Wednesday, July 6, 2016

IWSG July: The Best Thing and Announcements


I don't always share all the news and background of IWSG, but since I'm a co-host this month, I thought I should put it all out there - directly from the IWSG website, which I highly recommend for every author!

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a home for writers in all stages; from unpublished to bestsellers. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance. We want to help writers overcome their insecurities, and by offering encouragement we are creating a community of support. 

HOW IT BEGAN:

Alex J. Cavanaugh, the founder, noticed a lot of blog posts from writers mentioning their doubts, concerns, and lack of confidence. He also saw the positive replies they received and realized that the writing community offered an abundance of support. Writers want to see other writers succeed, which is how he came up with the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. This group would act as a form of therapy, letting writers post about situations where they need encouragement, or to offer words of encouragement to others if they have experience. 

On September 7, 2011, Alex launched the monthly blog posting of the IWSG and it has been going strong ever since

My own testimonial for IWSG: I have found the most encouragement and support from this group of writers. 
Each month, you all make my writing life awesome! Thank you!!!

IWSG News!
Voting has opened for the genre of the 2016 IWSG Anthology! 

IWSG has a new monthly feature: a question prompt for the month!
This month's question: What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

This is actually a tough question to answer.
It made me realize just how awesome my support system is.
I'm super blessed to have some amazingly supportive family members.
I've received a few fan e-mails and twitter messages - which is just crazy amazing.
I've even had editors of magazines say super sweet things about my writing.
And, I've had some awesome reviews of my books - some by bloggers from this community.
In fact, when I really thought about it, I wanted to cry a little and give you all a ginormous hug! (that's giant and enormous in one word - I have teen daughters)

But, I'm going to take a trip back into memory lane for a particular answer to this question.
My husband once said to me, "When one of your books goes to the bestseller lists and makes millions . . . (enter in dreams of fancy sports cars, travel, etc) "
And, I thought he might be joking, but he was serious. 
He still thinks that my writing deserves that much success. 
And, I'm just blown away by that.
Sure, I had teachers and school friends who thought I had "potential," but my husband simply "knows" that something I write is going to be successful. He doesn't say "maybe" or "someday" or "when you get your marketing act together," he says he "knows" one of my books will "make it."

I hope that each of you has someone who believes in your writing like that.



132 comments:

Crystal Collier said...

Aw. I love it! What a great compliment. I was right there with you, counting the number of awesome people supporting me, and blown away by the love. People rock!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Here's a ginormous hug right back *Hugs* You have a great support system. You are blessed beyond measure!!!!

Heather R. Holden said...

Aw, your husband is so sweet. Glad your writerly life is filled with so much support!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That your husband is your biggest fan is the best thing you can hope for!

Michelle Wallace said...

Your support system is amazing. A real blessing.
And I have to say that your story, The Shimmer, took my breath away. Beautiful!
Happy IWSG Day!
Thank you for co-hosting this month, Tyrean.
Writer In Transit

C.D. Gallant-King said...

My wife is my biggest fan and harshest critic rolled into one. I can't tell you how many drafts she has read over the years with a kind word and critical but valid and useful comments. One of her biggest compliments is probably "You are better than this."

Congrats on having your own supportive partner to lean on!

www.cdgallantking.ca

C.D. Gallant-King said...

My wife is my biggest fan and harshest critic rolled into one. I can't tell you how many drafts she has read over the years with a kind word and critical but valid and useful comments. One of her biggest compliments is probably "You are better than this."

Congrats on having your own supportive partner to lean on!

www.cdgallantking.ca

Tamara Narayan said...

That's so sweet of your husband. Mine is very similar. Some little thing will happen with my writing and he will get more excited than I do sometimes. He tells me all the time it is important to celebrate every little rung on the ladder to success.

Yolanda Renée said...

My husband is the same way. Well almost, his is blind support. I just wish he'd read my work voluntarily or at least listen with some effort. LOL
Your hubby sounds like he knows exactly what's going on! Congratulations! Support and great feedback is key to success. And I've no doubt you'll have those millions!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Tyrean, your husband is definitely a keeper.

Karen Lange said...

It's great to have such a wonderful other half who believes in you! Cheering you on in the journey! :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Tyrean,

What a lovely and supportive comment from your hubby. That is surely worth its weight in gold... or diamonds, or race cars....

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Sorry, meant to add THANKS FOR CO-HOSTING!!!

Christine Rains said...

That is awesome! Such belief is priceless. Thank you for co-hosting today. :)

Julie Flanders said...

Aww, that's so wonderful. Your hubby obviously rocks. And has good writing taste! :)

It's amazing to me that this group has been going strong since 2011. When I read that I thought, that can't be! What a fabulous thing Alex started.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for co-hosting.

I love how much support and encouragement you get from your husband, that's awesome. And so is the adoration from your fans - just amazing!

Toi Thomas said...

It really does make all the difference to have a great support system and for your husband to be your biggest fan is simply lovely.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

What a wonderful husband! I have one of those myself. He's my best friend and my biggest fan. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Your husband is a keeper!

Lynn La Vita said...

I'm always curious how positive comments and the faith of a husband contributes to our confidence and our ability to weave a spell-binding story. My critic has a tenancy to undermine my compliments. You have worked hard and your sincere compliments are well deserved.

Unknown said...

My boss is constantly worried I'm going to put in my two-week notice because I've become a millionaire. It's both flattering and hilarious at the same time. :)

Erika Beebe said...

What a great thought and an awesome support system. I hope your books make it big too. :)

Patsy said...

How wonderful to have such a supportive husband who really believes in your work.

Chemist Ken said...

It's super great when your own family believes in you. Here's hoping that your books continue to rise.

Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG!

Charity Bradford said...

How wonderful to have such a supportive hubby! I guess I forgot the question, I'll go add it to my post. ;) Thanks for co-hosting this month!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, they do!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks! I think so, too. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

He definitely is! :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

That's so true.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thank you so much, Michelle!

Juneta key said...

What an awesome compliment and from someone who matters so much to you personally, That is awesome. Congrats.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

emaginette said...

Excellent. My son says that about me, but I thought like you did. Let's hope they both are right. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Elizabeth Alsobrooks said...

A definite keeper! Thanks for hosting!

Mark said...

IWSG is one of the best! Greta people all around:)

Suzanne Furness said...

It's a great support team at IWSG and your husband sounds wonderful.
Thanks for visiting my blog today - sorry I hadn't got a new IWSG post up *hangs head* time has got away from me. I'll try and post later today.
Thanks for co-hosting.

Computer Tutor said...

We have similar husbands. He too always has a core belief that my writing is stupendous. There are so many times I need his cheerleading. Thanks for reminding me.

VR Barkowski said...

Nothing replaces a great support team. It's easier to believe in ourselves when someone else believes in us. Thank you for hosting, Tyrean!

VR Barkowski

alexia said...

Aww, that's super sweet. It's important for those close to you to really believe! Awesome. Thanks for co-hosting!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

What a great story and a great guy. My husband believes in me too. We're lucky women.

M.J. Fifield said...

That's so great that your husband is so supportive! And of course your writing deserves that much success and more!

Murees Dupè said...

Your husband is wonderful. You definitely deserve great success, Tyrean. Thank you for co-hosting.

kimlajevardi.com said...

That's a good husband. Thanks for co-hosting!

J.Q. Rose said...

What a sweet guy. Give him a hug for being so supportive. Wishing you success in achieving that best seller! Don't worry about making millions, I'd say your husband's faith in your talent is priceless.

J.Q. Rose said...

What a sweet guy. Give him a hug for being so supportive. Wishing you success in achieving that best seller! Don't worry about making millions, I'd say your husband's faith in your talent is priceless.

Pat Garcia said...

First, thank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month. I love the compliment from your husband. That shows how much faith he has in what you write. My husband is also very supportive. And for that, I am very thankful.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia

Sarah Foster said...

I love that! It's great to have someone who believes in you like that. My fiance and I often talk about "when we're famous..."
Thanks for co-hosting!

Unknown said...

Great answer! My husband is that person for me too :-) Thanks for co-hosting, Tyrean! It's been awhile since I've visited your blog . . . I'll try to be better. The IWSG is the only thing I blog for these days.

Loni Townsend said...

That is wonderful your husband supports you like that. It's great to have the backing of confidence in your family members. Thanks for co-hosting!

Cherie Colyer said...

Sounds like you've had lots of nice things said about your writing. And it is great that your husband is so positive and supportive. Thanks for co-hosting.

Denise Covey said...

Hi Tyrean. Sounds like you have a great support team! And I love your husband's dreams for you...and why not? :-)

Nancy Gideon said...

Lucky you! If my ex had said that to me, I might still be married . . . Nah. Thanks for co-hosting, Tyrean!

Olga Godim said...

Isn't it marvelous that your husband believes in you so much. Makes you believe in yourself as well. We all need such support in our families.

Jenni said...

That's awesome. My husband is like that. He's the one person who's taken my writing seriously from the very beginning, even when it wasn't that good. It sure helps to have someone like that in your camp.

Lidy said...

Thanks for co-hosting today! Aww, that’s really sweet how your husband believes in you so much that he just knows. Mine rather nags me once in awhile when I’ll write that bestseller already. But support is support and most of us aren’t lucky to have the support of family and loved ones. You’re very lucky.

Fundy Blue said...

Thanks for co-hosting today, Tyrean! How lovely that your husband is solidly behind you and believes in you! My husband stands behind me, too, and it means so much.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'm glad you have an awesome support system in your wife!

Tyrean Martinson said...

That's awesome that your husband is similar. It's cool that he reminds you to celebrate!

Tyrean Martinson said...

My husband is more blindly supporting these days - he has some coding projects of his own - outside of work - that keep him pretty busy. He does read most of my short stories though.
And thanks!
The millions would be nice, but for now, I'm content with the kindness of friends. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

I think he is, too. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks, Karen!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I think so, too. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, it is.
Thanks for stopping by!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks!
And the fans . . . I may not have many, but those 25 or so are just plain awesome! :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks, Toinette!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Awesome!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, he is!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I love that. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks, Julie!
It is a fabulous thing that Alex started!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks, Erika!

Tyrean Martinson said...

It is!
Thanks for stopping by!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thank you, Ken!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes! I hope they are both right, too!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks!

Tyrean Martinson said...

So true!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'll come by again. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

You're welcome!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks for stopping by, VR!

Tyrean Martinson said...

It is important.
Thanks for stopping by!

Tyrean Martinson said...

We definitely are!

Anonymous said...

Your husband's encouragement and belief in you is wonderful! Who needs the millions when you have support like that. Thank you for co-hosting!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks, M.J.!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thank you, Murees!

Tyrean Martinson said...

His faith in me is definitely priceless!
And, I think it's more likely that I'll give him a million hugs than I'll earn millions. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

That's awesome!
Thanks for stopping by!

Tyrean Martinson said...

It is wonderful!
Thanks for stopping by!

Tyrean Martinson said...

It's been a while for me, too. Thanks for stopping by!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I have. I don't sell many books, but my tiny fan base is super supportive! :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

I do!
I don't sell many books, but my support team rocks!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks for stopping by, Nancy!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, we do.
Thanks for stopping by, Olga!

Tyrean Martinson said...

It does help. I'm glad your husband is like that, too. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Well, if he's expecting you to write one, then . . . he does believe in you!

Tyrean Martinson said...

It does mean so much!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I agree!
Thanks for stopping by!

Chrys Fey said...

Having support like that and encouragement from your husband is great. I'm glad this question made you realize how wonderful your support system is. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

It's amazing how much it made me realize. I have a tendency to look at sales numbers and not support, which I think is the wrong direction to focus.

Jeffrey Scott said...

It would be amazing to have that kind of support, but currently about the only support I get is from my fellow IWSGers. I can't believe the wealth of support and advice I have received so far. True, my friends and family know I'm a writer. But I think that's about as far as it goes. A few have come to my blog from time to time, but no dedicated, continual support. Perhaps I shouldn't be expecting that.

Kristin Smith said...

Aw, that is so sweet! What a wonderfully supportive husband you have! I love that he "knows it." You should "know it" too! :)

Thank you for co-hosting this month!

Doreen McGettigan said...

Your husband is absolutely a keeper! I have a super supportive one too and feel so bad for writers that don't have:( But they do have us!
Thank you for hosting this month.

Lisa said...

So cool! I have a husband like that too! Aren't we the lucky ones...? And we have good taste too. Thanks for co-hosting this month!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

No kidding. You are very lucky. Even if he just wants that sports car. So are you, Lisa. I've joined your blog and will continue to meet other IWSG members on my new journey as a member. Thanks for co-hosting the event this month.

SK Anthony said...

That is absolutely the best!!!! Love that he's so supportive. Him BELIEVING in your work that much is simply priceless!!! <3


~~~
S.K. Anthony: The Decline in Ebooks — It’s Not What You Think

Tyrean Martinson said...

I had that experience for many years, Jeffrey. My husband surprised me. Some of my current friends outside IWSG continue to surprise me. Sometimes, we have to find and build relationships with more supportive people, and sometimes we just have to tell people about our writing journey - although that's scary, and sometimes people don't get it.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks for stopping by!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, they have us! We can share the love. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, we are and do!
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!

Tyrean Martinson said...

So true.
Thanks for stopping by, Victoria!

Diane Burton said...

What a wonderful thing for your husband to say. You've got a real supporter there. Thanks for co-hosting this month.

Gwen Gardner said...

It's so nice that your hubby believes in you. Mine does too. It means a lot. (((hugs)))

Tyrean Martinson said...

Definitely!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks for stopping by, Diane!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Hugs!
Thanks for stopping by, Gwen!

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

What a lovely post and what a wonderful husband for his faith in you.

Angela Brown said...

What your husband says about your writing, that's the kind of supportive thing my daughter mentions. I'm still trying to get her to understand that even though she thinks my story should be a movie, mom doesn't have the money to just make it happen... but who knows what the future holds. At the very least, I have her ten month deadline to work on :-)

And it's wonderful having a firm foundation of support like your husband. That is awesome!

Debra Renée Byrd said...

That's so sweet. I'd like to hope deep down my family still believes in me like that.

Thanks for co-hosting!

Unknown said...

Thank you, Beverly!

Unknown said...

Thanks! I love that your daughter thinks Fable Ranger Summons should be a movie. I agree. I would love to see it. But, I know what you mean - we need some producers . . .
Foundational family support rocks!

Unknown said...

I hope they do, too!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I think so, too! :)

Tonja Drecker said...

How sweet of him! If that isn't support, then I don't know what is. And I'm told (at least by my husband) that the man is always right ;)

cleemckenzie said...

Each of us needs our family's support first. They are the ones that we must be able to count on. How wonderful to have that, Tyrean.

dolorah said...

Many people are lacking family support. When my hubs says that, he is joking - or just wishful thinking.

Tyrean Martinson said...

It is super sweet! :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

It is!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Wishful thinking is a start in the right direction.

Shannon Lawrence said...

My husband is the same! I think he has more faith in me than me. We have good guys. :)

Unknown said...

Wow - such a supportive husband - best thing for a writer - it'll inspire you to write that book that will put you on the NY Times Best seller list.

Kalpana said...

awwww - that's just so brilliant to have a partner who believes in you to that extent. I'm sure you will. I don't really have great family support - I'm too busy being supportive of my children and my siblings and now I think I'm too old to say "Hey, look at my work. What do you think of it?" But that's ok - there are other people who enjoy my writing.

Mason T. Matchak said...

That is pretty amazing. I'm lucky enough to have a friend like that as well - she's supported me for years, and no matter how many books I trunk, she still holds the belief that I'm going to be ridiculously successful someday. That's kept me going more times than I can count.

Tabatha Morrow said...

A great support system is a priceless thing.

Misha Gerrick said...

You're so blessed to have such a supportive husband. I'm rooting for your success, hon!