It’s the first Wednesday in September, and in my monthly Email Connect, I’m writing about fake news, but here I’m extolling #IWSG, which doesn’t do fake news. Here’s what this group is all about:
“The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a website media business with affiliates to enhance our service to visitors. We are a home for writers in all stages; from unpublished to bestsellers. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance. We want to help writers overcome their insecurities, and by offering encouragement we are creating a community of support.” Alex J. Cavanaugh
What publishing path are you considering, or what one did you take, and why?
Remember, the question is optional!
Please visit the awesome co-hosts for the September 5. Here they are:
Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler!
I’m skipping the question this month because most of my readers have already heard about my “journey.” I don’t want to bore you with a rehash.
But here’s something un-boring: Sharpen your computer keys and get cracking. It’s anthology contest time. This one is YA romance and the theme is Masquerade. It should be great fun and I’m sure there are going to be a lot of amazing entries. Jump in and I hope your story is chosen.
Submissions accepted: September 5 – November 4, 2018
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (Double spaced, no page numbers), previously unpublished story to admin@ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
I miss doing my Featured Author each month, but while I’m not doing that I am giving some authors a shout out in my Email Connect and here on the IWSG First Wednesday. Here’s one of Bish Denham’s books. To see all of her work, click HERE.
I’ve been adjusting to life as a single person since May, and the ups and downs of doing that have kept me busy; however, I am slowly coming back to writing. I even managed 1,000 words on a manuscript yesterday. Of course, I haven’t read them today, so I could wind up with closer to 50 that I like. Oh well, baby steps it is.
I’m starting to reconnect with the writing community a bit and will put in an appearance at J.Q. Rose’s Focused on Story September 12. Then in October, I’ve been invited to an all-day writer event at the Monterey County Library. I’ll be on a panel and teaching a workshop.
This will give me a chance to do a bit of promo for Some Very Messy Medieval Magic, and that will be fun. I don’t have all of the details yet, but will share them when I do.
Quote of the Month: “Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
Denise Covey says
Hi Clem!
I’m pleased to hear you’re adjusting to this new life of yours. You sound so sensible, taking it slowly. The only way. I’m glad that you’re reconnecting with the writing community too. No doubt gardening takes up some time as well. All the best for the workshop presentation. I’d be a shattered mess of nerves. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll shatter, but probably after I’m done. That seems to be how I operate these days. 🙂
Amy Keeley says
I know this comment is very late, but I wanted to cheer you on as well. We’ve had two deaths in our family in the past few years. It hurt. It’s good to see you bouncing back and writing again, even though I’m new and just starting to get to know everyone. Keep writing! And good luck. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Amy,
Great to have you here, and it’s never late to comment. Sorry about your losses; we know death visits all of us, but it’s still wrenching, so I understand when you say it hurt. Come again. Glad you are getting to know us.
Rebecca Douglass says
Lee, I’m glad to see you are back to writing, even a little. It has to help create some sense of normalcy and control in a very hard time. And keeping contact with the community is important, even while it may feel like too much work. I admire you for your strength in making these steps.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re right, Rebecca. When everything is not normal, writing does offer some stability.
Sherry Ellis says
Glad you’re getting back to writing. I’m sure the transition you’ve gone through hasn’t been easy. Looking forward to reading more of your works!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Sherry. I still have you book on my kindle to read and review. Slowly catching up!
ShootingStarsMag says
I’m glad to hear that you’re writing a bit more. I really need to get some sort of schedule going…or just take a day or two to write on my own manuscript. I started it awhile ago and while I think about it often, I haven’t done any more writing. I just need to slowly but surely get into the groove of writing again (or at least, writing my MS as I write a lot for the blog).
-Lauren
C. Lee McKenzie says
Getting into that “groove” is not always easy. I know. But if you keep trying, it will happen, Lauren
J.Q. Rose says
So glad to know you’re taking steps toward more writing. Thrilled to be your host on Wednesday. Looking forward to you sharing the Five W’s in your YA novel, Sudden Secrets!
JQ Rose
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks again. It’s very nice of you to host me, J.Q.
Nick Wilford says
Great to hear you’re getting back on track. I’m sure it’s not easy. I bet those 1000 words are quality and good luck with those upcoming appearances.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Nick,
Well, I’m about to find out about those words because I sent the work off to my critique group. They do no pull punches! Thank heaven.
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says
Welcome back! I think baby steps are the right way to go. With all the changes you have had- you don’t want to make yourself even more overwhelmed. I am glad that you were able to get some writing in. Writing can be a great outlet.
How wonderful to see Bish spotlighted here. Love her and her books. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Writing helps a lot, Stephanie. I’m into my 4th month of recovery and it seems like I just started this new phase of my life. Time is treacherous these days.
Bish is a great person. Thanks for your comment about her and her books.
Liesbet says
Welcome back! And kudos to you for taking the baby steps needed to adjust to your new situation, and to getting into the writing game again. Writing is usually a decent distraction from grief, once you get to a point where “the worst” has passed and focus on projects is possible again. Enjoy your time on the panel and the immersion in your WIP.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Distractions are extremely helpful, and writing is so completely absorbing that I find the days whip past when I’m really into a project.
I appreciate your comment a lot.
juneat says
I am happy to hear you are starting to get back into things and find your place again. You have been missed. HUGS Happy belated IWSG Day.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It feels quite good to dip my toes in this world again. And I think I was actually able to post on your blog. I may have accidentally fixed the problem I was having.
Juneta says
Yeah, I hate it when that happens too. I have had it happen to me on one or two blogs but manage to fix after trying several things and back off for a day or two.
Cherie Reich says
*hugs* I’m happy to hear you’re getting back to writing and writerly activities.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Cherie. It’s helping a lot to be more engaged in writing again.
Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine says
Good to hear you bouncing back. Also, sorry about your loss. I had heard something bad had happened, but not what exactly. Big hugs to you as someone who’s dealing with similar (big bro died in Jan for those who don’t know.)
C. Lee McKenzie says
I did know about your brother, Patricia. That has to have been so hard or you. We know death comes, but that doesn’t prepare us when ones we love are suddenly gone. All my best to you and your family.
Hilary says
Hi Lee – not that I know … but the grief does come and go … eventually life will return to the new normal single life … just difficult til it does. You seem to be coping relatively well – and it’ll be good that you’ve moved away slightly from family and friends helping you hold it together – they’ll appreciate the space … but then they’ll be there for you when you need it.
The sphere of bloggers is quite extraordinary … and wonderful – they empathise, reassure, encourage and generally are there for you – just what we all need: wherever we are in life.
It’s good you’re still around … and that’ll be fun promoting ‘Very Messy Medieval Magic’ while talking to other writers; I love seeing Anansi highlighted … she seems a special spider …
Cheers to one and all – and good luck to you with all aspects – Hilary
Hilary says
I’d like to add re your newsletter … I’ve had two instances recently … and worked out from ‘the voice’ that it was probably false – fortunately a few others had too – so she was able to sort it out. The other was that the spelling would have been incorrect for a speaker, or blogger from England …
So the two things – realise ‘the voice’ and check the spelling and as you mention how things are phrased etc … irritatingly these things tend to pop up just as one is busy or desperate to get up and go … ie when one’s had enough … still take that breath and think …
Take care – cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good points about the false voice and incorrect spelling, Hilary. I think we need to be alert to what we’re being bombarded with these days.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Extraordinary they are, indeed. I’ve had several send me their telephone numbers to chat. I haven’t done that yet, but who knows, I might. That was such a generous offer of time.
Arlee Bird says
I’m glad to hear that you are bouncing back from your loss. Losing a spouse must be a devastating life event. Staying busy is usually a good distraction.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Arlee. Yep, this was the big one, so I’m grateful when I find ways to keep busy and actually accomplish something in a day.
Jeff says
Glad to hear you are back writing. I read a book this week that I would recommend. Beth Lindsay Templeton, “Uncharted Journey.” It is about the challenges and transitions we must endure as we age–I’ll have a review of it up early next week.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll stop by, Jeff. I’m always interested in finding books that speak to me, and “Uncharted Journey” certainly seems appropriate. Have you read, Simple Truths?
jeff says
I have not read Simple Truths, but from what I saw on Amazon, it sounds good.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says
Bish’s cover is gorgeous! You’re going through such a tough period in your life right now. I’m amazed about how much you’re writing and connecting with the writing community. Keeping you in my thoughts.
C. Lee McKenzie says
This helps to keep me sane, Ellen. I can’t expect my family and friends to be my support 100%. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
Tamara Narayan says
I would be happy with 100 words today. 1000 is fantastic. Good for you getting out there and promoting as well.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, as I said, they aren’t all good, so I might be closer to 100 when I go through that writing session’s results again. 🙂
Lynda A Dietz says
Good to see your posts, Lee. Adjusting is difficult, I’m sure, but you’re also doing some of it in the public eye, which makes it tricky sometimes. Baby steps. And big hugs.
The anthology sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve told my daughter about it, and she may enter the contest. She started writing something for Tick Tock and didn’t finish in time because she hadn’t heard about it until two weeks prior to the deadline, so we’ll see if she finishes something for this one!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hope your daughter manages to submit. I think it would be wonderful to see your own girl included, wouldn’t it?
Jennifer Hawes says
Love that John Green quote! I’m excited for the Masquerade Anthology! I love how characters in books appear to be one thing and are something entirely different. That never gets old.
C. Lee McKenzie says
So right, Jennifer. The surprise character is the best.
Mary Aalgaard says
Grief comes in waves. Your loss was sudden and unexpected. You’ve had to change the way you look at your future, the near and the far. One is a lonely number. It is also independent and open. You’ll find your new normal. You’re doing great. Embracing who you are and doing what heals and makes you whole. Hugs to you.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The wave image is exactly right. Some days I’m riding the crest and the next I’m being pummeled and swept out to sea. Such an unpredictable experience.
Yvette Carol says
I’m grieving, too, and I understand where you’re coming from. It got pretty scary for me in the middle there, because things seemed so dark, however, I believe writing is therapeutic and helps you get out the other side. Good luck! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
That dark middle is the worst. I forced myself to make lists of what I had to do, then went down that list one item at a time. It helped, and now when I look back, I know that was the only way to make it to this place, which is precarious, but not totally unstable. Sorry for what you’re going through, and thank you for sharing your grief with me. So many people have, and at first I was surprised; now I’m grateful.
Yvette Carol says
I find it scary to be open about anything on social media, and yet, just as you’ve said, the times I’ve shared my vulnerable moments have been some of the most wonderful.
C. Lee McKenzie says
People like to know they’re not alone when illness or death or other human catastrophes strike. It seems that people are using their social media as their support group in times of crisis. If you have built a trusted network, I guess that’s okay. I’m still surprised that I shared this as I have, but I had to explain why I wasn’t fulfilling my usual obligations, so I thought I should be honest. In the end, it has been rather freeing.
Yvette Carol says
Isn’t that always the way? What scares us the most, once we’ve done it, becomes the most freeing thing. I love it.
ChemistKen says
Write 1000 words, keep 50. LOL That sounds a lot like me. It’s why I don’t post word count bars on my website. I have no idea how many words I really have in my manuscript.
I’m glad you feel your life is getting back to normal. It’ll be a new normal, of course, but that’s part of the healing process. I’m glad you have writing to help you through this. Having goals is very important.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I don’t usually count my words either, unless I’m bringing in a manuscript and have to meet a certain word count. However, as you said, I’m working on a new normal, and that has be paying attention to things like this. I think it’s about focus. I’m working on keeping my head centered on one item at a time. It helps.
Shannon Lawrence says
Congratulations on making forward progress, no matter how much! I’m glad you’re coping as well as possible, and hope you continue to be okay.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Shannon. Me too. I’d like to return to some productivity in the writing arena.
Cathrina Constantine says
Good Quote, Lee. I’ve been keeping you in my prayers. 1k is awesome, with much more to come.
Olga Godim says
It is good you’re coming out of your grief. 1000 words is a great start.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Olga,
Thanks. I’m determined to finish this book no matter how long it takes me. 1,000 words at a time.
Susan Gourley says
You’re amazing, C. Lee, and an example of strength to us all. Good luck with your upcoming events.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m often a crumpled mess, but I’m learning how to uncrumple. Guess that’s not a word, but it is what I do.
Sandra Cox says
Give yourself some time, Lee. That’s a huge transition to make and you are doing great! Have fun at J.Q.s. I love her to death:)
Sarah Foster says
Glad you’ve been able to do some writing! 1000 words or 50 is still progress.
Good luck with the events! It sounds like fun.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I like the idea of reconnecting with writer friends at these events. That’s always fun.
Natalie Aguirre says
Glad you’re adjusting and starting to write. It’s still a struggle for me because I don’t want to be a single person. Even with a boyfriend, it’s hard. I am finally getting more of the bug to write for me. If I could just find time.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m not sure what I want to be yet, Natalie. Single is lonely, but I can’t imagine someone else in my life yet. I was driving home the other day and heard that song with the lyrics “One is the loneliest number.” Cried. Hard to drive while crying. It is lonely. I’m trying to work on thinking of it as solitude–a time to reflect. Then, of course, I’m filling my hours with a lot of projects. Think of you often.
Natalie Aguirre says
Oh yes, I cried a lot in the car at first and still do on occasion. It is so lonely. That’s what I struggle with the most. It’s good if you can think of it in another light. I know that I need to work on that more–how I view life now. I think of you often too.
Pat Hatt says
haha even with 50 planted it shall grow. Anthology contest is a great one for authors indeed.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yo, Mr. Hatt. 50 is a nice goal if I don’t go for haiku! See you on the Twitter Feed.
Beverly McClure says
Happy you’re back, Lee. I’ve missed your smile, your sweet personality, and your energy. One word or a thousand words is a great accomplishment.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, Beverly I’ve miss you a lot. You’re an inspiration to me.
Elephants Child says
It is beyond lovely to see a post from you pop up in my dashboard. And hooray for some steps in the right direction (though some days marking time is just fine too).
Love that John Green quote. It isn’t a matter of getting over grief, but of adapting to the new person it reveals.
Heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring.
And I love the only book of Bish’s I have read. Thank you for the nudge.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I always appreciate your Sunday photos. They inspire me so much. I hope to be back seeing them each week.
Thanks for stopping by. I love it when you comment.
Anna says
Thanks for the info about the anthology. I’m glad things are getting a smudge easier. Keep plugging away. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes to plugging away. I find it manageable and better suited to me than sprinting these days. Hope you’re entering something for the next anthology.
elizabeth seckman says
I often do the 1000 words where only 50 are keepers. That’s all right. Crap is good fertilizer.
Hugs. Baby steps beat marathons.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ha! So well put, Elizabeth. Love it.
Yolanda Renee says
Sometimes slow and sure is all you can do. So happy to hear you are getting back in the game. The journey through grief isn’t one that can be pushed.
The library appearance is sure to be a major inspiration for moving forward!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re so right about not pushing. That just doesn’t work at all. I’m comparing it to body surfing. It’s so much better if you allow the wave to wash past and not try to hit it head on.
Pat Garcia says
Hi Lee,
I visited JQ blog and saw that you’re appearing there. I am going to do my best to not forget it and drop by.
The main thing is that you wrote a thousand words. You stepped out there and faced your pain and wrote a thousand words! I just had to repeat that. Keep at it, lady. That was wonderful. It doesn’t matter if you can use on fifty of those one thousand words. What matters is that you wrote one thousand words. I’ m proud of you.
Sending you a huge greeting with smiles out of good old Europe.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love those good old European smiles, Pat. Thanks so much. And thanks for reminding me about my post at JQ. I need to stop by.
Carol Kilgore says
Baby steps are perfect. The important part is you’re back up and moving. And moving mostly forward. One of my favorite quotes is: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” by Lao Tzu. It’s true, so keep going. Hugs!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Lao Tzu said it all, Carol. Thanks for repeating it here.
Lee Lowery says
So glad to hear that your are getting your groove back. Baby steps, indeed. And I’m with you on the 1,000 words down to 50 words. I’ve tried to make a rule about no editing before the first draft is finished, but I’m not a very good rule-follower.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m rotten at that. I tend to fine-comb even the first draft. Bad. Very bad. But I’m always afraid someone will see just how lousy I can write when I get started. 🙂
Jemi Fraser says
Baby steps are the best! Good for you for being able to get some words down!
Love that John Green quote too – so true
C. Lee McKenzie says
I need to read that book. It’s waiting for me along with a stack of others that I haven’t gotten to yet. I like his work.
Crystal Collier says
Baby steps indeed! Good for you in getting back to it. You’re a rock star…or rather, a writing star. 😉
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m not sure about the star part, but thanks for the encouragement.
Bish Denham says
Thanks for the shout-out, Lee!
I actually have an idea for the anthology. I guess if you can write get 1000 words down I can too.
I HEART YOU.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You can do anything, Bish. I have faith in your resilience. Let’s see 2018 out the door and focus on a much better 2019 for both of us.
Heart you back.
Loni Townsend says
I’m glad there isn’t any fake news here! 🙂
It’s nice to see you stretching out into writing again. The writing world is better with you in it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is one sweet thing to say, Loni. Thank you so much.
Christine Rains says
Wonderful to hear you’re getting back into the swing of things. And yay for the IWSG contest! The theme is fabulous and hopefully will attract a lot of attention.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think the theme is delightful. I’m sure there are going to be a ton of entries.
Carrie-Anne says
That’s great that you’re slowly getting back into writing. A thousand honest words in one day are always better than thousands of words dispassionately cranked out over a longer time period. Good luck with your upcoming events!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Carrie-Anne. I’ve become a plodder this summer, but that seems to at least keep my moving–I hope forward.
Lisa says
I’d go buy the book (Messy Magic), but I already have it and have already read it! Waiting for the next one… Earlier this year I was very sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad you are doing well and staying honest with yourself about what you can/can’t do and the changes going on in your life. Thanks for sharing with us, your readers/followers and keeping us in the loop.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for stopping by with such a wonderful comment. I’ve been making a ton of decisions this year, second-guessing myself, then plunging ahead. Strange territory, this single life. Thank you for reading SVMMM. I do appreciate that so much.
Liz A. says
Take care. Even 50 words is forward progress.
C. Lee McKenzie says
How right you are, Liz.
Teresa C. says
I hope you’re doing well. You are an awesome writer so keep it going, okay?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you for the encouragement, Teresa. I am truly trying.
Raimey Gallant says
1,000 words is a fabulous count, and I’m sure you’ll keep more than 50 of them. I have this friend who just had a baby, and the four days before, she finished her novel, like 30 or 40K words! And she was slow going before that, so, apparently, that’s the cure for writer’s block?
C. Lee McKenzie says
There is something to be said about motivation.
Toi Thomas says
Happy IWSG Day!
Considering how much I struggle with YA, I can’t believe how excited I am about this anthology. I’ll be submitting this time. Even if I don’t make the cut, I’m so proud that I wrote something YA.
Glad to hear you are adjusting well, though I’m sure the impact of your loss will always be there to some degree. I think your quote of the month is perfect.
Best of luck with your feature and library appearance.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Toi,
Thank you and I hope your story is included in the anthology.
L. Diane Wolfe says
That’s wonderful to hear about the library event. It will get you back into the swing of promotions.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It should be good. Last year they had over 300 people, and that’s remarkable for that library.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl Lee!
It’s wonderful to see you in print again, dear friend! I am happy to learn that you are getting back into the groove with your writing. Like you I estimate that for every 1000 words I write only 50 actually get published. Slow and go, that’s how we roll.
I am delighted to know that you have a series of writing related guest shots and appearances scheduled. I want to report that the little girl next door to whom I gifted your book Some Very Messy Medieval Magic told me she loved it and has thanked me over and over again.
“Grief reveals you.” How true!
Take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Cheryl Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Shady,
I’m glad to be back if only once a month. It feels “normal” to be here and exchanging comments with you. Thank you so much for giving my book as a gift and thank you even more for telling me about the young reader. Very sweet!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
It’s a big adjustment for you. Glad you are getting back into writing and have events lined up.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m excited about mingling with writers again. I’ve missed their company. I’m rather boring when I talk to myself. 🙂
Tonja Drecker says
I’m glad to hear that you’re slowly getting into the swing of things. 1000 words is great! Enjoy those book moments and may you find many people who love it! It is a lovely read.
C. Lee McKenzie says
My motto these days is “slow but sure.” That seems to be getting me on the track and moving.