Wednesday, May 3, 2023

#IWSG Day: May 2023 - Why Writers Are Weird and Wonderful (Thank Goodness)


 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! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

 Now let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are: Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

May 03rd question: When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Writers are inspired by many things! Newspapers, TV, movies, other books, art galleries, meditation, dancing, exercise, overheard conversations, dreams, nightmares, nature, adventures, blogs, magazines, forums, music, quotes, history, writing partners, word games, freewriting, people we've met, loved, hated, been married to...there are too many to count...the list is never ending!

The act of getting words down onto a blank piece of paper (or computer screen) requires great courage. As a writer you dare to put yourself out there; your dreams, fantasies, opinions and experiences, which all filter through your writing in one way or another. This makes writing a confessional act, no matter the genre.

 Writers are often a little weird, in a wonderful way. We observe the world around us intensely. Writers tend to be anti-social. Since writing is a solitary pursuit, most writers love solitude… turning inward. Time spent in solitude fosters creative thinking.

Remember, what you do is one of the most important motivations in the world - you write.
You share.
You help us all connect. 

Find what inspires you! Writers who are in touch with the sources of their inspiration are at an advantage.

Your words matter!
Remember this whenever you feel discouraged or disappointed by another rejection or a bad writing day - or no writing at all.

Your words matter!
Keep those thoughts front and centre.
Your words matter!
Embrace your weirdness!
Find your tribe!

Finally, if you really have the itch to write, it will never go away!

When you are working on a story/poem/article, what inspires you?
Do you see yourself as weird and wonderful?
As a creative, how much time do you spend in isolation? 

17 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yes, your words matter!

Jen said...

Thank goodness we're weird! I mean, where would the stories go if they didn't have these strange, anti-social, introverted vessels sitting at keyboard and notepads compulsively waiting for an outpouring of words? Wonderful post :) Happy IWSG Day!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Perfectly said, Michelle! I always tell newbie writers to make sure they make some writer friends because it takes one weirdo to understand another weirdo.

Jemi Fraser said...

So very true! Finding like-minded writers is such a boon!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Years ago a friend gave me a pullover with this quote on the front: "I am a writer. My mother's other children are normal."

I totally related to that. LOL.

Happy IWSG Day, Diane. Best to you.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Ps. Sorry, Michelle. I meant to say Michelle.

PJ Colando said...

Thanks for the intro, Michelle. I perpetually enjoy this community and feel fortunate to belong -

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, our words matter. And I agree that you have to like solitude to be a writer.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Oh, I am weird all right!

Melissa said...

I'm weird. No doubt.

Miffie Seideman said...

Weird and wonderful is a great way to describe writers. I tend toward odd hobbies that help me creatively think. My triathlon training gives me time away for my mind to float on endorphins for a bit and generate ideas. Creating soaps gives me a chance to refresh my creativity through art and use my pharmacy skills now that I'm retired. I always look forward to these monthly blog hops! Thank you for spearheading such a great group of weird and wonderful writing aficionados.

jabblog said...

I'd like to consider myself eccentric and unusual but I know I'm very ordinary - it's everyone else who's different.
Words matter so much and discovering new vocabulary is enriching.

Karen Baldwin said...

I love being part of the community of writers - we're all weird and wonderful. We get each other.

Loni Townsend said...

Excellent positivity! It's great!

Rajani Rehana said...

Beautiful blog

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi Michaelle!

I love "YOUR WORDS MATTER!" And they do! All of our words. Lately, I haven't been writing, but have been inspired to continue the restoration of my home and gardens. I hope to finish this year. LOL I"ve said this for the past two years now. LOL

The former "Blurb King" has reclused in his own little word for quite some time now. I have ALWAYS been a social creature and enjoyed the company of friends, new acquaintances, and all my BLOGGER BUDDIES! But, since Covid hit, that changed for me. I am not sure if it was fear of getting sick, or just the disappointment of so many former friends. Turning 60-62 during this time may have had something to do with that. I am not sure...

But now, I am rejoining the living! YAY...I have been away for far too long. In the late summer/fall, I will bee traveling abroad to Scotland and I can't wait. An international trip has been LONG overdue for me. it's been over thirty years since I visited Europe. But visiting Scotland will be a first for me and it will be thrilling! I KNOW I will return so inspired and overwhelmed by what I had experienced. Hopefully, it will trigger me to write more again. Fingers crosse...

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michelle - great tips and notes here ... we need to start writing - whatever floats your boat - eg for me 'just a blog' ... but I love the interaction that's around for us. Weirdo ... yes perhaps ... but enjoying life - cheers Hilary