Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
June 3 question – Writers have secrets! What are one or two of yours, something readers would never know from your work?
We have some truly awesome co-hosts today!
Pat Garcia, J.Q. Rose, Olga Godim, and Natalie Aguirre!
I’m not sure this qualifies as a secret, but I haven’t told anyone about it before now, so maybe it is. Of course, once I’ve published this post, poof goes the secret part. Anyway, here it is.
I’m trying my darnedest to keep writing and stay sane just like everybody else. It’s not easy to write books at any time, at least not for me. But then the heavy lifting called promotion starts, doesn’t it? I’ve been so close to stopping so many times, especially these last two years. Just when I have my fingers hovering over the keys to delete my accounts and shut down all my social media, I get a bit of encouragement from other writers and even some of my readers. So another day passes and I write a few more words, and then the First Wednesday comes…Well you can see where I’m going.
What I’ve discovered is that when I lend a hand to other authors it lifts me out of the doldrum, so I’ve been racking my brain to think of other ways I can help besides buy, read, and review books. I decided more exposure is always good, so I sent out a few emails, announcing an offer to authors on my EMAIL CONNECT. Several responded to my question: “What are you doing this shelter-in place fiasco?” Here’s what some of them sent to me:
Sandra Cox says, “I garden. It sustains me and my flowers feed my spirit.” | |
Elizabeth Seckman wrote, “My stay sane strategy? When life gets tough, it’s best to stay busy. I made myself a mini bucket list of all the things I could do while quarantined. From cleaning out my closets to keeping a journal about this bizarre turn of life events, there is more on my list than I could ever finish, so no time to worry.” | |
Rebecca Douglass sent this: “I’m spending more time than ever exercising, which is good (but getting more challenging as it’s starting to get hot here). One average, close to 2 hours/day. Finding and completing little projects help me cope, but the best thing is when we manage to lure our sons out of their rooms and enjoy some actual family conversations!
It’s not patience I’ve run out of—it’s focus. Trying hard to recover some and get on with those edits, but it’s hard. It’s always hard, but it’s harder this time.” |
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J. Lenni Dorner: “I am surviving the quarantine by focusing on what l CAN do. I’ve dealt with impossible situations before, so it isn’t having the same impact on me that it is on my spouse and friends. The most challenging part is saying good-bye to those I’ve lost during and because of this (two so far, another not looking good, and some who I can’t get a hold of so I don’t know.)” | |
Yolanda Renee says, “As an introvert, isolation isn’t terribly hard. I’ve always enjoyed my alone time. However, watching the daily death count and not being able to visit my sons is heartbreaking. Still, I’ve followed through on my goals. It’s spring, so reorganizing and redecorating has kept me busy. Launching my latest book, writing the next one, and working on several short stories have kept me busy. But for some reason, I also read every piece of mail, even the junk mail, and I have a tendency to cry at the drop of a hat.
As I watch the beachgoers get their party on, I wonder what hotspot they’ve escaped from. So, I avoid crowds and wear my mask in the elevator when going to the laundry room. My deepest desire is to hug my boys. |
The newest IWSG Anthology is here. If you like to meet the authors, visit their WEBSITE to see who they are and what their stories are about. |
If you’d like to join other writers and readers on my email list, I’d love to have you there. I need more people in my life who like to write, read, and share information. I try to include about something of interest and ( I hope) value in each email. And there’s some free stuff once in a while. Right now you can read this short piece of horror when you sign on. Only my followers get copies because I’ve never sent it out for publication. My next “issue” is going to have something I think is exciting for any Indie writer.
Quote of the Month: “It seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela
I think of this quote each day that start out to do my 4 mile walk. It has helped me reach Day 75 and Mile 280 as of today.
J.H. Moncrieff says
Wow, congratulations, Lee. That’s such an accomplishment, and very inspiring. I normally run every summer (even though I’m not a fan, it’s great exercise) but only a mile. I figured if a mile ever got “too easy,” I’d add more, but it never did. As my fitness improved, I only ran faster, which meant the suck level stayed the same.
No running this year with Covid. Harder to social distance, and my route would be even more remote, which makes me nervous. So I bought an exercise bike and have been trying to use that most nights. Along with this Dan Brown Project of moving my butt every hour, I hope it makes a difference.
Beth Camp says
Congratulations on meandering all those miles. Have you seen the phone app AllTrails? We just discovered it and now use it to explore nearby trails that are a little off the known paths. I enjoyed your reflections on writing as well, for sometimes we do just need to meander our way into a story — at any age! Are we ready for the next challenge in Covid-19? I’m not sure I am, for the latest statistics this week are not quite as optimistic as they were last week. So, please, as you persevere with new ways to connect with others, please wear your mask and practice social distancing! And, thank you for visiting me!
Sandra Cox says
You walked nine miles? Good on you!:)
Jenni says
Marvelous job on your walking challenge. Walking really helps me to process, so I often figure out plot issues or get ideas when I’m walking. And I loved what you said about just enjoying where you’re going as a writer. Very true. It’s so easy to lose sight of that.
Melissa Maygrove says
Don’t quit! Take breaks if you need to, but hang in there. It’ll get better.
I guess my secret is that, without spellcheck and historical / etymological resources, my writing would be full of errors. I couldn’t write like I do without them.
Lots of great-looking books! I’ve read ‘About Us.’ It was very good. Elizabeth has a knack for creating realistic, imperfect characters and plots that don’t tie up into a neat, too-good-to-be-true HEA bow. Kudos.
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says
I agree that lifting up other authors makes me feel better too. Nice to see what other authors are doing during this time and how they are getting through it all. I have not been writing nearly as much as I would like. Between work and the world, I have had my mind in other places. Hopefully soon.
Great job with your walking! Awesome!
Stay safe
Beverly Stowe McClure says
I admire you for those daily walks. Hang in there. And you also have other things to do that keep you busy. Like writing. And reading. I think you are well organized. I;m comfortable at home, though sometimes it’s nice to get away. Not writing a lot. Spring fever, I suppose. Keep doing what you’re doing. Have a super week.
Checkpoint Engineer says
I am a Staff Author at Fieldengineer.com a Marketplace for On-Demand telecom workforce, extending from field engineers to high-level network engineers, project managers and Network Architects in 146 nations.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – congratulations on keeping going … not always easy at all. It’s brilliant you’ve decided to help others … doing things for others always moves us forward however slowly. I’m doing what I can – which in the Covid days isn’t much … but I’ll write and help out with reviews etc for local things … as well as keep the blog going.
I’m taking the time to catch my tail – and then I hope won’t be frantic as I age on as life won’t be a mess and I’ll have time for reading etc … so I’m feeling fairly relaxed – though have been ‘going slow’ as I do those things! Still I’m not bored and can find plenty to motivate me …
All the best and with lots of thoughts – Hilary
Denise Covey says
A beautiful post, Lee. I enjoyed reading what authors are doing during quarantine. Writing is a great positive boost. Unfortunately, promo is a part of it. Don’t give up. Keep going. (Lynda Young has written a great guest post on mine today, all about series and promotion).
C. Lee McKenzie says
I read Lynda’s post and enjoyed her insights. I love finding good, solid information like she shared on your blog.
Rebecca M. Douglass says
Thanks so much for the shout-out, and for thinking of this way of supporting others. You give me an idea for something to do as I get my blog moving again. Reading and reviewing is hard right now, so it’s the perfect time to promote others!
Exercise has become more important than ever, though I’m not always hitting your 4-mile mark (I try to do two kinds of exercise every day).
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know you’re an outdoor girl, Rebecca, so I hope the exercise helps you through these rough times. It has done so for me. Without the endorphins, I’m a mess. Thinking of you.
Lori L MacLaughlin says
The promotion gets me, too. I am not a social media whiz in any sense of the meaning. I’ve never deleted the accounts, but I’ve left them stagnant when there were too many other things clamoring for my time. It’s wonderful of you to help so many other authors. Please don’t give up on your writing. The world will always need good books to read. I’m glad to hear you’re okay after the frightening episode with your car I read in your newsletter. Hang in there!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for the encouragement, Lori. It helps to have others say don’t stop.
The accident was frightening, but it’s worse when I think about it now. I keep having those, “What if” nightmares.
Yvette Carol says
What a terrific idea to reach out to other writes. Well done! I love that side of what’s coming out of the lockdown situations, when people connect in other ways and continue that connectivity no matter what!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Even in the worst of times, people do have a way of making things better in simple ways. Thanks, Yvette.
Loni Townsend says
It’s always encouraging to hear how writers help each other out!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, it is. Hope you and you’re family are good, Loni.
diedre says
Hi Lee,
It’s reassuring to read your thoughts, and those of others, during this most trying time. I feel less alone now 😉 Promotion is such a thoughtful way of supporting friends and fellow authors. It’s supposed to feel good – so enjoy.
Thanks so much for sharing!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I agree. Sharing our experiences often shows how much we are alike in our responses to events–good and bad. And that’s comforting to know.
Tonja Drecker says
What a nice idea to collect those answers! I find it hard to write lately, too, but it seems like many writers have this problem right now. Yay to all of those miles! I’m impressed.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Tonja. I’m with you and many others who are having trouble writing. Isn’t this strange? Many of us have more time to write, and now it’s difficult to do it.
As to the miles…I had no idea I’d do this many. Well, I had no idea I’d be locked out of any other form of exercise this long.
Mary Aalgaard says
Read about your car problems on the email. Glad you are okay. The quiet roads did save you! I like how you’re connecting and keeping positive and moving forward.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for reading my email and thanks for the comment. I swear writers and bloggers are the best people to exchange ideas with.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
Way to go on your walking goal, Lee! I’ve been tracking my miles walked since I retired. I well remember when I hit 300 miles. Those round numbers give you a ridiculous sense of accomplishment. You’re almost there! And I’m glad that you continue with your social media and writing. You would be very much missed if you closed everything down.
C. Lee McKenzie says
300 miles! I love the round number, too. I never thought I’d be walking like this with a goal each day, but it has helped keep me sane. Thanks for the boost today.
Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy says
Helping others takes the focus off ourselves, so it’s naturally uplifting.
I hopeyou don’t give up. Your stories are wonderful.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I appreciate the encouragement, Lynda. Thank you. And I’m looking forward to reading your series. I’ve only read book 1, but I truly enjoyed the story.
Botanist says
Keeping focus is hard, with all the woes around the world – especially in the US these days. I think I’d find it hard to write right now. Luckily I’m in the “cover art” phase of my WIP which is easier to focus on than the written word.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Great news! Let’s see your cover soon.
Pat Hatt says
Sometimes you just have to take a break and do something else, like helping others, and then keep on keeping on. Makes it easier during the times when you want to throw it all in indeed.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Absolutely. Great comment.
Steph W says
What a fantastic quote. I am going to hold that close to me as I move forward in my work!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m glad you liked the quote. It’s a keeper for sure.
Lee Lowery says
This is such a great way to connect writers and readers to each other! I’ve tried to do a bit more to support our IWSG authors and found it gives me so much back in terms of making deeper connections and actually reading some really great books!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was just telling friends (not writers btw) that I read so many wonderful books that aren’t bestsellers, and that they should be more open to trying lesser known authors. There are some gems out there.
Erika Beebe says
You are amazing and giving and kind Lee. I wish all of this kindness circles its way back to you. Happy IWSG Day 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, thank you Erika. Your comment has already made that circle.
Liz A. says
Don’t ever give up. One of my favorite authors ended her newsletter, and I was bereft. I don’t write to her, but I loved her books. I was so happy when a few months later she started it back up again. You have fans that might not communicate with you, but would be so sad if you gave it all up.
I know how to fill time at home. I do it every summer. So, I’ve been in summer mode for months. But I do miss working.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Teachers do understand the summer mode. This has been one long summer break.
Thanks for telling me about your author. I understand her taking some time away from her newsletter because it is a lot of work, even though enjoyable. Glad she’s back.
Carol Kilgore says
I’ve been working on some long-term projects and also still sorting through boxes of items from our move last year. Also working on a new Gracie book. And reading MUCH more than normal, but that’s kind of fun 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think this has been a time for all of us to take care of projects we might not have otherwise done. Glad you’re getting a new Gracie ready!
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Your posts always inspire me. You’re always thinking of others.
Cheryl Lee McKenzie says
I know you’re in that camp with me. You do a lot for other writers. Maybe I stole a page from your playbook. 🙂
Elephants Child says
As you know, writers are my heroes.
I am so glad that you have a mutual support team, and loved seeing that I know (and have) many of your featured books this post.
For me, volunteering/reading/gardening keep me sane(ish).
C. Lee McKenzie says
All of those activities are perfect. You left out that you host a fabulous blog with interesting guests and some beautiful photography, not to mention the fun with story creation,
Elephants Child says
Humble thanks.
Heading out the door to volunteer shortly. In the early days of the pandemic my age and my vulnerable health status led to me being precluded from participating.
I am endlessly grateful that the centre has found a way I can continue to contribute.
I am in a small room, on my own, which is cleaned before and after each shift. And it is WONDERFUL to be back.
Nick Wilford says
I get what you mean. Promotion can seem such an onerous task and shining the spotlight on others is more rewarding in a lot of ways. Hope you’ll keep going for a long time to come – and the lockdown won’t last forever.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Nick. I hope the same. We all need a break from such terrible news.
Michelle Wallace says
Lee, I can’t imagine the writerly world without you being a part of it. Thank you for writing such wonderful books!
The world is crazy at the moment. Reading has always been my safe place. Over the past two months, I’ve read a lot, more than I have in a long time. The writing has suffered as a result. But the reading has sustained me.
Hang in there. Stay safe.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is so kind of you, Michelle. And a great compliment from you. I hear the crazy part, but I’m glad you’ve found a way to cope. You can’t go wrong choosing to read a book!
Susan M Gourley says
I have had moments like that before. And I’ve kept going for the same reasons. Keep on pecking at those keys.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yep. That’s the way to manage. Thanks for the comment, Susan.
Natalie Aguirre says
My fingers have hovered over the delete all my writing and social media sites too in the last six years. I am now starting to care more about the things I used to enjoy. I think figuring out ways to help does keep us going better. That’s why I finally decided to update all my agent spotlights on April 20th. It’s a way I can safely do something to positively contribute to the world.
Hope you keep hanging in there and writing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Those hovering finger moments are something, aren’t they? So glad you’re finding pleasure in the things that mean so much to you. I love your spotlight on agents. So glad you’re updating the information. Thanks, Natalie.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
It makes me happy knowing that you are still logging four miles per day and closing in on the 300 mark. That’s a tremendous achievement, dear friend! I enjoyed reading how other writers are doing their quaran-time. I am finding joy in doing the simple things that I used to do automatically without thinking. Everything we are still able to do is a blessing. I believe that’s the best way to frame it and endure.
I wish you a safe, healthy and happy month of June, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Turning this difficult time into something positive is a perfect way to keep going and remain optimistic. And I agree that it’s the simple things we do that give us the most pleasure. Glad to hear from you and to know you’re out there staying healthy and cheerful.
Patricia Josephine says
I’ve moments when I thought about quitting and deleting everything. Like you, other writers encouraging me kept me going.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m sure we will find there are a lot like us going through the same ups and downs. It’s comforting to know others understand how we feel.
Carrie-Anne says
My wordcounts have been in the toilet since this seemingly permanent lockdown started. Since I’m not in my own home, with complete privacy and independence, there’s a psychological block against writing as much as I did at the library or when I did live in my own place. So many people cheering on the idea of indefinite lockdown have no idea what this is doing to the mental health of many.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m right there with you. Sorry about your loss of privacy. That is so important for writers. I hope the situation changes for you–for all of us–before we do go totally mad.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
I read your post but I didn’t send in anything. However, I will say here that I am working on a structural revision because I just might have a publisher by the end of the year if he says yes.
All the best Lee, and thanks for being a part of IWSG.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
This sounds like fantastic news, Pat! I have my fingers crossed for you, and be sure let me know WHEN this happens. Yay!
Jacqui Murray says
I do agree. The isolation has depressed me, mostly because I worry about other people and the health of my wonderful country. And now the riots and looting. I guess I’ll just keep soldiering on!
Good group of books–now they cheer me up.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Soldiering on is about all we can do. That and keep a level head while chaos threatens to destroy so much of what we cherish.
Anna says
I like helping other writers as well. They think I do it for them, but it’s all about that great feeling I get. I’m so selfish. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m smiling at your comment. I think of it as the “good” selfish part of myself.
Yolanda Renee says
I feel that way too often, wanting to shut it all down and walk away, and for a while I did, but I kept writing. It’s therapy. I’m back in the middle of it, but with all that’s happening, it feels a bit meaningless. Still, I have tried to reach out, and it helps to get past yourself. Tell you what, if you keep going I will too! Now if I could just figure out a way to take those walks with you! 🙂
Yolanda Renee says
Thanks again for the shout out! You are one generous individual! Sending love and appreciation!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m more than happy to do this. Besides you’ve been very supportive of me in the past, and I value that a lot.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I agree. A good long walk with another writer would be heaven. Glad you’re back, but don’t think of what you create as meaningless. That’s impossible. You thought it. You had the talent to put it down in words. You had the courage to let others read it. There’s a lot of meaning in all of that.
Jemi Fraser says
The world is a mess in so many ways. Add in the personal trauma you’ve been through and that makes it very difficult. You’ve been amazing and you’re always such a boon to others! Sending hugs your way!
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s so sweet, Jemi. Thank you for your kind words. It’s writers like you who make all of the difficulties in this business bearable.
L. Diane Wolfe says
Lending a hand to others is the secret. When we focus on others, our own problems disappear.
C. Lee McKenzie says
So true.
Mason Canyon says
You’re offering a great service to authors – helping each other keep motivated during this difficult time. I think I’m like a lot of people, I’ve been extra busy in the yard and with a bigger garden this year. Don’t give up on writing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think all of our gardens are going to benefit from this shut down. Thanks for the encouragement!
JQ Rose says
Here is one of the “truly awesome” co-hosters here. Love being called awesome for a day! hee hee I have those days of just wanting to call it quits and be free to go for a walk or have a great night’s sleep not dreaming about ideas for stories and projects or what I should have done for promotion. I think we all do, but there’s a little toggle switch in our brain that says, “Don’t quit. You know you love to write.” I usually toggle it back to don’t quit.
JQ Rose
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, you can be truly awesome here any day, JQ. And I’m glad you have that toggle switch working.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
What a great thing to do for other writers. Don’t give up – keep writing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Alex. Giving back to writers is the theme for IWSG, and I love that.
Cathrina says
I have a new release coming out on July 10th. It’s been a while, and what I dislike the most is the self-promoting and all that goes with it.
During this lockdown, my writing has taken a nose dive. I can’t seem to concentrate. With summer coming into Buffalo, I’ve been working in my overly weedy gardens and trying to spring clean the house.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It sounds as if your doing your best to get through this. I’m sure your garden appreciates the attention, and when you’re ready to write, I know you’ll get back to it. Congratulations on the new publication!
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author says
280 Miles! Woo!
Thanks for the mention.
Helping other authors is very important. That’s what I love about volunteering at Operation Awesome where I get to interview debut authors. Today I did a post featuring some of our black authors for the BLM movement.
(I’d do one for Native American debut authors featured on OA in November, but I’m pretty sure that’s just me? I’d love to find more!)
Have a great month! <3
C. Lee McKenzie says
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. Operation Awesome sounds like a perfect way.