IWSG, Book Release Plans & A To Z Challenge {D Is For "Discutir" - To Discuss}

In my ongoing efforts to learn Spanish, I'm highlighting a Spanish word each day during April as part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. I'm also sharing the random thoughts that pop into my head when I try to pronounce them.

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Today is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's IWSG day. The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a great place to mingle with like minded people each month.

I chose today's Spanish word, >>discutir<< (to discuss), as a lot of interesting discussion happens in the comments on people's posts. 

 
Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they're struggling with what to say.

This month's question is:

"When your writing life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to dig down and keep writing?"

Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list here.

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Apologies in advance to all of you Simon the Time Traveling Cat fans, but he's not making an appearance today to answer this month's question. He's way too busy napping and dreaming about catching lizards to be bothered with this blogging nonsense. Which is a good thing, because I've got other stuff to share with you that's far more interesting than my usual complaints about Simon's hairballs and constant demands for full-fat milk.

So here's the big news - I set a release date for >>Murder at the Marina<<. The big event will take place on Thursday, June 21st, which just happens to be the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere (apologies to all of you Down Under) and National Seashell Day. What better way to celebrate than by reading a cozy mystery that features sailing and walks on the beach? A cat also plays a starring role, but don't tell Simon.

I picked a June release date because it should give me enough time to get the next book in the series, >>Bodies in the Boatyard<<, in reasonable enough shape so that I don't have too much of lag time between releases. Thanks to everyone for their advice on release schedules on last month's IWSG post and in the IWSG Facebook group.

Which brings me to the next thing that I want to share with you - my writing insecurity. Yep, you guessed it, the thought of publishing a book is kind of freaking me out. Whenever I try to talk with Simon about it, he just yawns, rolls over on his back, and then demands that I scratch his belly. He's like my own personal Insecure Writer's Non-Support Group.

Anyhoo, enough about Simon. I'm making plans for my book release, including seeking out folks who want to help with a blog tour between June 17th and June 30th and/or are interested in reviewing the book and would like an ARC (advance readers copy) eBook. If this sounds like it might be up your alley, please fill out this handy-dandy form on Google Docs or drop me an email at ellenjacobsonauthor (at) gmail (dot) com.

UPDATE: I've had a phenomenal response from people offering to help with the book release. I'm blown away by how supportive everyone has been. Thank you! I've now closed the form for responses, but left it available as read-only in case anyone is thinking of setting up their own form and wants to see what mine looks like as an example.

You can find out more about >>Murder at the Marina<< on my author blog.

When your life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to keep your spirits up and stay focused? What's your favorite word that starts with "D"? Any book release tips?

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Check out the other folks participating in this year's Blogging from A to Z Challenge here.