IWSG June 2026 Where Do stories Come From?

 Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out the December newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:   Victoria Marie Lees, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and C. Lee McKenzie!

 

 Today’s entirely optional question: Do most of your story ideas come from one place (the news, dreams, etc.) or do they hit from all over the place?

You’d think I’d have a patented answer for this question by now, since it is one of the most commonly asked questions a writer ever gets. Back in the early days of swing-singing – before I could even spell my own name – the answer was easy: I reported the news as I’d heard or discerned it from all over the cul-de-sac (the neighbor’s chagrin notwithstanding) at the top of my lungs each morning at sunrise from the vantage point of my backyard swing. I use the word “News” lightly here, as in those days the word referred to something you could believe in. Whether you wanted to hear it or not was mostly up to you (neighbor’s remorse, notwithstanding)

What I truly admire is how authors manage to weave stories around news events that might otherwise have faded away if not for the riveting narratives that became sensational movies, such as Murder on the Orient Express (Agatha Christie) and Hidden Figures (Margot Lee Shetterly).

Did I mention that the story I spoke of last month (Tortilla Bandits) was based on a true story? We just decided not to file a Police report ;-)  

I’ve just finished reading my fifth book of the year (so far). How’s your reading list doing?

Fun Fact: In Brazilian prisons, reading a book can reduce a prisoner’s sentence by four days!

That’s it for me, for now. See Ya all out there!

 

Happy Writing

 

IWSG May 2026 Inspiring Feedback

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out our newsletter for May here.

Our awesome cohosts for this month are:

Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

And today’s entirely optional question is:

What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

In terms of literary feedback, it doesn’t matter if we’re talking 14 or 44 different “types” assigned to any given Book Review because any one of them can literally launch or tank a career and crush the heart of the author who bravely dared to present their work in the first place. Being as how I’m mostly terrified to know, I don’t typically read reviews of my own work. However, the reviews I read under the heading Craft and Criticism at Literary Hub have me wanting to rush right out and buy every book reviewed in the article!

While the reviews were not all Unicorns and Pink Cadillacs, there were at least enough complimentary comments to remind the authors, all of us, really, that readers are as independent as we are and therefore (hopefully) inclined toward objectivity.

Nevertheless, I nearly starved to death fretting about the ten copies of a manuscript I passed around at a school bus yard years ago. Was this a mistake? Did they hate it? Why was it taking so long? Did bus drivers even read YA stories?

As it turned out, a couple of weeks without food or sleep didn’t kill me 😉 And would you believe seven out of ten readers asked when the sequel would be finished?!

Then there was that disagreement over a word I’d used in the title of a short story for children. The editor absolutely was not ever going to allow the title (Tortilla Capers) to be what I had planned. Instead, she suggested one much better! I smile every time I run across the story I wrote called Tortilla Bandits 😊

Can’t wait to see what you have to say – See ya soon!

 

 

IWSG March 2026 Elements of a successful book launch

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month, when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out the December newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:  PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre! 

 

 Today’s entirely optional question: What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?

One of the topics I hear the most laments about is getting mailing lists out early. Depending on the length of the campaign, sending out additional reminders might not be a bad idea. You know I’m hoping for feedback on my thoughts, right?

Defining target audience, timing of launch, and venue. I learned a lot my first time out, basically stumbling around 😉

Beyond the immensely helpful blog mentions by faithful friends with more time on their hands than you do (in the middle of a book launch), why not make it an event to remember? Even a small group of ten people all dressed in red T-shirts (as nondescript as possible) is bound to draw a few curious passers-by. Especially if you throw in a couple dozen cupcakes and a few rounds of Musical Chairs. By the time my meager group of mini readers sauntered away with personalized (signed) copies of Beanie’s Backyard, few would realize that it was they who had turned milling around near the Food Court outside of a bookstore at the Mall into a book event!

Such fun that was! As I watched the kids, moms, and grandparents walking away, a thought occurred to me, as it all too often does, what if they don’t like the book? What if they don’t even read it?  

Hoping to calm my worries, I decided to research how to know the things I’m so unsure of. Now I’m unsure of that as well 😉

Here’s what I found:

While many believe you have only to read the first 50 pages of a book to decide if you want to finish it, Page 69, I’m told, is where you’ll find the heart of the book. By page 69, the author has established a storyline, introduced characters you won’t mind hanging out with for a while, and basically found his/her voice as a lead narrator of their latest literary masterpiece.

See you all out there!

Happy Writing

 

IWSG February 2026

 Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out our monthly newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:   J Lenni Dorner, Victoria Marie Lees, and Sandra Cox!

 Today’s entirely optional question:    Many writers have written about the experience of rereading their work years later. Have you reread any of your early works? What was that experience like for you?

Have I reread any of my early works? Absolutely! Though, not often. Until recently, I began selecting stories for a children's collection and was pleasantly reminded of how attached I ended up getting to the younger characters as they grew and flourished in the stories I wrote. In some cases, it’s been somewhat of a homecoming. Still others I’ve reviewed (admittedly) left me wondering what the heck I was thinking😉 (Not a children’s story😊)

For the most part, rereading is exhilarating. Motivational, even. Especially when I’m effortlessly transported back into a story that greets me like an old friend. Hanky’s got a few new notes in her Hatbox, indicating the story can indeed go on. It seems the Otters have learned a new routine for entertaining the encroaching Beavers at Wet Bottom Crossing down at Wiggle River, and then there was this crumpled note tossed in the idea box as if by accident:

One scorching- hot summer day when you couldn’t tell the heat waves from sweat dripping in your eyes, there came a turquoise excavator to help us build a pond in the dusty old field out back. But Cotton’s place had a reproachful past that seemed bound to affect uncertain futures like ours.

Oh, the gum-smacking lady driver with hot pink lipstick meant well. In fact, she didn’t even know what she’d dug up when my dad started frantically waving his arms to stop the digging, and my mom fainted right there in the dirt.

But I should start at the beginning.     * * *

I may revisit Cotton’s Place again real soon. As well as half a dozen other stories 😉

I look forward to reading about your experiences. I’ll have just enough time to hop around and visit before I’ll need to rest my eyes for a while. Hope to see you all in April!

Happy writing!

 

 

IWSG December 2025

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out our monthly newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:  Tara Tyler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, Liza, and Natalie Aguirre!

 Today’s entirely optional question: As a writer, what is the coolest/best gift you ever received?   

Gosh, I’ve received so many cool writer gifts over the years it’s hard to recall who gave what. Ranging from thoughtful to frightful to humorous, each and every gift touched me in a special way as welcome reminders that someone thought enough of me to gift me with it.  I loved the waterproof pencil and notepad that stuck to the wall of my shower; if only I could see without my glasses 😊 I’ve revisited my books “On Writing”, “Bird by Bird”, “Essentials of English”, and “Elements of Style’, on numerous occasions. I was dismayed when the last bit of wick in my John Steinbeck candle burned out, but then I received a new candle called “Smells like she’s writing a Bestseller”.  Last year my daughter gave me a small Christmas tree decorated with tiny replicas of books I’ve written as well as a few I loved as a child. I vowed to put the “Writing tree” out on display every year (while I wear my tiny book-replica earrings) from then on 😉

I’ll be around to see what your favorite writer/writing gift is – or was. Does anyone have Scrabble Magnets for the fridge in case inspiration strikes (or wans, I guess) while you’re having coffee?

Happy Writing and a very Merry Christmas to all!

 

IWSG November 2025 Let's Not Forget This

 

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out our monthly newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:   Jennifer Lane, Jenni Enzor, Renee Scattergood, Rebecca Douglass, Lynn Bradshaw, and Melissa Maygrove!

 Today’s entirely optional question: When you began writing what did you imagine your life as a writer would be like?    

The only thing better than reading a good story is writing one. I knew that after reading my first favorite book – I think it was “Miss Lollipop’s Lion). Later, I carried “The Velvet Room” around with me long after I’d finished reading it as if setting it aside would somehow lessen the impact the story had on me. As if putting it on a shelf would cancel the book tour. I couldn’t let that happen to any book, to any writer. My solution was to write often. Let no bookshelf go unlined with books for – and about – any and everything!

How hard can it be?

I imagined a writer’s journey to be paved with fewer potholes (wherein hide all the things you better not say,) I imagined many more filling stations (for when inspiration invariably runs low), a glove box that refills itself with snacks – oh! As well as a thermos of Iced Tea (or coffee on cold days). Turns out, writing wasn’t the same (as I’d so naively imagined) as a road trip with Grandma, but it can be even better. If you write it right!

“Books have a unique way of stopping time at a particular moment and saying: “Let’s not forget this,” ~ Dave Eggers

Happy writing!

 

IWSG October 2025 Favorites

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out our monthly newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are: Beth Camp, Crystal Collier, and Cathrina Constantine!

 Today’s entirely optional question: What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?      

Great question! And an easy one as well, since one book in particular has been on my mind like a jumping bean; “Me! Pick me!” and in my heart with love everlasting for the little guy for and about whom it was written. The little guy is eighteen now, and while he’s still as curious as he was at two, his Nana doesn’t share every new discovery ;-)

I love everything I’ve written. Not for the purpose of selling them, though some actually have. Sold, that is. I’ve given away more poems than I can count. I dearly love the act of writing. From start to eventual finish, it’s being on my own adventure where all my favorite characters are invited to accompany me. Writing Beanie’s Backyard was my way of chronologically savoring adventures that I was fortunate to accompany him on ;-)

I’m looking forward to your thoughts on favorites.

Happy Writing!

 

IWSG August 2025

“Think. Check. Submit.”  Or not?

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out our monthly newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:    Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Natalie Aguirre, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Olga Godim!

 Today’s entirely optional question:  What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

This is an incredibly good question! I’m just dismayed to report that there are more “shady” practices than we should ever have to acknowledge. After absorbing so many warnings, and articles depicting examples of fraud and deception I was reaching for the Tums and starting to question my own (inadvertent though they may be) actions in the industry. Have I given everyone the credit they deserve? Was I careful with my research and accurate in my reporting?

In a word, my answer is Integrity. Or rather, the lack thereof. That alone can result in most of the trickery we see going on in the industry today. Here are a few reasons why I think so.

 

"Genius Borrows nobly." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy writing!

 

IWSG June 2024

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out the June newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:  Liza at Middle Passages, Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove, and Olga Godim!

 Today’s entirely optional question: In this constantly evolving industry, what kind of service do you think IWSG should consider offering to members?

Oh, I don’t know. In addition to tons of helpful tricks, tips, and references, and all the support a writer could wish for? Hmm… Snap! Coffee delivery and some dog treats – no treats for me, though. I’m trying to quit.

Chocolate puddles

 I should tell you right now; however, I’ll be a little slower with my responses this month as one of our (aforementioned dogs) girls has surgery tomorrow to remove the small growth that blossomed into the size of a small loaf of bread on her skinny little leg. Right, welcome to our little house of horrors. Kidding aside, she should be fine. Doc says this is normal (de mi.)

But I digress. Getting back to the question of the month, and not that I think our group is lacking in any way – it’s not, and I love this group! But how about a suggestion box? A monthly writing prompt? 

It’s Audiobook Appreciation Month! Who among us has published an audiobook?

Looking forward to reading your posts, fellow writers!

Happy June!

A grownup butt dials his childhood phone number.

Guess who answers?

(screencraft.org)

IWSG January 2024 Loose Ends - New Beginnings

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We're glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out the January newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 1 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Natalie Aguirre, and me, diedre Knight!

 Today’s entirely optional question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub, or do you only follow back other authors?

 

Good question. And one I’d gladly answer had I ever heard of BookBub before today’s optional query. I’ll add doing some research into BookBub to my list of New Year goals. I do know that I haven’t followed back a reader for years, and that was with a promise to let them know when I wrote the sequel to a book that about a dozen good-natured folks read and reviewed (mostly favorably!). I’ve yet to write the sequel, yet, being the operative word. This year does not look promising, but who knows?

I try to keep resolutions, plans, pledges, promises, vows – goals by any other name, to a manageable minimum so as to keep headaches to a dull roar and regrets out of the equation. That’s why I tie up loose ends first. However, the current condition of my desk suggests there’s been a struggle. I wonder who won.

The best thing about sharing your goals is giving others fuel, ammo with which to shame or coax you into completing a successful tying up of loose ends –OR- the warmth of a smile, a nod of confidence, a hug of courage that keeps your muse on the path of creativity – rather than traipsing off into Dorothy’s poppies. Support is everything. Support is something I think should be on everyone’s list to seek or provide.

Last year was, all in all, a good year in terms of writing. I have faith that this year will be even better. I even managed to read 41 books, most of which my daughter had made into miniatures that fit into a glass Christmas bulb…sometimes Christmas makes my eyes water.

 

I’m off to see how your year is getting started!

Happy writing, Happy New Year, everyone!

IWSG February 2022 Heartlights and Sunrays

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We’re glad you’re here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop featuring all of the members of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a place to share the fabulous views and exciting news that occurs along our fascinating writing journeys. Check out the February newsletter here.  Perusing the many tips and resources offered here is definitely worthwhile and highly rewarding, so pull up a comfy chair, or better yet -  join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month's posting of the IWSG are: Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!

This month’s optional question is:

Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn’t around anymore? Anyone you miss?

Yes. My dad readily comes to mind today because he would have had a birthday yesterday. Facebook is good at reminding us when friends have special days, even long after they’ve passed away. So in honor of his life and his effect on mine (never mind the fact that his account remains open), I went ahead and posted a favorite music video to his page. Never one to shower another with praise, he instead said things like “I felt I was in that room,” or “I don’t know which was more pervasive; the tension, or the earthy scent of desert rain and sandalwood,” I enjoyed writing beneath the glow of his quiet Heartlight. Now, as I write, I find I still do.

For Library Lover’s Month, I decided to check out some of the secrets librarians know that we might not. For example, you don’t have to be 100% silent, but phone etiquette is necessary. While they’re aware of their status as “refuge” for homeless folks, sleeping is prohibited. Libraries across America have installed “makerspaces” offering 3-D machines, sewing machines, video-editing stations, and social workers for anyone with nowhere else to go yet who are too tired to read.  Librarians can, and often do waive the late fee – if you have a convincing reason for being late. They never know what they’re going to find in a book drop. In addition to books, they’ve discovered sweaters, letters, keys – and a dozen donuts! Overall, any librarian will say the best part of the job is being able to help, whether suggesting an octogenarian’s next read or figuring out what bird may have lost the feather a five-year-old child found in the parking lot.

When I learned today is designated as “The Record of a Sneeze” Day (according to brownielocks.com), I had to know more. Aside from the record number of sneezes in a row, placed at an unbelievable 976 days, held by a woman from the UK, the story is commonly known as Fred Ott’s Sneeze. It’s actually the oldest surviving motion picture with a copyright and was produced by Edison Manufacturing Company in 1894. The 5-second silent black and white film was shot by William K.L. Dickson and featured Fred Ott (Thomas Edison’s assistant) sneezing after sniffing a pinch of snuff.

Wishing everyone a month of gorgeous sunrays – Happy writing!