IWSG Day and Year-End Writing Roundup
Today is also... Insecure Writer's Support Group Day!
Insecure Writer's Support Group
A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, and thousands of links – all to benefit writers! #IWSG
Website / Facebook Group / Fast Five Free Gift - Mobi / Epub / Pdf
“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!
The awesome co-hosts for the January posting of the IWSG are Shannon Lawrence, Olga Godim, Jean Davis, and Jacqui Murray!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. Remember, the question is optional
January question - Is there anything in your writing plans for 2026 that you are going to do that you couldn't get done in 2025?”
Ooh, great question!
And yes!
I haven't submitted as much of my original stories to agents or small publishers as I could have
And I'm still putting together two or three other stories, so that they can be issued together with Where There's Life, as a paperback!
A belated 
To celebrate Tolkien’s 134th birthday on 3 January 2026, the Tolkien Society invites all Tolkien fans to raise a toast to the Professor.
And now...
Writing summary from the blog, plus a few random photos...
JAN all my roundups plus crafts
FEB more crafting and cosy post (separate crafting roundup post to come soon!)
MAR travel photos
APR more travel (these will have their own dedicated post soon!)
MAY brief Writers on the Moon update and First Times Week!
JUN children’s books
JUL The Lord of the Rings
AUG writing is going slowly
SEP pretty photos
OCT published books!
NOV interview with Mahtab Narsimhan
DEC interview with Vanessa Ricci-Thode
...and from the fanfiction world:
Stories written: 60
2023: 597,000 words, 52 fics
2024: 580,000 words, 88 fics
2025: 381,000 words, 60 fics
I wrote fewer words in 2025 than in 2023 and 2024, but I wrote more individual stories than in 2023!
The stories included a zine, a Doctor Who crossover, Bluey and Munsch crossovers, a Lord of the Rings Online crossover, stories with art, hockey, and so on, plus poetry, all in the Our Flag Means Death world, except for one set in the world of What We Do in the Shadows.
There was also one story for TV Crossover Week that featured Red Dwarf, Trailer Park Boys, Fawlty Towers, Last of the Summer Wine, the Silmarillion and other histories of Middle-Earth (including The Rings of Power), and M*A*S*H. Whew!
Here's the link to my crossword puzzles!
Which worlds have inspired you lately?
Comments
M*A*S*H seems a little out of place on that list!