Insecure Writers Support Group #IWSG Take a Chance, Win a Prize

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. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
The awesome co-hosts for the May 4 posting of the IWSG will be Stephen Tremp, Fundy Blue, MJ Fifield, Loni Townsend, Bish Denham, Susan Gourley, and Stephanie Faris! 

Take a Chance, Win a Prize

So I took a chance, and attended the Saguaro Chapter of the  RWA (The Tucson branch of the National Romance Writers Association) meeting, my first gathering of writers since moving from Michigan to Arizona four years ago.  As luck, fate, timing, the spin of the wheel would have it, I ended up seated next to a fellow paranormal writer and a table full of writers who didn't spit or bite or throw things at me (at least not at this first meeting-though I hold out hope they may learn to be less restrained later on).  

A very review-savvy author (who wisely never reads her own) discussed getting out there and just doing it, review-wise, and two dare-devil-card-may-care authors demonstrated using various tarot decks to build plot bridges. This long-time reviewer and tarot reader found both sessions interesting and the writing gab provided well-needed savory bits for this writer's soul. 

I also discovered one of the members is a nutso extreme running/obstacle course enthusiast, like many of my buddies back in MI! And, some of the paranormal writers are forming a new paranormal critique group, like the one I left behind in MI! The Tucson group is a very large, active group, but their seating is small, round tables, so intimate groupings that lend themselves to quiet conversations during lunch. Not everyone at my table bothered to speak to me or introduce themselves, excited to see their friends and catch up with them at this once a month meeting, but most did, and most were kind enough to even introduce me to others in the extended group who wrote in the same genre, or shared some same interest,  during the break.

I just may find a niche with this group. I have received some emails and offers to join a new critique group. I feel that I can take another chance and it won't require me to get "out there" in an uncomfortable way until I become used to getting to know a few people from the group better first. Starting over really does mean you can keep old friends and make new ones too! I feel much encouraged for having taken a chance. It's a good thing I had an old friend to push me into making new ones!