It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?
Are you ready?
When I began this journey, I wanted to be a working writer. And I got off to a great start with 7 books in just 5 years.
But I also wanted to run a publishing company and that slowly took over.
At this point, I don’t know what any of that looks like.
Add the drama of this year with the virus and the over-lockdowns and the violations of our constitutional rights and the crashing of the economy and the riots fueled by Antifa and the clashing of the
Maybe I need to move to Sweden. Or Florida – I heard they are wide open. Maybe then I would feel normal again and could return to being a writer.
At the very least, I need a vacation. Someplace OUTSIDE of crummy NC.
At least I have my beautiful patio and firepit!
Plus I was able to get out to the zoo recently.
Anyone else feel as writing lost as me?
Seven books in five years and a publishing company - I would say you rocked 'working writer'! But things change and the world invades our sanctuaries. It sounds like you're where you need to be right now. Good luck with finding a safe spot away from the insanity!
ReplyDeleteThank you. That patio is my safe spot at the moment.
DeleteI think it's amazing that you started your publishing company and have been able to keep it up. There's no way you'd have time to write as a before. But thank you for starting your company because you're really helping other writers fulfill their dreams.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Natalie. That was the goal when I started it.
DeleteAmen, amen, amen! I thought the shutdown would give me more time to write, but my 'real' job is getting in the way. I wish I was nearer retirement.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love the fire pit! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYou did such a great job with that patio and firepit!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI can relate to feeling lost right now. Still, you've done so much before this moment in time, I think you've proved yourself as a writer and publisher. Plus, you've got a pretty sweet patio. Hopefully something resembling normal will soon return and writing too will become wide open.
ReplyDeleteToi, I hope so.
DeleteIt's hellish out there. But remember that as a writer, as well as a publisher, you're doing a vital service by providing a distraction and hopefully a chance to get away from it for a while. More than ever, we can't lose sight of the importance of the arts and creativity. It might seem trivial, but it's actually essential to us as humans.
ReplyDeleteIt is! Very much so.
DeleteWhat would we do without you, Diane. You've taken my stories nd made them beautiful. And your patio looks perfect for an afternon nap.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I haven't slept out there yet, but I just might.
DeleteIt's hard to write with all that mess.
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate what you do for your authors though.
Thanks.
DeleteYes! I don't have any answers, sadly. I think when this is all over, we're be better for it. I hope so.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who lives in Florida, I can say that we're not exempt here.
ReplyDeleteLove your fire pit!
Not exempt but you are open.
DeleteAll your efforts mean a lot to so many authors. Thanks for all you do. I don't feel lost so much as my mind doesn't want to settle. Too many thoughts buzzing around in my head.
ReplyDeleteAnd your patio is fabulous! Great job! And yes, it does feel like the 'end days' are here.
Thank you.
DeleteHi Diane, 7 books in just 5 years is just great. I wish I could say the same. And its really amazing that you have a publishing company too!
ReplyDeleteIm so happy for you!Hope you'll have a lot of good luck in your work!
ReplyDeletexoxo
beautyqueen000.blogspot.rs
Feeling lost? Kind of. I'm a solitary creature anyway but it hurts when I go to buy groceries and people step away. It's not personal but that doesn't seem to matter to my heart.
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note, I love your fire pit and could sit by one for hours and hours. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
We do sit there for hours!
DeleteThis has been one lost year for so many of us, so I understand how you're feeling. At least you have a lot of interests and while one may lag the other will make up for it. Love your new patio. I'm sure that has been a bright spot in this otherwise dreary summer.
ReplyDeleteYes it has. We might not have finished so quickly if we weren't stuck at home.
DeleteYou've proven you can succeed in multiple venues. I know that however this pandemic pans out, you will figure out the next step.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Diane! Your patio is gorgeous! I love a fire pit. We'll get through this. Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteI have been using my writing to escape the world's craziness.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to take a trip to the zoo. I haven't been to our local one in a while and may need to take a trip - or get out for another walk somewhere other than my neighborhood.
We can get through this year, and hope for the next to be a bit better.
I hope you can find some time to write, too. You are a wonderful publisher, but I wouldn't want you to give up on your writing for that work.
Thank you, Tyrean. Ate you near the Tacoma Zoo? I've been to that one and thought it was wonderful.
DeleteYes! But I love your new patio ♥
ReplyDeleteLovely patio.
ReplyDeleteMy fiction suffered this year too, but my journalism is still on, and my newspaper is still publishing.
OMG. When I first saw that cougar I thought it was in your backyard!
ReplyDeleteIf you still need tour help for Sherry's book just let me know.
Sandra, would you like to do an interview or guest post?
DeleteNice fire pit!
ReplyDelete~Jess
I love your fire pit. I'd love to head out to the zoo... I miss it. I'm feeling locked in too, but at least I'm getting heaps of reading done, which helps my writing.
ReplyDeleteThis year, right. . . We'll get through it. And perhaps come out stronger on the other side.
ReplyDeleteThis year has been a weird one. Great fire pit!
ReplyDeleteWhen all of this started, I will admit, I was scared. I was wiping down all of my groceries and everything brought into my house with bleach water. Then my son was exposed and then the rest of us. My twenty-somethings should no signs. My husband and I got a mild case. I called a health clinic and was told to quarantine, but not to come to the hospital for testing. If we had symptoms, why risk spreading it? The worst part of it all was the worry the worry caused. I kept thinking...this isn't so bad only to immediately think, but it's THE pandemic. As soon as I get ok with not worrying, it will explode in my body!! But then I reminded myself I am a person of faith. God will choose my future. My job is to live each day as best and as fully as I can. The rest, I will leave for Him to sort out.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, that is beautifully said. I was scared for a while too. But now I realize that for those of us who are healthy (my husband and I always score an A+ on our physicals) we should not be so afraid. And as you said, God will watch out for us.
DeleteThanks for your honesty, Diane! It has been hard to navigate this time and still be productive in ways we are used to. Not having the activities such as travel that was fuel for my daily tasks has me dragging some days to just get the 'list' done. I've added writing and creativity adventures to that list now, and it is helping! I liked seeing your patio come together through your FB pictures too!
ReplyDeleteLynn, thank you - glad you were watching on Facebook.
DeleteThis is a hard time. I am getting through by focusing on the positives. There are still many, in spite of our challenges. Love your fire pit!
ReplyDeleteLost? Absolutely! We are living in historic times with this pandemic. After reading Elizabeth Seckman's post, that is exactly what I did, by wiping down groceries and so on...Remember when we weren't supposed to touch the outside of our masks? Covid Germs. Now, people are tugging on them all the time. And, I don't know what to believe anymore. Most people, 99%, have mild symptoms, but it's those that are dying that's so heart breaking. (though, I believe the data and numbers are very skewed) I tend to agree with the president, when he said not to be fearful, he doesn't want people to panic. But the media sensationalizes it to the point of hysteria.
ReplyDeleteIn NY we have a dictator for a governor...LOL
Okay, I better stop venting and get myself back into my positivity suit...
BTW, love your fire pit!!!
The media drove this with their panic in the beginning of March, sending everyone to packed stores to stock up. Bet that spread it really fast. I also believe the numbers are skewed.
DeleteThat is a fantastic fire pit! I moved just before the Pandemic and have been stuck in a tiny apartment this entire time. I am a woman who needs her outdoor space!
ReplyDeleteLife is a struggle right now with everything going on. I find my writing endeavors all over the map and have difficulty focusing on any one thing. Who knows, maybe all my efforts will come together. Love your firepit!
ReplyDeleteYou have done exceedingly well Diane, long may you carry on the good work.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
We're all feeling it everywhere in the world. Good idea to find a place to recoup with your firepit. You have to be relaxed to write!
ReplyDelete