It’s been a minute since I’ve posted to Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

These last few months I’ve missed reading other members’ writing progress and experiences. I began my second graduate degree to become a licensed psychotherapist. Balancing my academic and art life is a work in a progress. Being around psychologists who are writers, therapists and social justice pioneers is motivating. I’m asking, “Where they get the time?”

I’m in awe.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. Join IWSG https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

My word for the year is balance. The way my writing has evolved while studying psychology has been paradoxically grounding and chaotic. My characters have more depth, but have me tripping down internal rabbit holes that are just as confusing as they are fascinating. This year I don’t want to fall into old habits of taking on too much and losing sight of my allurements. I have many (yikes) unfinished projects I’m still passionate about.

My story telling skills helped pull off the loads of papers on case studies and theory I’ve had the challenge to produce. This next semester I’m setting aside time to pick up the last project and find balance in my process. I had to prove I could ace the work load before attempting to mix it up. My characters have more depth and backstory, but my confidence in my ability to balance my work and writing life is super shaky.

I have so much more gratitude for IWSG monthly check-ins now that I’ve missed a few. Joining others in sharing our vulnerabilities and insecurities is grounding and inspiring. Looking forward to reading everyone’s January posts!

I always return comments, but it might take a day or two. Still working on that time machine. Happy New Year!