Another month and another IWSG post. Well, not just any month but the Blogging from A to Z Challenge month, so I managed to write 26 posts and got them scheduled on the correct days. But enough of that – I’ll post my reflections on the Challenge next week – this is an IWSG monthly past.
May 2 question – It’s spring!
Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?
Of course, Spring inspires me – to get outside and soak up the sunshine. And yes, Spring is here, and the little grey cells are sparking – despite the MS. Okay, I have my struggles with the misfiring nervous system, and my brain loses direction and thoughts. I forget what I am doing, my fingers hit too many wrong keys, and my body must sleep sporadically or suffer the painful body-wrenching attacks.
Officially, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Spring arrived on March 20, 2018. That means that the Spring Equinox must have set all those A-to-Z posts in motion.
I’ve even used the last few days to devise a cunning plan. Did Baldrick help with that?
The cunning plan: to write a review once a week of one of the books I’ve read and failed to review here. Those reviews will be scheduled for every Thursday.
However, I reserve the right to write other posts – if motivated.
What about the deviously cunning Fates Maelstrom plans? Not abandoned or shelved but extended.
I wrote draft one of Book 3 in the Snowdon Shadows series for NaNoWriMo last November. Then I started editing Fates Maelstrom in December, developing all the ideas needed for the final draft prior to beta-reading.
That has led to Goth Patrol, a short story about the main protagonist, policewoman Sparkle Anwyl and how she lost her first love and joined the CID. I’m starting on another short, Face Trash, her first case as a detective, fresh from police college. Call these stories ‘character research’.
Or should I publish those stories first?
That’s what Spring does for my devious brain – seeds seeking fertile soil.
[One problem: I need a friend to sit with and chat, face-to-face over a pint or a meal. I lost that when I moved four years ago.]
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The awesome co-hosts for the May 2 posting of the IWSG are E.M.A. Timar, J. Q. Rose, C.Lee McKenzie, and Raimey Gallant!
Purpose of IWSG: 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!
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.
Posting: 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!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
Writing Wings 
You’re so good to take the time to write reviews. It’s an area I’m trying to do better in as I know how important it is for the authors.
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The intention is there, Ellen, and I have written some – but I have books that I’ve read and not reviewed. So……
Yes, it is important to authors so I feel responsible.
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I’m about 4 reviews behind. I’ve given up on posting them on my blog. The only way I can keep up is to post them directly on Goodreads/Amazon, etc.
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I’m between 10 and 20 around, depending on which I can remember well enough to review. I gave some of them an initial ‘short’ review on Goodreads, but some deserve a proper full-length review here – like tomorrow’s post.
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I like that Goodreads reminds me that I’ve finished a book. That’s when I write the review. Reviews are so important to authors–a seal of approval, so to speak. Your plan is admirable. I hope you can do it.
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That is a useful feature, Diane. Amazon sends an annoying reminder before I’ve started reading. But I agree -reviews are a seal-of-approval, although some writers baulk if there is too much constructive criticism.
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So many stories and ideas. I envy that!
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It’s a mixed blessing, Alex – great when I need to start something, but frustrating when I reach the revision stages.
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I’m always behind with my reading and am never happy with my writing but it’s another season and who knows whats in store
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I have 20 books to review, but I’m hoping the new weekly Review posts will catch me up – as long as my reading doesn’t get faster. Hope 2017 will be your year, Jen.
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Thanks think you mean 2018 LOL there’s a lo going on this year and I’m hoping it will be an amazing one never mind the stress (buying a house hopefully)
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LOL. Yes, I meant 2018 but hit the wrong key – or slipped a year. Hope that house-dream happens soon.
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Thanks
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Oh man, keeping up with reviews of books I’ve read sometimes creates more work for me. Bravo for completing 26 posts for the A to Z Challenge. More power to you. All best, Roland!
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Thanks, Victoria, for the support. I’m in the read-struggle-to-review camp as well. Writers still need our help though.
26 posts were more draining than planned but I got them done somehow.
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This month’s question may have inspired me to join up. I’m a longtime hoverer of the IWSG, but was worried that I’d be too insecure to commit. LOL, too insecure for the group of insecure writers. I crack myself up.
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Insecurity might be a qualification, Jen – but then again… Oh, just enjoy the company.
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“Seeds seeking fertile soil.” You’re so right! That’s just how it is for me. Couple that with the warm weather making me want nothing more than to be outside with my toes in the dirt or sand and it makes for not a good combination for writing. BUT if I can force myself to go sit outside at a nice cafe, I can compromise. Especially if there’s cookies!
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Did you mention cookies, Jen? They always help with fertilising soil. So, I hope that you find the right cafe.
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The short story sounds fun!
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Thanks, Loni. First short was fun to write and helped me with my character development. I hope that the second builds on that – whenever I get to it.
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