C for Challenge but also for Creator and Captain. As in…
Created and hosted by the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, theInsecure Writer’s Support Groupmonthly blog post is here again – and so am I.
Except this is not the A to Z month even if I’m still recovering – INSECURE as I have a vast backlog of emails/blog posts (260+), reviews to write, WRiTE CLUB bouts to read, and fog like the Sargasso Sea.
Anyway, on to this month’s question.
May 1 question – What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
Reaction 1 – pass. My brain won’t engage.
Response 2 – can I cheat? Latest? During Blogging from A to Z, one of my followers admired my alliteration – I had fun with repetitive use of the letters. And a review led me to buying a copy of Mark Forsyth’s The Elements of Eloquence – so more ‘unforgettable phrases’ to follow.
Rejoinder 3 – when I read J.R.R Tolkien’s work as a teenager. His use of language was phenomenal with deep roots. (Strange synchronicity as I’m sitting her listening to soundtracks from the Lord of the Rings movies). Anyway, I tried to emulate the Professor’s style, but my writing tutor, the late Roger Woddis, accused me of ‘purple prose’ – justified. With his guidance, I learnt to pare my effusive outpourings to create more power.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin!
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 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.
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.
On a parallel track, I must thank all those that made my WEP April 2019 Comments Champion award possible:
The Joint Team at WEP: Denise Covey – Founder/Host; L.G. Keltner – Co-host; Nilanjana Bose – Blurbs; Olga Godim – Badges; at IWSG: Nick Wilford – judge; C. Lee McKenzie – liason IWSG/WEP; Pat Hatt – tweets and promo.
Plus, of course, all the participants without whose wonderfully, inspiring pieces, I wouldn’t have been able to comment. Your creations made my thoughts possible.
Writing Wings 
Only one Tolkien after all!
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So true, Alex, the only Ninja Captain. Maybe Tolkien is not on a par with the Bard, but the Professor was prolific.
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I like your Reaction – Response – Rejoinder answer. I love playing with words too.
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It’s fun to play like that, Olga – full marks for seeing that.
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I really liked your play with language during your A-Z posts 🙂
Ronel visiting for #IWSG day: Help Me, Please!
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Thanks, Ronel. I enjoyed playing. In the process of answering all your great comments.
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Congrats on the award! And that’s a snazzy badge. I’d be proud to display it.
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It was an honour to receive it, Jacqui – and yes, it’s a snazzy badge so already in my side bar.
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I confess I didn’t understand the question. I had too many other things to write about anyway.
I enjoyed seeing your story unfold, and I’ll get to those ‘collected’posts soon 🙂
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The question was open to different interpretations – as the IWSG posts show. I nearly passed on it, Jemima – well, I kept my post minimal.
The collected ‘posts’ are draft 2 or perhaps tidied up with dates amended. Enjoy the read.
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Wonderful Roland ! Tolkien ! Great spirits do meet ! The Eloquence book is on my pile !
Congratulations on your WEP comments award.
Behind also, still have your stories to read !
Have a pleasant day.
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Thanks for all that and more, Susan. My stories will remain – and inspire more.
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I used to get pretty purple with my prose too! Glad we were both able to realize what is better for our writing. 🙂
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Evolving and learning is the key, Loni.
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I agree about Tolkien.
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His words touched so many of us writers, Juneta.
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So good to just easily pop over to your blog. Thank you for fixing that profile link.
I have a fond fascination with alliteration. I also like to rhyme some of the time.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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Thanks Arlee for pointing out that failed profile link – nobody else did. Alliteration and rhyming are both fascinating.
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Tolkien’s language, both “real” and made up, is phenomenal.
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And even the made up had real roots, Diane – that sets him apart from his imitators..
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Congrats on completing the A-Z Challenge and the WEP award. Sounds like you had a busy month.
Yep, Tolkien is one author who could really do luxurious writing that enveloped you in a world. I’ve learned I’m better being more pared down too!
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But isn’t it more fun to pare sumptuous phrases down, Nick?
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