IWSG July--Handcarts, Retreats, and Releases

What a crazy month June was! There were so many things happening that I could barely keep up. It was wonderful in way. I was too busy to let my insecurities really kick in. In fact, I think I found new courage in all my running around. So, today I'm rolling with it and just reporting on last month and setting some new goals for July. Having accountability is good for me. 

Report Goals for June:

• Survive a pioneer re-enactment with youth from church next week (I put the best pictures in a slide show. I'm the fat one in the yellow dress, lol. I did pretty good hiding from the camera.)
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• Finish the draft of Talia's third book (working title: Demon Rising) while attending a writer's retreat--I did continue writing on this, but did not finish yet.
• Continue writing Eleena's story--Added 15K to this story at the writers retreat.

I also got a surprise last month. Book 2 in the MAGIC WAKES has a cover and a release date! You can read about it HERE. 

I'm also running two giveaways on Goodreads. 

THE MAGIC WAKES--2 copies, July 4th--July 12th

DAWN OF THE MAGES--2 copies, July 4th--September 15th

However, you can be entered into a smaller pool of entrants by signing up for my newsletter.

Click HERE.

Goals for July

• Continue working on Demon Rising--it needs to move to priority.

Goals for the rest of 2016:

• Finish both drafts--Demon Rising and Eleena's story (working title: Empire Rebooted)
• Begin revisions on Demon Rising this fall and submit to my publisher

This month's IWSG question: What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

I'd have to say the note I got on Facebook a few months ago. A sweet woman I knew years ago in North Carolina sent me a private message to tell me that her 12 year old daughter found my book on the shelf and read it. 3 times in a week! 

So the mom did what all good moms do. She contacted me to see if I had any other books. A week after I mailed them I got another note telling me that I was her daughters new favorite author! That was a first for me and I'll admit I teared up at that. I'd never even dreamed that was a possibility.

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!  Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG