For much of September, as in previous months, I’ve been concentrating on one writing project, so I have posted nothing significant here since the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post in September, Archetype.
However, Sunday’s gripe post, Frustration, summarises, in a rambling way, where I was at the beginning of this month. Perhaps getting that off my chest, to use a corny phrase, helped me feel more positive. Many thanks for your comments. Except more frustrations arrived today, starting with my Google Chrome browser.
On the home front, the bedsit-office is coming together more and more every day. Unfortunately, we had to let our carers go, as the expense was creating more problems for our limited budget.
Time remains the key actor in my writing. My health continues to demand drastic choices. Although I regret shelving my North Wales police procedural, Fates Maelstrom, I haven’t totally abandoned Sparkle Anwyl in my long-term dreams. In fact, my writing software, ProWritingAid, gave my original Snowdonia novel some interesting feedback. It suggested I should have persisted with it and gave me some valuable revision ideas.
Too late for now.
Unless I change direction again and abandon my current project.
Unlikely, as I’ve nearly finished revising my alternative history novel, Eagle Crossing. It’s been a chance to edit the second draft and create a detailed outline. I’ve just got the last three chapters to work on, plus a rewrite of the prologue. Set in 1000 AD, when Leif Erikson discovers Newfoundland, the Prologue explains why the Vikings stayed. But right now, the prologue is too long, and the major chapters set in 2020 should explain most of it. When I finish this revision, I would appreciate feedback before I move on to the next draft. Yes, I am feeling insecure.
However, I can’t abandon my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, which remains on hold, probably until there is a just peace, which brings an end to this horrendous war. Most days I try to keep up to date with the news from Ukraine.
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.
October 7 question – Many people are calling for writers who use AI to disclose it. Most who employ ghostwriters do not admit it – do you think authors who use ghostwriters should have to disclose that, too?
(Thanks Melissa Maygrove for the question!)
AI has concerned me for quite a while, though I never thought of it alongside ghostwriting. Then maybe there is an overlap if people are using either or both.
Sometimes I’m tempted to use a ghostwriter, or maybe just a writing partner. In fact, I used a writing partner many decades ago, but I let him down, and he finished our nonfiction political book on his own. I also considered a writing partner a few years ago, but he wanted both payment and credit for working on an existing draft novel. Maybe I was wrong about that in retrospect, as it was a reasonable agreement.
I have never used a ghostwriter, nor do I consider using one. I fully agree that authors should inform every reader about the involvement of a ghostwriter. That seems only fair.
As for the AI, I admit I use writing software that must have an AI element, not a ghost, but another editor other than myself. There was an interesting occasion the other day when a writer, a bogger friend, asked ChatGPT about his own website. It gave an incredibly detailed overview, demonstrating that AI had actually been reading and probably using his website to teach other AI models. Fortunately, the AI has scanned this site, but it doesn’t seem to find many interesting blogs from its perspective.
I’ve tried to answer the question in my rambling way. To summarize, yes, I think writers who use ghostwriters in the same way as they overuse AI, and vice versa, should admit it upfront to their readers, and that must mean to their publishers.
The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Liza at Middle Passages, JH Moncrieff, and Jemima Pett
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!
