Instead, I’ll concentrate on wishing you all a Belated Happy Easter, hoping however you spent it, in worship, with family, hunting for Easter eggs, or all three, it was rewarding, enjoyable, inspiring, and fun.
So, onto the writing front:
The revision of Fevered Fuse is complete and with my editor awaiting her response.
My Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, is still ongoing. Episode 18 was posted in three parts on consecutive days at the end of March, and the links were added to the above-mentioned page.
However, I discussed my thoughts about April’s episode, in Part 3 of Episode 18. I said, “What I write and whether I do depend on what happens in the war and on your comments.” Plus, I posed some questions to prompt comments, such as, “Am I posting too often? Should I spend more time writing post-1944/pre-2022 episodes?”
For instance, I have an unfinished Korean War episode, started during NaNoWriMo 2023, that I could work on, but the present war in Ukraine is an ongoing concern.
What should I do fellow Insecure Writers?
Slava Ukrayini
**
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! April 3 question – How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?
On May 25th 2012, I posted for the first time here on Writing Wings…12 years ago at the end of next month.
Those twelve years feel like quite a journey, not just from Kent via Wales to Idaho, but from writing one-off stand-alone posts to creating sequences of themed posts like the six Blogging from A to Z Challenges (2014-2019) and the WEP/IWSG Challenges (August 2018-December 2023).
The monthly IWSG post has kept me blogging for much of that time… with a few lapses. My biggest regret is having to stop posting book reviews not just when I ceased being able to read. Even listening to audiobooks dried up as I watched more videos and podcasts linked to issues like the War in Ukraine.
Although I struggle with my health, I still enjoy blogging and writing keeps my brain active. Without having to write at least one post a month, my life would be emptier… and when nobody comments it makes me wonder what I’m doing wrong.
But maybe I’m at fault for just hitting ‘Like’ on other people’s posts and not commenting.
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 is the third Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024, so I’m still attempting to avoid repeating the usual gripes and writing failings. I’m aiming to steer away from …boring.
Not so brief, then, my health continued its erratic decline, including one day of dramatically ejecting what I ate. I dismissed the convenient suspicion of attempted poisoning… even if our departing aid company tried to mess up even our last few days. Due to the company’s inefficient scheduler/manager, over the last few weeks, our best aids kept being forced to leave. When our favourite aid, Shaunna, quit, we found ourselves an infinitely better company, Visiting Angels… who live up to their name. We did manage to say ‘hasta la vista’ to our best aids, and at least two were there on my nauseous day.
And Shaunna promises to stay in touch as a friend… of ours and our dogs.
On the writing front, the revision of Fevered Fuse may soon be complete as I’m working on the last 20 pages. However, I fear my editor might find things still need attention. My eyes are taxing me more and more, so I worry about how much more is achievable… a problem, as my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, is still ongoing. I’m not even sure when Episode 18 will be written.
However, ending on an upbeat note, my wife Juanita just celebrated her ‘27th’ birthday on March 1st, St David’s Day, as noted in my last post. Not only did her family visit bearing gifts, but also some of my ace aids brought flowers, chocolates, and cake. Shaunna even brought balloons and cooked a celebratory meal.
And I haven’t forgotten this photo of the two ‘forever’ roses I gave Juanita… red for Valentine’s Day and periwinkle for her birthday. What colour should I choose for our Anniversary on May 14th? Rainbow?
Two live roses dipped in 24-karat gold and a miniature rose bush.
Slava Ukrayini
**
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! March 6th question: Have you “played” with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI’s impact on creative writing?
I was hoping to answer ‘yes’ and then give an AI synopsis a crash test. But although I use Grammarly regularly, I’ve not played with its Synopsis setting in the Generative AI… yet.
Going that route might save my eyes.
I’m not sure AI won’t create too many formulaic rip-offs of better-crafted books, flooding an already competitive market. Or perhaps I’m being too pessimistic, and instead, it will help some of us avoid our misteaks 😉
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 is the second Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024, so, I’m conscious that I must avoid repeating last month’s gripes and usual writing failings… as everyone has to be bored by them after months of identical posts.
In brief, then, my health continues its steady decline. The revision of Fevered Fuse plods on, and Episode 17 of Freedom Flights is due out this week.
Slava Ukrayini
Unfortunately, my 2023 tax return was not submitted by January 31st. Maybe later this week.
However, distressingly my poor wife Juanita was in the hospital for two nights with heart and lung failure. Fortunately, she is back home and on oxygen, so the whole family is praying for her full recovery.
**
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! February 7 question: What turns you off when visiting an author’s website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author’s books? Constant mention of books?
It depends on why I’m visiting their site. The key plus elements are being informative, not long-winded nor rambling, and if books are mentioned… just a few titles & blurbs or links if the author is prolific. Good site navigation like a clear menu is important too.
Plus, avoiding the errors I attempt to eliminate on Writing Wings.
So, please let me know where my website fails. Yes, I know a few links are dead ends, which must be irritating.
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!
If this fails to appear on February 1st, blame HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) for wanting me to file my 2022-2023 tax return by midnight on January 31st, 2024. Failure to submit by the deadline incurs a £100 fine, which increases after 3 months. Unfortunately, I won’t have submitted the return by the time this post appears, as I’m still missing one document.
However, this WEP Get Together may be about more than writing, yet scribbling might distract me from worrying about unforeseen mishaps.
As I wrote in my last blog post, I will continue writing more Freedom Flights episodes until a just peace for Ukraine is reached. I’m aiming for one episode per month and have devised a thread echoing the 2023 WEP/IWSG Challenges movie theme. February’s episode may appear next week.
My crucial and ongoing issue is editing. Although I have an excellent editor in London, Yen Ooi, I’m over a year behind on her suggested revisions of Fevered Fuse, my North Wales police procedural… the first novel with Sparkle Anwyl. I’m slow, partly as ‘Freedom Flights’ keeps demanding my attention, but mainly as I struggle with health problems including deteriorating eyesight. I fear another rewrite may be a draft too far, even though my UK editor understands my style and approach. Incidentally, Yen was the UK editor of my first novel, Spiral of Hooves.
Maybe I must seriously consider finding a ghostwriter to ensure that at least two more novels are published. A UK journalist cousin did offer to help… but for a price. As for my American stepfamily, there were no serious offers… at any price.
What price is reasonable? Have you ever considered any form of writing partnership?
“The writing world changes constantly and is not without its challenges.” Denise Covey
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 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!
Writing Wings 