IWSG - June 2022 A Place at the Table

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 June 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:  SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray!

This month’s optional question is:  When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

Actually, I think I’ve finished the final chapter of my last WIP. But that’s the problem, I only think so.  I think it’s time for fresh eyes. Do you ever feel that way?

It’s fairly breezy here in the woods as I write. At times it’s as if an onery angel is determined to smother the splendor of spring in celebratory yellowcake dust.  I hope we don’t have another pollen squall while I’m out here. Moreover, I hope I remember to save my post before slamming my laptop closed if we do. But, isn’t technology fantastic? I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of page numbers after once having to chase loose papers, snatched away by a gust of wind and strewn all over the yard. Gone are the days of using writing utensils as flyswatters, in case they land in the dog’s water bowl 😊 My only concern today is having to plug in my laptop before I’m ready to go inside, and what will become of the little black ant that ambled across my keyboard letters A through D before slipping under the F? Might words like fluffy, flaffler, and carfuffle be the death of him?

In an article in last week’s issue of Publishing Trends, I read (among other topics, of course) that women readers and (more to the point) women writers over the age of 45 are being dismissed by the very industry we support and rely on. I’m just going to pretend I didn’t read that and that the unacceptable practice is gone like trash after collection day. Chances are it will be. Especially considering recent campaigns aimed at streamlining the page-to-screen pipeline whereby authors are increasingly the people Hollywood wants to be friends with. Granted, not everyone has jumped on the bandwagon…yet. But it’s nice to imagine a time when authors have a significant place at the (screen) publishing table.

It's Audiobook appreciation Month! Have you created one yet? I’m not yet convinced, but I’m getting there. Do you check out free audio samples before choosing what to read next?

Don’t miss the full Strawberry moon on the 14^th

Until again, be happy, and write well!

  

Cat Coats For Rapid Rescues

Happy December, everyone! And, on this, the first Wednesday of the month (every month except January 2020 when we convene on the 8^th) – Happy Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day! It’s an online gathering of authors, writers, bloggers and poets – anyone who dares put pen to paper or fingers to keys - 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:

Tonja Drecker, Beverly Stowe McClure, Nicki Elson, Tyrean Martinson!

For member news and fresh and witty movie reviews, the thoughtful blogs of our esteemed founder, Alex Cavanaugh, are well worth a visit. In addition, the IWSG Monthly Newsletters keep us all up to date on contest winners and upcoming events.

Congratulations are in order for the winners (announced today) of this year’s Anthology contest! High Fives to those of us with endless possibilities yet to pursue. An excellent place to start is IWSG’s own complimentary list of publishing options.

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit” ~ Richard Bach

Not that we had any reason whatsoever to need it this Thanksgiving, but the subject of ketchup did come up in teasing conversation …Anyway, ketchup has always been one of those words that give me (slight) grammatical pause; is it Ketchup, or Catsup? I’ve always gone with the wording on Heinz labels, and hoped my readers wouldn’t mind ;-) I am happy to report that seasoned editor Robert Lee Brewer, at Writer’s Digest suggests that either is A-Okay!

Have you had a good writing year?

I’m well into reading my fifteenth book of the year. I’ve two rejections for three submissions (so far) this year. Can’t win them all, right? My second private novel is in the early stages of production, and I’ve all but completed an entire remake of my seven-year-old website, including new interactive features, and inspirational plans for future development.  Funny, the year sure seemed busier than it looks in print. Ah, the joys of self-employment ; -)

Optional Question of the Month:  How would you describe your future writer self, your life, and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or, if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve?

My future writer-self would be much more relaxed and would want to reflect fondly on every moment spent bravely disclosing notions of once contending stories, ever clamoring for release. She would own and completely adore at least one deceptively small full-service publishing company, fronted by a charming Café & Bookstore (complete with storefront writing nooks) hosted by a clowder of tortoiseshell cats who would also attend our monthly story-exchanges; promptly at sunset.    

The writer I am today has serious concerns about completing goals before the passage of time diminishes the ability to do so. When creativity flows in a river of expressive prose, it’s a writer’s paradise. But, you can’t predict the rapids that rip your raft to shreds when everyday life intervenes. With that in mind, I plan to propose the allocation of fourteen days per month strictly for writing - hypothetically speaking, of course.  I think my boss will understand ;-)

Did You Know?

As ideal as full-time writing might sound many, if not most writers do have jobs to cover bills and hunger pangs. Famed poet T.S. Eliot was a bank clerk and a publisher, author Harper Lee was an airline ticket agent, and JD Salinger was, among other things, a director of cruise ship activities.

Happy Writing!

Merry Christmas!

Captive Occupations

While our New England neighbors are without a doubt joyously engaged in the annual practice of “Leaf-peeping” (I love this phrase!) and experiencing a spike in tourism as well, here in the Sonoran desert as Monarchs migrate south, we gape in apprehensive awe at Raptors in flight, often flying so low and so close you can almost feel their wings brush your skin. With the exception of Scavenger birds such as Vultures who consider anything that dies on the highway fair game, and cause for a party (tiny electric cars beware), the Harris’s Hawks are the only regional birds of prey observed to hunt in family groups, and only in the Sonoran desert. Now is the best time of year to visit the best place to see these magnificent Raptor flights at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum – if you happen to be in our neck of the Saguaros.  Happy Gaping!

Welcome to November, everyone! And, on this, the first Wednesday of the month (every month) – Happy Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day! It’s an online gathering of authors, writers, bloggers and poets – anyone who dares put pen to paper or fingers to keys - 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:

Sadira Stone, Patricia Josephine, Lisa Buie-Collard, Erika Beebe, and C. Lee McKenzie!

For member news and fresh and witty movie reviews, our esteemed founder, Alex Cavanaugh has it all!  

As For Me:

Of late, there seems to be a lot of fuss about writing characters not of your own identity. Without extensive research or personal experience, I can understand the concern for unintended misrepresentations. However, if general interpretations are not derived from open minds, as they were for at least one famous author I could (but won’t) name, it would appear that heroic plants make less controversial characters. Here are some personal testimonies on “Writing the Other” we could post on a sticky note as we go boldly forth in National Novel Writing Month.

How’s this for an occupation:  No-Content Publishing. Can you believe it? I had to know more. And now that I do, I’m truly amazed at the brilliance of the idea itself, let alone the marketing strategy.

IWSG Optional Question of the Month:  What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever googled in researching a story?

Because we see more and more instances these days, I looked up Shoe Tossing. I had an idea that the reasons for the practice might well be somewhat nefarious since evidence seemed to suggest it happened to Johnny Ringo (whose occupation, by the way, is listed as “Outlaw”) as his boots were found strung together and hanging on the saddle of his horse, a half-mile away from where Johnny’s lifeless body was found on the bank of Turkey Creek. While Doc Holladay may not have been his actual Huckleberry, it was Johnny himself who tied – and tossed - his own boots to keep them free of scorpions while he napped in the shade of an Oak tree. I can’t express how vindicated I felt to learn that what I’ve been preaching about scorpions since before I reached the height of a grasshopper is absolutely real!

Having watched two movies in the same month that referenced such an event (NEXT, and RAISING DION), I looked up fish rain. I imagine my (earlier) interest in electric shock drowning (by lightning) might have raised a few eyebrows. Do you suppose I’d get a roundhouse gasp for combining both events in the same story?

Fun Facts:

Children born in autumn are generally more studious in school, and tend to live well into their nineties! 

Happy Writing!

Writing in the midst

Welcome, all! You’re just in time for the monthly (1^st 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:

Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantine!

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!

IWSG - Oct 2018 - All in Good Time

Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the October 2018 virtual meeting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh and comprised of writing members just like you (and me), featuring writing tips, resources, articles, contests, and IWSG swag! See what we’re all talking about here and join us as we share our writing journeys.

*We meet on the first Wednesday of every month – join us and enjoy!

Happy Balloons Around the World Day!

This is my 41^st consecutive IWSG post, but many have been involved a lot longer. There’s always something going on in our group. For instance, just last week (9/24) there was this outstanding guest post by Lynda Dietz, and I’m sure more than a few of us are working on submissions for this year’s IWSG Anthology Contest. 

Can you believe it’s the 40^th week of 2018? That’s right, only 92 days left till National Fruitcake Toss Day (January 3^rd).  Remember, if you don’t toss it away, you’re supposed to keep it until Christmas and give it (anonymously?) to someone as a gift.

Though I don’t recall ever having too many, I miss those days when time seemed to stand still enough to hear a butterfly or at least imagine the sound of its delicate wings. 

I started a year-long writing project in January, and have been fairly good at keeping up with weekly requirements, in addition to ordinary obligations that sometimes resemble a game of Asteroids. I submitted two stories over the summer (one rejection, one as yet unknown) I’ve even jotted down a few ideas for the April 2019 A to Z Blogging Challenge as I look ever forward to finishing the aforementioned January project. Am I worried that I’m two weeks behind? Nah. All in good time ;-)

After all, on this day in 1945, a ten-year-old Elvis Presley made his first public appearance singing “Old Shep” He won 5th place.  I doubt he worried, but he certainly kept trying.

Then again, in the words of Sinclair Lewis, the first American winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature:  “NOW is a fact that cannot be dodged,” and with that in mind, I’d best get busy and leave you with a question: What is something you frequently lose or misplace?

IWSG - Staying on Course

Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the July 2018 virtual meeting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh and comprised of writing members just like you (and me), featuring writing tips, resources, articles, contests and IWSG swag! See what we’re all talking about here and join us as we share our writing journeys.

*Normally we meet on the first Wednesday of every month, but as tomorrow is the 4^th of July, many of us may be busy celebrating. Enjoy!

Regrettably, my word count has drastically dropped since my last post. I’m quite sure I am ineligible for the 500 Club – have you heard of it? 500 words per day. Easy, right? Clearly, I’ve had a little trouble staying on my writing course of late. But I have, however, pounded the lettering off of my 10-key. This too shall pass, as will any obstruction along your course as well – you’ll see!

As far as writing goals, all I ever wanted to do was write. Over time, three things occurred to me in route to my writing Polaris that have served as proverbial carrots; not only keeping my goals in sight but expanding them as well. #1: Much as I loved journaling, I discovered a tendency to tweak chronicles of tedium into missives of near-fantastical fiction – and I liked it! I liked it so much I wanted to share it. #2: Thanks to encouragement from casual readers, I wanted to be published. And #3: I had a lot to learn about the publishing industry. For instance, Traditional publication requires that you’re either extremely talented – or very fortunate, and even then, it’s not a given. Independent publication mandates ultimate ambition and an unwavering belief in yourself as a writer with the capacity to be your own Star. 

By the way, if you haven’t yet read the IWSG Newsletter, I highly recommend it!

Are you a stargazer? You can see the roadmap to the Milky Way via the Summer Triangle in the eastern sky tonight!

Fun fact for Crime Writers:  Although it is legally (and morally) forbidden for lawyers to offer counsel, clients sometimes seek advice before committing a crime.

Happy Writing!