Many Thanks to my friend, Patricia Garcia, who invited me to join the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, started by Alex Cavanaugh. Since my life has been torn in so many directions, I realize that I now need to learn to effectively participate in the IWSG group in order to receive the benefits.
I am still involved in caregiving for my sick husband, but if we can discover what specifically is wrong with him, there might be light at the end of my tunnel. The good news is that we are relocated and settled. The “Long Winter’s Nap” that I yearned for is now part of my daily routine. Additionally, I have picked up Jonathan Evison’s book, “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving… A novel.” My hope is that it will help me structure and sort through my thoughts and ideas about writing about my experiences of caregiving. Yes, maybe I can actually throw some humor into this horrific situation.
But, this brings me to another issue… my fear, lack of confidence, and my negativity about my capabilities. Yes, I have published a couple of short stories. Despite my working to submit more stories nothing has been accepted. Heck, I don’t even receive rejection letters… nothing! When this happens my mind stays stuck like a record in the wrong groove as I replay my mother’s words about my lack of capabilities. It is amazing the damage family history can play on our psyche!
Consequently, I need to keep learning, growing, and erasing history. I need to actively work at supporting others so that I will receive support in return. I need to step out of my hiding place too. Is there anyone out there that feels as I do?
Gwynn,
I believe many of us started out by stepping out of our hiding places and that is exactly what you’re doing. You are stepping out. It may not be as fast as you want it to be, but one step after another will soon have you out there where you want to be.
Don’t stop sending out your stories. Keep at it, Lady. You have so many wonderful stories to share.
Happy to hear John is doing better and to know that you two are now settled in your new home.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Thanks Pat! Is there an IWSG website too, where I can follow conversations? Or is there a list of blog addresses like with the A to Z Challenge where we can check out others’ blog sites and comment there? I feel like I am alone out here… except for your wonderful comments.
I have been split in so many directions that I have not had a chance to concentrate on my writing, but I do have to admit to being exhausted from all that I have experienced in the last five months. Hopefully, life will turn around now…I hope, I hope, I hope!
Hugs!
I believe each time we send out an article, that’s a success. I believe the gift is in the writing and if someone out there relates to what we’ve written, that’s cream cheese frosting on the carrot cake. The words of wisdom I know: Keep on. Never give up!
(But I understand the feeling.)
Thanks Mary Jo. Frequently, I cave in and give up. Then I try again. However, I have difficulty finding places that might be interested in my style of writing and humor. I LOVED Erma Bombeck and would love to imitate her. Maybe I need a new style. How do you turn off the voices in your head?
Keep going, Gwynn, don’t take rejection (or even lack of it) personally. Your writing is touching and I’m glad you are giving this voice because I’m sure you are helping many people. What you do is important!
Thanks, Gulara for your support. My message on my calendar today says, “You can’t stop the WAVES but you can learn to surf!” It took me a while to learn the right way to catch a wave and to decide which wave would carry me into the beach. Maybe this goes for my writing and my deciding which magazine to send my stories to, also.
I have a young friend, actually, he may be your age or a bit older, who keeps pushing me to put my words in some format to be published. It is nice to have that support and to be championed by someone. I love knowing that my words touch someone.
Thanks and Big Hugs to you!
Hi Gwynn.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
In writing terms, I’m a late bloomer. So I tend to feel that I’m behind. I don’t have memories of early writing angsty experiences or old dusty manuscripts languishing in forgotten drawers that become a frame of reference to compare my writerly growth over the decades… *sigh*
I always feel the urgency to “cram” writerly experiences/knowledge that others have had time to acquire between their 20’s and 40’s. Silly hey? I know.
Plus learning to navigate social media as well. Scary and exciting.
But you know what? I’m having the time of my life.
Keep at it! You can do it. 🙂
My brother kept journals over his lifetime, but they were about the religions that he was involved in at the time, and NOT about his life. I didn’t keep journals as I don’t believe I had anything to write about, but I’m starting to realize there may be more to me than I had thought. Now I’m in my 60s. Life definitely has thrown me some curves! Thanks for stopping to read my blog.
so glad I found your blog! wishing your husband the best
Hi Daal, Thank you for stopping by to comment. I stopped by your blog and am WOWED! You have one heck of an interesting background. I’m especially interested in your writing and experience with AIDS. My brother died of AIDS back in July of 1993. You may want to read my story, “Acceptance”. It is in my family section and it is an older post. It will give you an idea of my brother’s wild life… if you are interested.
Oh yes, I forgot to ask. I spent 17 years in the Hermosa, Redondo, and Long Beach area. Which beach area are you enjoying?
Hi My Dear Gwynn,
I have just nominated you for this year’s Liebster Award. If you decide to accept the instructions are on my book review site at:
https://patgarciabookreviews.com/2016/07/17/the-liebster-award/
Have a nice Sunday.
Love you, Lady.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Hi Pat,
I forgot all about your note here. Thanks for nominating me for the Liebster Award, but I’m going to turn it down this year. I need to feel like I deserve it. Thanks bundles for being a fabulous friend. Gwynn