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 guilty.
Guilty as my writing in July continued to be minimal: a few book reviews and the first draft for my August #WEP/IWSG CHALLENGE – due a fortnight (two weeks) today. Meanwhile, Sparkle Anwyl has taken a holiday in my head. And I’m still wading through a backlog of emails that fills up like sand. Or is it my gaming distractions or my health?
Rabbit holes – like researching hashtags that describe me: #IWSG #WEP/IWSG #crimefiction #ubisoftgames #assassinscreed #gamer #bookworm #goodreads #MS. Those were for #PWPoePrompts.
My biggest concern is my entry for the 2019 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest. I’ve done most of the research, but some key bits are missing. I’ve outlined my story but I’ve yet to finish the first draft. Finally, I fear I need more than beta readers that know MG. The deadline looms – September 4th. Panic is setting in.
Beta readers. I keep losing them. I even need some to help get ‘Azure Spark’ ready for pro-editing. Are my own critiques frightening writers/readers away?
The brutal truth. Can anyone help me, please?
Anyway, on to the IWSG monthly question.
August 7 question – Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you’d forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming?
I can’t claim any ‘industry’ surprises. But that’s not surprising given my lack of productivity. A few expected rejections, a few years ago. One hoped for acceptance – my debut novel, Spiral of Hooves. But unsurprising low sales and mixed reviews.
However, there was one surprise while writing Spiral of Hooves – the identity of the antagonist. S/he changed as I edited the early drafts and focused the story – as did her/his motive.
In one of my current WIPs, part of the Snowdon Shadows series, one of my favourite characters became an unexpected victim – but with a twist. Where did that come from?
There must be a devious person at work in my mind. Who is it? Why did I create a link back to my unrelated debut? A character in the WIP series appeared after playing a minor role in Spiral of Hooves. Who was more surprised? Me or Sparkle?
*
The awesome co-hosts for the August 7 posting of the IWSG are Renee Scattergood, Sadira Stone, Jacqui Murray, Tamara Narayan, and LG Keltner!
(I so admire these guys as I know they have commitments too. Ticker-tape applause.)
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 
In my first published book, the villain was a surprise for me, too. I hope it was for the reader. Good luck with your writing. Wake up your Muse and tell her/him to get back to work. 🙂
Happy Birthday!
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Thanks, Diane – and cool to realise it’s my buffday. Muse continues to snooze – waiting for me to escape the rabbit warren.
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You can do it! Write and finish the story. There are several writers in the group who write that genre and can help you.
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I fear the story has died in the rabbit warren as I discovered some disturbing historical truths. If I find a way to relocate the story which is Slavic-specific – or create a new story/plot – I will submit something, Alex. But the deadline is soon.
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I’m sure my beta readers burst into tears when they see an email from me 😉 You can send me Azure Spark when it’s ready — you have my email address.
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We know how to scare them. Many thanks, Ronel for that offer to be scared. I will dig out your email and send Azure Spark.
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Received. Can’t wait to read it!
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Enjoy.
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You’ve proven our minds work in mysterious ways. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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That they do.
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I hope you get your anthology submission done! I tried to do one, got about 300 words into it, and said “nope, not going to work.”
I also hope you find some beta-readers for your story. I can’t right now, I’ve got too much on my plate. But I hope you find someone who fits well!
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I suspect my submission is stuck down the research warren due to disturbing discoveries.
Don’t worry about beta-reading – I’ve had some offers. I can understand how you are busy. (I still can’t find the missing word on your post.)
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You sound like a busy writer, and a creative one. I know what you mean about having the draggies, though. Sometimes we just don’t “feel” it, do we? Yet, I think, the urge to write is like a slow fever – it lulls, and over time fills to a high fever pitch. So cool when the thermometer shatters, eh? 🙂 Best to you!
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Busy with fever moments – April and November – and draggie-lulls. Thanks, Nosey.
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I’ll beta read for you, Roland. I might ask you to return the favour, mind!
jemima dot pett at btinternet you know the rest I hope.
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Many thanks, Jemima. Sent and favour will be willingly returned. Enjoy.
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You have been very busy. I am v pleased to see a line up of beta readers for you too.
In my (very limited) experience my characters know where they want/need to go, and are happy to take control.
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Only as busy as the MonSter allows, EC. Pleased to have those offers – just enough to tick that box.
Characters often know best.
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I hear you. The MonSter is a demanding beast – and doesn’t play nicely.
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It’s no respecter of days we need to get things done or want to chill. Like today.
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I am working on an anthology idea but keep hitting bumps. We are working launching Grumpy Old Gods Vol. 2 and getting Vol. 3 ready for September. Good luck with your stories. I look forward to reading. Happy IWSG day.
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Good luck and success with Grumpy Old Gods Vol 2., Juneta. And I hope your IWSG anthology idea comes to fruition.
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Chockful of worries this month, Roland! As I read through your list, I couldn’t help but agree with most. But, we persevere. We are writers.
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I agree you’re a writer, Jacqui. Right now, I’m just insecure and wading through IWSG posts that confirm it’s time to retire. LOL.
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I’m a sucker for rabbit holes. They provide a huge distraction (or excuse!) for me not to write or get much else done for that matter.
Wish I could help you, but these days I’m not committing to much of anything. Persist and you will do well.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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The trouble with rabbit holes is the wonderful facts we find, Arlee – often useless. However, I finally found the gem around which I can craft my story. Persistence as you say.
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A surprise villain – how quaint!
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The original villain worked out better as a red herring character, surprising the newbie writer. Now, I plot out such fishy bits.
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