IWSG - Big Things to Come?

It's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group!

Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the IWSG provides space for writers to share their insecurities and to get and give support. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and add your name to the linky list, then post the first Wednesday of each month.

The co-hosts this month are: Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Natalie Aguirre, Sarah - the Faux Fountain Pen, and Olga Godim.

The optional question this month is: What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry? (I'll be skipping the question this month, because wow, I could probably just keep writing about it.)

My insecurity this month is about some big chances I'm planning on taking soon. I've quit the job that has been basically killing my soul (sounds dramatic, but it's also true), and I have been setting up stuff in my office so I can hopefully make a triumphant return to creativity and writing in a way that I've been too mentally dead tired to do for ages now. The only stories I've written recently have been those I had invites for, and I've even failed to write a couple for those, too, which is a thing I try to never do. I took a job back in December to build up to being able to quit this one, and it's time. Despite being miserable there, I'm staying to train my replacements, because I still very much believe in what the company does and I don't want other people to get cheated out of their needs, but it shouldn't be too much longer!

Anyway, I'm going to do two big things that make me nervous in order to try new things that could be a big deal and might just flop. Who knows? I can't know until I try. The worst that can happen is a no or no answer at all, and I'm more than used to both those things. Either way, the experience will be good for me.

This month was nicely busy. I was part of the Mesa Verde Literary Festival, where I did a presentation on short stories (which I turned into a bit of a roundtable instead) and was a panelist talking about switching genres. Mancos was a delightful, art-focused town, and I hope to visit it again in the future. Plus, I got to meet some great new people and sell a few books.

I also participated in a group signing at a place called the Creepatorium. Attached to the event space was a horror-themed cafe named Scr3am and Sugar and a horror-shop called Horrid. Such a cool place that I never would have known about if not for this event! I obviously spent more than I made there, ha! But I did sell some books.

I haven't had a chance to update my submission spreadsheet for the month, though I'd hoped to have it done by the time I made this post. I *think* I have two rejections waiting for me in my inbox. No new acceptances this month, and I did not have time to submit. (I mean, did I mention the whole working multiple jobs thing, plus having been out of the country for three weeks the month before and having to catch up on those multiple jobs when I got back???? I haven't had a chance to BREATHE.) Fingers crossed that I have more time for writing stuff soooooon!

Have you done anything fun this summer? Participated in any signings or writing events? What are your insecurities?

May you find your Muse.