Wednesday, January 2, 2013

IWSG: Another Voice


For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.

I saw this quote on Goodreads yesterday and couldn't believe how well it fit with the ideas I had swirling around in my head for this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group. As always, the group is hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts are Tyrean Martinson and Jamie Gibbs.

December 31 was my two-year blogoversary and to say it's been an amazing two years would be an understatement. This whole experience has been so much more than I ever expected it to be, and when I wrote my first post back in 2010 I never would have believed that this blog would still be active and continuing to grow two years down the road. The most surprising thing about this journey to me has been the fact that I've gone from wondering what else is possible to actually seeing myself as a writer.

For a long time I was insecure about calling myself a writer and thought I would be considered foolish if I treated writing as anything more than a hobby. But the past two years have taught me that there's nothing foolish about it, and in fact no one I've told about my writing goals and achievements has ever acted as if I was at all foolish. 

So with the new year at hand, a year which will see the publication of my debut novel, I decided to push down that insecure voice and try out another one.

As writers, we all know the power of language and voice. For me, it's been very powerful to say out loud and in print that I'm a writer, first and foremost.
  
To that end, I've made some changes to the blog and decided to retire my old title. Instead of wondering what else is possible, I'm celebrating what is. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what 2013 will bring, and excited about continuing this journey with all of you. 

45 comments:

  1. I noticed and applaud your change. Yes, say it. You are a writer. And congratulations on your success. So glad to be on this journey with you, Julie.

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  2. I noticed the change as well. This will be a big year for you. Once that first book comes out, your life will never be the same.

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  3. Well done, Julie! I hope this new voice of yours will continue to grow and to strengthen. :)

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  4. Love the change! Congrats and have a wonderful 2013

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  5. Congrats on all your success and good luck for this year!

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  6. Hello Julie, Congratulation on all your success! I am visiting from IWSG and will enjoy following you!

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  7. Congratulations on your book and on being so positive! Happy New Year!

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  8. @Julie, thanks so much!

    @Alex, I'm really excited about the year, thanks.

    @Madeline, I hope so, thank you!

    @Tonja, thanks!

    @Rebecca, thanks so much, and happy 2013 to you as well.

    @Viklit, thank you, good luck to you too!

    @Green Monkey, thanks for coming by, I'm so glad to meet you!

    @Linda, thanks! And Happy New Year to you as well. :)

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  9. Good luck with the book launch. And yes, of course you're a writer - how come it took you so long to notice? :-)

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  10. Great change and great way to celebrate your increasing writerly confidence!

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  11. Awesome. I love the new picture of you, too. And I can't wait to read your book and help you promote it. :) Happy 2013!

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  12. Wow, lots of changes for you in the new year!! Love the new photo! And it does sound like you've transitioned from wondering what was possible to knowing what can happen when you chase down a dream and actually catch it. :))

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  13. "Julie Flanders" That's a great title. It puts your name front and center. I'm glad you feel confident in your writer's skin.

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  14. I look forward to spending time online with you in 2013. You are definitely in the next stage of your journey. :)

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  15. Good for you, Julie! More power to your elbow :) xx

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  16. Good for you! Good luck with your book release as well.

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  17. @Annalisa, LOL, I'm a little slow. Thanks so much!

    @Johanna, thanks!

    @Mary, thanks, I so appreciate it. Happy 2013 to you as well.

    @Luanne, thanks! And you have such a great way of putting it, that sounds about right. :D

    @Angela, thank you!

    @Brinda, I'm looking forward to hanging out with you as well, thanks so much.

    @Carolyn, thank you!

    @Charity, thanks so much!

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  18. Love the new look! Can't wait to read Polar Night! :D

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  19. Love the new look and Polar Night looks like it's going to be a great read!

    I have a several blogs on different topics, including a largely neglected author blog - neglected because I write more on my blog for writers. I think I have just told myself that the author blog is there for when I actually get my novels published. And I will. :)

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  20. Wonderful! I've been wondering if I'll need to change my blog and website name when the time comes, as I keep reading that you should have everything in your actual name. Good to see it's easily possible. Good luck with everything! Love the confidence!

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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  21. I'm new so I don't know what the changes are but congratulations just the same. Major congats on your book - that is huge! Go You!!! Wishing you the best of luck and thank you so much for stopping by my blog today, that meant a lot.

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  22. Good for you and Happy New Year!

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  23. I love that quote! 2013 is going to be a wonderful experience for you. Yes, you are a writer and anything is possible and within your reach. :)

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  24. Great quote and congrats on your book! It's going to be an exciting year for you!

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  25. Love this post, and the reminder that language and voice is important. You are a writer, first and foremost. I'm a writer too . . .I've been saying that lately, and it's tough some days but it's getting better each time I say it.
    Thanks for the wonderful, encouraging post!

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  26. It's so exciting that your getting published this year! That's when the real work begins. But it's the next step on the journey and as scary and exciting as it is, it's what the dream is all about. Congrats!

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  27. Terrific change! What is is always important and you ARE an author and a brilliant one at that. Here's to an incredible 2013 for you and all the wonderful things that WILL be. :)

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  28. Congrats on your second blogaversary Julie, and it's amazing how much you've already accomplished! I'm so excited about Polar Night, and it was a great idea to highlight your name on your blog! I noticed your lovely new photo yesterday, which is an added bonus.
    Julie

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  29. I'm excited for 2013 as well--Year of the Writer!

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  30. @Cherie, thank you!

    @moonduster, thanks so much, and I will be looking forward to seeing your novels published! :)

    @Shannon, thanks! I'd read about that with the name too so I figured it couldn't hurt LOL. I was ready for a change anyway.

    @Elsie, you're so welcome, I'm glad to have met you and found your blog. And thank you so much as well!

    @Karen, thanks!

    @shelly, thank you and Happy New Year to you as well. :)

    @Laura, I love it too, a new favorite. Thank you!

    @Krista, thanks, I hope so!

    @Tyrean, yes, we are both writers, even though I know it's tough sometimes to believe it. You're so welcome and thank you too!

    @Nancy, thank you!

    @Melissa, thanks so much, here's to a wonderful 2013 for you too. :)

    @Julie, thank so much, I really appreciate all your support.

    @Charmaine, yay! That sounds like a great year to me. :)

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  31. Well, happy blogoversary, Julie! Set that voice into motion and it'll do wonders, I have no doubt.

    While we're at it, let's rock this new year! :)

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  32. happy b-versary!
    wow, new year, new title and new do! love your picture!
    2013 promises to be an awesome year!

    i will have to drag you out, you writer you!

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  33. Congratulations on your debut novel. It is life changing. You are an 'author' now.

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  34. 2013 will be an exciting year! Great change to the blog. You make it possible! :)

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  35. Yay! Good for you! So happy to be along the journey with you! This year is going to be so exciting!

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  36. @David, sounds like a great idea, we will! :) Thanks!

    @Tara, thank you! I'm excited for the year ahead for both of us!

    @Ciara, thank you! That is great just to read. :)

    @Michael, thanks!!

    @Lisa, I'm so happy to have met up with you too, thanks so much.

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  37. CONGRATULATIONS!
    And I meant to shout that :)

    You're an awesome writer, and I'm so happy you've come to terms with that.

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  38. Thank you Carol! That's so kind of you to say! :)

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  39. Hi Julie - congratulations on that 2 year anniversary .. and all the changes you're making - good for you .. and here's to that 2013 author in you ....cheers Hilary

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  40. Great mentality! What an exciting year 2013 will be for you! :)

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  41. A great way to start the new year. You are a writer and an author. 2013 is going to be an awesome year for you.

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  42. Wishing you a sparkly and shiny 2013!! May your writerly journey be full of light and love and lots of lovely words to share with the world!! All the best! Take care
    x

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  43. @Kelley, thanks!

    @Ellie, thank you, and I know 2013 will be awesome for you as well. :)

    @Old Kitty, thanks!

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