Time for the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post and my latest news on the writing front.
First Fevered Fuse, which came back from my London-based editor friend early December with some invaluable suggestions on improvements. Hopefully, her input is not wasted as I struggle to absorb her thoughts and finish my first Snowdon Shadowspolice procedural. My declining health is eating into my productive time.
Will I notch up a major regret by not reaching the submission stage?
Which brings me in pained doggedness onto the monthly question, so please prepare for more weirdness (Also, be warned – some of this post is copy & paste so apologies.
But first I must thank the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh for all he does – and thanks for creating the Insecure Writer’s Support Group without whom my writing would be non-existent…and every post might be ‘farewell’.
And thanks to all those whose encouraging comments ensure I scribble onwards. Apologies for failing to reply to every comment. I try at least to press ‘like’ when I’ve read them. I do attempt an all-inclusive answer sometimes.
Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site, and to read better answers to this month’s intriguing question.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Although the question is optional, I’m again tempted to answer.
January 5 question – What’s the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?
“Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are, “It might have been.”
Kurt Vonnegut
―
A: Not persisting with an invaluable copy/developmental/substantive edit of my second draft novel.
Okay, I’ll explain – in a rambling way as that was the cryptic answer – as usual.
Back in 2012/2013, I completed the third draft of Wyrm Bait, the first novel in the ‘Gossamer Flames’ cyber-mystery series set against the world of online gaming. Some friends helped me get the manuscript edited substantively by a well-respected editing firm in the UK. Their feedback was extensive and should have led to a much improved fourth draft, albeit with a recommended new POV for part of the novel.
However, I baulked at what felt like a massive task, and put the project in cold storage. But I did draft a sequel and various saga style shorts linked to the gaming world, as well as visiting the ‘world building’ for my 2014 Blogging from A to Z posts. Yet so far I haven’t made proper use of that substantive edit.
A major regret.
Now there’s Snowdon Shadows my police procedural series, and my fear that the edit of Fevered Fuse will lead to a second major regret – if I can’t rise above my current depression and pain,
Yet I keep wanting a second novel acceptance. Am I letting my readers down if I fail to commit to more hard graft?
Put your head down and work hard. Never wait for things to happen, make them happen for yourself through hard graft and not giving up.
—
Gordon Ramsay
**
The awesome co-hosts for the January 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Olga Godim, Sandra Cox, Sarah Foster, and Chemist Ken!
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.
For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Writing Wings 
You just write what you can when you can and on what inspires you at the time. Worry about what all you could’ve written means you won’t write any of it.
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I think your case especially calls for a strong command of “don’t look back.” Actually, none of us can change the past, so what’s the use of regretting what we didn’t do? Your illness makes it maybe a sharper poke about what you may or may not be able to do, but you can’t take that as a personal failing. That you continue at all is justification for that MS Warrior badge you have up there!
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Some great advice in those quotes. Regrets should amount to no more than passing reflections in occasional moments and not stumbling blocks that keep us from moving forward.
Even if I don’t do all that well, I don’t ever want to be accused of just giving up. I don’t want to give up. But I do tend to slow down a lot.
Have a great year ahead.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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Do what you can, when you can. Regrets take energy – energy you/we don’t have to spare.
Hugs.
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Whatever you decide to do, you will not let your readers down. Yes, they will have regrets if you aren’t able to finish it, but they will regret it more if you drive yourself so hard that it is just too much for you. And is it ‘novel acceptance’ or finishing the novel that is more important to you?
Of course, I’m speaking as an indie publisher, not a professional writer turned novelist. I appreciate there’s a difference.
May your spare time be filled with the joy of creativity, not the fear of letting people down.
Love ❤ ❤
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Keep marching onward as you can and care for yourself as you need.
The Warrior Muse
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Write what you can, when you can. That’s all you can do. No regrets.
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Argh, you understand my pain! I always feel guilty if I let a story go without a more substantive edit. There are a few I keep promising I’ll come back to…someday…when I have more time!
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I agree with what the others said. Don’t torture yourself with what you should’ve done. Instead, be proud of what you’re doing, when you’re doing it, often against the odds.
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