Hola,
In a previous life, I was a pleasant Stormtrooper for the IWSG. My highest place on the Linky List was in the low 200's, and I think, in those days, there were many hundreds of participants.
And then 2016 came along and everything went to hell in a handbasket.
But what happened? No idea exactly, but I had a huge life change and to me the Blogger bubble burst - and so did my love of posting silly and fun stories three times a week.
Fast forward what, nearly three years later, and this is my first IWSG post (and I can tell because I had that old hesitation of is it "ISWG" or "IWSG!"
My writing insecurities this month?
The same as the last couple of months, sadly! I'm so conflicted about writing my memoir, which is about the unique life I've had since leaving Ireland 30 years ago. I'm absolutely the shittiest self-promoter and cringe when I hear compliments about my writing (why is that???) so the thoughts of putting out a full book that's all about me.... dear God. Who would want to buy/read that?
However, as I'm not getting any younger and there is a finite opportunity here, I went out of my comfort zone last weekend to be a guest of a regional radio show to see how I'd sound sharing some highlights of my journey.
If you want to hear the hour-long interview (or have screaming kids you need to get to sleep), the link to that specific post and and the interview itself is here.
Personally, I did the ironing for an hour while I listened to myself and it was cringe-worthy (that accent!!) at the beginning, but by the end, I had 8 freshly ironed shirts and the interview wasn't as bad as I thought (how many times can someone go "Uhhh" and "Ehhhh" .... answer is lots and lots :)
I know this is a big ask, (and apologies for repeating myself,) but if anyone does listen to the full interview, I would be eternally grateful for your writer's point-of-view feedback.
Would you want to read my memoir?
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15 comments:
Welcome back to ISWG or IWSG. Hell, welcome back anyway. And yes, I WOULD read your memoir.
Welcome back! Considering how much of your crazy life you've posted here I'd have to say yes, I would read it.
I know what you mean about that blogger bubble. It burst for me too. Trying to make amends for that now. Hope you get back in the swing...
Hi Mark - it's good to see you around again ... with your quirky take on life. I'd read your Memoir - just not now, please! - if you don't mind?! But keep writing ... something will sort itself out - it's essential for your boys and that'll inspire you on ... take care - cheers Hilary
Hi Mark - I've listened to a bit ... so heard your voice and your thoughts ... and I'm sure from the radio interview - you'll mull it over and work out what to do next and how to change etc ... good luck - and get that voice out there ... cheers Hilary
Welcome back, Mark. Too be honest, I still have problems between IWSG and ISWG. I'm glad you're climbing back on that writing horse. I've had a few life changes myself, so I understand. Good luck with the rest of your journey.
Duh, I'd read it! How could I not want to?! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has to go "Insecure Writer's..." not "InSecure" LOL! I am going to listen...
My post for September is about spurts and slumps, and blogging is no different! I have major slumps with blogging, but hoping to get more consistent with everything. I'm not much of a memoir reader, but I'm confident you will find the readers who will love it! Also, because the Google Account option is the only one listed, I don't know what it ends up showing as my name. The last time, it came up as Unknown. In any case, I'm Raven O'Fiernan.
That's awesome that you were on the radio sharing bits of your story! I'm sure it's a great story and I definitely think you should put it on paper! I think all writers have some insecurities (which is why IWSG exists), but I don't think a writer should ever be insecure about their story. There is always a way to write or tell a story that will make it interesting; you just have to find that way.
With Love,
Mandy
Mark, you've been all over the world and written someone else's memoir. Write your own.
Welcome back! And I always double check my spelling of IWSG. :)
You know I would read it. I'd even buy it instead of stealing it from some creepy black market book place.
I lose a bit of my blogging vigor when life is tough. It's hard to be funny and engaging when you're feeling like the world is shaking.
Welcome back, Mark! You can do this. People like interesting life stories. I do. And don’t worry about blogging so much. Do it when you have time. I only blog once a month, at IWSG time.
I hate when life gets in the way of writing. I took a long hiatus too. Damn kids being born.
Hey Mark,
With all your worldly travels and the father of three boisterous boys! I'm sure lots of people would want to read it, including me. You're writing is fresh and newsworthy. LOL I know you can do it. After all I helped a bit with your last memoir. Funny...I'm writing one right now... well actually, someone else's. It is difficult. I am on the second draft after I had a crit from a well renowned editor from NYC. Thankfully I didn't have to take out anything she just wanted MORE, MORE, and even MORE! I still have about five more chapters to write, but with life the way it is, I find is so hard to write. Now I'm formally moving out of Chicago and buying a house in a small village three hours west on the Mississippi River border. I love historic homes, and finally I have the opportunity to buy one... I still have my condo in Orlando to escape the harsh midwestern winters, so I am very thankful for that.
Anyway. Welcome back to the IWSG! It's nice to see you here~
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