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, insecure or maybe just ashamed.
Ashamed as my writing in June has been minimal: a few book reviews and my piece for the #JUNE #WEP/IWSG CHALLENGE – since the last IWSG monthly post. My excuse is that I’m still wading through a backlog of emails that fills up like sand. Or is it my forays into Greece that distract?
Anyway, on to the question.
July 3 question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?
At first glance: none directly. My characters are somewhat different from me in terms of profession and in some cases gender. Those factors make their central distinguishing traits distinct from mine, although my protagonists tend to be tenacious – a trait in me that is stubborn if something needs to be done. Dogged.
Rose Gold Pendant –http://celticandwelshjewellery.co.uk/product/rose-gold-pendant-26/
I’m not my current MC, Sparkle Anwyl – even if Wales is where my heart is – but I admire the traits that make her a good detective. Her mind games like her mnemonics are a method I use to overcome the memory problems associated with multiple sclerosis. Mnemonics preceded Sparkle, but is it a trait?
No more than sneaking in horses where I can. That’s just a result of my last career move – equestrian journalist. Yes, I had to be dogged and focused for that. And Sparkle must stop her mind from pursuing rabbit holes. Focus.
I have snuck in a journalist or two. But careers are not traits, even if I use mine. I made Carly Tanner, the heroine of my equestrian mystery ‘Spiral of Hooves’ a staunch organic farming advocate. Organic food is a personal passion and drove an earlier career.
But maybe there is a trait there – a fervent commitment to a cause, whether green issues, horses, or justice. Fervour.
Even Norman, the protagonist of ‘Wyrm Bait’ – an unpublished gaming mystery – had a strange type of ‘dogged and focused fervour’ in the way he pursues the game objectives, the mystery girl from his game, and the antagonists. I suspect I wrote more of me into Norm than I would admit.
Now where did I bury that old wyrm-chewed manuscript?
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The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre, Jennifer Lane, MJ Fifield, Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
(I so admire these guys as I know they have commitments too. Ticker-tape applause, please.)
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.
Writing Wings 
Organic food is healthy eating and definitely a trait. (In real life, a good one!)
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Thanks for the vote for organic, Alex. More than one of my characters shares that trait.
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Organic is healthy so by choosing that it shows good sense and conviction to follow through definitely good traits. I enjoyed hearing about the many careers. Happy IWSG Day.
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Another ‘vote’ for organic health traits – thanks, Juneta. I didn’t sneak in all the careers – missed photographer, TV producer, farmhand and garden scivvy – well not yet.
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One does have to be stubborn to finish any story. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Stubborn can be a useful trait, Anna – and a problem one.
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You have MS too? It is a sucky beast isn’t it.
My father always told me I was more stubborn than stains. It works for me.
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It’s a MonSter that tries to eat everything, EC – as you know. Like with you it led to my retirement, but I won’t let it stop me writing without a fight. Stubborn means we can handle a war of attrition.
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It outsucks Dyson. But still we survive.
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Warriors and survivors.
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Commitment to a cause is a trait, and an admirable one, even if the causes might change as we grow and mature. More: they should change. Nobody would expect a 60-year-old man to pursue the same cause as his 20-year-old self.
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I agree, Olga, we do evolve as we grow older – well, change, even if we don’t improve in the right way. But you’ve made me wonder if some of it is about a willingness to learn. A commitment to improvement?
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I definitely do what you do with your MC, Sparkle–put traits to her that you admire. It makes me feel like I am braver, smarter, more tenacious.
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Braver, smarter, more tenacious – I like that, Jacqui. Safer writing about people like that.
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You have led an interesting life, Roland! 🙂 And forays into Greece (literally? It’s magic, there! ♥ ) are a most pleasant distraction. I’m sorry you’re dealing with MS but are obviously making the best of it. Fervour is a good trait for anyone to have.
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Sadly, Debbie, there was only one physical foray to Greece was thirty-plus years ago – excluding two days travelling across Macedonia in the late 1970s. Recent forays have been into a game set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War – escape / reward like chocolate. But with fervour.
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My writing has been staggering along too but I will keep slogging forward, just like with the MonSter. I like to give my protagonists admirable traits that I wished I possessed, too. Like writing a better version of yourself, even if you’re not anything like the character, if that makes sense. Happy writing, here’s hoping the words start to flow!
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Can we blame the MonSter for staggered writing, Amanda? Or is that an excuse? Well, in my case it’s my lazy side – not as admirable as your character (or mine).
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Tempting to blame it on the monster for sure but you’re right, it’s laziness – with a touch of fear. If I get it done, I have to do something with it! I’m making myself at least open my writing every day and that way I usually at least get a few hundred words down. Hope it starts to flow better for you!
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After another lazy day – and after reading your sensible comment, Amanda – I’m ready to start writing again/ Many thanks and smiles.
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I buy organic when I can. I try to eat fresh whenever possible–and I mean picking my own. All best to you, sir!
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Full marks to you, Victoria. I’ve lapsed badly so I’m no longer deserving of the ‘sir’ form of address – change that to ‘nosher’ = Nosher Clarke 😉
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Well, dogged is definitely a trait you want in a detective. Sounds like you’ve had an interesting career history. Plenty to draw on, anyway.
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The career has helped, Nick – even if it’s created a rabbit warren to negotiate every time I need to do research.
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Use your stubborn towards your writing good! 🙂
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Stubborn works, Damyanti – until I get in a slump and stubbornly reject the writing (like last few days/week).
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