Wednesday, January 7, 2015

IWSG Day and Happy 2015!

Happy New Year, and Happy IWSG Day. The purpose of IWSG is 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! (And that would be ME!) IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh and has hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of members. You can be one too. You can follow other IWSG members or meet them on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a thriving Facebook page. Look us over. I think you'll like us.

Today we're supposed to introduce ourselves. My name is Jess, Jessy, Jessica--choose one--and I am an insecure writer. I've had a couple of books published, numerous magazine articles, and I'm a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine. But guess what! I'm still insecure. No matter what I accomplish I'm never quite sure it's for real, that it isn't some crazy fluke thing that happens. How about you? Did God bless you with an enormous amount of self-confidence?

2014 was an interesting year for me. Hubby entered into his first full year of retirement which meant I had some adjusting to do. I'm still adjusting. Our daughter got married and we renovated our house. Retirement, wedding and the renovation from hell should have sent me into a deep, dark depression but I made it. Guess I'm stronger than I thought.

I didn't get much writing done in 2014, but I am proud of a few things. My novella, The Last Daughter, finaled in the Booksellers Best contest, a Published Authors’ Contest sponsored by Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America. I was also a finalist in the Ida contest--the International Digital Awards sponsored by Oklahoma RWA. 

I think the best award of all has been that my stepson actually read The Last Daughter and even recorded it in his book journal right beneath Stephen King!

I don't have any specific plans for 2015. For some reason my plans tend to fall by the wayside, so I'm just going to write, write, write whatever book, article, short story that pops into my heart. That seems to be when I accomplish the most.

What do you want to achieve in 2015? Share details!



12 comments:

emaginette said...

I like your list of successes. I'm still waiting on my son liking something I write. Not the supportive comments -- I get those, but the Wow! Can't wait to read it. Where I see it in his eyes.

Here's my link if you'd like to drop by :-)

Anna from Shout with Emaginette

Anonymous said...

Very great success!
May 2015 bring some good writing!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you and congratulations on your successes last year! I hope this year inspires you to do some great writing. Eva

Diane Burton said...

Hubby's retirement is definitely a challenge. In the middle of my Hubs' renovation, our son told us he was getting married...here! It was fun and the basement got finished. Amazing what you can do when motivated.

Unknown said...

I thought you got a lot accomplished. You certainly encouraged me. Hopefully 2015 will bring much joy in all your endeavors.

Angie said...

I really want to break into some bigger better markets. Yes, I have taken steps over the past month, sent out a few queries. So far, haven't heard back from anyone.

Jessica Ferguson said...

Anna - thanks for stopping by. I was stunned that my s-son read it much less record it in his book journal. :)

Eclecticali - thanks! Wishing you your best year ever!

Eva - I'm inspired today. Hope it last all year long! :)

Diane - you know what I'm talking about! LOL

Carole - thanks for stopping by. I'm waiting for you to start blogging again.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Congratulations on finaling in the contest! And on being listed right under Stephen King by your son. Have a great year to top last year!

Charles Gramlich said...

sounds like last year was fraught with change. Hope this year is a bit more stable.

Jessica Ferguson said...

Shannon - thanks, sounds great!

Charles - I'll toast to a more stable 2015.

Joss said...

My son is a bit to young to get reading my books just yet, but I really wish my husband would. He hates reading though unless it's a car manual lol.

It sounds like you have had some pretty big achievements in 2014 so well done! I hope 2015 is good for you also.

Rohn Federbush said...

I'm writing what might be out of the norm, also. Good luck and Happy New Year.