IWSG: My Favorite “F” Words

One of my mottos is The Only Constant is Change. Flexibility (and I don’t mean the ability to touch your toes, which I’m proud to say I CAN still do!), Focus and Fearlessness are the most productive F-words you can have in your vocabulary. Go with the flow. Know what you want and what you have to do to get it. Don’t be afraid to reach, struggle . . . or Fail (that other less popular F-word) if it ultimately moves you Forward, Forward being the main goal, even when it means taking a step back to get a new running start.

Let’s recap . . .

“F-words, learn to use them!”

1. Flexibility. Don’t get stuck in a repetitive rut especially when it holds you back. Instead of whining over market changes, learn how to adapt. I never thought I’d see the day when I’d write in 1st person. Guess what both of my next projects are written in? Don’t let a lack of knowledge hold you back from trying something new, be it in your own writing or when it comes to keeping up with technology. Make “Yes, I can!” you’re new buzz word.

2. Focus. Set goals. Think of them as those turn-by-turn helpers that come with Mapquest directions to get you where you need to go so you don’t get lost or detoured. Recalculate when necessary (If you like, you can do it in a snotty English accent!)

3. Fearlessness. From sending out that first manuscript to approaching an agent/editor to reinventing a career, fear is what stands in your way – not lack of name recognition, not your competition, not your bad sales figures. What have you got to lose? Success, if fear keeps you from trying. Go boldly! Ask for a push if you need one!

4. Failure. What fuels most of our fear? Failure. We’re terrified of having that big “Epic Fail” stamped upon our forehead. It’s paralyzing. We need to change our pattern of thinking. Failure doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t succeed. It means that particular route wasn’t the right one. Recalulating . . . Sometimes the highway isn’t the best way or the only way.

5. Forward. Forward motion builds speed and momentum. Write every day and those paragraphs become a novel. Tiptoe into social media with Facebook or a blog and soon you’ll be dropping in embedded code. Speak to fellow writers. Join groups and loops. Ask questions. Take classes. Each bit of ongoing exposure is a step toward finding that agent, solving that plot problem, cleaning up that manuscript, discovering who is buying what you’re writing. Be that big snowball that gathers mass as it rolls (not hard to do here in Michigan at the moment!)

And remember . . . Sam Jackson has his eye on you!

How do you define these invaluable F-words and apply them to your own writing? Which gives you the most trouble?

What is the Insecure Writers Support Group?

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! See #5 above!

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.

IWSG rocks! That’s why I’m “Sharing the Love” in my 2-1-14 blog post below as part of the Share the Love Giveaway Hop. Help spread the warm fuzzies and earn more chances to win my $10 Amazon gift card. Another warm fuzzy – BETRAYED BY SHADOWS and PRINCE OF SHADOWS (links are below too), part of my dark paranormal Shape-shifter series with Pocket Star are STILL only $1.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for Kindle and Nook. Hurry! Don’t know how long that price will remain.