#IWSG – Tradition or Superstition

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Take your pick. Or it’s habit which brings me back every first Wednesday to spin my way through the IWSG monthly blog post.

For that, I’m grateful the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh who created the Insecure Writer’s Support Group as they do such amazing things for writers, from the annual Anthology to friendly advice for all us vacillating writers. Many thanks, Captain Alex, for keeping me inspired to keep writing.

Not least for ensuring I wrote a crucial short, Feathered Fire.

Today brings us ever closer to the release of the new IWSG anthology, Voyagers: The Third Ghost on May 5, 2020. I can’t wait to see what other contributors have penned – the weekly interviews add to the anticipation.

I’ve already pre-ordered my copy – from the UK – and if you are tempted, 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

https://twitter.com/DancingLemurPre/status/1230480335625969666

Okay, before I lose the plot, IWSG day is here again – and so am I, attempting to ensure I clear the pre-publication Anthology hurdle.

Anyway, on to the monthly question which always creates such fascinating posts. Apologies in advance for the slow visits on my part – I’m still wading through the last IWSG-day backlog. Or are they last year’s posts?

March 4 question – Other than the obvious holiday traditions, have you ever included any personal or family traditions/customs in your stories?

All I could focus on at first were places where I grew up – like the farm which became a key setting for my debut novel. Forget that red herring.

Is going to church on Sunday a custom?


St Margaret’s Church, West Hoathly, district of Mid Sussex, West Sussex, England. An Anglican church founded in the 11th century. Listed at Grade I by English Heritage (IoE Code 302844). This view looks from the upper level of the terraced churchyard [towards my childhood home] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:The_Voice_of_Hassocks.

^*^

As children we went most Sundays, plus Easter and Christmas. We either walked with our governess to the local St Margaret’s Church, or drove with a parent to our family church, All Saints – both were Church of England (Anglican) and part of the united benefice of West Hoathly and Highbrook.

All Saints in Highbrook was founded in 1884, funded by two wealthy sisters, Frances Kirby and Caroline Weguelin, on land owned by the Clarke family and with stone from our quarry. Many of my ancestors are buried there including my mother, but not my father who is buried in a wood on the family estate. My parents were married at All Saints and so was I to my current wife as I was baptised there.

All Saints Church, Hammingden Lane, Highbrook, near West Hoathly, district of Mid Sussex, West Sussex, England. An Anglican church built in 1884 in a rural part of the district. Listed at Grade II by English Heritage (IoE Code 302817) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:The_Voice_of_Hassocks

^*^

Relevant?

Well, the MC in my North Wales police procedural series, Sparkle Anwyl is from a chapel-attending family. Her maternal grandparents are god-fearing, and she tries going to chapel every Sunday. But as her tad, Sergeant Marc Anwyl says, ‘crime never sleeps on the Sabbath’, so her attendance as an adult is erratic. However, there are scenes at two family graveyards in two different novels, and my mind did reflect on the times I attended family funerals at All Saints – and when I sat in the family pew inside.

Does that count? Two different countries but the same religion.

**

The awesome co-hosts for the March 4 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Lisa Buie-Collard,Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

(As always, you must agree these guys are the best. They all have commitments too – but they volunteer. Ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts too. Does coffee count?)

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.

27 thoughts on “#IWSG – Tradition or Superstition”

  8. For a heathen, I am awfully in love with high-church ceremonies :). And ancient church buildings. Yes, I think that those experiences of your childhood will be with you every time a character goes near a church! (My own Presbyterian/Methodist upbringing shows up from time to time when JJ MacGregor has to visit a church :D).

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  12. I’m grateful for all the comments and I apologise for not answering anyone – yet. I intend to but I’m chasing an invisible deadline. I’m trying to revise my WIP – Fevered Fuse – as some beta-readers came forward… and an editor gave me a great deal, when I am ready. Plus, I’m struggling with my health. But one day…………………………………….. 🙂

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  13. Dear Roland, thank you for another very interesting post, highlighting the Anthology, can’t wait … and your personal history with churches and how they are weaved into your novels. Love the churchyard. I always visit them during my stay in new locations (British villages, Rome, the Protestant one where Keats and Shelley are buried, Florence, Croatia, Malta, Africa, Paris has many …as does Toulouse). The one in New Orleans will make its way into my novel, I’m sure. Keep up with the backlog, you’ll get there eventually.

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