One book leads to another...

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Writing in the midst


Welcome, all! You’re just in time for the monthly (1st Wednesday) on-line gathering of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, where you’ll find helpful tips, handy resources, the latest trends in publishing, and a comfortable place for hundreds of writers – just like you and I – to  share our writing journeys!

Feel free to meander and mingle. Our gracious co-hosts this month are:


If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a writing rut, or in need of the perfect timesaving writing tool, this month’s IWSG Newsletter  offers invaluable insight and excellent tips for both!

For member news and often funny movie reviews, our founder, Alex Cavanaugh has it all!   

September is “Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month!

And here is our optional question:

If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?

What a stimulating question! Words are already beginning to form and gather like clouds spoiling for a storm in the tranquil sky of a story I’ve yet to write. But where would I write it? There’d have to be windows that open to fragrant views, the sounds of chirping birds spurring every sentence. A bee or two for subtle pause; a harbinger, a hint. And on a gentle breeze the scent of confidence. Or sandalwood. Both would be great ;- )

I wrote my first YA novel, inspired by a crumbling Lighthouse in Mexico. It looked similar to this (also crumbling) lighthouse on England’s Isle of Wight:




In terms of a quiet refuge in which to advance that subconscious first draft into a work in progress, is there anything as compelling as a cozy, nearby treehouse? I’d want mine to look like this:



Ever since I learned that Harlan Ellison wrote at a desk in storefront windows, bravely posting his stories on the glass for passersby to peruse, I’ve wanted to try it as well. Talk about subjects in action!  I rather like the idea of instant – and honest – gratification. Even if sometimes there is rejection. I’d pick a storefront like this (If they’d have me – ha!)


The most important thing, to me, at least, is being comfortable where ever I write; surrounded by familiar sounds and scents, books I love, and tons of inspiring views. For me, there’s just no place like home. Once in a while, I even have an audience ;- )




Where is your ‘happy place’?  What is your favorite writing tool? What are you reading?

Happy Writing!


24 comments:

  1. Hi Diedre - thanks for the reminder 'be kind to editors and writers' month ... sounds like be kind to us.

    Love the idea of writing in a store-front window ... guess you could get a lot of passing trade that way! What a great way to promote a small town ...

    But writing at home - with the occasional spies around ... would be the best - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary!

      Often, the littlest spies are my biggest fans ;-)

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  2. Hi, diedre!

    It's great to see you again, dear friend! I hope the month of September finds you in good health and in good spirits.

    I enjoyed your answer to the question of the month. You are the first member of the group to mention the joys of inhabiting a treehouse. When I answered the question on other blogs, I reasoned that a Hawaiian beach would do the trick or perhaps a secluded spot in the pristine woods of New Zealand. However, thanks to you, I am changing my answer to a treehouse. I too believe that comfort is key and that good writing is facilitated by the pleasant stimulation of our senses. A window affording a view of mountains, woodlands, a lake or the sea is inspiring. Natural sounds like the chirping of wild birds or the white noise of a nearby stream allow words to flow through our fingertips. Conversely the squawk and incessant chatter of a petulant parrot or construction noises like drills and jackhammers, derail the thought process, at least for me. (Yes, I once had a pet parrot.) The scent of flowers, a fresh, clean, rain-cooled breeze and "that new book smell" are olfactory stimuli that benefit the writer.

    Every time you as a blogger click "publish" you are in essence posting your stories on a glass storefront for all to see, and you don't have to wait long to receive feedback.

    Have a wonderful week and month, dear friend diedre!

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    1. Hi Shady!

      All is well out west. As we hope for all the rain we can get our (my) thoughts are with you and yours as Dorian grazes your normally sunny state. I hope those outer bands aren't a problem.

      Glad you like the treehouse idea ;-)

      True, every time I click publish my work goes out for all to judge. But it doesn't replace a genuine smile, nod of approval, or an encouraging tap on the glass. Then again, tomatoes might be discouraging...

      I'm inching toward a few quiet days when I can enjoy your posts again. See you soon!

      Happy September, my friend!

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  3. Love all your writing places. And Harlson Ellison was certainly brave.

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    1. Hi Natalie!

      Thanks! And yes, I doubt I could be that brave, though I like to think so ;-)

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  4. That's a really old lighthouse. Old style as well. Treehouse might be nice!

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    1. Hi Alex!

      Indeed, I think it was built in the 1300s. The one in Mexico is likely that old as well.

      The first time I fell out of a tree I thought how nice a floor would be ;-)

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  5. >... There’d have to be windows that open to fragrant views, the sounds of chirping birds spurring every sentence. A bee or two for subtle pause; a harbinger, a hint. And on a gentle breeze the scent of confidence. Or sandalwood.

    dIEDRE, you are such a poet!!

    That treehouse photo made me think of the Disney movie 'SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON' which I just re-watched again recently.

    When my Brother and I were little kids, that was our favorite movie and we went to the Saturday matinee showing of it over and over again and would watch it twice each time. (Back then, you could stay in the theatre all day and night once you purchased an admittance ticket.)

    So, nearly a month ago, we watched it again for the first time in ages and my Brother said to me: "For the life of me, I can't figure out why that movie enthralled us the way it did."

    He was obviously being completely facetious. I mean, the movie had tons of pirates; coconut bombs; a vicious, man-eating tiger; and lots of riding on wild animals. What 7 and 8 year old boys wouldn't have loved *that*?!

    Anyway... I need me a treehouse like that one you found!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'

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    1. Thank you, Stephen T!

      Your descriptions of Swiss Family Robinson makes me wish I'd seen it. I never did believe it was just for boys ;-)

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  6. I love those very different writing spaces! I would love to write in a treehouse, and I can see the odd (although slightly terrifying) appeal of writing in the window of a shop (coffee or bookstore or both). I have written outside and I crave natural light for my writing spaces (wherever they are), and I have written in coffee shops (sometimes distracting and sometimes inspiring).

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    1. Hi Tyrean!

      I hadn't thought of going to a coffee shop alone. I think I like that idea!

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    1. Thanks, Cathrina ;-)
      I enjoyed reading how inspired you are by nature. I feel that way as well.

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  8. You're not the first to suggest lighthouses as great writing locations. They have such a nice feel to them, and if one is all alone in one, I'd imagine the creative juices would readily flow. Thanks for the pictures.

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    1. Hi Ken!

      I can't imagine a writer who wouldn't be compelled to discover the secrets a lighthouse can hold.

      Happy September!

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  9. Oh yes, the treeouse, surrounded by wide open windows and greenery. Great choices! I'm your co-host stopping by from the IWSG!

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    1. Hi Gwen!

      A treehouse is my kind of she-shed ;-)

      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  10. Hi diedre; We should be kind to everyone, all the time, yes? 😉 Harlan Ellison must have had a ton of self-confidence to sit in a shop window and write! A tree house sounds ideal for peace and quiet and the lighthouse would make a fabulous backdrop to any thriller. I would opt for a Greek Island, preferably one hidden away from the masses of tourists. The backyard in summer is also good. Too bad our season is so short. Happy writing!

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    1. Hi Debbie!

      Indeed, being kind to everyone, all the time should be a world-wide mantra. If only...
      A Greek Island sounds exotic! Typically, I do my globe-trotting from the comfort of my own backyard with the help of an over-active imagination ;-)
      Happy September!

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  11. Oh, I would love to visit both of those lighthouses.

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    1. Hi Chrys!

      I was incredibly inspired by the one in Mexico - without even knowing the backstory ;-)

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  12. You have good taste in places to write. The boy and his dog, peering through knotholes--precious!

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  13. Hi Jacqui!

    Thanks! Atmosphere can effortlessly coax a cluttered mind into filtering thoughts that flow and fill a blank, expectant page.

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Any thoughts? Join the conversation, comments welcome here!