IWSG 19 - As The Year Ends

Holy moly, it's the final month of 2017. It's hard to believe we are down to the final weeks of another year. Yet here we are, and this is my final #IWSG post of 2017.

Last month was a whirlwind. I attempted NaNo for the first time and I released my second book. I "failed" at NaNo. I only ended with around 20k in words, but that is 20k in new words. In hindsight doing a release in that same month was not the best idea, but it seemed like a great plan when the release date was picked.

That leads us right into this month's optional question.

As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

Attempting NaNo while trying to manage a book release would be one thing I do differently. I really feel like the stress and worry that goes along with a book release kept me from being able to fully focus on NaNo in the way required for that undertaking. I would have still released my book in November as the date had meaning to the story, I would have decided against taking on NaNo.

Honestly, not sure I'll do it next year or not, I'm a slow writer. I don't follow the idea that "all first drafts are crap" so trying to put out words that I know won't be the best I can make them just to get words makes me feel icky.

I haven't done much else in 2017, as sad as that is. I've started a few other projects, but I'm a slow writer. That's something else I'd like to do differently, speed up my writing process. Not sure if that'll happen, but I'm trying. Also to be less wordy. That might help my speed, who knows.

That's it for this month. No new insecurities, just the same old ones I've talked about. New book out means new set of reviews to come in and that makes me nervous. I've read the beginning ones, but like with Fiendish, I know I'll have to stop reading for my own sake.

I have a positive outlook going into 2018. I have a few projects started so my chances for actually publishing again next year are looking good. That's a huge improvement over the three year gap I had last time.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and happy New Year.

Until next time
~Meka

The Insecure Writer's Support Group's purpose is 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!

Thank you to this week's co-hosts:

 Julie Flanders, Shannon Lawrence, Fundy Blue, and Heather Gardner!