Do you surround yourself with goal-orientated people who inspire you, challenge you, and encourage you?
I do, and I think it makes a difference in how much I have hope to finish my goals, how much I actually get done every month, and how good I feel whether or not I've actually accomplished everything.
In my every day life, surrounded by awesome family and friends, I am inspired, challenged, and encouraged by:
My parents live life fully, even with disabilities and age.
My husband, who works full-time as a supervising engineer at a local power company, also makes time for: bicycling to and from work, designing and programming new software, making videos for dance studios, helping out at local canoe and kayak team with chase boat repair, and doing 90% of the sound and media tech at our church.
My daughters, who both have huge dreams and goals, who put in work every day and every week, and who are sweet enough to include me in conversations about their lives.
In my blog-life, this strange part of reality, I am inspired by so many people that I know I'm going to miss 90% of you - meaning I'm going to miss mentioning most of the people who are awesome because then my post would be as long as the IWSG list, or longer. For now, I'm just going to list a small smattering, who you probably all already know:
Alex J. Cavanaugh - Ninja Captain of Light-house Endeavors like IWSG and awesome author.
Milo James Fowler - Speculative Fictioneer of everlasting persistence and excellent writing.
Misha Gericke - the Queen of Dream Goals, who has inspired me in my goal-making and keeping.
Cherie Reich - Amazing Word Count Goal-Maker and Keeper. She has strategies that work!
M Pax - Speculative fiction author, amazing goal-keeper, and inspiring blog-writer. She knows her science and her fiction.
L. Diane Wolfe - She has her ear to the industry heartbeat. She's a writer, a speaker, and photographer.
And, every single blogger involved in IWSG! Yes, you! You inspire me, challenge me, and encourage me to be a better writer, blogger, and blog-buddy. You inspire me to exercise, to read, to get creative, and to live life fully.
Thank you.
Do you surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and encourage you?
Special Events:
Realms Faire!
Realms Faire is Coming in November! Please support with Thunderclap!
And, please join us in the fun that week!
Book Celebration:
by Tara Tyler
In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper's latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.
As if the case wasn't frustrating enough, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who's looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.
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Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up... hence, she's also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy. She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.
And, Remember the IWSG Anthology!!!
Theme: Alternate History/Parallel Universe. That’s right, we’ve decided to go the speculative route. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines, except erotica or graphic violence.
Story deadline: November 1st 2015
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously unpublished story to TheIWSG at gmail dot com before the deadline passes. Make sure to include your contact details.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press in the IWSG anthology next year. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title. The winners will also receive an exclusive badge to display on their blog.
Do you have your story done yet?
Eligibility: Any member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is encouraged to enter – blogging or Facebook member. (Must have a blog post this month or last or join the Facebook group by today to qualify.) The story must be previously unpublished. Entry is free.
Word count: 5000-6000Theme: Alternate History/Parallel Universe. That’s right, we’ve decided to go the speculative route. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines, except erotica or graphic violence.
Story deadline: November 1st 2015
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously unpublished story to TheIWSG at gmail dot com before the deadline passes. Make sure to include your contact details.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press in the IWSG anthology next year. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title. The winners will also receive an exclusive badge to display on their blog.
Do you have your story done yet?
Thanks, Tyrean! You'll miss us? Are you leaving?
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid the negative people. And in real life, most of those I hang out with share my spiritual foundation. That does make a difference.
Thanks for promoting the IWSG Anthology Contest.
No, I'm not leaving - what I meant was that I'm not going to be able to name even a tiny portion of the awesome and encouraging bloggers I know. I'll re-type that bit for more clarity.
DeleteThe folks who inspire me are almost all found here in the blogging world. My sons inspire me daily, but most of my writer friends are online.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the blogging world is just full of inspiration, but I'm glad your son inspires you, too. :)
DeleteI'm often inspired by many of the people in the ISWG. Though I've just returned from a much needed sabbatical, it's nice to read the inspiring words of other members. Love your blog btw and am now following.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea!
DeleteIt seems that most of the people in my life are very goal-oriented. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the fact that many of them are writers.
ReplyDeleteThat may be. :) Goals definitely help.
DeleteI think being a writer has made me even more goal oriented, come to think of it. I don't recall making the kinds of lists I do these days.
DeleteMost of the goal-orented and positive people I know are here in the blogosphere and part of IWSG. Here, and my husband, are my go-to's for support and encouragement and inspiration. :)
ReplyDeleteSweet!
DeleteThank you, Tyrean.
ReplyDeleteAs they say, you are who you associate with. associate with negative and you'll be negative.
That's so very true.
DeleteYes, I like to surround myself with people who inspire me, encourage me, support me and cheer me on.
ReplyDeleteGreat, Rachna!
DeleteI wouldn't be able to write without all the supportive people I have around me and online. It makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely does!
DeleteThank you for being an inspiration as well!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks! :)
DeleteYes, it's great to be around inspiring blogger friends and friends and family in our lives.
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteYes, I try to always be positive and surround myself with positive, inspiring people. And I have to say, reading about your wonderful family and all their and your accomplishments is truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori! Positive people help each other stay positive. We all have our ups and downs, but when one of us is down, the others can lift him/her up!
DeleteWow! You really are surrounded by goal-driven people and that's totally awesome. It can be so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is!
DeleteThis blogging community is the best. =) I'm with you though. I couldn't do it without my fabulous hubby or super supportive kids.
ReplyDeleteYes! the blog community rocks, but it's these wonderful everyday people that I get to live with who keep me moving forward on the days when I want to just say, "blah."
DeleteI think the people who inspire me the most are my fellow bloggers!
ReplyDeleteCool!
DeleteI am inspired by other writers be it books, movies, poems, bloggers, community etc. The writing community has really been a blessing with all its support and encouragement, No one in my daily world understand writing or even cares about it one way or the other, so don't have it there, IWSG group has been one of the best inspirations to me and so welcoming and encouraging, I need more positive encouraging people in my daily life too.
ReplyDeleteJuneta Writer's Gambit
I think that the IWSG group is definitely one of the best blog groups online!
DeleteI also think that finding support in the daily life is good, and it doesn't have to be from other writers. Anyone with goals can help.
I do better when I'm surrounded by people who are motivated because they also try to motivate me into getting my butt in gear.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I feel like saying, "no, I don't want to write today," and then my daughters go out and paddle (kayak and canoe) on the Puget Sound (cold sea-water) in the rain. So, then I realize I can sit down and wrestle with words again.
DeleteOh, great post! I know exactly what you mean. Like, I don't know what I'd do without the blogging community here. Everyone's always so encouraging!
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly! I couldn't name all the encouraging people unless I put up the whole IWSG list and then added in another 50 names or so.
DeleteIt is such an important part of being a writer! I think the ones who struggle constantly are the ones who don't have much support. My CPs and beta readers are the best cheerleaders I know. I would've quit a long time ago if it weren't for them:)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I think that support is one of the keys to finishing projects.
DeleteWhat a great post, Tyrean. It is so important to surround yourself with support. On the flip side, ignore/cut off those whose negativity drags you down. We can do that by ourselves.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Diane
IWSG #94
That's so very true, Diane!
DeleteI can't believe how many inspiring people I've met thanks to the blogging world. It was definitely a life-changing decision to jump into this community and I'm so glad I did. :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I'm so glad we have IWSG and awesome blog buddies!
DeleteYay for having such wonderful people to inspire you! It's great to hear that, and it's great to hear all the positive energy in your post. Congrats to Tara on her new release! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your positive energy and always leave your place feeling refreshed!
ReplyDelete(...would love to guest teach one of your writing classes...)
Congrats to Tara! And there are so many inspiring people out there, particularly those in the blogging (IWSG) area. You are amazing to get what you do done and are inspiring too. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so important to surround yourself with supportive people.
ReplyDeleteOther bloggers help me out.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Tara. She is great. My fellow writers and bloggers inspire me every day, You included. When you guys break down barriers and work hard, it makes me want to work hard and accomplish more.
ReplyDeleteI am surrounded by these types of folks, but I don't think I did it on purpose. You mentioned some awesome people. It's definitely inspiring to see them and others continue to work hard and accomplish their goals.
ReplyDeleteI haven't always surrounded myself with people who cheer me on in the past. I still have some people who may or may not care depending on their mood and the day of the week it happens to be. Ultimately I have to be my own cheerleader and keep my own self motivated.
ReplyDeleteThe writing community here is amazing. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by them all. I am a better writer and person because of them. :)
ReplyDeleteI def surround myself with positive people. If someone is a naysayer or has something snarky to say about my choice as a writer, I won't associate with those ppl (in some cases it's harder to cut people out if they're extended family, so I just wont discuss the process with them and stick to topics like the weather lol)
ReplyDeleteMy wife has been the single greatest positive influence in my writing. If it wasn't for her, I never would have submitted anything for publication a few years ago. Thanks for the shout-out, Tyrean!
ReplyDeleteTyrean, as writers we couldn't survive without surrounding ourselves with our guardian angels. Most of my angels are more positive about my work than I am!
ReplyDeleteRead your chapter at wattpad. I really must find the time to use wattpad better! God, how many hours in the day I need! You are magnificent with dialogue! Go you! :-)