Time for the monthly post as it’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day – well tomorrow is. I’m writing this a day early as I have the energy and my eyes aren’t as bad they have been – more of that below.
The starting point is what is this month’s optional question?
June 7 Question: Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?
That’s a tough one. The simple answer is that when I had a non-writing job then it was simply workload that made me quit and the urge to write down an idea that brought me back. So, in some cases that was months later and in too many cases it was years before I listened to my muse.
Then came multiple sclerosis and by then I was an equestrian journalist. Eventually, the disease forced me to quit. But there was a novel that needed writing and even though I retired as a journalist, I struggled on with the novel. Thirteen years after I was diagnosed with MS, “Spiral of Hooves” was published in December 2013. Sadly, the book is out of print but plans are afoot to re-publish and there is even a cover design by the brilliant Jonathan Temples, as the old one was designed for the original publishers.
What do you think? Does it make you want to read the novel? (Apologies that it’s a PDF link at the moment)
The re-release of “Spiral of Hooves” was to be the re-launch of my writing career, but the damn disease disagreed. Followers on Facebook might know that I get tired and my eyes are troubling me so I’m cutting back on what I do. I’ve struggled to expand my A to Z posts into “A Brief History of Kanata” and that is ready for some beta volunteers. Anyone want an alternative history lesson?
Apologies if I hardly visit or comment anymore because that has become one solution. But am I about to quit for good or will the muse that has inspired other draft novels to help me stumble on? I must remember how to touch type as my voice is too glitched to use voice recognition software. Or is there another way not to quit?
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The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. 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 – and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
The awesome co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG are JH Moncrieff, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Jen Chandler, Megan Morgan, and Heather Gardner!
Writing Wings 
I can see how workload would make one quit. I’m always impressed by people who have full-time jobs, families etc and still find time to write. I’m even more impressed how you perservere with writing in spite of your MS.
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The MS seems to be better tackled by doing something so I try to write. I don’t want my body to shut up shop totally – well not today. Thanks, Ellen – I just appreciate all the support out there.
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We all have to find a balance . . .and arrangement of the hours of the day we can work within. Sometimes that means accepting limits. Other times, overcoming them. Looks like you’re doing both! @mirymom1 from
Balancing Act
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Thanks, mirymom. Sensible words that I need to heed.
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Hang in there! Take care of yourself and just do what you can do. 🙂
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Thanks, Madeline. Will keep doing what I can.
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Sorry to hear that health has forced your hand with writing. But at least you’re still at it, even if in small bits here and there.
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Thanks, Loni. I feel that small bits are the way forward.
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I’m sorry things have been worse lately, and I hope you can find a way to keep going with your writing.
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Thanks, Shannon, for your encouragement. The positive thing is that my writing is probably the best exercise that I can do for my brain to stem the progression of multiple sclerosis. Cognition is one thing MS warriors struggle with.
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That’s cool you’re going to republish it.
Just do what you can, Roland. No need to knock yourself out.
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Thanks, Alex, for always having positive thoughts and despite your busy schedule always commenting. I appreciate it. My dream is to keep going beyond just one book – and to have one mentioned on your blog; that beats the New York Times…although perhaps not the Hugo Award that I dreamt of as a teenager 😉 lol.
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Keep going, Roland! Your book is awesome!
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Thanks, Kristina. That makes me proud and inspired to keep going. Did you feel your endorsement came out okay on the cover – if PDF opens?
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My pleasure. You’re writing is great. Did you send me a new PDF?
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Keep at it, Roland! Spiral of Hooves is a great book, and if the muse strikes again, don’t ignore it – but don’t worry!
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Thanks, Jane, I value your opinion as you are a great writer and you know the eventing world intimately. Problem is that the re-release is delayed and I can’t speed it up.
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Dinna fash yerself, Roland! What will be will be. Just relax and let things happen – or not. And thanks for that lovely endorsement.
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You’re inspiring, Roland. Thank you for sharing your difficulties. Your stamina will serve you well.
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Thanks, Joyline – the inspiration comes from all the IWSG friends like you.
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This was a very wonderful and well written post! It is truly amazing what we can learn to deal with in life and the strength we all have, that is sometimes hidden. I have been battling Multiple Sclerosis for 16 years now and it has had its ups and downs, but I try to hold on to my positive attitude. I started my blog 2 months ago and it has been a great experience. I have been able to communicate with so many wonderful and amazing people that really understand what I go through. Stay strong and know your limits!! I look forward to reading more of your posts! Take care!!
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I have just visited your site and been inspired by your story – and commented on your last post. Thanks for your attitude, Alyssa – be strong and keep fighting as we are both MS warriors.
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Thank you for checking out my site. I am glad that it has inspired you. That is my goal! If I can do anything for you, please do not hesitate to contact me!!! Take Care and thank you for your comment!
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