The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It’s a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.
Every month there’s an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they’re struggling with what to say.
This month’s question is:
What do you think of the term “working writer”? What do you think that is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer, an aspiring one or a hobbyist? If the latter two, what does that look like?
Check out how people have answered this month’s question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list HERE. I opted out of answering the question, instead sharing an update about what life has been like on the road for us lately.
THIS IS WHERE PRETTY PICTURES OF OUR CAMPING ADVENTURES WOULD BE, BUT THE INTERNET CONNECTION SUCKS RIGHT NOW. LOL!
Life on the road in our teeny-tiny camper is amazing, but it does have two major drawbacks – we don’t always have great internet connectivity and charging our computers and devices can be a challenge. This has a huge impact on me as a writer (hard to work on a book when your computer battery is dead) and staying connected to the writing world (when you have limited internet and charged devices, you have to prioritize what you do at online).
Did you notice that I missed last month’s IWSG post and that I’ve been terrible at visiting other people’s blogs? The whole internet / electric thing is part of the reason why. The other reason is, well . . . life. Life has a way of getting in the way sometimes.
So, what has been happening lately on the road, you might be wondering? Well, in September, we spent a good chunk of time in North Dakota – first visiting with my hubby’s family (so much good food!), then at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (the Badlands are so stunning!).
After that it was a mad dash through South Dakota before spending some time in Nebraska at a wonderful city campground with electric hookups (ooh . . . electricity!) and good internet (yay for internet!) and a wildlife area (no electric or internet . . . boo). We stopped at Agate Fossil Bed National Monument on the way out of Nebraska, then had another mad dash, this time through Kansas and into Colorado.
In terms of writing over the past month, I’ve been plodding away on the second book in my rom-com series. I’m making some progress on it, but I’d really like to pick up the pace on this one and get it done by the end of the year. Life lately is way too serious. It’d be nice to close out the year with a light-hearted rom-com, don’t you think?
Anyhoo, that’s the latest update – nothing too exciting, nothing too productive, but that’s the way it goes sometimes, right?
Looking forward to that book you’re working on!
Lack of electricity and wifi are definitely huge challenges. Glad you’re seeing some amazing places and seeing family and enjoying life!!
Happy IWSG Day! Funny how we have come to depend on the interwebs so much these days, but also so true! All my writing communities are online and I would hate to miss that connection. How is the weather where you are? Perhaps some solar charging devices might be worth looking into? All the best for your travels and good words for your book 🙂
Sorry that you’ve had problems with electricity and wifi. That must be so frustrating. Glad you’re finding time to write while you are on the road traveling.
My parents have gone mobile. They’re currently on their way to Reno. Normally they would’ve headed south by now, but my mom has a cancer check-up appointment in November so they’re trying to stay in the area (Southwest Idaho). Glad to see that you’re doing well, despite the lack of electricity.
(As a side note, for some reason your website won’t pull up posts on my feedly. I had to go hunt down to make sure I found you.)
Have you thought about getting a portable power station – like a Jackery?
We went to Agate too! We are on a fossil tour. We went to two fossil museums in Hot Springs, SC, are at Dinosaur NM now, and will do some fossil trails when we leave here. It’s a theme.
Yes, another rom-com please.
I would love to end this year with a light rom-com, but I could always start next year with one, too. 🙂 I’m glad you are seeing the sights! I think Colorado is a beautiful state, and either they make food there better than most places, or there’s something about the elevation that makes the taste buds stand up and sing. That’s been my experience anyway.
Happy Writing and Life!
It’s great to hear from you, touch base when you can, i enjoy your updates!
Good to hear from you! If you don’t always have Internet or a charged laptop, then I certainly understand. Enjoy the adventure you are on right now.
Sounds like you’re having fun — despite the lack of reliable electricity and internet 🙂
Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist
I would love to see the Badlands but the lack of Internet would make me freak.
Sounds like you’re living the dream. Gorgeous travel spots. Do you ever hang out at McDonald’s to use their internet and electricity?? Plus you can get a hot fudge sundae while you work. Yes, I am putting the finishing touches on my memoir, Arranging a Dream. I’m sending it to the editor today! Fingers crossed. I have had a hard time letting this one go. Maybe it’s because it’s so personal–about me! Have a great trip. I hope you’ll be in places to enjoy the fall foliage.
JQ Rose
Yes, given the Pandemic, your stories are desperately needed! Please keep telling your stories. I also applaud your life on the road and hope as you enjoy those changing sites and sights, that you stay safe. We travelled the US from coast to coast, camping all the way, when we first retired, graduating to international travel to Scotland and South America. Wonderful memories now that we stay, safe at home. Write on!
I missed you last month! Glad to hear that the travel is going well, and don’t beat yourself up over the slower pace for the writing. It’s hard to write as diligently on the road as at home, even when the road IS home. There are so many cool things to see and do, even when there is electricity 🙂
Ooooh, I so hear you! And now you know why it took me five years to write and publish only one book! 🙂
It’s tough on the road when it comes to work that requires internet and electricity. I was only productive with my book during house sits – internet and electricity! For shorter projects, like translations and other writing, I could get away working around our electricity and our internet issues. On the same note – trepidation about hitting the road again while finishing this publication process. Tricky stuff.
It’s been soooo hard since we hit the road!
I’m absolutely thrilled for you that your release is happening!