The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Monthly Blog Post.

Posted bySusanne MatthewsPosted inUncategorized
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Welcome to this month’s IWSG blog post. This month’s 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?

As a former high school teacher, retired from that occupation more than ten years now, I can say that I am definitely a working writer. In the last seven years, I have published 28 novels and 3 short stories. I also edit for other writers–a select few because I need my time for writing since I have six projects to finish by March 1st, 2021 and will be adding more as the year passes. The only thing that may interfere with my plans would be if I came down with COVID 19. At my age, I wouldn’t have an easy time of it.

I tend to work Monday to Friday as I did teaching. I get up each day, usually between six and seven a.m. and work on either writing, editing, blogging, or promotion until noon. After an hour break for lunch. I’m right back at it until 4:00 p.m. sometimes longer if I have a deadline.

A screwup with WordPress cost me my blogsite and hours of frustration a few weeks ago, and I spent a lot of time trying to fix it. One thing I learned from the experience was to write down my passwords. Things you think easy to remember tend to vanish from your mind in time. Because I used a free site, I didn’t have anything to prove it was mine. Who keeps emails from eight years ago? But it won’t happen again. This old dog learned a new, if painful trick. Now, the hard part is building up my followers list once more. So if you care to follow me, please do.

So what does being a working writer look like physically? I have a dedicated office, a desktop computer as well as a laptop, and shelves full of my favorite books as well as my own. You’ll usually find me in my nightgown or pajamas until my noon break, although I do take min breaks to make the bed, get coffee, etc. Sadly, as much as I love to read, I find it hard to find the time now. Reading was something I used to do on vacations, but since the virus all vacations and holidays have been put on hold. That just gives more time to work.

To me, if something is a job, then it has to be taken seriously with time invested in it. How about you? Where do you fit in the scheme of things?

Check out other writer’s responses by clicking on a mane on the list!

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html.

Have a great day and stay safe!

Published by Susanne Matthews

Hi! I live in Eastern Ontario. I'm married with three adult children and five wonderful grandchildren. I prefer warm weather, and sunshine but winter gives me time to write. If I’m listening to music, it will be something from the 1960s or 1970s. I enjoy action movies, romantic comedies, but I draw the line at slasher flicks and horror. I love science fiction and fantasy as well. I love to read; I immerse myself in the text and, as my husband says, the house could fall down around me, and I’d never notice. My preferences are as varied as there are genres, but nothing really beats a good romance, especially one that is filled with suspense. I love historical romance too, and have read quite a few of those. If I’m watching television, you can count on it being a suspense — I’m not a fan of reality TV, sit-coms, or game shows. Writing gives me the most pleasure. I love creating characters that become real and undergo all kinds of adventures. It never ceases to amaze me how each character can take on its own unique personality; sometimes, they grow very different from the way I pictured them! Inspiration comes from all around me; imagination has no bounds. If I can think it, imagine it, I can write it!

27 thoughts on “The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Monthly Blog Post.”

  3. I think this past month everyone had major tech issues. So sorry to hear about yours as well. Guess you have a WordPress site hosted on WordPress. I moved mine to GoDaddy and that has made managing WPs craziness a bit easier. Still you survived and it certainly hasn’t slowed you down in your writing career. Huge congratulations on being so prolific!

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  5. I look forward to when I’m retired and I have more time for writing, but at the rate I’m going that’s SO FAR away. If I ever get to retire at all.

    I am thoroughly in awe of your dedication and productivity.

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  9. Hi Suzanne! Wow! 28 novels and 3 short stories in 10 years! You are inspiring! Finally someone to give Pat Hatt, a fellow IWSG member, some prolific competition. I retired from teaching third grade eight years ago. I have since published one short story in the 2020 IWSG anthologies blog “Voyagers: The Third Ghost.” However, I have published about 700 blog posts on two blogs, and I consider my blogging writing. I sure as heck have worked hard at my writing craft through my blog. And I’ve worked a lot on my memoir. So, in my books, I am a working writer. All my best to you!

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    1. You sound like a working writer to me, too. Teaching third grade can be a challenge. I taught English in high school. It was the best way to indulge my love of literature by encouraging others to read and love it too. Wishing you all the best.

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  10. I’m impressed with your work schedule. I’m a teacher currently, so I squeeze my writing into weekends and school breaks right now. But your post gives me hope that it won’t be that way forever.
    It’s inspiring how much you accomplish!

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    1. The dedication and organizational skills I learned teaching have helped immensely as has having all my carefully laid plans come apart at a moment’s notice. Teachers have to adapt. I continue to do so. Good luck and stay safe.

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    1. Thanks. After raising my children and teaching for more than thirty-five years, structure is ingrained. And on those days when I don’t have a plan or something throws me off, little to nothing gets done. Happy writing.

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  13. I’m sorry about your website. I got locked out of an old email due to not remembering the password (back before you could tie emails to other emails or text recovery). And because of that, I can’t update Scrivener, because they didn’t bother replying to me when I contacted them about the email issue. Good luck with upcoming projects.

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  15. That’s some serious writing! I’m kind of in awe, but then I don’t *want* to do anything full-time, even write 🙂 Website problems suck; sorry you had to cope with that, and hope it’s all settled now. I’m dreading my own need to completely redo the web site.

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