What is IWSG?
IWSG stands for “Insecure Writers Support Group.” It’s a monthly check-in for writers of all stripes. Its creator, Alex J. Cavanaugh, describes ISWG like this:
“Purpose of IWSG: 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!” – Alex J. Cavanaugh
Stepping out of my DIY comfort zone:
So IWSG peeps, here’s what’s up with me this month. My current insecurity is that I may have bitten off more than I can chew! You see, I’m having my first-ever photography exhibit next month in conjunction with being the writer-in-residence for the Langdon Literary Review Weekend.
I’m soooo excited! Seriously, I keep pinching myself and it’s hard to sleep some nights (maybe because I keep pinching myself…)
Anyway, I decided to up the creative ante. So as part of the photo exhibit, I’ll be releasing a CD of my songs (dream pop folktronica is the genre, from what friends tell me!) as well as a book featuring photos and lyrics from the CD. I’ll have calendars and notecards for sale, too.
Am I crazy?
Perhaps, but here’s the thing: While I respect those who stretch their limits by skydiving and running marathons, I am attracted to different challenges. Can you relate? I enjoy pushing my limits and testing my endurance and trying scary things, but the biggest thrills come to me through artistic projects.
Now here’s the other “out of my comfort zone” aspect to all this. I’m a very independent, DIY-minded person. I actually enjoy designing book covers and creating the interior and all that, and even though I’ve never hung a photography show, my hubby will help and that’s not exactly rocket science.
But in order to finance the printing costs for the CD, photos and book, I’ve started a Kickstarter Project. The project allows people to purchase stuff in advance so that I can pull this whole shebang off.
I hate asking for help, in fact, I wouldn’t have bothered, except my hubby was recently in the hospital and that kinda ate up our “summer fun” funds. What I really like about Kickstarter, however, is that people get tangible rewards for their donations. I got pretty creative with the rewards I’m offering, like a freewriting lunch and a personalized journal.
You can hear my music, watch a 2-minute video, & see all the details at this link: Tui Snider’s Kickstarter
Any advice?
Have you ever used Kickstarter or some other crowdfunding site? Was your campaign successful? How did you use social media without being spammy? How often did you post about it on Facebook, etc? Would you do it again? Do you have any tips to share with me? Please tell me in a comment on this blog post. I really want to succeed with this!
To read other people’s IWSG posts visit: Insecure Writers Support Group.
Want to check out my books? I’ve got 3, so far…
To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best-selling travel guide:
UNEXPECTED TEXAS
.
For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best-selling travel guide to haunted places:
PARANORMAL TEXAS
.
For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out this bizarre piece of West Texas history:
The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber
Hey, you! Want to come along for the ride?
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Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
I’m not into sky-diving either, so I can relate. Much safer with feet on the ground. Never heard of a kickstarter. I live in the wilderness, an hour from the nearest city. But I’m with Jeffrey, I applaud your courage. Have fun at your photography show. Hope your husband feels better soon.
Hi Joylene! I spent 5 years off the grid on a little island, so I understand being unplugged. I loved it out there! Thank you for the encouragement and kind words. :D
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone isn’t always easy. But sometimes something amazing comes out of it when we do. Case in point. Good luck with the exhibit and Kickstarter.
I’m kinda shocked, Lidy, but the Kickstarter got funded! Thank you for the encouragement. :D
Wow, you are really keeping busy. And that’s a good thing. Better than doing nothing, which I have been prone to do from time to time. I need to kick my own butt from time to time.
I applaud you stepping out of your comfort zone. Again, it’s something I need to do more of.
Good luck on your photography show.