Welcome to our Twelfth IWSG, Day of the year 2025.
IWSG is a writers’ support group created and led by Alex J. Cavanaugh.
At IWSG, we believe in the power of sharing and encouragement. Writers of all levels and genres can express their doubts and concerns without fear of judgment. Our community is a haven for all insecure writers!
This group is an immense help to many of us, as we are willing to share our insecurities and successes or offer encouragement and support to others.
So, if you’re a writer seeking a supportive community, IWSG is the place for you. Join us and experience the benefits of sharing your journey with like-minded individuals. The link below will lead you directly to us.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and our hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the December 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, Liza, andNatalie Aguirre!
THE COOLEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED
The coolest gift I’ve ever received was winning my first writing challenge. I will never forget it. It was for The Woman and Her Dream under the Prompt UTOPIAN DREAMS for The WEP. I had been competing in the WEP Event for over 4 years and had never placed because the writers who competed were all excellent in their craft.
It was around December 16, 2016, when I received the notification while sitting at my computer, working on another story. Let me say, I screamed, cried, danced in my office, and gave glory to God. I even called family and friends in the United States.
Since then, I have received other acknowledgments for my stories I have submitted to the WEP and to other writing organizations. Still, none will ever diminish my joy over my very first win.
Christmas is right around the corner, and a new year marches in at 00:00 on January 1, 2026. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, and I hope to see you again on January 7, 2026.
Shalom shalom,
Pat Garcia
That is awesome you won WEP! Bummer WEP couldn't continue on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today.
Amazing! Who can forget their first award? That's a great memory and a perfect end to the year -- looking back and recalling the high. I wish you a peaceful season filled with celebrations, joy, and family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story of your first win--and it came at Christmas! I love when stuff like that happens, such a blessing! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year, Pat!
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome gift! Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful and warm season!
ReplyDeleteI've only won one writer's competition but that means I feel your excitement. Not much better!
ReplyDeleteI wrote off-topic this month, distracted by one of my favorite actor's passing. But, I have to agree that winning a writing contest - that validation of writing 'right' - was a wondrous gift. Thanks for prompting my memory. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteYou earned that gift, Pat! Have a wonderful holiday and keep writing! Thanks so much co-hosting today,
ReplyDeleteWe always remember our first. It's a mix of surprise and joy. Let me congratulate you again, because you deserve it. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
That's a great accomplishement and a great memory to sustain through other writing.
ReplyDeleteKudos to that gift, Pat, and I love how you celebrated too! Yes, the year is marching by faster and faster. Thanks for co-hosting today. Have a Merry Christmas! I hope you get to visit one of the amazing German Christmas markets I keep hearing about! ❤️
ReplyDeleteIt is a unique feeling when your story wins. Nothing compares.
ReplyDeleteA bit of affirmation is the best gift! I remember getting a short story accepted to an IWSG anthology--my first short-story sale--just at a time when I was feeling rather discouraged. Nothing beats it :)
ReplyDeleteSo satisfying to get recognition for what we've done. Congratulations! Have a wonderful holiday season!
ReplyDeleteLee
Thanks for co-hosting this month. I remember when you won that challenge. I was so happy for you. I've enjoyed many of your stories. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBravo, Pat! Way to go! We never forget our first win at something. Thank you for cohosting this month's question for IWSG. Have a beautiful holiday.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Pat! Accepting your win as a gift is a lovely idea. You, my dear, are also excellent at your craft ;-) I always enjoy your posts. Thanks for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteRecognition is definitely a good present! @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
I could certainly feel your joy and excitement of your first writing challenge. I delighted for you and the other awards you received.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month.
I don't know whether I saw that story, but I did enjoy doing WEP. It just seemed there were too many stories that were way outside my interest range (and too alike). I'm surprised you only won once, I used to really enjoy reading yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today, and happy new year ad the rest of the season's greetings!
Merry Christmas! And I agree, you earned that gift--congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWhat a memorable gift!
ReplyDeleteWhat a joyful moment, screaming and dancing in your office! Congratulations on the award--very motivating for your writing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful answer! I loved WEP.
ReplyDeleteFriendships with fellow authors are definitely valuable!
Don't miss an opportunity to write why you like (or dislike) a book!
Have a wonderful holiday season. ⭐
J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge
Hi Pat! Thank you for co-hosting the IWSG. I just saw you live in Hessen, Germany. Maybe we can meet when I next visit my mother in Dusseldorf. Yes, winning a WEP award was a huge gift for me as well. I wish we could bring back the WEP. It was one of the best writing groups.
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