Join us on the first Wednesday of each month in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group--a forum of writers who gather to talk about writing and the writer's life. For a complete list of participants visit Alex's Blog.
I'm not going to start off the new year talking about any of my insecurities as there are bigger things for the #IWSG with the announcement of the story picks for the new #IWSG short story anthology. The winners have plenty to feel secure about in being included in what will be an outstanding collection of stories. For details be sure to visit Alex J Cavanaugh and get your copy of the book today.
Sign ups started on Monday and have been going well. This should be a fun event with a lot of interesting and varied entries. You've got until the end of the month to sign up for Lost & Found which will happen on February 1st.
If you haven't signed up yet, here is another opportunity:
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Battle of the Bands
My current Battle of the Bands contest is still open for voting. For those who might not be familiar with Battle of the Bands or have not voted in my current Battle, be sure to stop by my What's New post and vote for your favorite song version. Read about Battle of the Bands at the blog of Stephen T McCarthy. The winner of my Battle will be announced this coming Friday January 8th.
Our Old Friend A to Z Coming Soon
Another Blogging from A to Z Challenge is coming in April and sign-ups will open on January 25th. Have you started getting posts ready yet? Visit the A to Z Challenge Blog tomorrow (Thursday January 7th) for some helpful tips from A to Z veteran Jolie Du Pre.What big things do you have in store for 2016? Did you submit a story to the #IWSG anthology? Will you join us for the Lost & Found Blog Hop?
Hi Lee! Lots happening in your world. I'm entering no contests, joining no new blog hops, but I'm writing. I've got one ms with my mentor and one still mid-first-draft. That's more than enough fun for me! Can't wait to read the anthology. And I'd never miss an A to Zed!
ReplyDeleteJan, writing sounds like a productive direction in which to head. Best wishes!
DeleteLee
And it was really difficult picking those tops stories for the judges! Some talented writers out there.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I'll bet it was tough!
DeleteLee
Looks like a good blog hop! I'm in! But I can't believe it is already time to mention A to Z! GADS!
ReplyDeleteHart, time cruelly marches on crushing those who don't keep up.
DeleteLee
I'm still contemplating the bloghop.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, don't contemplate, just do it!
DeleteLee
I've a full year ahead and delighted for it. The bloghop is doing well, it's inspired the blogosphere and that's exciting.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG, blogfests, and BOTB's!
Yolanda, happy everything!
DeleteLee
I think I'm going to jump into the blog hop! I'm a blog hop junkie! Thanks for creating it!
ReplyDeleteMegan, you're quite welcome! Thanks you for jumping in!
DeleteLee
Wow, there's a bunch going on! It makes me feel even more out of it. I'll have to go back and check out the BOTBs.
ReplyDeleteLoni, The BOTB's are fun especially if you like music. They've become my favorite posts.
DeleteLee
I have to hop over to the website and see who won the contest. I've been waiting, kind of tantalizing myself, but it's time to see who this talented writer is. I have seen some posts about stories being included in the anthology, so that's exciting.
ReplyDeleteC.Lee, a lot of talent involved in the anthology!
DeleteLee
It is hard to believe that A-Z sign ups are coming already. My, how the time does fly.
ReplyDeleteL.G., sometimes I almost wish it were last summer. Heck, why stop there--I wish I were a kid again.
DeleteLee
So much to look forward to already for 2016. :)
ReplyDeleteChrys, it's good to have things to look forward too.
DeleteLee
There's a great list of winners from the anthology contest!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful 2016!
Sherry, and may you have your best year ever!
DeleteLee
Can't believe A to Z is coming up already. I'm still thinking about my theme. I signed up for the Lost and Found but I don't know what I have to post for it. Lots of thinking needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteSusan GK, I'm sure you'll come up with something good for "Lost and Found".
DeleteLee
Why did you have to bring up the A to Z Challenge? Here I was, feeling all comfortable and good about 2016. Oops. Forgot about that one. ;)
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I know what you mean. Darn A to Z looms over everything I do in blogging anymore.
DeleteLee
Nothing really in store for 2016....just same ol same ol. I signed up for the bloghop for Valentines day.
ReplyDeleteYay, JoJo! I think you have a great story to tell in the Blog Hop.
DeleteLee
Already 40 people signed up - that great, Lee!☺ I'm looking forward to the blog hop and will share it around. Hard to believe it's almost time to sign up for the A-Z challenge. I better start getting organized. Another great blogfest to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, Yes, it's pleasing to see the turn out in the first few days. "Lost & Found" should be a varied and interesting event.
DeleteLee
Looking forward to the A to Z Challenge Lee,
ReplyDeleteWill have to get my thinking cap on once my book is complete.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, you haven't missed a single A to Z yet!
DeleteLee
I can't wait to start A-Z. To be honest, I started putting a schedule together on May 1st, 2015. I'm doing something a little different this time. Something I hope everyone is going to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, nothing like getting a head start.
DeleteLee
I have a few plans for 2016 and goals I'd like to achieve. All signed up for your blogfest too. =)
ReplyDeletePatricia, thanks for joining us!
DeleteLee
I started kicking around ideas for the A-Z challenge last year! I even kicked the dirt a couple times, but I think I'm finally on to something that will work:-)
ReplyDeleteI am on board for the Lost and Found Blog Hop!
There are some really big changes on my horizon - will spill the beans soon as the pot begins to boil;-)
Diedre, sounds like some excitement ahead!
DeleteLee
So much is happening, good and wonderful things. Cheers to making 2016 an awesomesauce year!
ReplyDeleteAngela, the absolute best for all of us!
DeleteLee
Hi, Lee,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Glad to see you started the year on a positive note!
Sounds like a fun blogfest. I just may hop along..
A-Z... ALREADY! Not sure if I have the strength for another one. LOL
ALL the best to you this year...
Michael, hop on board the Love Train! Get in shape for the April A to Z!
DeleteLee
Its like we're speeding right past January, getting to February, then April. Don't make the year go any faster Lee, lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm already thinking about my Lost and Found story, set to a couple of songs. Ugh.
I am pleased for the IWSG anthology winners, and wish everyone the best for A-Z.
Dolorah, life goes speeding by but we try to have a good time along the way don't we.
DeleteLee
Ready to kick butt this year's A-Z. Time flies but at least we are still around to experience it.
ReplyDeleteSheena-kay, glad to hear your enthusiasm.
DeleteLee
Wow, already that A-to-Z time again!
ReplyDeleteShannon, yes it is. Where did last year go already?
DeleteLee
Sorry, had to nuke my previous comment. My goal for 2016 is more writing, more pimping of myself as a writer, and less blogging. Not sure if I want to participate in the Z-Z challenge. Did have an idea swirling around for the past several months, but it requires a whole lot of prep work/time to make it work.
ReplyDeleteI Are Writer!
GB, good thing you nuked the comment before North Korea did! Too much prep work is definitely time consuming. How about something quick and easy?
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - it's great to think the A-Z is already coming around ... I must get to it. I love the poster for it - clever and different .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, the "poster" is an older one that Jeremy had devised for a past Challenge. It's not for this year though it does work okay I guess.
DeleteLee
Lots of good stuff come. I did sign up with the Valentine thing, with a short fiction in mind, but now I'm doubting the decision. :) We'll see.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, don't doubt, just do. You can do it and do it well.
DeleteLee
Hello and Happy New Year Arlee!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest goals are finishing up my manuscript with my writing coach, seeing my short stories get accepted, getting a writing fellowship, and landing an agent. I didn't submit to the Anthology because my main priority has been completing the revising of my manuscript and to revise my short stories one by one and submit them. (I submitted the first one Tuesday).
I don't know what The Lost and Found Valentine Hop is. I'll find out what it is and what the requirements are and then maybe I'll join it.
Finally, I wish you a successful 2016. May you have success in all that you undertake to do.
Shalom,
Patricia
Pat, your ambitions for the coming year seem appropriately placed I think.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee -- I won't be doing the Lost & Found hop but do hope to jump back into the A to Z Challenge in April. I missed it last year.
ReplyDeletePatricia, we'll see you at the Challenge and if you change your mind we'll see you at the hop.
DeleteLee
The signs are the anthology will be incredible. Congrats to the winners. Considering doing Lost and Found, it sounds like a fun one.
ReplyDeleteNick, jump in the fun when you're ready!
DeleteLee
Congratulations to all the winners. When I read that it is almost time for the annual A to Z challenge I nearly fell off my chair. I'm not kidding. Why is it so true, and it really is, that the older you get, the quicker time passes?
ReplyDeleteHappy New year. I signed up for the Lost and Found blogfest so I'm thanking you for helping me violate my self imposed social media ban. I was determined to stay away from all social media for two months and focus solely on the people in my physical life (or as my kids call it (IRL) or is it (IRW). Anyway, there are too many fun things going on and I would miss too many of you. I may not be around as much, but I can't pass up the lost and found blogfest. I already have some ideas spinning around in my head.
Have a great 2016.
Melissa, alas it's true with each passing year time does accelerate. It's a crazy downhill slope these days.
DeleteYou have a great year too!
Lee
I am still pondering the Lost and found bloghop. I know my theme for the A to Z now I just have to get going!
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I've got to get going in a lot of things.
DeleteLee