I’m afraid. Afraid of what?
Afraid of the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post?
Afraid of worsening health issues? Afraid of what that means?
As I write the fifth draft on April 5th, I’m afraid of what my blood test for CLL (leukemia) on April 13th shows.
Am I afraid it’s worse?
Afraid of being more of a burden? Afraid my wife is suffering as well?
Afraid of being moved to a nursing home? Afraid of the alternative in a crowded trailer park?
Afraid of losing my dog? Afraid she’s not qualified to be a companion dog?
Afraid of the suffering as I live?
Afraid of death?
Maybe this recent post from Writers Helping Writers is a comfort… or a red herring:
Afraid of a legacy lost?
Afraid of minimal writing? Afraid of failing the April WEP/IWSG Challenge?
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2022.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Hard_Rain%27s_a-Gonna_Fall
Afraid for Ukraine? Yes, and I feel unable to help… beyond donating to…
Medecins Sans Frontieres: https://www.msf.org/
What would my fictional Ukrainians do – Kalyna and Vasy Chayka, the heroines of Feathered Fire?
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/p/voyagers-author-page.html
They fought the Nazis and fled from Stalin’s persecution.
So, their Canadian-Ukrainian granddaughters will fight Putin’s terror.
Rainbow Firebreak is in the pipeline.
I was afraid to tell the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh ‘ffarwel’. But not yet.
Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
As the question is optional, I’m not tempted to answer… beyond saying, “none so I listen to others”.
April 6 question – Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?
The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise – Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!
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 
Hope you don’t have too many of those less favorable alternatives come your way. Life always has something to offer. I prefer the more pleasant things, but the bad things are always out there waiting for us.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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Their granddaughters would blast him to bits! And then fly off into the sunset…
Sorry there are so many issues weighing you down. We do fear even though we know fear and worry won’t help a thing.
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Ah, very glad to get the email notification as I called earlier and it wasn’t up! Of course, I forgot you’re in Canada, with all the Welsh connections 🙂
I found a whole load of those Fear Thesaurus things seemed to apply to me, too, so don’t take them to heart. And I’m most afraid of my friends dying, and there are several in a rather parlous state at present. Sally Cronin’s tribute to Sue and Mary today was lovely, but didn’t help!
You just keep doing what you can and when you can. That’s enough. I’m taking a short break from WEP at present, but as I was happy with my writephoto offering this week, maybe I should focus my attentions on nature writing for a bit.
Lots of cwches from me. xxx
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Heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring are flowing your way.
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Hope there’s good reason for the fears to dissipate soon!
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Having just read this article, I urge you to read and listen to the new track from Pink Floyd in support of Ukraine: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/apr/07/pink-floyd-reform-to-support-ukraine
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Hi, Roland! I’m perpetually behind, but I haven’t given up. I hope that you receive encouraging news on the 13th. It breaks my heart to think of all that you are going through, but I admire your perseverance. None of us knows what will happen in the next minute, hour, or day. All we can do is keep moving forward. I wish you lots of love as you move forward. It sounds like you have an amazing wife. I try to remember when I snap at Terry over something meaningless that I nearly lost him in a heartbeat a year ago. I care about you, as do lots of others. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending you a big hug!
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As always, Roland, you leave me in awe & admiration of your determination and courage. I hope the news on the 13th is of the better variety. Another big hug coming your way from here.
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Oh, I am looking forward to reading the new story! I loved your sisters in “Feathered Fire”.
Hang in there. Your writing, however slow and painful, does bring pleasure to your readers.
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While we all know worrying doesn’t help, it’s sure understandable. You’ve been going through a rough patch for such a long time. I admire your perseverance throughout the years. The older we get (even without disabling illness) makes us think about the end of life. I have to believe there is something better beyond this. Hugs to you and your wife.
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Fear is natural, and courage is not its absence, but the ability to prevail against fear. So sorry you have all these apprehensions hemming you in. I hope you’re in a better mindspace soon. Take care. Sending good vibes from across the oceans.
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It’s impossible to live without fear. There are so many crazy terrible things going on in this world to fill us all with fear. All we can do is saddle up and ride out anyway (to semi-quote John Wayne) and hope and pray that things will get better. I hope things get better for you soon and that you get some good news.
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