Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone - #IWSG


Here we are again, at the first Wednesday in November; the date to post for the monthly INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP (sometimes known as the I Was Seeking Gary bloghop). The IWSG was founded and is hosted by Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh "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!"  In your post Alex encourages authors to "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."

Each month our Ninja Captain generously allows a few members to co-host with him. November's co-hosts are LG KeltnerLisa Buie-CollardSL Hennesy, and Donna Hole.

I'm delighted to be participating for the second month with the Insecure Writer's Support Group = #IWSG. Be sure to check out the other participating writer's at http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

This month I chat about getting out of your comfort zone






For the past year or so it has been my quest to get out of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. I took baby steps at first, one to never where dresses (except for special events and when I worked in corporate America, which feels like a hundred years ago) I started wearing sundresses on vacations and then it expanded to wearing sundresses for no special reason. For those that know me, I have always been a jeans and capri girl, so yep I've stepped a wee bit out of my comfort zone. Then on vacation in the Dominican Republic I went zip lining. It was exhilarating to say the least. 

With my blood pumping and the desire to keep stepping out of my comfort zone. I focused professionally and jumped into researching book fairs and teacher conferences and applied for participating to several area events. Recently I participated in the Collingswood Book Festival and the 19th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza. Both events targeted a different audience and to compare the two, would be liking comparing apples to oranges. The Collingswood Book Festival focused on families in attendance and the 19th Annual Rockland Literacy Extravaganza focused on teachers. 

Connections were made at both… At the Collingswood Book Festival I had the opportunity to meet several authors I have never met before and we have made a delightful connection which we continue to expand on. Great big waves to (in no particular order)… Christina Paul, Brad Hecht, Lynmarie McCullough, Louis Romano, Mark C. Collins, Scott Alboum, Karen Scheuer and Dianne Salerni.  

At the 19th Annual Literacy Extravaganza a special thank you goes out to Dr. Michael Shaw and Deborah Studnitzer for their coordination of this amazing literacy event focused on the common core standards and beyond… I met over 60 teachers and had the opportunity to engage with them at my book signing table. I'm honored to meet each and every one of you! A special shout out to Jennifer Rankin of Barefoot Books, I look forward to staying in touch for the grand opening of your new store in Pearl River, NY and Marcy Schickler of PS 307, whom I met in 2010 at the very same literacy conference. Lovely to see you again, Marcy!

Wishing you an inspirational day and to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. 


Don't forget to check out my announcement RE: purchase one of my books and enter at a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD 6… 


http://donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/2014/11/enter-at-chance-to-win-kindle-fire-hd-6.html

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Farvorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

8 comments:

  1. I agree, getting out of your comfort zone is how we learn new things, and find new things we like. Staying comfortable is staying stagnant. Congratulations on trying new things!

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    1. Hi Megan,

      Thanks for dropping by and for your heartwarming congratulations , much appreciated!

      Best,
      Donna

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  2. I intend to get out of my comfort zone next week, I have spent so much time indoors have decided to have a new hairdo.
    Thanks for being my new follower and I have returned the honour,

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    1. Good for you on the new hairdo, enjoy! Thanks for becoming my latest follower!

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  3. You met Dianne? That's cool!
    I admit I'm a creature of habit and am still plugging away at my space opera genre. Maybe I'll try a fantasy short story next?
    Hope you make some great connections through the IWSG!

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    Replies
    1. Yep, it was definitely cool meeting Dianne. Keep moving on your space opera genre! Everyone has been terrific at IWSG!

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  4. I love Dianne! I've never met her, but would love to one day. =) Kudos to you on putting yourself out there. And book fairs sound like a great place to do it, lol! Also- zip lining! Another thing I'd love to do one day.

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    Replies
    1. Leandra,

      Lovely to meet you, thanks for stopping by. My kids are still in shock I went zip lining. It's definitely cool showing them that mom too can be adventurous!

      Best,
      Donna

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