Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for a news update.

First, I must remember to celebrate our 13^th Wedding Anniversary on May 14th.

Second, our house move may take longer than hoped. Some of the houses we were interested in, we can’t view yet as they are not ‘active’ in the market. Our realtor explained he gets fined $1,000 for each ‘inactive’ property he shows prospective buyers around. Maybe all our funds will be in place when we find the perfect home.

At least a delay gives my care team more time to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips… and then outside with trees and grass in a gated, over 55 community with amenities.

Until the move happens, gaming and writing keep my brain active and alive. Tomorrow, May the Force be with you.

Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun.  Next episode is due around June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’ However, first I’m working on another Ukraine piece to build on my April entry: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/

The June prompt presents a challenge.

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html

Slava Ukrayini

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Every month, IWSG announces 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. 

Remember, the question is optional!

May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Interesting question with at least two answers, depending on which story I’m working on:

1. Snowdon Shadows: Characters have inspired me as I wrote the various stories within my Snowdon Shadows world, especially my crime-fighting duo, Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai. However, other characters involved in their cases have proved inspirational in their own way.

[graphic]

Fevered Fuse, the first Snowdon Shadows novel, has seen this trend continue. Furthermore, I note another inspiring element – the setting, notably North Wales. In many ways, Snowdonia is another character.  Therefore, I chose ‘setting’ as another ‘inspirer’.

2. Freedom Flights: Events inspired my ongoing Ukraine saga, initially real-life events. Then those inspired the fictional events to develop the episodes within the saga. Again, the characters proved inspirational. However, when I come to link the present-day stories back to my initial World War II story, ‘Feathered Fire’, I will use real events woven within fictional ones… and characters. My intention is to work on these pre-2022 episodes during NaNoWriMo 2023.

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The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler,Ronel Janse van Vuuren,Meka James,Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Purpose: 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!

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 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!