This is the third Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024, so I’m still attempting to avoid repeating the usual gripes and writing failings. I’m aiming to steer away from …boring.

Not so brief, then, my health continued its erratic decline, including one day of dramatically ejecting what I ate. I dismissed the convenient suspicion of attempted poisoning… even if our departing aid company tried to mess up even our last few days. Due to the company’s inefficient scheduler/manager, over the last few weeks, our best aids kept being forced to leave. When our favourite aid, Shaunna, quit, we found ourselves an infinitely better company, Visiting Angels… who live up to their name. We did manage to say ‘hasta la vista’ to our best aids, and at least two were there on my nauseous day.

And Shaunna promises to stay in touch as a friend… of ours and our dogs.

On the writing front, the revision of Fevered Fuse may soon be complete as I’m working on the last 20 pages. However, I fear my editor might find things still need attention. My eyes are taxing me more and more, so I worry about how much more is achievable… a problem, as my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, is still ongoing. I’m not even sure when Episode 18 will be written.

However, ending on an upbeat note, my wife Juanita just celebrated her ‘27^th’ birthday on March 1^st, St David’s Day, as noted in my last post. Not only did her family visit bearing gifts, but also some of my ace aids brought flowers, chocolates, and cake. Shaunna even brought balloons and cooked a celebratory meal.

And I haven’t forgotten this photo of the two ‘forever’ roses I gave Juanita… red for Valentine’s Day and periwinkle for her birthday. What colour should I choose for our Anniversary on May 14th? Rainbow?

Slava Ukrayini

**

Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or a 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!

March 6^th question: Have you “played” with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI’s impact on creative writing?

I was hoping to answer ‘yes’ and then give an AI synopsis a crash test. But although I use Grammarly regularly, I’ve not played with its Synopsis setting in the Generative AI… yet.

Going that route might save my eyes.

I’m not sure AI won’t create too many formulaic rip-offs of better-crafted books, flooding an already competitive market. Or perhaps I’m being too pessimistic, and instead, it will help some of us avoid our misteaks 😉

Sorry for my brevity.

**

The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Kristina Kelly, Miffie Seideman, Jean Davis, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

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 our 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!