As in previous months, I’ve been concentrating on one writing project, so I haven’t posted anything here since May’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post, Feedback. Well, not since yesterday’s apologetic Not #IWSG keyboard delay, which explains that I’ve been struggling with my keyboard as well as my health, which is why I am posting this a day late.

Also, we are selling our trailer home and moving in with my wife’s second son towards the end of June, which has consumed some of our time. When I create space, my writing has focused on revising my North Wales police procedural, Fates Maelstrom. My answer to this month’s question will touch on its origin.

For those following my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, that project remains on hold, except I keep abreast of the ongoing war daily.

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

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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!

June 3 question – Do most of your story ideas come from one place (the news, dreams, etc.) or do they hit from all over the place?

Mine hit from all over the place.

My current writing project is part of the Snowdon Shadows Mysteries, so I’ll start there. The clue is in the series title, as Snowdon is in North Wales. There are four books in the series, and all but one were inspired whilst living there. The main character, detective Sparkle Anwyl, appeared as a secondary character in the first draft of what was originally the first book, Fates Maelstrom, set on Dartmoor in the West of England. The plot grew from a conversation with a friend about police confusion when identical twins commit crimes.

I developed Sparkle through various short stories prompted by numerous suggestions, including some WEP/IWSG Challenges. As I assembled the stories, a linking plotline emerged, becoming Fevered Fuse, which chronologically is Book 1. Therefore, Fates Maelstrom is chronologically Book 2, so I’m writing a new outline to guide my current revision process. The inspiration for Book 3, Seeking A Knife, was research I did for my Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2015 theme of ‘The War of 1812’. Book 4, Ruined Retreat, arose from a retiree murder mystery suggestion from a neighbour in our residential park in North Wales.

I wrote the first draft of my Alternative History novel, Eagle Passage, after I asked, “What would have happened if Leif Eriksson had settled Vinland permanently in 1000 AD?” In fact, I initially answered the question in an entry for an IWSG Anthology competition, though it wasn’t among the winning entries.

However, my World War II story Feathered Fire, appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost and did lead to my present-day Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights. That IWSG Anthology competition theme inspired me to research Slavic mythology and World War II’s Night Witches.

 Ideas for earlier writings were not just prompts but events, such as The Tevis Cup, the ‘Ultimate Horsemanship Challenge’, which became the spark for Tortuous Terrain, the sequel to Spiral of Hooves. My health has also inspired a few stories, including The Last Leaf, a fantasy novella whose main character suffers like me from MS, Multiple Sclerosis.

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The awesome co-hosts for the June 3 posting of the IWSG areVictoria Marie Lees, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, andC. Lee McKenzie!

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!