IWSG: The Highs and Lows

 

What is the IWSG? Read on!

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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 4 posting of the IWSG are Kim Elliott, Melissa Maygrove, Chemist Ken, Lee Lowery, and Nancy Gideon! Be sure you stop in and visit them!

Every month, the IWSG announces an optional question.

May 4 question - It's the best of times; it's the worst of times. What are your writer highs (the good times)? And what are your writer lows (the crappy times)?

Thanks, guys--way to tap into the roller coaster that is my life just now. As I started this on Monday night, I was waiting to hear (with dwindling hope) if my 4th effort to buy a house would be successful. On Tuesday, I was at it again with the next option--and finally got it! Talk about highs and lows--I moved to Seattle on faith and was losing it rapidly, but found my way to a home that I hope I can enjoy for many years.

Then there's the rest of life:

RIP, Wes Dempsey, 1926-2022
Wes was my beloved father-in-law, and I couldn't have asked for a better. He supported my husband and me in all we did, emotionally and often financially. He brought his tools and came running when needed, went on endless camping trips with us, even backpacking in the early years. And we were the least of his legacy. In a 30+ year teaching career at California State University, Chico, he inspired, coaxed, coached, and possibly at times demanded students as they learned biology and botany from him. He led California Native Plant Society hikes and talks for decades, sharing his love of nature and learning with thousands more. He supported his 5 grandsons through their educations in whatever ways he could. Yes, 95 years is a good run, but time is never long enough with those we love.

Wes in his beloved Bidwell Park

Not surprisingly this emotional fun ride, not to mention the amount of work that it took to get me moved out of my CA house (and into storage in Seattle), hasn't made for a very good writing month. I'm still struggling to finish the rewrite of Seffi's story, though I have some hopes of being able to settle to work while the house is in escrow and I can't do anything about it.

None of which actually answers the question the IWSG thought they were asking, but you got the roller coaster I'm riding! Since I punted, you tell me about your writing highs and lows--what makes you feel like writing is the best job in the world, and what makes you wonder why you ever wanted to write?

©Rebecca M. Douglass, 2022
 As always, please ask permission to use any photos or text. Link-backs appreciated.
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Comments

  1. I can imagine that it would be hard to get any writing done when you're moving, especially when you've moving to another state. Good luck with your move. So sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. I'm still very close to mine and will miss him someday too.

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    1. There is a lot of stuff piled up at once right now. But the end is in sight on the moving thing!

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  2. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sorry for your loss. This was a nice tribute to your father-in-law. Perhaps once you get settled, the writing will come more natural. I didn't write for 3 months after moving into my new home.

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    1. I hope it doesn't take me three months! But the whole nesting thing is a wonderful, fascinating distraction. I'd better try to do as much as possible before escrow closes!

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  3. Your father-in-law sounds like a wonderful man. What a loss.
    Buying an house and moving is a series of Maalox moments. Don't be too hard on yourself.

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    1. Spending money in the size globs moving takes, let alone buying a house, makes me hyperventilate!

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  4. My condolences. Sounds like you're on a brand new adventure! And despite the anxiety-inducing moments, adventure is good for you :-)

    Ronel visiting for IWSG day Culling the To-Do List and the TBR

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  5. I am sorry you have lost your dear father-in-law. Sounds like he was a blessing to have around. Hope that the bumps in your life smooth out and you are able to write soon. Best wishes in your new home.

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    Replies
    1. I need the magic "focus" button. I have plenty of time for writing, but generally lack the focus and motivation.

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  6. I am so sorry you lost your father-in-law. He sounds like he made a big difference in the world.

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  7. I’m sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Apart from his knowledge and wisdom, it’s also that he’s always been there, and it made it seem that he always would. Sending hugs.

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    1. Yes. I've been part of that family for nearly 28 years now. That's a long time. And somehow, even knowing better, we do tend to feel that our elders will live forever.

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  8. Congratulations Rebecca on finding a new home. I wish you every happiness in Seattle. Sorry to hear about your father-in-law.

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  9. My condolences on the loss of your father-in-law. He sounds like a wonderful man.
    And you're moving house too. Take it easy for a while. Writing will come.

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  10. Your tribute to your father in law was a moving one. Congratulations on the house. It's hard to write with so much going on but I'm sure you'll be back at it when things settle down.

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  11. I'm so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. He sounds like a wonderful man.
    Good luck with your new home!!

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  12. I'm sorry for your loss. Congratulations on nabbing a home, though! A writing acquaintance of mine is homeless after selling her house and moving out of state, only to be outbid on every house she attempts to buy. It's a crazy market right now. Any time things get shaken up, it tends to take me a bit to get back to my creative self, so don't beat yourself up!

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