Welcome to the first IWSG blog hop of 2022. Thanks to founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and the other awesome admins of The Insecure Writer's Support Group, this monthly virtual get-together keeps going and going. Find the list of all the participants here as we share our insecurities and encourage each other.
This month's optional question:
What's the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?
No, I can overcome it. The thing I regret the most is that I didn't begin writing for publication sooner. I wish I could go back and change that, but... Then again, I've always been a forward-looking person who lets the past go. Can't change it, so keep on going.
One thing I always enjoy about the end of the year and the beginning of the next is the plethora of planners and calendars to choose from. I love them all. I love setting up my new planner with all the important dates throughout the year. The biggest date I've put on there so far is the end of my term as president of Pennwriters, the statewide writers' group I've been part of for over twenty years. (May, 15th, yippee) I've served over seven years on the board and sacrificed my own writing time. It's past time for me to get back to my own writing.
Most of the writers I know are very generous when it comes to helping other writers. The admins of IWSG are perfect examples. I'm happy to have given my time to IWSG in the past as well as Pennwriters and other local groups. I will continue to volunteer but it will be a huge relief to not be one of those responsible for running the whole affair.
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." Booker T. Washington
I intend to revitalize my social media efforts as I find more time for my writing career. I'll have no more excuses for not sitting my butt in the chair and writing.
For 2022, my wishes for you are good health, inspired writing, good books to read, delicious beverages, and no tax surprises.
I also wish you well on any goals you've set, personal or professional.
I kind of enjoyed the Amazon Wheel of Time first season. As someone who has read the books, I wasn't entirely happy with the changes but I also understand why they made some of them. I am glad anytime a fantasy series manages to snag a series or movie contract. I really enjoyed the second season of the witcher. I liked everyone being on the same timeline and having only a few story arcs to follow. I really love the setup for next season. The latest Spiderman movie was great. Funny as usual but sad overall.
I also tuned into 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone on Paramount +. As someone who grew up on westerns, it is fun to see a new one on TV. It is rather dark and grim, but I expect real life was pretty harsh and grim in 1883. The Expanse on Prime is winding down with only a few episodes left. I assume they won't cover most of the story told in the last three novels. I'm very interested in how they wrap it up.
I hope you received some gift cards for books or actual books for Christmas. I received both and I already have books picked out.
"Be happy. It is one way of being wise." Colette
What would you change looking back over your writing career? Did you get some books for Christmas? Have any plans for making 2022 great? Any good shows to recommend?
24 comments:
Most interesting to read Susan, there are always highs and lows with writing, Higgh especially when a new book is published. Happy writing.
Yvonne.
Sounds like you have some changes coming up in 2022, and that they'll be good for you! Enjoy it all. Happy New Year, Susan.
I agree with you that it's better to look forward than regret the back. Glad you won't be running Penwriters. It's good to find the right balance between helping other writers and having time to meet your own writing goals.
Sometimes we have to say no and let go of certain responsibilities, if only for our own sanity.
Know when to say when.
Wheel of Time and Witcher have been great. My review of Spider-Man goes up next week. Wasn't crazy about Yellowstone but I am curious about the prequel as I really like Sam Elliott.
Hi Susan - I'm just slipping into 2022 as quietly as I can - no change ... being happy per Colette, and being positive as per me!! Lots of reading to do ... cheers Hilary
I always give myself books for Christmas. :)
We've started watching Longmire - never saw it when it first came out - and we're enjoying it so far.
Getting more time should be nice! Happy New Year.
I had the same regret of not starting earlier and I suspect it will come up a lot today. But like you point out, the only direction is forward.
Have a Happy New Year and I hope you enjoy the extra time you have found yourself with.
Happy New Year! I have the same regret. I was writing, but I was too afraid to share my writing with the world, and I wish I did it sooner. You're right, though. We must look forward and push on! I didn't get any books for Christmas, but I did get a new Kindle Paperwhite and I love it.
I read the Wheel of Time books too, and I was nervous about the show. I really got into it on the 4th episode, and I let go that it was so different from the books. I also loved the second season of The Witcher, and Midnight Mass was wonderful.
I understand the not dwelling on things you did not do. "If wishes were horses then beggars would ride." kind of thing. Can't change that but can change the now. Happy New Year and hoping lots of good writing in your future.
I enjoyed Wheel of Time too, and also saw the reasoning behind the changes. I also started bawling for Lan, which I hadn't done with the books. And I enjoyed the Witcher, season 2.
Have you watched Wynonna Earp? My husband and I are starting that now. It's complete at like 4 seasons I think, and available on Netflix.
I'll have to look up Yellowstone. I'd like a good western series. Thanks and Happy New Year.
I know what it’s like to volunteer and help and give more to the organization than you have time for yourself. I’m happy you have some much deserved time to focus on your writing! Yay! Happy IWSG day :)
Most interesting to read Susan, I started writing later in life which I regret.
Loved the saying at the end of your post also.
Take care.
Yvonne.
I used to think I should've started sooner, but lack of life experience would have harmed my writing. I've made my peace with it.
I'm finally settled into my new house and my new job. 2022 is going to be the year I dig into my writing and treat it like a business.
Hi Susan,
Happy New Year! I am happy for you that you will finally have the time to go back to your writing! Giving our time is wonderful, but you must have time for yourself as well.
For 2022, I hope to write so much more, do more submitting, and most likely delve into the world of self publishing. I have three novels that need to be out in the world and since I can not seem to place them with an agent or publisher, it is time to move on. I have wasted SO MUCH time, years in fact, holding onto my stories for too long hoping they will get picked up.
I am THRILLED to have my first story published in the IWSG Anthology. I hope this is the beginning of many more published works to come. The first step ALWAYS takes the longest. Lol
All the best to you and yours for 2022! We need to resume our lives and make positive things happen.
Praying you have a blessed and beautiful 2022.
I like your approach and I sympathize. No regrets. Looking forward is always better. Future is where hope resides.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for all your volunteer work supporting writers! Yes, writers need help and we can be generous, but our own writing time is precious. Sometimes it seems that if we volunteer, we are asked for more and more. Draw that line! Also thank you for mentioning Wheel of Time. I may just watch it! Happy 2022 with good writing ahead.
You're going to enjoy that free time for writing! Enjoy!!
Happy New Year, Susan!
Over the years, you have given soooooo much to writers! Thank you for that!
Enjoy your extra time...
I love the quote: "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." It works. Every time.
Same regret I have. Can't really do anything about it except go forward. I'm enjoying Wheel of Time even though I haven't read the series. I couldn't get into The Expanse. Finally watching Game of Thrones. Not sure if I'll get going on that. I had to find out what the buzz was all about. Hope you have a great year.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Susan! I'm still on hiatus but slowly returning to online life--here's wishing you all good things in the new year, including writing inspiration :)
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