Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Special IWSG Announcement and getting hold of my nerves (IWSG)



The IWSG Short Story Contest 2015

After the success of last year’s IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond, we decided to create another book. This time it’s a short story competition with the top ten stories getting published in the anthology.

Eligibility: Any member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is encouraged to enter – blogging or Facebook member. The story must be previously unpublished. Entry is free.

Word count: 5000-6000

Theme: Alternate History/Parallel Universe. That’s right, we’ve decided to go the speculative route. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines, except erotica or graphic violence.

Story deadline: November 1st 2015

How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously unpublished story to TheIWSG at gmail dot com before the deadline passes. Make sure to include your contact details.

Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges:
·         Laura Maisano - Senior editor at Anaiah Press for their YA/NA Christian fiction
·         Russell Connor – Author and owner of Dark Filament Publishing Startup
·         Candace Havens  - Author and Editorial Director for the Covet, Edge and Select lines at Entangled Publishing
·         Dawn Frederick – Literary agent and the founder of Red Sofa Literary
·         Alice Speilburg – Founder of the Speilburg Literary Agency
·         Michelle Johnson – Founder of Inklings Literary Agency and Writers' Center and Bookstore owner
·         Kendare Blake - Author
·         Lydia Moëd - Associate agent at The Rights Factory

Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title. The winners will also receive an exclusive badge to display on their blog.

We’re excited to see the creativity and enthusiasm that’s such a part of this group put into action. So don your creative caps and start writing. And spread the word!

* * * * * * 

Today I am one of the co-hosts for the IWSG. Yay! My fellow co-hosts are Heather M. GardnerChristine RainsDolorah at Book Lover and Julie Flanders

I don't like trying new things. Mostly, because I'm afraid of screwing it up, and having everyone laugh at me. Also, I'm afraid of failure. There are many things I have failed at in my life, and honestly, I just don't want writing to be one of them. As you know, I will be publishing my first book soon, and I am terrified. I am all nerves. I do admit, it has gotten better, because I have been exercising, and so many of you have advised me to just chill. 

However, I have this obsession of doing things perfectly, even though I know there is no such thing as perfection, at least not for humans. But, what if there are spelling errors neither me, or my editor picked up (my editor is awesome by the way)? What if people hate my book? What if . . . What if.  

The truth is, I'm just really nervous. But this kind of anxiety and fear is also good for me. I have to learn to control it if I want to make "writing" my career. I have to experience this insecurity to learn and grow from it. It isn't a nice feeling, but I have to live and learn. 

If any of you think you can't write a book, or that you can't make your writing dreams come true, you can. If I can write a book and get it publish ready, so can anyone. All you have to do is believe in yourself and be determined to follow through. 

The Insecure Writers Support Group was created by the talented Mr. Alex J. Cavanaugh so that writers can share their insecurities and/or encourage others who need support with their own. You can visit Alex Here, or if you want to join us in discussing our insecurities on the first Wednesday of each month, you are welcome to join by going Here.

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