Apologies for my minimal presence in the writing community recently. This is an attempt at my monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post – with the usual raft of flimsy excuses.
The encouragement of the Ninja Captain avoids me missing a month as he’s such a stalwart follower. Without IWSG, my writing would be post-it notes. Thanks Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating the Insecure Writer’s Support Group where you can find better answers to this month’s challenging question.
I need to remind myself the question is optional, but why not attempt an answer.
December 2 question – Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?
In a normal year, November has led my output as NaNoWriMo has motivated me. Otherwise, the WEP/IWSG bi-monthly Challenges have kept me writing throughout the year. And I should thank all the fans of my Welsh police detectives, Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai, for keeping me ploughing on with my Snowdon Shadows tales. Book 1, Fevered Fuse, will appear one day.
However, this year has seen me struggle to be the writer I was.
NaNoWriMo: although I outlined a rough plot, I was unable to write more than a thousand words of my 2020 NaNoWriMo entry called ‘Lost Sheep’ – even with a premise linked to Sparkle Anwyl. But the plot is there as a Scrivener project, so perhaps that will be my 2021 NaNoWriMo entry.
WEP/IWSG: I started a novella with the February challenge, and ‘Custody Chain’ nears the conclusion after five chapters. Although this month’s challenge is now no longer a formal challenge, I’ve started writing the conclusion – despite my state of mind/health etc….
Distractions – Dungeons and Dogs and Depression.
How can I write when everything is falling apart? From the world to this country to my body.
In fact, I failed to read the other WEP/IWSG posts last month or finish answering comments. Well, I did hit ‘Like’ – and wrote one reply/apology for each recent post.
Okay, excuses over as I’m climbing out of the slough of despond, and writing again – well, a bit. However, January 31st looms and I must do my dreaded UK tax return – not writing in that month…except ‘writing it off’ as I do every year.
Somewhere, I must fit in getting ‘Fevered Fuse’ ready for professional editing….and I owe a beta read that’s overdue.
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The awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia,Sylvia Ney,Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!
How can I be repetitive asking you to agree these guys are the best? Especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available. They are truly the best.
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.
For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Writing Wings 
Hang in there! And if you want to have a buddy for writing in February, I’m hoping to be able to tackle my next novel that month, NaNo-style. This year’s NaNo wasn’t much for me, either.
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Thanks for the offer, Rebecca. I might need a buddy to get me through the editing prep. What about the beta read I owe you? Is it getting too late now?
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Never too late for the beta-input! As a matter of fact, I haven’t yet looked at the input from others, so you have time, if you have energy.
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OK, I will attempt to beta-read. It might be a better distraction from my depression – cozy and uplifting. First, I must post the WEP Challenge conclusion.
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Just keep stepping, figuratively, Roland. Even two steps forward and one back is progress. We’re right behind you, don’t forget that.
Do you do your tax return online? It should be getting easier as you shouldn’t have to wade through irrelevant pages any more. But I expect for a non-dom you have hoops to go through I don’t 🙂
Hugs xxx
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I do my taxes online, Jemima, and although I’m a US resident, HMRC and IRS allow me to just do one return – nothing too complicated. I used a family accountant to make that arrangement when I moved – one who knew all the complexities – and charged a fortune.
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It is lovely to see another post from you and to know that you are beating back the monster one painful step at a time. One very painful step at a time.
Huge hugs, empathy and sympathy are flowing your way.
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It’s a battle indeed against our mutual MonSter. My left leg is a constant painful reminder of that – aaahhh. Hope you are coping better. Hugs, blessings, and healing being sent to you.
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I didn’t go around to many blogs last month, either, for IWSG Day. I ended up returning comments two weeks later! This year has been crazy. I hope things get better for you!
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You were more active than me, Chrys. Here’s praying the crazy year heralds a better one for us all.
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I think we all can agree, 2020 has NOT been a normal year. While the disease itself has had very little affect on my life, the panic has made a huge impact. On my life, on my writing, on my everything.
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Far from normal, even without personal Covid problems. Glad it stayed clear of you – and pray it will stay clear – even if there as an impact. I have step-family working in care homes, so it’s been too close at times.
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I can relate to your woes. I’ve thought a lot about writing this past year, but dragging myself to do it is another thing. Hopefully you’ll get back in writing mode and start getting into a realm of great productivity. And me too.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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Thinking is a step in the right direction, Lee. Hopefully next year is productive for you as well – writing and music.
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Some days, all we can do is survive. It helps to remember to count our blessings. Someone will always be better off than us, but someone will always be worse off too. I hope you are able to enjoy the holidays, and some writing time. Merry Christmas!
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Survival is the starting point, Sylvia. And we have to count our blessings, both during this crisis and when others struggle in other ways. Merry Christmas to you too.
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Roland, firstly a huge virtual hug for the many challenges you struggle with – so sorry to hear that 2020 has added to them. Good to hear you’ve got ‘Lost Sheep’ plotted out in a Scrivener project – you’re well ahead of me there. Vaccine news has lifted my spirits somewhat after having to make the decision it was safer not to spend Christmas with my daughter & granddaughter. Tears shed & onward. Keep on keeping on m’dear, you’re one of the good guys – we need more like you.
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I fear, Debs, some of those challenges are of my own doing – but hug accepted. I’m hoping 2021 is more uplifting and can see the vaccine will help thousands. My problem is a poor reaction to vaccines – especially flu jabs – but then my life is even isolated without a lockdown.
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Sending more cyber-hugs, Roland. Hang in there. This year has been hard on everyone–social isolation is the worst. Just know you are not alone.
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Thanks Diane – hugs to you too. Let’s pray next year sees an improvement in the world situation for everyone.
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