Today is so exciting because it’s Insecure Writers Support Group day. IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh for the purpose of encouraging other writers—or anyone who’d like to learn the craft. Writers can ask questions and express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. We invite you to follow other IWSG members here or by using the twitter hashtag #IWSG. You can also go to our Facebook page and Instagram. We’re awesome!
Co-hosts for the January 2 posting of the IWSG are Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!
Our January 2nd question is What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?
The question I dislike the most but hear often is are you still writing? That’s a sure sign they haven’t Googled me, looked me up on Amazon and they certainly aren’t reading me. Yeah, yeah, I know I’m putting all the work on them. The way I see it (and like it) is if they do what they’re supposed to do (track me down) then I won’t have to do what I should be doing (promote myself and my books!) I really have a rough time promoting myself.
Questions I’d like to hear are:
Hey, I was thinking about you the other day and Googled your name. You’re really out there, girl! How did I miss all the excitement in your life? 😂 Now that would make me laugh out loud! I might even strut a little.
Or this question:
I can’t get your first book out of my mind. It was such a fun novel, I really loved all the Elvis trivia. Have you thought about writing a sequel?
Yes, a prequel and a sequel, but no, my Elvis days are over.
Answering questions about our work is part of the job–regardless of whether they’re good questions or bad questions. Promotion, advertising, doing interviews and blog hops is expected. Every contract I’ve signed has included a paragraph about promoting the project.
Having interviewed authors for Southern Writers Magazine for almost seven years, I noticed how some authors have a knack (a personality) for answering questions and others come across dull as dirt. Maybe the dull ones are trying to come across as serious professionals. Then again, maybe they just have no personality or humor about them. Answering questions seems like an easy task but as an interviewer, I believe there’s an art to it. We all need to learn how to answer questions in a way that encourages the reader to find us interesting and want to know us better. We should put personality in our answers.
In 2019, I hope to write, sell and answer a lot of questions. How about you?
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says
January 2, 2019 at 5:30 amYou raise an interesting point about people who give dull answers – are they trying to project a persona of “serious author” which is far less interesting than the down-to-earth, fun, and relatable author.
Elvis trivia – you have me intrigued 🙂
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 6:17 amThanks for popping in, Ellen! The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes came out in 1996. Thank goodness under a pseudonym! 😉
patgarcia says
January 2, 2019 at 5:30 amHappy New Year!
Same here. I love answering questions about my writing. In fact, I could hold a two hour lecture filled with wit, humor and excitement about my characters.
By the way, I love Southern Writers Magazine. I am a subscriber.
Wishing you all the best for 2019.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 6:23 amPat, how wonderful that you subscribe to SWM! I quit writing for them this year. Thanks for your comment. I hope you’ll come back to see me.
J.S. Pailly says
January 2, 2019 at 8:59 amI don’t think anyone’s ever asked me “are you still writing?” I don’t know, that sounds almost rude. Someone recently asked me how many story worlds I’m writing in. That question really took me off guard, but it led to a fun conversation.
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 10:33 amJames, that’s a wonderful question your reader asked you. I can see where it would lead to great discussion! I don’t think my friends and family were trying to be rude… even though several don’t have to try very hard… I think they were really exhibiting a lack of interest. Mmmm, maybe same thing. 🤔 thanks for stopping by!
MARIE ANDREAS says
January 2, 2019 at 8:59 amAgreed on the dull answers, I see that many times at conventions. I think it’s crucial to connect on some level so the reader or viewer thinks, “I want to read them!” I write lighter genre work, so at panels I try to make sure that comes across.
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 9:07 amHi Maria, I’ve only been on a couple of panels and it was fun. My worst nightmare is having someone ask… what’s your book about? My rehearsed blurb flies right out of my head. 😳
Heather says
January 2, 2019 at 9:10 amYou always ask GREAT questions, Jessica! As an interviewer, and as a friend. Your questions have a tendency to move me forward, get me unstuck, and challenge my thinking. Your thoughtful answers do the same.
Blessings to you for a prosperous and prolific 2019!
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 9:46 amThanks Heather, I hope we both have a prosperous and prolific 2019! Let’s not allow anything to stop us this year! Promise?
Heather says
January 2, 2019 at 10:24 amYes…promise!!
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 10:35 am👍🏻 We have a deal!
Angie Dilmore says
January 2, 2019 at 9:21 amQuestion I dislike the most: When are you going to publish a book?
Comment I most enjoy hearing: Hey, I read your article on (such and such). Loved it! You’re doing a great job!
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 9:50 amOkay, okay, Angie! I’ll quit asking you about your book. 🤷♀️ It’s true people tend to take books more seriously than they do articles. Silly, isn’t it? Magazine writing reaches more readers. Not to mention… you’re a great editor! ❤️
Angie Dilmore says
January 2, 2019 at 9:54 amHave you asked me about writing a book? I wasn’t thinking of you when I wrote that! Thanks, Jess. Wishing you a productive New Year!
Gil Stewart says
January 2, 2019 at 11:27 amActually I wish I got more questions about my writing……that more people knew what I was up to.
The one question I do get asked, in several different ways, is “Why does an 80+ guy like you tell stories about old people, what you call Geriatric Adolescence?”
The best answer I have is “It’s the story I want to tell.” Do any of us have a better answer?
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 1:09 pmGil, everybody has a story! Just because we age doesn’t mean our stories end. I’m 70 and I’m more interesting now than I was at 35. You tell those naysayers that we old people have life secrets and they’d do well to read your stories and books so they can “learn the ropes!” 😉
Charity Bradford says
January 2, 2019 at 12:05 pmI agree! Go find me, buy a book, read it and then come tell me about it already. LOL.
I’ve never thought about how you can sound boring answering questions. Perhaps it’s because I’ve always been so transparent. Hopefully that translates to interesting as well as real. *fingers crossed*
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 1:13 pmCharity, I’m sure you do well answering questions. Transparency = not putting on the cloak of pretense. It’s when we try to be something we’re not that we get ourselves in trouble.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
January 2, 2019 at 3:07 pmHappy IWSG Day, Jessica! You certainly made a point that resonated with me when you said that some writers’ answers to questions are as dull as dirt. Being insecure, my first thought was my answers are dull as dirt. But then I haven’t been interviewed about my writing! I remember when I was an active member of our teachers’ association. We trained in having short, succinct answers for pressing union questions and issues ~ one that could be answered in an elevator ride (in a short building!). Your post will stick in my mind, especially as I get closer to being interviewed or even answer questions from friends and family. Thanks! Yours was a gem of a point! all the best to you in 2019!
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 4:14 pmThanks Louise! When I say “dull as dirt” I’m mainly talking about email interviews. Many authors just answer the question and don’t elaborate. That means usually, a line or two of dry answer. There are a lot of ways to jazz up your answers that show humor, personality and that you’re having a good time and love being an author. Hope that helps!
L. Diane Wolfe says
January 2, 2019 at 8:24 pmHow did I miss all the excitement in your life – LOL! That is what we would rather hear, isn’t it?
Jessy, I have no idea why I’ve missed your blog before. I’m so sorry!
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 9:00 pmNo problem, Diane. You’re a busy woman! Today I read over all the notes I took when you spoke to BWG. You were really great. Lots of good info. I was inspired all over again! 😍
Sara Codair says
January 2, 2019 at 9:27 pmGood or bad, questions about writing mean we are writing and people know we exist, mostly. 😉
I hope your writing generates lots of fantastic questions in 2019!
Jessica Ferguson says
January 2, 2019 at 9:46 pmThanks Sara! Let’s make 2019 our best year yet!
Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine says
January 5, 2019 at 12:49 pmHappy New Year.
I’m not a fan of answering questions about my writing. It puts me on the spot and then I get flustered and there goes my thoughts.
Jessica Ferguson says
January 5, 2019 at 4:47 pmI know exactly what you mean, Patricia. 😳
Shannon Lawrence says
January 7, 2019 at 5:48 pmGood point on the interviews. I try to just be me, and hope if that works for people, they’ll look me up.
Jessica Ferguson says
January 7, 2019 at 6:39 pmThanks for popping in, Shannon!