IWSG for June - The Importance of a Business Card

The Insecure Writer's Support Group was created by Alex Cavanaugh. 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!

First an apology! I believe I slept through last month's IWSG posting. Odd, considering how much I look forward to it. Maybe I had a lot on my plate. I hope you do too--have a lot on your plate, I mean. Having deadlines, ideas and staying busy with our writing is encouragement in itself, don't you think?

 I can remember when I was embarrassed to tell anyone I was a writer. I felt like such a phony with few credits and not much self-discipline when it came to a real writer’s schedule. Sometimes I still have an attack of insecurity or shyness. We all know when we say, “I’m a writer” the next question is “Oh, what do you write, any best sellers? Something I may have read?” If you can hold your number of credits in the palm of your hand, you probably shrink into yourself and mumble something unintelligible.

I always wonder when someone asks what my book is about if they really want to know. My explanations are brief—probably too brief to do my book justice! That’s why I like to blog. When I’m asked about my writing, it’s easier to hand the person my card and say, “Visit my blog and get to know me.” Or, “Visit my blog and see my new cover.” Or, “Visit my blog and read about all my writer friends!”

I can’t stress the importance of a business card. For writer’s conferences they’re a must, and don’t underestimate their value when it comes to your everyday living, shopping, hanging out at your favorite coffee shop. I have friends who always leave a card with their tip so their server can check out their books. Another friend tucks her card in with her check when she pays bills. I’ve been known to place my business card in library books or magazines at the book store—a good reason not to have your home address or phone number on them.

Do you have a business card? If not, make some—using good quality paper. I order mine from Vistaprint and utilize the backside too. Click on the pic to make it larger.

How do you use your business cards? Share some creative ways you get your name out there using them.

On another note, I’d like to help promote you—whether you have a business card or not! Check out my Be My Guest post for details. Scroll down to read L. Diane Wolfe's post on how to write a nonfiction book. Diane was my first guest. Join her ... read my guidelines carefully, and be my guest!

 

IWSG: Be a Friend and Love a Writer

Happy New Year. It's time for the monthly post of The Insecure Writer's Support Group. IWSG is the wonderful brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. Its purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of feeling foolish or weak.

I joined this group because I always feel pretty foolish or weak. Especially when I get around a bunch of writers who have more experience than I do. I mentioned in my previous post that I'm totally out of my element now that I've sold a novella, and expected to promote myself and blog with a few other authors. Mandatory blogging! arghhhh! Yes, I understand the concept of promoting our series and each other, but I find it frightening. Today was my first day. Blogging from the POV of a cursed doll--a character in our Oklahoma Romance Writers series called Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll sounds easy; seems fun, but I can't help comparing myself and my writing, my thoughts, to the other more experienced authors. How do we keep from doing that without holing up in a vacuum of sorts and keeping our nose to the computer keys. I'm horrible at looking at other writers, their accomplishments, their advice, and feeling dumb. In fact, I had to back away from some of my online groups because several of the very active members spoke and posted with such authority, their advice and comments so black and white, that I was certain I knew next to nothing. Their confidence, along with their 'my way or the highway' attitude intimidated me.

Several years ago, I decided to work on my insecurities: I became president of my writing group and  got more involved than I could have imagined. I joined a Toastmasters club too. I spoke a few times to other writer's groups and this year was given the ultimate compliment when asked to replace a conference speaker who canceled. I've forced myself to do things that scared me, trying to prove to myself that I CAN stand next to the more successful writers without feeling like a nothing/nobody.

Unfortunately, since moving to Oklahoma, knowing only one person here, it has been easy to fall back on self-doubt and wrap it tightly around me. I catch myself questioning every move I make, second guessing myself--even when I'm alone writing, or about to comment on some one's blog. Or post on my own.

I know how to cure self-doubt and insecurity: By forcing myself to do things that scare me. By getting involved with other writers. By jumping in head first with my own thoughts and opinions. By totally ignoring those who criticize in a non-productive way. By realizing and accepting that I have experiences and opinions too, and they matter! By encouraging others. By giving to others. By writing and living my dream.

Are you continously wrestling with self-doubt and insecurity? How do you deal with it? Any tips for those of us who feel foolish and weak 95% of the time? Thanks for visiting and offering words of encouragement. I believe that's something every writer needs ALL the time.