January 2018 Insecure Writer's Support Group

Visit IWSG here

NOSEY: Greetings, cybernuts! This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter reporting from 2018. Holy clockwork, where did the time go, right? And are you telling me that there are still insecure writers in the world? Why aren't they--

MM: Nosey, let me answer that. 

(Miss Mae knows how to grip a microphone too, whadda ya know!)

MM: Yes, writers are still insecure. That's why we need a support group like Alex J. Cavanaugh's because, as his site says:

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!

NOSEY: *frowns* As I was about to say before you horned in, MM, was that I know the purpose for IWSG. And I don't frown on that at all.

MM: But you were frowning.

NOSEY: When?

MM: In the above paragraph.

NOSEY: What? I...hm. Let me check my notes. *hurriedly rereads the blog*

MM: While you do that, I'll alert the reading fans to this month's question, which is: What steps have you taken or plan to take to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?  *looks at Nosey* Are you going to answer that?

NOSEY: *mutters as he continues to read*: I frowned? No, I don't think so. Really, I smiled Yeah. Yeah. Sure I did...I think...didn't I...Uhhhh....

MM: Okay, I see that you're still busy, Nosey, so I'll answer. *clears throat* Dear Nosey fan cybernuts, as far as planning and scheduling for my writing - well, in my particular case freeing up my marketing time has allowed greater motivation, inspiration, and flexibility. At the risk of sounding a promo trumpet here, I would like to take this opportunity to shout out about a tool that has benefited me. And that would be the site of a hard working, affordable team over at Indie Author Promotions. No, you don't need to be an indie author as they market for indies and authors pubbed at small presses. But since the time from when I've signed up with them, I've written three new works. Unleashed, The Timekeeper, and Swamp Madam. 

NOSEY: Hey! You wrote that I frowned, MM. You sabotaged me, lady!

MM: *presses finger to cheek* Nosey, whatever makes you think that I could possibly want to steal the limelight of your Feeling Nosey blog? Little ol' me? An award winning author desiring to speak before your adoring fans about this month's insecure writer's meeting? Tsk, tsk, Nosey. Frankly...I'm shocked.

NOSEY: *scowls* I dunno. Something smells fishy to me.

MM: *leans in to whisper* Um, that's your aftershave, Nosey. *walks off stage*

NOSEY: *calls out* MM, you've done gone and made me feel insecure!

Dear readers, the IWSG is still hopping. Visit the blog to find more normal, nervous, everyday authors!

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Hey, yo, readers! Be nosey, and sign up for Miss Mae's newsletter! Why not? It's FREE!

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And, did you also know that a short tale about me, I.B. Nosey, your favorite intrepid internet reporter is FREE for you to simply download? Yes, come meet your Fated Destiny...Oh,Yeah! 

  

Greetings, cyber-nuts. This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter reporting to you from my official unofficial post with The Insecure Writer's Support Group blog hop.

Don't know what IWSG is? Well, visit the above link and you'll discover that author Alex J. Cavanaugh put together his swell blog in an effort to help authors succeed in their writing. And the list of authors that've signed up demonstrate how much they appreciate his effort.

I, as I.B. Nosey, have borrowed the question from Alex's site which my author, Miss Mae, will be only too happy (heh heh) to answer!

The question: What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever had to research for your story?

Miss Mae: Okay, for my books I seek to stay in my safe zones, meaning I don't get too technical or create a setting that I don't know a little bit of something about. However, in my romantic mystery, "Catch Me If You Can", there are some references to "computer geek talk"...as in pixels, hiding code, encryption. Also, I have a "person of interest" who works in a "place of interest".

Gulp. For a stay-at-home Georgia housewife, these points became a challenge.

And Google wasn't much help! LOL

However, just when I needed it, I was contacted by someone who wished for me to interview him. That was Mike Angley, Special Agent OSI (USAF ret.) And, with his knowledge and background, he supplied the information I needed.

Whew.

So now, it's a hasty retreat back to my snug, safe, 'only-imagination' zone. :)

Also, the IWSG site states: "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."

I appreciate that statement because this month I'd like to inquire how writers build a newsletter list of subscribers. Though I downloaded and have attempted to follow through on Nick Stephenson's ebook, ummm...not working for me as Nick promised!

Nick advises giving away a free book. I'm giving away three, with that handy link to sign up at my newsletter included...but no takers.

So, if you've found a successful way to entice subscribers, care to share? :) Thanks!

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Until next month, this is I.B. Nosey signing off. Be sure to visit the IWSG link and hop over to participating blogs. Also, follow on Twitter @TheIWSG with the hashtag #IWSG.

Aren't You Feeling...Talky?

Announcing interviews with voice!!!

What? An I.B. Nosey interview - with voice?

That's right! I.B. Nosey speaks - and he can speak with you.

How, you ask? (and I'm glad you did, heh heh)

Well, for that bit of information, click on the page here that says "audible interviews available". 

Uh huh. If reading an I.B. Nosey interview is what makes your world go 'round, then an actual convo with this official unofficial reporter will make your world soar into supersonic overdrive.

As in "it's him! It's him! I'm really talking to I.B. Nosey!!"

Hey, I've entered the 21st century, people. I.B. Nosey does talkies now.

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