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Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

IWSG: Just A Thought

August 6, 2025 By Jessica Ferguson 7 Comments

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. We post our thoughts on our own blog. We talk about our doubts and the fears we have conquered. We discuss our struggles and triumphs and offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling.  This group is all about connecting!   

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the August 6 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Natalie Aguirre, Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Olga Godim!

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.  We all love comments!

Remember, the question is optional!

August 6 question – What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

There are a lot of subjects I’d like to write about, but this certainly isn’t one of them. The publishing industry is a small world and I’m sure it has a long memory. A writer’s bad reputation (not being trustworthy, loyal, reliable, etc) or hard-to-get-along-with attitude might ruin it for them. Even someone who “talks” too much.

 I’ve seen things. And I’ve heard things. If there’s one thing I’ve always done, it’s keep my eyes and ears open.

 Be careful who you talk about and what you say in your blogposts, emails and on social media. When a publisher (or agent) considers you, they check you out.

 I do think writers have been slighted in a number of ways—and unless you’re a big name, you’re never paid what you’re worth. But that’s just my opinion.

 On another note, we’re in the middle of our packing and moving. Slow, miserable process.

 I haven’t written since before Christmas. I was hoping to have a month this summer to revise my Love Inspired Romance. Not going to happen.

 Goal: before Christmas. (prayers going up and fingers crossed!)

 So, tell me, what’s everyone doing?

What kind of summer have you had?

School has started in a lot of places…what does that mean for you?

 I’ve been so involved in the move that I feel totally separated from my writing community. Not fun.

 Let me hear from you. And good writing!

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: IWSG, moving, publishing industry, unethical practices, writing

Comments

  1. Angie Kay Dilmore says

    August 7, 2025 at 11:17 am

    Hi Jess. Yes, moving is so hard! Just give yourself grace and a lot of time and patience. I’m laid up right now with a knee injury after a bad bike accident Saturday. (Bad dog!!) Bob and I have plans to ride the Katy Trail in Missouri in 6 weeks, so I might be cutting it close in terms of healing in time. Lately, I keep busy trying to promote my book. Other than freelance writing (Thrive of course, but 64 Parishes is my new gig!) I have not been doing any other writing. I’m a “featured author” at the South Coast Book Festival this year in September! (One of 3) I’ll be doing a storytime with the kids AND a breakout session for adults. Nervous and excited about that.

    Will you go to the Louisiana Book Festival in November? I’m going to try to sell my book there with the Acadiana SCBWI group.

    That’s about all that’s new with me! Enjoy your new home!

    Angie

    Reply
    • Jess says

      August 7, 2025 at 1:35 pm

      So sorry about your accident. I saw your knee on FB. I keep up with all you do. Yep, you’ve been busy. I haven’t been to the Louisiana Book Festival in years so I probably won’t go this year. Congrats on all your marketing—you’re putting yourself out there. Lots of good work for an introvert! So proud of you!

      Reply
    • Jessica Ferguson says

      August 14, 2025 at 8:12 pm

      I responded to your comment, Angie. Don’t know where it went. You were doing a great promo tour until your accident. I’m keeping up with you, and no, I’m not going to the Louisiana Book Festival. I haven’t been in years. Hope you make it and have good sales!

      Reply
      • Jessica Ferguson says

        August 14, 2025 at 8:14 pm

        Well, I see it. Now you have two comments. LOL

        Reply
  2. L. Diane Wolfe says

    August 8, 2025 at 7:10 am

    Yes, you do have to be careful what you say online.
    Moving is never fun. Get through it and you’ll have a chance to write again.

    Reply
    • Jess says

      August 10, 2025 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks! Come on down, Diane; build me a patio and plant me a garden! ????

      Reply
  3. Angie Kay Dilmore says

    August 14, 2025 at 8:23 pm

    Thank you, Jess! I appreciate your encouragement. You’ve always been my biggest cheerleader!

    Reply

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