IWSG: January 2016

Purpose: 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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

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Ah, January... the time of year we either make resolutions or rail against them.
 
Personally, I tend to look at it as a time to revisit various facets of my well-being. If I need to change things up, then so be it, but I’m not setting some unattainable goal that’s going to leave me cranky and defeated in March. Want to join me? Let’s break down some options:
 
PHYSICAL
 
Writers are sedentary by nature. We write at our desks, on our beds, at our kitchen tables, on the bus, etc. So, how can we combat that?

• Get up every half hour or so
• Bust out some isometric exercises while we work
  
• Balance ball chairs
• Under-desk pedal machines
• Standing desks with anti-fatigue mats
• Treadmills with tablet stands

 
MENTAL
 
I don't know about you, but I find the authorial life pretty overwhelming at times. Let’s strive to:

• Say NO to things we truly don’t have time for.
• Say YES to a few opportunities outside of our comfort zones.
  
• Stop putting routine things off, i.e. updating royalty spreadsheets, returning blog comments, etc.
  
• Ask for help when we need it.
• Stop putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves.

 
SPIRITUAL
 
This part will differ for everyone, depending on your beliefs. For me, it’s going to involve more casual hangout time with God. To help jump start that, I just signed up for email devotionals from the church I “attend” online.
 

EMOTIONAL

Because writing can be such a solitary endeavor, we have to make an effort to fulfill our social needs. That’s why it’s important to:

• Join a community, i.e. IWSG, small writing groups, Facebook groups, weekly Twitter chats, etc.
  
• Stop comparing our careers to others’.
• Have multiple outlets. (Sometimes, the words just aren’t there.)

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Question of the Week

Do you have anything to add to our list?