This month’s piece for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post is again a challenge because of the problems arising from my bedridden state, especially my injured leg… although it is healing.
Meanwhile, during November, I first managed to write my next present-day Ukraine story, titled Embedded, which I will post before the WEP/IWSG flash due by December 15th.
I also took part in NaNoWriMo, writing Embedded, and some more Ukraine historical stories to fill part of the period between 1944 and 2022. The proposedFreedom Flights collection will open with my 1944 World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the two Ukrainian Chayka sisters and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
I managed to write three stories showing how the Chayka sisters reached the West, settled in Canada, and then helped found the aviation business, which will lead two of their granddaughters to fight for their motherland from 24th February 2022 onwards.
My December flash will be my final 2022-23 WEP/IWSG Challenge, as sadly there will be no more Challenges. Many thanks, WEP team for all the writing inspiration over the years I have taken part in your Challenges.
However, I intend to continue writing episodes until, I pray, a just peace with reparations has been reached. Then, that will be a perfect conclusion to the Freedom Flights collection.
Congratulations to everyone else who rose to the NaNoWriMo Challenge in November 2023.
Slava Ukrayini
**
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! December 6 question: Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book review do you review for the Reader or the Author? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?
The short answer is my reviews tend to be for the reader and refer to my reading experience.
However, I also give each book a star rating: E.G:- Story – five stars; Setting/World-building – five stars; Characters – five stars; Authenticity – five stars; Structure – five stars; Readability – five stars; Editing – five stars. This gives me more flexibility in the body of the review to explore different elements, including critiquing the author, constructively.
I lean toward guiding the reader as to choosing good reads, although making it clear I have genre preferences. Therefore, my reviews tend to be reader-centric, with additional comments that could help the author.
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!
This month’s piece for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post is a challenge for two reasons. (1) as in the title and November’s optional question; and (2) the problems arising from my bedridden state, especially my injured leg. The injury is taking a while to heal, compounded by some pro-carers making abrupt adjustments to the leg.
Meanwhile, during October, I managed to write my next Ukraine story. But as the war drags on, there are many issues I need to address. So, I’ve introduced a new character to interact with my Night Witches in another extra episode, titled Embedded, before the WEP/IWSG flash due in December.
If you want to read the October episode, with a Halloween theme, go to:
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!
November 1 question: November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?
Although I first joined NaNoWriMo on November 3rd, 2011, I have no official record of what I tried to write that month… although this website implies it was The Last Leaf. So, my first recorded attempt was in November 2012, when I wrote 54,817 words, which became the first draft of Wyrm Blood.
50k words is the target set by NaNoWriMo, so a measure of success… a win. As well as my 2012 success, I also ‘won’ five more times between 2013 and 2018, only missing 2014, when I didn’t start anything. However, in November 2015, I wrote 70,274 words, my largest ever NaNoWriMo count. This was towards Fates Maelstrom, a novel I started in 2012, but relocated to North Wales, so it could feature an early version of Detective Sparkle Anwyl. https://rolandclarke.com/2015/11/12/sparkle-anwyl-sleuth-or-sidekick/
I have not taken part since 2018, due mostly to my health, and to having unfinished projects. Those include my Ukraine stories.
Although I’m aware that 50k is a count too far this year, I will attempt to write some more Ukraine historical stories to fill the period between 1944 and 2022. The proposedFreedom Flights collection will open with my 1944 World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the two Ukrainian Chayka sisters and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
I then propose to add stories which explain how the Chayka sisters settled in Canada and founded the aviation business, which encourages two of their granddaughters to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1988. Although the original Chayka sisters were still alive to celebrate Ukrainian independence in December 1991 (aged 69/59), they died when Putin annexed Crimea in March (aged 92/82). As soon as they leave the RCAF, the granddaughters vow to fight for their homeland.
So, when Russia invades Ukraine on 24th February, the granddaughters enlist, thus launching the current series of my 2022-23 WEP/IWSG Challenges. The Challenges which I pray will include a just peace, will conclude the Freedom Flights collection.
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!
Although I’d finished this WEP/IWSG Challenge entry last week, fate intervened on Thursday evening when my left leg was badly twisted while I was being repositioned in my bed. It’s now painful and harder to do many things. Editing and posting this has been a struggle. But determination won through.
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, this present day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
Blurb: Chaos from the shadows delivers a crippling blow to the Night Witches.
Part 13 – Masked Nemesis
2023
Friday September 22nd – CAF Fort York Armoury, Toronto, Canada
As students and teachers from St. Demetrius Ukrainian school responded to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Slava Ukrayini by singing the Ukrainian anthem, Marko Holub and Leonid Sokol joined others singing along and waving Ukrainian and Canadian flags.
1,000 people were gathered in the Canadian Armed Forces facility, a chance for everyone to reaffirm their commitment to freedom.
“Canada trains our guys, our soldiers, our warriors,” said Zelenskyy. “Canada gives weapons to Ukraine to move forward to push back Russia. I thank you for this. Thank you all.”
Marko leant towards Leonid, whispering, “Let’s pray the support brings peace soon—”
“—without more senseless sacrifices.”
Zelenskyy added words of hope for the inspired throng. “The day will come when we gather at a similar place in Ukraine, many people, millions, cheering crowds, blue and yellow flags and Maple Leaf flags. Whole Ukraine will say, thank you … Canada.”
Tuesday October 3rd – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border, Ukraine
Responding to a nighttime wave of Russian missile attacks across Eastern Ukraine, the two Witches MiG-29 flights were deployed from Kalyniv.
Vasy’s four Green jets intercepted some cruise missiles east of Lviv. All incoming targets were destroyed, so the flight continued patrolling east of the city.
Meanwhile, Maryna’s Sable flight went further north to intercept missiles launched from bombers over the border. Again, all were destroyed, and patrol guarded the northern approaches.
However, with the airfield’s defenses reduced, Kalyniv became the target.
“We can’t recall our planes,” said Bohdana to her fellow mechanics, “but we can warn them if the runway is destroyed.”
A MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 9 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, while strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)
“And we need to clear any rubble now.”
While the controller warned the flights, the mechanics ensured the runway was serviceable.
**
As Sable flight approached the base, Maryna attempted to contact control without success.
While her three wing sisters circled above, she flew low over the airfield.
“Some buildings have been hit including control, but the runway is intact so we can land.”
The flight followed her in, but then chaos ensued.
Saturday October 7th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
“Have we traced everyone?” asked Kalyna. “Vasy wants to return.”
“We’ve told her the runway will be clear tomorrow,” said Maksym Bondarenko. “As long as we can still transport the three wrecked MiGs here.”
Mariyka Shevchuk replied, “We’re ahead of schedule so can start another rebuild next week.” She paused before asking, “How bad… is the damage. Who—”
“Was killed? Only one pilot… although some groundcrew died trying to save their pilots.” He hesitated, then added, “All three planes were heavily damaged as you will see…”
Sensing Maksym was struggling with whatever he’d seen, Mariyka said, “We’ll rebuild, for all those who gave their lives for Ukraine.”
He raised his head, then said, “Here and hundreds on the front. Other than the three groundcrew, two other pilots were severely burnt… Their burns are so extensive, we can’t identify them… until we test DNA plus dental records from Canada. Or if either come out of coma—”
He was shaking as he spoke, so Kalyna continued, “I know other than Green Flight, only Sergeant Katia Antonov is the conscious survivor of the disaster that destroyed Sable Flight and much of Kalyniv Airfield.”
“Exactly. Sergeant Antonov and the nine surviving groundcrew described the Russian missile and rocket attack. It seemed targeted, and there is evidence of a collaborator… who we will unmask.”
Thursday October 26th – Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center, Lviv, Ukraine
Vasy sat between the two bandaged pilots, who remained in their comas. However, the Canadian medical records had arrived, so their identities would be revealed.
Katia Antonov came into the room with the burn specialist.
“Tragically,” said Katia, “DNA and dental records confirm my wing-sister Aleks Vanov was killed in the third plane…” She paused to close her eyes and cross herself. “…as I feared.”
Vasy stood, then embraced her wing-sister.
“So, these must be Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Sergeant Iryna Kovalenk. Doctor, when will you remove their bandages.”
The doctor examined them, then said, “In a week, but we must pray their comas lift. Then the rehabilitation may take months.”
Tuesday October 31st – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
“Will they fly again?” asked Mariyka. “Flying was their passion.”
Kalyna reached a hand over, then replied, “We will ensure they can, after treatment. Let’s hope we’re at peace by then. This war has cost too many lives.”
“Lives we’ll remember as we celebrate Veles night,” said Agnieszka, as she laid empty places for departed loved ones on a table under a poster for ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.
More guests arrived, including an unexpected group with Maksym and Vasy. They came over to Kalyna’s table.
As the cousins embraced, Kalyna said, “A welcome surprise. Did everyone leave Kalyniv?”
“All. Although the collaborator was arrested, the attacks continued,” replied Vasy. “As the runway is dangerous to maintain, Air Command West will move us to another base.”
“However, I bring other tragic news,” said Maksym. “Sergeant Iryna Kovalenk died overnight…” He closed his eyes, then crossed himself.
“I’ve agreed with her family,” said Vasy, “that Chayka can send her body home to Canada. Our other wing-sister, Maryna, is out of her coma and responding well to treatment. However, we have yet to tell her that her partner, Bohdana Shvets, died saving her in the attack.”
While Agnieszka extended their table and laid extra places, Maksym introduced the newcomer in their group.
“This is Jane Wetherby, a British journalist, whom ACW has approved to write an in-depth Night Witches feature.”
“I look forward to being embedded with you brave ladies.”
Once all the guests had arrived, Mariyka stood.
“Departed friends and ancestors, come to us, tonight’s meal is for you. Squadron and guests give thanks to those who gave us life, remember their good deeds, and honor their memories.”
Everyone stood, then shouted, “Slava Ukrayini.“
Among them, all the departed spirits shared their power, yearning for a peaceful resolution.
**
FCA 1004 words
Slava Ukrayini
Apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments or struggle to visit all your posts.
Please, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
This month’s piece for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post almost didn’t happen. Last Friday, the internet company we are changing to laid a cable in advance of installing a modem etc. on Monday. However, the company we were leaving cut off all their services early, so for three days, including the weekend, we had no internet, phone, or security cameras. Added problem was my laptop runs on cloud so it wouldn’t save any work whatever I did. Come Monday, and the old company claimed everything was restored… but it wasn’t.
Fortunately, the new internet provider installed their equipment in time to work on this post.
Over the weekend, I was able on the writing front, to plan my next Ukraine story. As the war is dragging on and many issues are coming to the fore, such as impending elections, I will be taking a different tack with my Night Witches. I will be back with my new WEP/IWSG Ukraine historical short soon – Halloween theme – as the next episode is due around October 18th to 20th, 2023.
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!
October 4 question: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?
AI means artificial insemination to me as a retired equestrian journalist and having worked in the dairy industry.
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!
This month’s piece for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post might be somewhat different as we’re being forced to discuss my care with the company covering the days my hospice don’t come. Their coordinator who books the aids is unhappy with the state of our home. Yet the aids have never complained about anything to us. And our puppy has learnt to poop outside, not in the house. However, we’ve got rid of one aid after she tried to push me up using my right leg – injuring it, which hasn’t healed after two weeks. So, we’re not happy with the company either, especially as they keep sending different aids.
On the writing front, Ukraine is still my writing priority. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just Peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. For NaNoWriMo in November, I plan to write some stories connecting my IWSG Anthology WW2 historical fantasy and my modern WEP/IWSG pieces. This Ukraine collection, ‘Freedom Flights’, will be assembled over the winter – fellow IWSG anthology contributor, Rebecca Douglas, has offered to help me – many thanks to her.
I will be back with my WEP/IWSG Ukraine Night Witches historical shorts soon as the next episode is due around October 18th to 20th, 2023.
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!
September 6 question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?
I attempted to write my first IWSG post ten years ago, in 2013, having encountered the group a few months earlier. As I didn’t answer that month’s question, I didn’t claim that as an IWSG post. Although today I would, as it was an insecure confession.
IWSG has kept me writing for ten years…although not always the project I began a few months earlier. However, the enthusiasm and encouragement of other IWSG members has inspired my creativity. Although I haven’t finished more than a few drafts of the projects from 2013, I’m on the final revision of my police procedural ‘Fevered Fuse’, and my Ukraine collection ‘Freedom Flights’ will be my 2024 aim.
Although there have been curve balls leading to direction changes in my writing, IWSG has ensured I have never given up for more than a month or two. Yes, I have had insecure moments, but there are always some IWSG members who have helped me push on through the block… especially the inspirational Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
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!
Although this WEP/IWSG August Challenge entry attempts to echo ongoing events, I’ve had to stray down the fictional path more than usual. Also, it’s hard to know what’s actually happening as much of the military information is restricted. However, it’s clear that there is much more bloody fighting to come, and more sacrifices
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, this present day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
Blurb: The Night Witches taste from the past and discover new delights
Part 12 Chocolate Pots
2023
Friday, August 4th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
The six Sukhoi Su-24 landed in quick succession and were then parked in the last vacant revetments.
English: Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-24M at Starokonstantinov
As the male pilots marched towards the waiting officers, Vasy Chayka said, “They’re wearing 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade patches like us. Were any disrespectful of our Witches?”
Colonel Maksym Bondarenko smiled, then said, “Maybe before being assigned to protect your airfield near Lviv.” He stopped as the Sukhoi flight commander approached and saluted.
“Kapitan Andriy Pavlenko reporting for F-16 training of the first flight from the 41st Tactical Aviation Brigade. We are honored to be at the Polish School of Eagles.”
“Although the University are our host,” said Maksym, “the F-16 trainers were all obtained by the 2022 Night Witches. We also have permission from the Polish Air Force to train in their air space with other NATO air units.”
Kapitan Pavlenko blushed as he overtly stared when a tall blonde Polish officer stepped towards him.
“I am Major Klaudia Smolak. I will be your flight’s F-16 trainer. We start at 14.00. Don’t be late.”
**
Andriy knew the stern major was testing him and probably knew he had insulted some Witches in that Lviv restaurant. She’d left before telling him where to meet, but he’d chanced talking to one of the Night Witch commanders.
“Major Chayka, my apologies for any past indiscretion towards your pilots.”
“Forgiven. I presume you need directions, so you make the right impression on your deceptive trainer.”
Armed with information on their quarters and the locations of all the planes, Andriy earned his first nod of recognition from Klaudia.
And the flight made an impressive start on F-16s.
**
Tuesday, August 8th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Mariyka Shevchuk was amazed at how full the family restaurant had become, not just with the usual students and cadets, but also civilians, Witches and trainers. Even the Sukhoi flight had braved coming.
“Have you noted their Polish trainers?” asked Sergei. “Is romance melting hearts tonight?”
“Not just there. Agnieszka’s Dark Chocolate Pots de Crème were popular with everyone—”
“—I had to acknowledge our new movie poster,” said her aunt, “especially as extra supplies were delivered yesterday for the restaurant’s twelfth anniversary on Saturday.”
“Then that’s the crucial celebration,” said Mariyka.
**
Friday, August 11th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland
Maksym Bondarenko returned a week later with a convoy of four grounded MiG-29s, which his team began unloading by the hangar of the Aviation Engineering Training Centre.
Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth glanced out and smiled, then said, “Kapitan Shevchuk hoped you’d send a few more rebuilds when you could.”
As Mariyka and some mechanics came to help, Maksym said, “I didn’t expect to find any so quickly. How soon before you needed these?”
“We’re due to finish our current rebuilds,” said Mariyka, “in ten days. On average, we can rebuild a flight of four in two months… depending on how damaged the planes are.”
“Impressive,” said Maksym, turning to Anatol. “How dependent are you on the Witches mechanics?”
“Less and less as they train cadets to replace them. We know the Witches must return to Ukraine. But how soon?” Anatol gestured towards Mariyka, “I will regret losing Kapitan Shevchuk as she’s essential to this operation.”
“I must discuss what must occur next with the commanders. However, long term I hope the School of Eagles will be involved in rebuilding Ukraine’s defence industry.”
A MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 9 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, while strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)
**
The Witches leadership had gathered in their office with Maksym Bondarenko, who announced.
“Master Engineer Krakarth and Kapitan Shevchuk say we will have two flights of four MiG-29s by August 21st, so we can consider the first step in returning to Airfield “Kalyniv”, and supporting Lviv’s air defence.”
“My cousin and I,” said Kalyna, “will identify the fourteen most proficient MiG-29 pilots, although not at the expense of the F-16 training program. We’ll post a list on Friday.”
**
Saturday, August 12th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Andriy Pavlenko embraced Klaudia Smolak when the major came into the restaurant with her colleague Kapitan Zuzia Czajka. Arm around Klaudia’s waist, he guided the two ladies through the crowded room to the table where his colleagues had gathered.
“Rumors of our romance are now confirmed,” said Klaudia, then sealed their relationship with a passionate kiss.
“Guess we should do the same,” said his friend Tomas, kissing Zuzia as she sat beside him.
**
Mariyka and Sergei finished serving every customer with champagne, then joined her aunt beside the ‘Chocolat’ poster. Agnieszka raised her glass.
“Tonight, we are pleased so many of you are here to celebrate Zvenigora Restaurant’s twelfth anniversary. Raise your glasses for another twelve years.”
After the toast she added, “Since 2011, students from the School of Eagles have been our mainstay, although now many of you are Ukrainian defenders. We wish you strength and success in the defense of your homeland. Slava Ukrayini.”
**
Wednesday, August 23rd – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border.
It was dawn when the Witches of Green and Sable flights landed back at Airfield “Kalyniv” in the eight refurbished MiG-29s. Their ground crews, who had travelled ahead overnight, directed the jets into their newly fortified revetments.
In the briefing room, Maksym Bondarenko addressed the pilots and their chief mechanics.
“Air Command West welcome you back to the Lviv region. Russian attacks in west have increased recently, with greater civilian casualties. Notably on Monday, August 14th the severe attacks included those apartments in Lviv.”
Aftermath of russia’s barbaric attack on Lviv region: at least 15 injured, 40 buildings damaged. It is a pure terrorism.
“We have good ground defenses, but additional air cover could prove crucial. Major Vasy Chayka’s Green Flight have the combat expertise to lead our anti-missile night patrol, but Kapitan Maryna Sobol’s Sable Wing are equipped with more advanced NATO missile. So, work to your strengths tonight. Slava Ukrayini.”
FCA 979 words
Slava Ukrayini
Apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments or struggle to visit all your posts.
Please, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
