The countdown has begun for the new IWSG anthology, Voyagers: The Third Ghost, coming May 5, 2020. I can’t wait to see what other contributors have penned. Whether my story works with the readers remains to be seen; selection was the first hurdle.
Review copies have been ordered, and the eBooks uploaded. These are the purchase links:
Amazon – Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857
ITunes – https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost
I will be posting more in forthcomings weeks and months—with links to other contributors’ blog posts as well.
UPDATE…STOP PRESS…NEWSFLASH: For the latest anthology news, visit the IWSG Anthologies blog at https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/
I’m grateful the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh created the Insecure Writer’s Support Group as they do such amazing things for writers, from the annual Anthology to the IWSG monthly blog post. Many thanks, Captain Alex.
And that IWSG day is here again – and so am I, less insecure after jumping that first Anthology hurdle.
Anyway, on to the monthly question which creates so many fascinating posts – apologies in advance for the slow visits on my part.
January 8 question – What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just “know” suddenly you wanted to write?
Do childish scribblings count? School projects? Storytelling with toys?
There were early cases, but my memory is foggy. There was a scribbled tale about a fox – stolen from an old book my father owned as a child.
However, I have a letter dated 6 August 1965 – when I was eleven – confirming I won a first prize in the Frog Navy Competition, which offered three days with the Royal Navy. To win, I wrote an essay on ‘A Day in the Life of a Helicopter Pilot’. That sounds factual, but with no family knowledge, it must have been a tad fictional. I believe my imagined pilot flew a rescue chopper.
Did I explore RN/RAF rabbit holes? Probably. But, like many boys of my age, I was fascinated by war stories so read about them in comics and books. I watched some old B&W films at school. I made model planes and boats. The latter included models from Airfix, and that was how I learnt about the competition.
My reading went beyond war, fortunately. History was not just fighting. Fantasy played a major role in the choice of books – and in what I wrote. My first draft novel – a lost manuscript – was fantasy. But it was my first proper job, as a sub-editor on The Field magazine, which triggered my debut equestrian mystery – even if it didn’t emerge until I retired four decades later.
Strange, it’s taken me 55 years to win again, and the latest story merges history and fantasy.
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The awesome co-hosts for the awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!
(You must agree these guys all have commitments too – but they volunteer. These are the best. 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 
So what was it like spending three days with the Royal Navy?
You are why the IWSG exists and I’m really glad you entered the anthology contest.
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A fun and eye-opening three days, Alex, that included a submarine visit, the Fleet Air Arm base in area, and a day sailing on a missile cruiser up the Channel. Thanks for your IWSG inspiration.
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That must have been a very special competition, Roland! I can’t recall anything that exciting in my childhood. And they must have been very impressed with your creativity. I don’t imagine they expectec children to have background knowledge anyway.
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Special memories too, Sue – and I have two official photos and the letter telling me about the win. I often wonder what I researched and what I created. I don’t remember even making a copy. My dad was in the Navy at the end of WWII but not near helicopters. By then he was a Lloyd’s Underwriter and wine importer.
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You were meant to write, Roland. Can you even imagine life if you weren’t writing? Happy IWSG Day. And happy New Year too.
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I’d be a farmer – perhaps. Writing seed catalogues?
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A big hooray for the Ninja Captain and the endless support and encouragement he provides.
And another hooray for your inclusion in the anthology.
And my third cheer for the day is for all writers. My heroes.
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Three cheers to our heroes then, EC.
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Dreams never die. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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They just evolve, Anna.
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So, you were a writer from way back, you just got a bit sidetracked along the way! I’m proud to have my story sharing space with yours!
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Proud too to be sharing with you too, Rebecca. As for the sidetracks, call them exploration.
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So easy to get distracted by life but you are still writing that is what counts. I’m a little late making the rounds. Happy IWSG!
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Distractions can excite, Juneta. The art is finding the balance with the writing.
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Oooh, a day with the Navy! Most of my encounters with the Navy have been underwater. I’ll leave that for another day!!
I’m looking forward to reading your story where it belongs – in the public eye!
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Three days with the Navy, and one was partly underwater, Jemima. We went inside a submarine moored at HMS Dolphin, the home of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.
As for my story, I’m so grateful to my three beta readers – you, Rebecca and Rebecca. I can’t wait for the public response. Will you spot the minor changes/edits/improvements?
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That is so exciting!
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As exciting as my debut novel six years ago, Damyanti – maybe better as it will sell.
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