to gain followers and individuals that could potentially be interested in your blog and your writing. At first I was obsessed with connecting with as many bloggers and followers as I could. I would also highly recommend Alex's other groups as well for fellow bloggers and writers. Join Alex and his many blogging adventures here!

*Tip: being a part of this group, you have to post on the first Wednesday of every month. I had a hard time at first remembering, finally I added it into my calendar. Now, I get notifications reminding me about IWSG and that I need to post and check out the fellow bloggers as well. Ironically I'm posting late this month! But otherwise, this is a great tip and really helps me to remember. Especially for people like me, I seem to lose more and more of my focus or my memory capabilities... well, stress is a big factor here too...

That being said, if you have not already drawn the conclusion, I absolutely adore this group. I have found that after self-publishing my book, it has been a huge learning experience that I keep learning through trial and error. I love being able to have this "check-in" that connects me to others where I can ask a questions and get comments, answers, suggestions, or even the desperate support we need as self-published authors. I have a lot of support from my family, but sometimes you need that unbiased opinion to give you a different perspective too.

I cannot thank you enough +Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating this group and giving a forum, voices, and the invaluable tool to help us through - what can be - a difficult journey. I have only been contributing for a few months, but I do look forward to it. I'm also late in submitting this month (Oopps!) moving is so stressful and tiresome. But, I think I'll save that to write about for next month! Better late then never - agreed?

This Month's Insecurity

I dove head-first into the professional editing service realm. So far - so good. It is a little nerve-racking anticipating the manuscript. I am excited at the same time. The service I am using, There For You Editing has been used by other self-published authors and they highly recommend +Melissa Ringsted services. If you visit the link, you can read all of the testimonials. Some authors have received awards and a lot of recognition after using Melissa's services... not that I could be in the same category; I know I should not compare my work with others... but, I have to dream - right?  The editor has been very proactive with communicating and I look forward to Monday, receiving my first manuscript back and reading over it! If you want to continue to follow this adventure, I plan on sharing and blogging about it in another blog that I have, Going off Dreams: the journey and/or Going off Dreams: the series.

*Tip for newbies: MS refers to manuscript. I felt nearly idiotic for not knowing that... it was one of those moments where you palm-slap your forehead and tell yourself "Duh!" 

Have you ventured through professional services for your work? What services did you enlist and was it a positive avenue?

GWR Sponsored Book Blast

Bloggers Wanted: Zaremba Book Blast - July 10

Bloggers are wanted for a book blast on July 10

Participants will have the choice of 6 excerpts to post on their blog.

Prize: Signed Paperback of Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law

In Warsaw, a shy and high-minded polio victim lives a life of seclusion caring for her odd family until a chance encounter plunges her into the intrigues of dirty politics; Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, is about to be arrested on trumped-up charges and only she can save him. Swept along by events, Cordelia finds her feelings increasingly involved with a stranger for whom she is both rescuer and victim. When Zaremba disappears, Cordelia must overcome surveillance, corruption, the media, and mounting humiliations and difficulties to learn the truth. 

Although set in Poland, this is a story that could happen anywhere, as young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.

Sign up here

Girl Who Reads on Facebook

For More Information Click This Link

Wait Watch Wonder: Our Favorite Movies Bloghop

I think that this hop could be fun on different levels. It will sort-of be like seven degrees of sepatration. You write about a favorite movies of yours, visit another site in the hop and comment on their choice, then choose an actress or actor from their movie and write about another movie that they are in... easy enough - right? Join the hop! Visit the site here: Wait Watch Wonder: Our Favorite Movies Bloghop: I have this idea for a bloghop. I have a love for movies so what better way to get a bloghop rolling then sharing our favorite movies. Blog...

April Blog Challenge A to Z: B

April Blog Challenge: 

Day 2: B for Blog

April 2, 2013

"I think therefore I blog"

When I published my book “Going off Dreams” on Amazon this past February, I learned that in order to get more recognition was to start a blog. First I created my series its own website goingoffdreams.com and then my first blog goingoffdreams.blogspot.com. When I started to write about other things besides my book, I branched out. For my love of movies and TV there is Wait Watch Wonder waitwatchwonder.blogspot.com. I have experienced a lot in my life, so when I get the notion I write personal testimonies in my blog titled Faith Warrior at testimonyinlife.blogspot.com. And, naturally – for my blog challenges I have dedicated the blog What Shall We Blog about Today? (kenowinsky.blogspot.com)

My writing was cultivated during the time that I earned my Associates Degree in Psychology, through the University of Phoenix. Grammar and I have never really seen eye-to-eye – you know, it’s never come over on Saturday to share a sundae (Sunday). Seriously though, some of my instructors really taught me some great skills that I’ve utilized in my writing today. For instance, I use to write towards all the time. I had instructors tell me that it should never have the s on the end. Now, when I see read others writing, it is something that I pick up on.

Blogging came to me pretty naturally. I have been keeping journals for a majority of my life. Most of them are devotionals, where I have studied sections of the Bible. I wrote down the passage, the message, and how it pertains to my life. Similarly, when I was in therapy they too suggested journaling. They gave me material to read over, so I would take a section at a time, read it carefully, and then write about it in my journal. This helped me to coordinate any questions I have for my next appointments. Blogging is like free therapy!

It took me awhile to learn formatting and layouts, what worked and what doesn't  I think I am still learning. I’m still trying to get followers and readers to comment – any suggestions? I have actually lost sleep from working on my blogs. It’s a good thing though, because it is something that I enjoy doing. I just hope other readers enjoy it as well.

Until next time or the next… dream

K.E.Nowinsky

March Blog Challenge Day 23

March Blog Challenge

Day 23: what is your hobby?

March 23, 2013

By definition, a hobby is an activity that is enjoyable, that I have done regularly, and during time of leisure. There have been different hobbies that I have had through the years; from watching movies to scrapbooking. Right now I would even say that blogging is becoming a hobby of mine.  So, I think that these three would be in different categories.

The Youngest: Blogging. I started blogging to gain recognition for my writing and promoting my book (Going off Dreams, on Amazon). Then I started to blog about other things as well, like shows, movies, and then discovered blogging challenges. Instead of crowding one blog with all of this, I created four different blogs. To blog about my book, the original blog, “Going off Dreams: the journey @ goingoffdreams.blogspot.com.  To write about the shows I watch and movies, there is Wait Watch Wonder @ waitwatchwonder.blogspot.com. A more personal blog about things that I have experienced there is Faith Warrior @ testimonyinlife.blogspot.com.

The Shortest: Scrapbooking. Growing up I had always kept albums, until I learned properly how to scrap book it was just photos in photo albums along with anything else I could include. This could be movie and concert stubs, greeting cards that I was given throughout the years, and other memorabilia. Then, in 2001 I went with a group of friends on a Disney Cruise. When we decided to get together to scrapbook, I was introduced to new techniques. When I had the time, space, and money this was enjoyable.  After a while it became more difficult. Eventually time slipped away and now the anxiety of trying to play ‘catch-up’ is one of the reasons that I let it go. Mostly, it is the financial aspect of scrapbooking the way I would want to and the space to be able to do it that is a deterrent. 

The Longest: Movies. This is something that I have always enjoyed. To me, it is an escape. It is something that I can lose myself in. For the time that you are engaged, you are taken somewhere else. When I was younger it filled me with hope. I loved to watch my collection of Disney movies that were all about finding someone and it was my misinterpretation of love. As I have gotten older, it is something that still takes me away from reality.

So, what is your favorite hobby?

Until next time or the next… dream

K.E.Nowinsky

March Blog Challenge Day 19

March Blog Challenge

Day 19: what five blogs do you read and why

March 19, 2013

Top 5 Blogs I Follow

5.) Recently I found Aunt Mary’s blog for children. I think this is a great resource http://easyway1234.blogspot.com/ to find activities for children and to teach your kids how to follow and utilize a blog.

4.) Julie Palmer’s Domestic Goddess http://domesticgoddess40.blogspot.com/ I desperately want to be able to organize and coordinate my home. I follow this blog in the hope of learning some great tips and advice so that things could run more smoothly in my home.

3.) Donna http://www.girl-who-reads.com/ this is a great resource for indie e-authors. You can get involved with reviews; take part in guest blogging and so much more. I really like this blog because it is a great compilation of information.

2.) Roxanne Rhoad’s Roxanne’s Realm is a great blog for fantasy book reviews. I secretly dream of Roxanne writing a review and spotlighting my series one day http://roxannesrealm.blogspot.com/

1.) Taylor Lavati’s The Curse Books blog http://thecursebooks.blogspot.com/ & http://spoilerprincess.blogspot.com/ I started reading Taylor’s blogs because she was the first person to give me any advice about my blogs and she even wrote a review for my book.

Until next time or the next… dream

K.E.Nowinsky

March Blog Challenge Day 17

March Blog Challenge

Day 17: When and why did you start blogging?

March 17, 2013

When I was looking into ways to promote my book and to get my name out there, the suggestion was to blog. So, last month I researched free blog sites and enrolled in Blogger.  It was really exciting and it took me a while to learn certain things (and still learning) but I think I am getting the hang of it. The March Blog Challenge has really helped me to find structure and blogging topics. I finally realized too how to organize the different topics. At first I was putting everything on one blog site (goingoffdreams.blogspot.com), and then when I decided to branch out I added three more sites. My personal life and experiences (testimonyinlife.blogspot.com) I put into one site, I am still working on structure. The other sites keep me busy and I haven’t really been able to write as much as I would like for the site titled Faith Warrior. One site that I wish more people would comment and interact with is Wait Watch Wonder (waitwatchwonder.blogspot.com). Here I write about movies and TV shows, something I have always loved.  Of course, goingoffdreams.blogspot.com is entitled Going off Dreams: the journey, here I write about my experiences in writing my first book.

Since I started blogging I realized it is a great way to cultivate many things, like writing techniques, and inner therapy. It is a place you can write whatever you want, people may or may not respond, and either way it’s out there and off your chest. This is one thing that I do need to work on – how do you get your readers to comment and interact with your posts?

Any questions, comments, or concerns are always welcomed. I know I am far from perfect and truly appreciate constructive criticism.  I appreciate you taking the time to read this; I look forward to hearing from you soon! Please – spread the word and share my blogs – Much love J

Until next time or the next… dream

K.E.Nowinsky