Welcome to the first Wednesday of the month. You know what that means! It's time to let our insecurities hang out. Yep, it's the Insecure Writer's Support Group blog hop. If you're a writer at any stage of career, I highly recommend this blog hop as a way to connect with other writers for support, sympathy, ideas, and networking.
If you're a reader, it's a great way to peek behind the curtain of a writing life.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
February 3 question - Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?
The awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG are Louise - Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!
Be sure to check out their insights next!
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Blogging can be a great way to connect with other writers and creatives. Participating in blog hops like this one and the A to Z Blogging Challenge in April has introduced me to so many interesting people over the years.
There are people I still follow that I first found by clicking through links in a list of participants and others that have wandered through my life for a few months then wandered back out again, but all of them have taught me something.
If you follow someone for years, you can watch them change and grow--see aspiring writers become award-winning, multi-published authors with book deals and exciting projects. Heck, I even enjoy looking back through the archives of my *own* blog sometimes in that light--too see how far I've come and how my goals have changed over time.
I learn about opportunities that way too--there's always something to be gained by taking a moment to step into someone else's world for a moment and look around. In that way, blogging can be a form of networking and research as well as community-building and friendship.
Living a creative life is easier with community, and blogging can be a great way to build that community, if you're willing to put in the work.
And there is work, or at least time investment. There's an expectation of reciprocity, rather like leaving a calling card in an 18th century novel: I visited you, and you should return that favor. We invest in each other, giving our time and attention.
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I rather enjoy it myself--it's a genteel sort of obligation that leaves me feeling fancy, like the digital equivalent of visiting day for one of Jane Austen's heroines. So leave me your calling card, in the comments below, and invite me to your digital house. I'd love to see what you're up to.
When I first starting blogging it was with the hope of connecting with other writers. It worked much better than I ever hoped.
ReplyDeleteOther bloggers are the best!
DeleteI had no idea what to expect when I started blogging, but I've learned so much from this experience and gotten to know so many amazing writers. I love that the opportunity exists! So different from what it used to be.
ReplyDeleteI know some folks find blogging old-fashioned and quaint these days, but I love it still.
DeleteI've enjoyed watching my blogging buddies grow and publish and do things over the years. :)
ReplyDeleteI do love that aspect. Watching people progress in their dreams is inspiring!
DeleteI started blogging about 10 years ago when agents and publishers said that you should have a blog. I've enjoyed the friendships I've developed over the years and seeing my friends grow in their writing career. I also love how supportive we are to each other.
ReplyDeleteSupport! Yes! It's amazing how much a little word of encouragement can help.
DeleteI've been reading Jane lately and had to smile. Let me leave a card. You're always welcome at my imaginary manor. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Thank you! And you are always welcome here as well!
DeleteI've met wonderful people in the blogosphere who've encouraged and gotten me excited about writing when the desire waned. IWSG is one of those places!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteThe IWSG has definitely helped me to connect with so many other writers/bloggers.
ReplyDeleteIWSG is an exceptionally supportive group.
DeleteI loved your post, Samantha! So genteel! The IWSG has been a wonderful community, so supportive and encouraging. Wishing you a happy and safe February!
ReplyDeleteI drink my tea with my pinky up, too :-)
DeleteOMG ~ LOL! Ditto with my pinky: tea, coffee, wine, whatever!
DeleteYou're so right. A creative life is easier with a blogging community of other creatives. Started blogging seven to eight years ago. And with all the bloggers I've met since then, it was the best decision I'd ever made. Especially joining the IWSG. Don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for this writing community.
ReplyDelete