HELLO 2016! ~ IWSG: Another Chance

I'm thrilled to be ringing in the new year as a co-host for the first IWSG post of 2016! Thank you to the creator (Alex Cavanaugh) & the administrators (J.L.Campbell, Susan Gourley, Joylene Nowel Butler, Michelle Wallace, L.Diane Wolf, Lynda R. Young) of this fabulous group and to my amazing co-hosts: L.G. Keltner, Denise Covey, J.Q. Rose, Chemist Ken, Michelle Wallace. Make sure you visit them all.  
New beginnings imply a rebirth, a do-over, or a chance to change. As I scrolled through social media on New Year's Day, I noticed there are two distinct schools of thought about the start of a new year. 

• Group A see it as an opportunity to claim changes in their lives; it's like an excuse to say "Yes, I need to do this." 
• Group B see new year self-reflection as unnecessary and the act of list-making as a waste of time. They claim to already live their lists daily and vow to continue doing so with a focus on improving in all areas of their lives. 

Whether you're a member of Group A or B doesn't matter. The fact that you want to grow is what does. 

For the past four years I've written up a Writer's Rebel Creed for us to follow. This year I decided to simplify. I designed this banner for you in support and encouragement as a reminder (not a resolution) that you can do anything as a writer. Feel free to copy and paste it on your site, your desktop, or anywhere that's visible to you, so you never forget the freedom you have in writing during 2016. And for your convenience, I've included a scaled down version.

This year will be huge for me. I'm debuting as an author in the young adult and middle grade worlds; both novels scheduled for release in late 2016. Sure, that's exciting. But it's also given birth to about a bazillion new fears and insecurities, one being to design a new website. I conquered that one, which felt great ~ my newly designed WEBSITE. Here's the insecurity I want to highlight today: writing up a newsletter. 

I know. Ridiculous. Sharing exciting news, highlights, and all sorts of fun writing and reading stuff shouldn't be stressful. But I have the hardest time believing anyone will care about my news or novel spoilers or games or giveaways. #sighs Yes, yes ... I need to get over it, so I'm here to say that I've at least designed a subscription form for a newsletter. (Still have to write up my first newsletter, though.) Won't you subscribe to be the first to receive late-breaking news, novel spoilers, giveaways, favorite reads, and fun writing facts to stay in touch with me? I'd be forever grateful. #smileyface  You can do so HERE or click in my right sidebar.

But fear-not! I'm only planning a by-yearly or quarterly newsletter, so I won't be blowing up your inbox. And guess what? If you sign up, in addition to being first to hear about all my juicy news and giveaways, you'll receive my writing aid FORMULATING CHARACTER & SETTING: Blending the Two - a 41-page booklet to help you create unique characters and insert them in dynamic settings made for each. 

Wishing this year is all you want and need it to be.... <3

The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.

Did any of you fellow writers worry or stress over creating a newsletter? Tell us. Are you a member of Group A or Group B?