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, although a chunk less as I scheme ahead to NaNoWriMo.
Last month, I was meant to be submitting my Pitch Wars 2019 submission. The required query letter, one-page synopsis, and the first chapter of my completed manuscript seemed achievable by the September 25th-27th deadline. But I was unsure if I had a “completed and polished full-length, fiction manuscript”. I decided it was incomplete and ‘dusted’ more than ‘polished’.
So, what started as an insecure month, evolved into a decisive plan to revise ‘Fevered Few’. The short stories at its heart are becoming episodes and memories driving the main story. And I’m working on a new way to open this renewed novel, now called ‘Fevered Fuel’ and slated for its rewrite as my 2019 NaNoWriMo project.
Anyway, on to the IWSG monthly question.
October 2 question – It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
Are any ideas new and original?
All writers borrow from others in some measure. Even Shakespeare borrowed – retold tales. Like others, he built on the past weavings of different storytellers – ancient Greek playwrights, medieval histories, and folklore. Can’t we do the same?
For me, reading is like settings and people – enjoyable fuel for the little grey cells.
All this feeds and inspires my writing about Detective Sparkle Anwyl of the North Wales Police/Heddlu Gogledd Cymru – and other scribblings and scratchings.
I’d like to believe Sparkle is unique, but I know she has loaned traits and actions from others. Perhaps, she will inspire someone herself.
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The awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
(I have to admit how much I admire these guys as I know they have commitments too – like Ronel’s recent release. Ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts too.)
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 
Tales have been borrowed for centuries.
Sorry you didn’t submit to Pitch Wars, but it was probably a good call.
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I noted your advice last month, Alex, but on re-reading my draft the decision was ‘get it right first’.
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Well said, Roland. I like that–‘dusted instead of polished’. I can relate to that!
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Too easy to rush into submission, Jacqui.
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You are absolutely right borrowing is part of it.
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The art is borrowing without plagiarising, Juneta.
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I admit the more I read the more inspired I feel. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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That’s what I feel.
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This reader thanks all writers. I am predominantly a reader but firmly believe that writers NEED to be readers as well.
Good luck with your work. I hope the dread disease backs off and allows you to play.
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Thanks EC. The MonSter is playing ball most days, although I’m always behind.
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Dusted rather than polished. I like that. Maybe that’s what my house was missing – polish.
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We need to get the Pledge or beeswax out, Jemima.
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Good luck with the rewrites! And Sparkle is awesome 🙂
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Glad you feel Sparkle is awesome, Ronel, as I intend to keep writing about her.
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Sometimes we need to take a break from writing and just rest a bit. Reading is a great way to relax.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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Breaks after as fine as wine, Arlee – but no whine. Reading is always essential in my life.
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Well said. Reading is essential. Writing is, too—I hope never have to choose between the two (hmm… idea for a horror story…). I like your “dusted vs. polished” metaphor for readiness for the pitch. One day I hope to have something at the right stage for that, to actually try to land an agent.
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A horror story sounds tempting -a Halloween Treat. And Rebecca, I hope the polishing goes well and you’re ready soon.
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Hi Roland. Yes, Shakespeare didn’t have too many ORIGINAL ideas, but he did great with the Histories etc that he sourced for his story ideas. Totally agree we do the same. There’s no copyright on ideas, just on the way you write them.
See you at WEP soon?
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And sometimes, Denise, Shakespeare’s history was somewhat political. But that comes from writing for the victors. See you at WEP for some bloody treats.
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So true, Roland! Thanks for sharing your insight with IWSG writers. It’s appreciated more than you know. All best to you, sir.
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I suspect my follow-up comments on other IWSG writers’ sites are more insightful, Victoria – but thanks for the encouragement.
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Yes, you hit it exactly. Reading is fuel for our own stories, that’s how I feel too.
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And the trick is using the right fuel and not too much. As you know, Olga.
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Can’t wait to have a peek at Fevered Fuel. Sounds exciting. No need to rush into submitting. Enjoy the baby, before spilling the bath water….
Shakespeare, that rare fiend of a thief … if you improve on, you’re not stealing .
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I’m excited by Fevered Fuel, Susan, but I’m not rushing it. As you say, no need to rush into submitting. As long as I don’t create yet another Sparkle novel to launch the potential series – originally, the first book was Fates Maelstrom.
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Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sorry it took so long for me to reply; life gets hectic sometimes.
Best of luck with Fevered Fuel. Probably a good call not to do Pitch Wars. I’m not much into Nano but I know it’s helped so many writers. Best of luck with that as well.
If there are any original ideas, they kind of sound like something I’ve already heard (wink wink).
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My IWSG backlog from last month is still there so understand your situation, Toi. NaNo has become an annual habit, even if I sometimes revise drafts rather than write yet another new story. Can’t have me pretending to emulate Shakespeare 😉
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