Most important, to me, is my wife Juanita’s birthday. She’s 71 today and precious. In just over a month, we will celebrate our 13th anniversary. 13 years, three countries, and five homes… and a sixth looking necessary for various reasons, although selling our house might stymie our intent.
Juanita shares her special day with St David, the Patron Saint of Wales. When we moved to Harlech in Snowdonia, our first morning in our new home was March 1st, 2014.
That post made me look for other March 1st IWSG posts.
Although, this next one appeared on March 5th, 2014, it seems the most relevant, as we are/might be on the move again. Hopefully, we won’t be offline as long, especially since in 2014 my brother pulled political strings to get our IP provider to provide our connection faster.
Rather than link every March IWSG post, I searched for one more appropriate piece. The one below is not March, but my second ever IWSG post – my first being a month earlier. The chicken-list is interesting as it shows how my life has changed. Neither of my current writing projects were in existence, and Wyrm Bait is now on ice. Gaming has become a lifeline, although I keep it in check.
Every month, IWSG announce 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!
March 1 question – Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?
This month I’m passing, not because of no lines or twists existing, but because there are too many. I manage to find at least one in most novels I read or listen to. Author envy occurs too often.
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!
I intend my 2023 WEP-IWSG Challenge entries to be more of my Ukraine stories, as I resolve to continue them until there is a just conclusion to the horrendous war.
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.
Therefore, in today’s Challenge entry I’m able to include a key mid-month romantic event. However, with Russia’s winter offensive threatening to erupt beyond probing attacks, I’m unsure what fate has waiting for my Witches. Unless I ignore reality, NATO holds the cards on when they can be deployed.
I will be following events closely, watching the Ukrainian skies for NATO jets, and listening for the roar of leopards.
Blurb: Night Witches prepare for an imminent offensive.
Part 8
Winds of Change
2023
Sunday, February 12th – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border.
The Witches’ two squadron commanders were waiting inside with a lanky air force colonel, whom Kalyna introduced as Maksym Bondarenko from Air Command West, Lviv.
“I wanted to be here when our six brave warriors returned from overseas. Curiously, I see ten.”
The new flight leader stepped forward and saluted. “I’m Kapitan Maryna Sobol. We’re Sable Wing from Cold Lake, Canada… the squadron’s newest recruits, sir.”
“More Canadian-Ukrainians. Your aid will be timely with invasion imminent. The 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade formally recognizes this squadron. A unique, all-women unit, though following in the wingtips of a famous regiment. Do you want to resurrect their designation?
Kalyna looked at Vasy, who answered. “Those were Soviet so not our legacy. Just ‘Night Witches’ and the rebirth in 22.”
“Appropriate. However, we must decide how best to covertly introduce 20 pilots flying NATO jets.”
The Witches nodded.
“Use our legacy,” said Kalyna. “–of two Ukrainian sisters who reached Canada in 1945 with Swedish help. Hence, 12 Canadian Hornets and eight Swedish Gripens.”
Commander EvdokiyaBershanskaya gives a briefing to her “Witches”.(Archives Vlad Monster, http://www.ava.org.ru)
“Perhaps,” said Maksym, “your contacts can help revive the plans to begin licensed Gripen production in Lviv.”
Anzhela approached Vasy. “I delivered your message in Sweden. Is that relevant?”
“Yes. Our Saab request ranges from spares to, unofficially, the license.”
Maksym smiled. “Officially, please continue. We need Gripens. Those of you not trained by the RCAF will find flying NATO jets a challenge… one I’m sure you’ll master. Your majors are wise acquiring planes from personal sources where backup is unlikely to fail.”
“When Saab agrees to local production that will change so much,” said Vasy.
“Including removing reliance on the Hornet’s manufacturer, McDonnell Douglas,” added Kalyna. “The RCAF is due to phase that fighter out… so Chayka may acquire more decommissioned stock.”
A murmur sighed among the pilots.
Then Anzhela voiced the whisper.
“How soon before Command requires our new skills? There must have been a goal sending some of us to Canada.”
“True,” said Maksym. “Beyond honing the knowledge to teach others.”
“The next stage is training those who remained,” continued Vasy. “Then we’ll form four Hornet and two Gripen flights will be formed – assignments according to mastery in each jet.”
“You Witches offer unique specialist support,” said Maksym. “However, whether our imminent combined arms offensive includes your squadron depends on other NATO decisions… like openly offering jets.”
*
Tuesday, February 14th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Lviv.
Mariyka and Sergei were greeted by her mother once they descended into the family’s cellar restaurant.
“How was your romantic visit?” asked Danuta, guiding them to a candlelit table for eight.
Italian patio, Kornyakta Palace, Lviv
Sergei bowed. “I never knew such beauty existed in Lviv… and the Renaissance patio was majestic. A jewel to gaze upon while I held this gorgeous one—”
”—He’s unstoppable… even with a shadow—”
“—who was distracted by your chief mechanic,” said prison guard Odarka.
“All part of the escape plan,” said Dariya, “–so, the lovers can abscond.”
Her mother stroked Mariyka’s cheek. “Will I discover where my daughter has been hiding for five weeks? Military secret?”
Mariyka smiled at Sergei. “He may be Russian, but he’s not a spy. Anyway, only Witches are meant to know.”
As Anzhela joined them, Larisa embraced her cousin Sergei.
When Maryna and Bohdana came over, the octet for their candlelit St Valentine’s meal was complete.
“We’re honored to welcome so many sisters in uniform.”
“Our pleasure to be here in this cozy haven of calm,” said Maryna. “May this terrible war pass you by… and end soon.”
As they ordered from the tempting local selection, a trio of uniformed airmen left their dates to accost the Witches.
“Some of you don’t sound Ukrainian. Please satisfy our curiosity, since I see you’re wearing 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade patches like.us “
Maryna looked to her sisters before saying, “Kapitan Maryna Sobol of the 2022 Night Witches. Apologies for my dialect, but I was born in Canada.”
“So, the rumor is true. We get stuck with MiG-29s,” said the envious flyers. “While you demonic dykes get the American jets us real pilots need.”
One of his mates added, “And they sit here colluding with Orcs – the enemy.”
“Divulging all our military secrets… like Leopard tanks?”
“But you just have,” said Sergei. “Fortunately, your drunk voices didn’t echo for all the other disturbed diners to hear. Luckily all the Russians here want to become Ukrainians,
Danuta approached. ‘Don’t let this war divide us. One day my daughter here may need your wings. Return to your ladies and enjoy your meal with a discount for bravery.”
As the pilots slunk away, she served everyone’s meal.
“I suspect Mariyka and some of you ladies were in Canada ensuring the winds of change were on our side. But I’ll guess no more.”
“Maybe after the war, mama. Now, we’ll enjoy great food and love.”
Mariyka squeezed Sergei’s hand, then everyone toasted St Valentine.
Delicious dishes brought all words to whispers, and the four couples closer.
Lost in their partner’s eyes’ they were unaware of the empty restaurant, until Danuta came over.
“I’d love you all to stay, but there’s the curfew.”
“Back to grim reality,” said Mariyka, knowing death stalked them all. “It’s been wonderful, mama… please don’t refuse our money.”
“Bravery discount then.”
As they walked to the door, Anzhela asked, “Why Zvenigora Restaurant? I should know.”
Danuta grinned. “The film posters hold a clue, but no guessing. Maybe another time.”
“If it was Tara, I’d say it was from that poster,” said Maryna, shivering. “Too apt for now though.”
Outside in the chill night, Bohdana clutched Maryna. “The air or ‘Gone with the Wind’?”
“The prejudice of those other pilots, and the poster. You had your civil war in the Donbas—”
“Still part of this twisted conflict,” said Anzhela. “Too many secrets even hidden from us. Those other pilots were guessing, but even we must. I trust Chayka’s intentions, and place Ukraine’s freedom first.”
“We must,” said Mariyka. “But I wonder who profits from this war… and from the rebuilding?
**
FCA 1029 words
Slava Ukrayini
Apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments or struggle to visit all your posts.
Plus, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
Plus. February’s WEP-IWSG’s Challenge entry will happen.
Slava Ukrayini
**
Every month, IWSG announce 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!
February 1 question – If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover?
I’ve only has one publication requiring a cover, as shorts have a collection cover.
Spiral of Hooves was released as an e-book on Monday, December 9th, 2013, by Spectacle Publishing. The cover was designed in-house. Although, I made some initial suggestions, the final product was not as expected. I had envisaged bloody hoofprints in snow, not hoofprints at night in sand or snow. Some say it works.
Cover credit: Danielle Sands
When I got the rights back, I corrected the text in a few places. I found Jonathan Temples, a cover designer in Northern Ireland, who did designs for one of my favourite thriller writers. He worked closely with me and a photographer friend. Jonathan produced a front & back cover I’m extremely pleased with… as well as matching bookmarks. So, I published this second edition with CreateSpace on Monday, August 7th, 2017, in paperback and on Kindle.
Whenever, if ever. Fevered Fuse, my police procedural set in Snowdonia, gets published I want to work with Jonathan Temples again. Of course, that depends on the publisher. At least, I can recommend him, and submit the initial drawing he did for the graphic novel concept.
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!
I was chosen as Runner-Up in the WEP-IWSG’s December Challenge The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face with my story Swords to Ploughshares.
Writing fiction set against a horrific war has been difficult to research and write. Other than a small donation to Médecins Sans Frontières, one of the main charities helping in Ukraine, this has been one of the few ways this invalid can help keep people aware of the ongoing injustices.
I will continue to follow events and reflect them in my Challenge posts in 2023.
Unfortunately, that last piece proved inaccurate. I portrayed a peaceful moment during the festive season, yet Russian missiles continued to rain down on Ukraine throughout what should have been the Holy time of Peace.
I will attempt to rectify the inaccuracy in my compilation Freedom Flights, which is an ongoing project. I’ve been working on some Ukraine stories to fill the gap between my 1944 short story and my 2022 flash entries. So, this Runner-Up award is encouraging and uplifting, as I continue following the current war for the 2023 Challenges.
I’m also grateful as my health is so uncertain, I need goals to keep going.
Next week may prove complicated as my term ends with my current hospice team, so we need to find a new provider.
My New Year resolution was to re-start my revision of ‘Fevered Fuse’, my Snowdonia police procedural afresh. However, I can’t find my editor’s comments and in-depth edit – her email is missing and my desktop is still not installed after seven months. I’ve emailed her, hoping she efficiently keeps clients’ files.
Anyway, have great 2023 filled with fruitful writing gems.
Plus, Plot ahead for the Year of the Water Rabbit commencing January 22nd.
**
Every month, IWSG announce 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!
January 4 question – Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finished my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?
THRIVE
Thrive as in my health intentions, despite current hospice issues.
Thrive as in one of the protein drinks I use to stay alive.
Thrive as in my Snowdon police detectives striving to get published.
Thrive as in my Ukrainian pilots surviving and finding genuine peace.
Thrive as in my hopes and prayers for the determined people of Ukraine.
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!
Rather, I’m still working on my December WEP-IWSG Challenge, which, although part of my ongoing Ukraine story, this month has a holiday element and is set during the festive season.
However, I have posted Acts 2 & 3, and I’m now writing Act 3 – Swords to Ploughshares – to give a more upbeat closure to my story, which closes on Christmas Eve.
I will probably write more as the end to this disastrous war remains uncertain.
As for me, I am still attempting to concentrate on the key tasks… my second chance.
To focus on family and writing… on leaving that loving legacy.
My Snowdonia police procedural will be finished, although I fear getting my desktop installed looks unlikely this year. After six months, it’s no longer a priority for others amidst their real-life emergencies.
So, my New Year resolution is to re-start my revision of ‘Fevered Fuse’ afresh.
**
Every month, IWSG announce 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 7 question – It’s holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?
If the question is general, I would guess for many writers the holidays cut into their writing time. Celebrations and family time come first.
For me, this has been the norm for many years, even when I was retired.
However, ill-health has given me an excuse to leave gatherings early… so, slip away and write… or sleep for hours.
Now I’m bed-bound, gatherings are different. The family hold them in our trailer park’s clubhouse. In theory, if a few people were able to transfer me from bed to powered wheelchair, then I could drive to the gathering.
But so far, for a step-granddaughter’s first birthday and Thanksgiving, I haven’t braved the cold nor the noise. Instead, most of the family have dropped round afterwards. Thus, good to see them, and more writing/sleeping time… plus, less noise… and warmer.
On Monday, I was intending to celebrate St Nicholas Eve, but arrangements went awry.
An icon of St. Nicholas painted in 1294 for a Russian Orthodox church on Lipno Island in northwestern Russia. Public Domain
First though, I’m not Catholic, but my maternal grandmother was, and my mother was High Church Anglican, we observed a few more feast days. I have a memory of celebrating St Nicholas Eve as a child, especially when we had two Austrian servants (Anna & Anton).Of course, Santa Claus is real as the spirit of St Nicholas lives on… or should.
Our original plans this year were derailed by a mix of menu indecision, other priorities, and then family sickness. Thus, we plan with a few select family and friends to celebrate the Feast of St Nicholas on December 19th, the day Christians who follow the Julian calendar, as some Eastern Orthodox do.
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!
Apologies if this month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post seems ‘off-theme’, but I will get to the point… eventually. First, I must unburden myself.
“How much longer have we? We’ve so much to share. Evading death takes a miracle.”
On Sunday October 23rd, I was rushed to hospital with severe abdominal pains, which had me screaming in agony. The emergency medics were unable to identify the problem beyond suspecting some sort of blockage, from their initial tests – and my constipation for five days.
A nasogastric tube was inserted through my nose, down through my throat, and into my stomach, to remove whatever might be obstructing my intestines.
More pain. More medication.
I was taken to a room on the medical/surgical floor, pending further tests and prior to any surgery. Overnight, gunk was sucked out via the NG tube, and the worst of the pain subsided. A CT scan revealed a section of my upper intestine twisted around itself, but at this stage my doctor (surgeon) and I felt cautious about operating given various factors, not least my age, existing medical conditions – MS and leukemia – and my minimal but positive progress since admission.
By Wednesday, I had finally shit and my abdominal pain was minimal. But worried about a possible surgery still being needed, I had asked my Hospice chaplain to visit. His visit was more a chance to discuss what I still had to finish, than confess to decades of sin.
Publishing at least one more book must be one task to complete.
His prayer encompassed both paths, Heaven and more Time. And hence the miracle unfolded.
A second CT scan showed the twisted gut had cleared. The doctor said my progress had made surgery less necessary, although why the gut had twisted remained unclear. If the blockage reoccurred, then he would have to operate. My choice therefore was to have investigative surgery that day or later, if the blockage returned.
My wife wanted me home, and I agreed.
So, after another night monitoring my recovery, I came home—
–to concentrate on the key tasks… my second chance.
To focus on family and writing… on leaving a loving legacy.
My Snowdonia police procedural will be finished, and my December WEP-IWSG Challenge, titled ‘Swords to Ploughshares’ is being outlined.
In 2020, I sketched out an idea for ‘Lost Sheep’, a Snowdonia Shadows novella from a different POV – Sparkle’s maternal grandfather. The retired sheep farmer is a devout Presbyterian, who disapproves of her sexuality. However, I struggled to get beyond the opening scenes due to a mix of NaNoWriMo pressures and the first signs of writing debilitating health issues.
So, I’ve since stuck to the slow-plod writing.
However, I was tempted – for a few hours – to use November to work on ‘Freedom Flight’, the collation/collection of all my Ukraine stories. But that would have been the worst kind of cheating… the kind discussed in that 2019 post.
Strange though, I announced the IWSG Anthology Contest 2019 winners in the same post. And one was ‘Feathered Fire’, my short which began my Ukraine journey.
Writing Wings 