Another month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post, so I’m back hunting & pecking keys. I’m also having issues scrolling my mouse, so health issues dictate. Therefore, like the two or three previous IWSG pieces, this post will be assembled over time – please bear with the jumble.

No change with progress on Fevered Fuse – and other writing. Sorry, I’m sounding like a stuck record or something.

Anyway, I’ve tapped out a few thoughts for the next bi-monthly WEP/IWSG Challenge flash – another Sparkle & Kama incident. Due June 16^th-18^th with art inspired prompt ‘Great Wave’, so I’m going with some storm surge inspired ideas. Check out more on the flash theme here:

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2021/05/wep-2021-continues-artistic-inspiration.html

Writing even briefly about my Welsh duo should ensure my mind stays focused on Fevered Fuse even if that’s all. There’s no sign of a co-author – but some avenues might be emerging.

1^st Avenue Approach.

I remembered that two of the editors I used previously were part of two different groups of writers. So, I’ve approached them about my search for a co-author. One is connected to a publishing company and a collective of writers. The other runs a writers’ group and put me in touch with my key diversity beta reader. Perhaps, one will produce something.

2^nd Avenue Approach.

My family seemed like a dead end, until I remember a cousin was married to a book abridger. I mentioned that to my brother, who is in regular contact with them. However, he said a better option was another cousin who is a writer. Anyway, he will approach both and give them my details. So, maybe that avenue will yield something.

Mind break I.

I’m back at the keyboard, attempting to address the main reason I’m here – the monthly IWSG post.

First, thanks to the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh for all you do – and thanks for creating the Insecure Writer’s Support Group without whom my writing would be non-existent…and March’s post might have been ‘farewell’.

Second, my thanks to all those whose encouraging comments ensure I scribble onwards.

Anyway, don’t forget to visit real writers via the IWSG site, and for better answers to this month’s challenging question.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Although the question is optional, I’m again tempted to answer.

June 2 question – For how long do you shelve your first draft, before reading it and re-drafting? Is this dependent on your writing experience and the number of stories/books under your belt?

In the beginning – in the last century – I suspect I never shelved my attempts at writing anything. Certainly, as a journalist, I was forever juggling/chasing deadlines, so read throughs, editing, revisions, etc., rarely involved shelving.

Anyway, the shelf life of journalistic scribbles was usually short.

Unlike my fictional opuses – or should that be opera? Tragedy? Historical?

When I wrote my first completed novel, Spiral of Hooves, I shelved it for a couple of months on the advice of the writing group I belonged to – Tunbridge Wells and District Writers Circle.

Mind break II.

That approach worked for me – even if I rewrote the novel multiple times, even abandoning certain plotlines in the first draft. In fact, the novel got shelved so many times – for various reasons – that it took 13 years for Spiral of Hooves to be published. Even then, I needed to make revisions for the second edition – the first paperback version.

From then on, I continued the habit of shelving or ‘marinading’ first and subsequent drafts of novels and shorts for as long as possible, sometimes even six months. I even put my posts on the ‘shelf’ overnight as my mistakes/improvements are revealed on a ‘fresh’ reading.

Whether this works like quality wine, I’m unsure. Maybe, when I revisit some of my older/other projects – like Eagle Passage  – I’ll either recognise a potential vintage or a bottle of vinegar.

Mind break III.

Suffice to say, the sequel to Spiral of Hooves – Tortuous Terrain – might surprise me as well. Well, it is partially set in the US state where I live – Idaho.

But first comes where my heart is: Wales and Snowdon Shadows.

And that depends on a co-author. Shelved surprise or cryogenic legacy?

Watch this space.

 Synopsis – Starters – Side-lined – Shelved – Spirals – Surprises

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The awesome co-hosts for the June 2 posting of the IWSG are J Lenni Dorner,Sarah Foster,Natalie Aguirre,Lee Lowery, and Rachna Chhabria!

How can I be repetitive asking you to agree these guys are the best? Well, they are – 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.

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.

Overnight Marinade.

For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html