IWSG--Don't take your dreams for granted

As part of my "pause and regroup" of the last few weeks, I attended a Josh Groban concert here in my hometown. At first, I wasn't sure about it. I've listened to his music since he first came on the scene back in 2001 but didn't know how a live performance would be. And, his early music is tied to a traumatic experience for me. I clung to one of his songs, You're Still You, during a time when I felt like everything about me had changed, because it was the message I needed to hear more than anything from my loved ones at the time.

I didn't want to go back to that emotional time in my life during a concert surrounded by hoards of people. But I went, and I'm glad I did. Who knew Josh Groban was funny? He is. Even better, as he talked in between the songs, I really connected with the creative personality he shared. Once again, I felt understood.

So for today's IWSG post, I want to share an uplifting song to help you get through your next bout of insecurity. The first time I heard it, I thought he was singing "never take yourself for granted." I don't know why. Maybe the really loud speakers at the concert? Anyway, he was really saying "never take a single breath for granted." Both are good messages in my opinion because we often take both for granted.

And of course, I connected with the line, "The story's yours, go write it."

IWSG August 3 question - When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

I do a little of both. There are certain things readers expect from the genre I write the most--contemporary romance--and I know I have to give that to them in order to keep them coming back for more. However, I've never been great at following the writing rules to the letter. My goal is always to make my characters feel like real people you could meet and hang out with.

This doesn't mean they don't do stupid things, but I try to avoid the whole "half overheard conversation that splits our couple up for eight years because they weren't grown up enough to have a five-minute conversation" thing that often happens in romance novels. (yeah, that might be a pet peeve of mine)

The one time I did do that the female lead had a best friend who told her she was stupid and to pick up the phone and call the guy. Yeah, that's how I roll.

I also like to write short stories making fun of tropes when I get "stuck" on a project sometimes. Only one of those has ever made it into the hands of my newsletter subscribers. It's all in fun because I'm learning we can't take ourselves too seriously.

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 August 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard,Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery!