First: Welcome to IWSG day!
Our Purpose 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!
HOW IT BEGAN:
Alex J. Cavanaugh is the founder of IWSG. He saw a need and he filled it. Yay, Alex! Thank you!
We post on the first Wednesday of each month. Check out our membership. We have some great bloggers.
The awesome co-hosts for the June 5 posting of the IWSG are Liza at Middle Passages,Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove,and Olga Godim!
Every month we have an optional question so here it is:
In this constantly evolving industry, what kind of offering/service do you think the IWSG should consider offering to members?
IWSG seems different from my other writing groups. Maybe because membership is free and IWSG members write anything and everything. My other groups are more specialized—mystery writers, Christian writers, Nonfiction and Memoir writers. In IWSG we’re all lumped together. There’s something “freeing” in that even though we have structure.
I know IWSG seeks to encourage its members through special projects. I’ve been a part of that in a couple of books. I’d like to see a few programs through Zoom. Not book reviews but rather How To instruction and discussion. In my Faith, Hope & Love group every month or two we have an author (through Zoom) share how they market their books, or how they start and grow their newsletter, or how to create a series bible or use Scrivener. We sign up to attend but it’s free to members and if we can’t make it, the program is saved so that we can watch it later. I think IWSG could pull this off and benefit from such a program.
We also have a weekly Resource Wednesday—just an email to our membership—where a volunteer or two has combined important information such as article links on industry news, the business of writing and the writing craft; Article links on encouragement for writers, as well as a list (with links) to upcoming contests and conferences. There’s a lot of great info out there that some of us never see.
I think many a downfall of writer’s groups is having too many things going that require way too many volunteers. We’re all busy with our writing, our jobs and our lives. Days are going by faster and faster. Time seems shorter. Most of us don’t want weekly or even monthly obligations. I understand that so I’ll add that IWSG is a great group. There’s no need to change anything or even add more programs, because IWSG serves it’s purpose: Encouragement! Once again, thanks!
More projects do need more volunteers and most people are content to take. But there might be something more we can offer.
I agree. The leaders will have to decide. I’m more a one-on-one person when it comes to giving. Crowds intimidate me.
I agree with you that we have to be careful about not creating things that require too much work for our leaders.
Thanks for commenting, Natalie. Our leaders/volunteers live in different time zones too!
Those are some great ideas!
“I think many a downfall of writer’s groups is having too many things going that require way too many volunteers. We’re all busy with our writing, our jobs and our lives.”
Totally agree with this. IWSG needs to pick a few things, figure out how to automate them as much as possible, and do those few things well.
Thanks for commenting, Melissa. I wish I could put some of the things in my life on “automate.”
Happy IWSG Day, Jessica! I think that Diane raised an important point in her comment. So much has fallen on the shoulders of a few. The thing I value most about the IWSG is the connections I have made. Encouragement has kept me going! All the best to you in June!
Thanks Louise! Sad but true. The work always falls on the few—even in churches it’s usually the same ones that do everything. Glad IWSG has been an encouragement to you and that you’ve made connections.
You’re right, the type of freedom given by the IWSG is such a relief from the constraints of writing and publishing. The community which comes along with it is my other favorite aspect. I love being able to keep up with other bloggers and to see the little glimpses into everyone’s lives. The connections and friendships are priceless. And, as you mentioned, the encouragement is lovely!
Wonderful testimony on behalf of IWSG. Makes me wish I’d been more involved. I’m afraid I’ve been one of the takers Diane mentioned.
Lucky you, Jessica, to have specific groups to belong to that offer instruction and experience. There are many great ideas this month on what IWSG can give it’s members. Time and talent are difficult to find for any writer. Great post!
Thanks Victoria. There are so many writers groups out there for all of us.