It all began with an off-handed remark to a fellow author about a writer’s support group. A sign-up list was offered and on September 1, 2011, we had our first group blog posting with about forty writers participating.
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) has now grown far beyond its humble beginnings. There are three hundred members who post every month, a Facebook group with over six hundred members, and a website bursting with information!
Writers need support and encouragement. We want to know what choices we’ll have to make during our journey. And we want to be armed and ready with the knowledge to make our dreams come true. That is the force that drives the IWSG.
What does the IWSG offer?
1 – A website that’s a database of information.
The official IWSG site – http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ – is filled with information. Seven administrators man the site, keeping the content updated. It’s a writing database, focusing on major links, other databases, and resources for writers. Topics include writing tips; publishers, agents, and queries; self-publishing; marketing; contests; publications; and services. (Including a link to How to Write Shop!) The administrators post every Monday, and Wednesdays often feature guest posts from experts in the industry.
2 – A unique writer’s support group.
The first Wednesday of every month is the official blog posting day. Members discuss their insecurities, frustrations, and concerns on their blogs, and others visit to offer encouragement and advice. Often the kindness and words of wisdom have kept writers going when they were ready to give up. Friendships have been forged and critique partners established. Members have discovered solutions to their problems. Those who actively participate and visit others benefit and become a blessing to the group.
3 – A Facebook writer’s support group.
The IWSG is also on Facebook – www.facebook.com/groups/IWSG13/. Monitored by several of the website administrators, the Facebook group is a resource of encouragement and ideas. Members can ask questions and receive feedback. There are themes for certain days – Motivational Monday, Wow it’s Wednesday, Fun Friday, and Saturday News and Promo. It’s a great way to connect, find answers, and spread news. It’s a closed group to prevent spam, but writers can ask to join.
As the IWSG continues to grow, we’ll look at other options, such as Twitter and a newsletter.
If you’re an insecure writer, then join the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Connect on Facebook, join the blog group, or stop by the website. Trust me, there is no such thing as too insecure…
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Guest Post by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Alex has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of Amazon bestsellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_Cavanaugh
IWSG – http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
Thanks for the opportunity to share the IWSG!
I totally forgot to join the Facebook group. Thanks for the reminder, Alex and thank you, Lori for having Alex as a guest. He rocks!
It’s nice to see Alex here! I love the idea of the IWSG. It’s such a great resource for writers.
I love being a part of this group. They have always been there for me when I need them.
It doesn’t take a lot of effort and the returns are amazing.
Heather
I would need a thick notebook to keep track of all the things I’ve learned from the IWSG monthly postings. Sometimes I learn things that I didn’t even know that I didn’t know.
It’s also a low pressure group and with posting just on the first Wednesday, you can spend days visiting everyone and reading their monthly offerings. Thanks, Alex, for the brilliant idea.
Elsie, you will enjoy the Facebook group!
Susan, that made me laugh! Thanks for being a part of the core team.
It’s an amazing group Alex has created.
Great guest post! The IWSG is fantastic.
Followed all the IWSG writers for a long time, but took me two years to finally take the plunge myself.
The IWSG is fantastic. It caters for all types of writers, from all walks of life… the traditionally published/self-published/unpublished/yet-to-be-published… no matter what stage of the writing journey you’re at.
It’s the perfect writer’s haven!
Jay, glad you joined us.
Michelle, well said!
It’s been fabulous being a part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group all these years. And it’s been heartening to see it grow into something even bigger and even more special.
Hi, Alex & Lori,
The support factor at IWSG is wonderful, so is the information housed on the site.
IWSG was such a brilliant idea! I love the simplicity of it. Just bare your soul and be there for others who bare their souls. It’s a comforting thing.
IWSG is pure genius. A place for writers to share their insecurities, triumphs and love for writing.
The IWSG, and its members are one of the reasons I pushed through many writerly hardships over the past two years. The support in the group is phenomenal, sometimes otherworldly. Seriously. Over the past couple of months, I decided to cut way back on my blogging so that I could do some serious writing. I chose to only blog once a month, on the IWSG day. Keeping up with my fellow IWSG members is an important part of my writing mojo. Support, talent, information, friendship… the benefits are endless. Check it out. 🙂
Julie, that’s it!
Candilynn, so glad it has helped you.
I’ve watched IWSG grow and grow. So glad I joined. It’s helped be through some rough patches.
IWSG has been a great place and way to connect with other writers. It’s great to know that we aren’t alone on this writing journey.
Lee and Tyrean, glad you are a part of it!
I’ve enjoyed taking part in IWSG
Hi Lori! I followed Alex’s link over, and I thoroughly enjoyed his informative guest post. Have a good one!
I have been a part of a few writer’s groups online since I first started blogging in 2010, and IWSG has proven to be the most consistently supportive of the lot (although there are other good groups of course). And because Alex guested here, I found another great resource! Yey. 🙂
Shah, that’s good to hear!
Nicely done! It is an amazing collective of raw and over the top talent, and we have our hero Alex to thank!
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