by Alex J. Cavanaugh, @AlexJCavanaugh 
While writing itself is usually a solitary venture, everything else we need to accomplish as authors is not. We need input from critique partners, advice on publishing, assistance with marketing, and encouragement. To accomplish that, we need to network with others.
There are many great ways to connect and find other writers: blogging, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Sometimes we’re lucky and we find a group of writers. One that is active and networking with one another. Perhaps it’s a growing group that’s spreading to other platforms. That’s a big plus, as with a large group, we can make a lot of quality connections.
When I first began writing, it was just me. I wasn’t online and I wasn’t involved in any writing groups. It wasn’t until I signed my first contract and was forced to venture online that I realized what I was missing. Those connections are so important!
I’m fortunate to be involved in what I believe is the ultimate networking group – the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Connecting writers through several platforms and with a hashtag of #IWSG on Twitter, it’s swelled to over two thousand members in just three years. And we have four ways for writers and authors to connect:
IWSG monthly blog posts–members post the first Wednesday of every month, discussing their insecurities, needs, solutions, and words of encouragement for others.
IWSG website–a database of databases for writers. We list close to a thousand sites that will benefit writers in areas such as writing tips, querying, self-publishing, contests, and more. We also update with fresh, new information each week, bringing in industry experts every Wednesday. (Including the amazing Elizabeth S. Craig!)
IWSG Facebook group–for connecting, learning, and sharing. We have three themed days–Motivational Mondays, Wow it’s Wednesday, and News & Promo Friday–and members are encouraged to get involved.
IWSG Critique Circle–a Facebook group for connecting critique partners.
Those four groups give writers the opportunity to find answers, tips, critique partners, support, and lasting friendships. Members benefit from the connections and the fresh ideas. And just as important, they are recharged when drained.
With over a hundred contributors, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond is a product of that networking. It covers three main topics–writing, publishing, and marketing. Not only is it a great resource, it’s yet another way for writers to connect.
When I started this group three years ago, I had no idea it would grow so quickly and so large. We receive many messages of gratitude as well as success stories. For me, it’s not just a great resource and networking opportunity–it’s the ultimate way to give back to the writing community!
If you’re looking to connect, we invite you to join us. Either way, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond is our gift to you.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm. His next book, Dragon of the Stars, comes out next April. The author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond
ISBN 9781939844088
235 pages, Free!
Tapping into the expertise of over a hundred talented authors from around the globe, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond contains something for every writer. Whether you are starting out and need tips on the craft of writing, looking for encouragement as an already established author, taking the plunge into self-publishing, or seeking innovative ways to market and promote your work, this guide is a useful tool. Compiled into three key areas of writing, publishing, and marketing, this valuable resource offers inspirational articles, helpful anecdotes, and excellent advice on dos and don’ts that we all wish we knew when we first started out on this writing journey.
Available –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1yXqAHy-QE&feature=youtu.be
Hi Elizabeth – great guest here … Alex has much to offer many of us .. and both your posts of wisdom, thoughts and ideas are just so useful and interesting.
I agree the IWSG sites, the new book etc show us the wonderful side of author’s lives, their care and compassion, while offering much support to many … I may well join in the new year ..
Cheers and happy writing, promoting and publishing to one and all – Hilary
Alex, thanks so much for your post today and for creating the IWSG. What a wonderful resource for writers!
Hilary, be great if you joined us! I know you’ve been supportive of all those who post.
Elizabeth, thanks again – I’m honored to be here.
And we are still fighting with Amazon to offer the book for free! We’ve been telling them for three weeks now about lower prices elsewhere. So apologies for the .99 price.
Alex is remarkable, a great help to all writers…because I do believe we are ALL insecure (unless you’re called Hugh Howey or Bella Andre or Konrath…) Many thanks, Elizabeth, for hosting him and sharing the information with all of us!
Thanks, Claude!
Alex is awesome! The ISWG is amazing too – a fabulous bunch of people and resources.
:)
Alex, I didn’t know about the ISWG critique circle. I’m not on Facebook anymore but I sure could have used that help awhile back.
Clarissa, we just started it a couple months ago.
Great post by the Ninja Captain. Alex and IWSG has been a tremendous help to me as a fledgling writer. They keep me writing when I’m at my lowest – along with like-minded groups of writers.
Roland, that’s good to hear!
Elizabeth – Thanks for hosting Alex.
Alex – Thanks for sharing about the IWSG. And more importantly, thanks for creating it. We all need each other…
We have so many ways for authors to connect now, it’s just amazing.
Awesome post! The writing community has given me so much support and encouragement. I am in awe of them.
The book is yet another huge accomplishment for the Ninja and his army!
Being involved in those groups is so great! Alex, thank you for your leadership on those!
Thanks, everybody!!
Thanks, Elizabeth, for hosting Alex. I didn’t know about some of these things either. It’s an awesome writing community here in bloggydom. We are very lucky.
I was impressed at how well the book was organized and put together. Quite a group.
Yah, when I first started writing there was no contact with other writers for me either. Wasn’t until I was querying and entering contests that met up with other writers. Quite a learning curve. I joined up with a great writing group which was instrumental in getting me into the blogging etc. I also enjoy the camaraderie of ISWG. You need those contacts and the knowledge shared by writing groups and if you’re lucky, the support and encouragement that comes from them.
I had no contact either! Thank Lynda Young for organizing the book – she did an awesome job.
Alex, you’ve been the ultimate leader and cheerleader for fellow writers. The IWSG is amazing, and I love posting and visiting each month. Blogging has been the funnest way for me to connect with other writers. Twitter and Facebook are also great. I don’t think of them as marketing efforts so much as making friends who share the same passions. Thanks for all you do!
Julie, thank YOU!
Fantastic post Captain! The book is AMAZING! I want to join ISWG. I’ve put it off because of my Christopher. Hmm. The FB groups are very important. So important to be RE-CHARGED. Thanks for having him over, Elizabeth.
Robyn, join the Facebook groups. Then you can go at your pace.
amazing seeing everything all listed like that. I’ve met so many wonderful people via the blogging community. I did my first IWSG post last week for my group blog and it was therapeutic! Will definitely be doing it again.
That’s great to hear, Beth!
Elizabeth, thanks for hosting Alex.
Alex, you have brought so many wonderful authors together and do so much to help up and coming authors too. You even inspire us non-writers. Thanks for all you do. :)
Appreciate that, Mason.
I don’t know what I would do without this group. It’s just amazing and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Thank you, Alex!
Heather
Great guest post, Elizabeth. Well done, Alex! The group you created is amazing. I’m so glad that I found it! Thanks for all you do to help so many!
Great post, Alex. I definitely want to join in the fun in the new year. I didn’t know about the FB group – will be checking that out!
Belle, please join us!
It is the ultimate support group. Every month I learn something new.
Thanks everyone! This is a bit overwhelming…
There just isn’t anything the IWSG can’t do. If only it could cook dinner….
Congratulations to everyone involved! It is an amazingly supportive group. I remember being sad when MySpace’s blogging community broke up and there was nothing like it. This is even better than that was!
Stephanie, that’s good to hear!
Both the group and Alex are awesome. Just sayn’
Thanks, Lynda! You’re awesome.
The IWSG is pure genius! The book is too! :) Picked up the book last week and am looking forward to reading it. Thanks Elizabeth, for featuring Alex today.
Alex is one of my most inspiring inspirations! Great post about him, and us, and the universe of writing.
You are amazing, Alex. You make it sound like all this would have happened without you. Humph! Not likely. Thanks for hosting him, Elizabeth!
Thanks, Joylene! You helped make the book a reality.
Hi Alex and Elizabeth!
I don’t think that there’s any other online writing community as supportive as the IWSG. I’m honoured to be a part of this family!
Great post! I have gained so much from being a part of the IWSG!
I have to agree with others here, both the group and Alex are amazing.
I’m enjoying reading the articles in IWSG A Guide to Publishing and Beyond, and I’m really honored to be included. The people I’ve met through IWSG have been wonderful and talented. So thanks, Alex. This was a super idea.
Lee and everyone, thanks for being a part of the IWSG! Be lonely there by myself…
What a great article. Alex has a way with words, but then it’s not hard to find wonderful things to say aboutthe IWSG and all that it does.