Although I knew February’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post was approaching, I’ve been having eye problems, which have made it hard to clear my writing desk. So, I’ve delayed the next episode of my Ukraine saga,  Freedom Flights.

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

Since my January IWSG post, I’ve been posting Fevered Fuse, the first of my Snowdon Shadows novels featuring Sparkle Anwyl, in serial form. Links to each post can be found via my updated Snowdon Shadows page on the left-hand sidebar.

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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!

February 4 question – Many writers have written about the experience of rereading their work years later. Have you reread any of your early works? What was that experience like for you?

After my number one reader, Rebecca Douglass, gave the opening three chapters of ‘Fates Maelstrom’ her seal of approval, I continued to revise what was originally the first of the Snowdon Shadows series, until various Sparkle Anwyl shorts evolved into ‘Fevered Fuse’, now chronologically first.

As a result, I reread the other draft books in the series to see whether they matched the openers. A worthwhile exercise, especially as they don’t follow events in the first two books. Otherwise, my reaction was a mixture of surprise at how my writing had changed, surprise at some of my plot twists, and uneasiness over how much needed reworking. One common element, even in the draft of ‘Fates Maelstrom’ I’m revising, is Sparkle’s relationships with romantic partners.

In ‘Fevered Fuse’, someone emerges who should be in every sequel but isn’t. Yet I created that special someone in a short story after drafting those other novels, and since I’ve made them a central character alongside Sparkle. Instead, there will be rivals for Sparkle’s affection, demanding I change the plot in the other books to retain their role

Last year, I also reread drafts of other novels. It was interesting, as there were a few of them that I regretted abandoning, when another idea dragged me in a new direction. Some were written for NaNoWriMo; others were developed as sequels to earlier drafts. The aim was not just to see if my writing had improved, as I still don’t feel it has. But ultimately, I needed to decide which novel to focus on, given my age and health. Today, bedbound with a fractured leg, aching back, stomach pains, and multiple sclerosis & CLL, any time feels precious.

Although my decision is made – Fates Maelstrom – there were two close contenders. ‘Tortuous Terrain’, the US-based sequel to my only published novel, Spiral of Hooves, but, despite the plotline, the lack of sales and mixed reviews for Spiral of Hooves deterred me.

The other was my Alternative History, Eagle Crossing, which grew out of the question, “What would have happened if Leif Eriksson had settled Vinland permanently in 1000 AD?”, spawning a short story, then the draft novel and its related Viking Age history from 1000-2020. Maybe another short story is possible.

From longships to airships: The Norwegian Viking ship Draken Harald Hårfagre sailing outside Greenland – http://www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com/ (L) & https://aeroscraft.com/ (R).

Until then, North Wales and Ukraine will rule my writing.

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The awesome co-hosts for the February 4 posting of the IWSG are J Lenni Dorner, Victoria Marie Lees, and Sandra Cox!

Finally, don’t forget to visit other writers via the IWSG site for their invaluable insights on writing:

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!