#IWSG – Career Path

April 5, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for this Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , I should give a health warning:

Excessive exploring down rabbit holes leads to drowsiness…

.and lost words of wisdom.

If I keep dozing off, this might be next month’s effort. Which works as we will be about to celebrate our 13^th anniversary on May 14th. As last month I said, “13 years, three countries, and five homes… and a sixth looking necessary for various reasons, although selling our house might stymie our intent.”

The house move must happen as I need to leave the house when the weather improves – no green snow on April 1st. 😉

My care team are already planning the first stage: getting me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips…to the front room.

Outside needs upgrading from mean streets to trees and grass in a gated, over 55 community with amenities. So far, we have the idea house and community… except no trees = keep looking with help of our realtor friend.

Until the move happens, gaming and writing keep my brain active and alive.

Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. Next episode is due around April 19^th – prompt ‘Life is Beautiful.’

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html

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!

April 5 question – Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you’re at the start of the journey, what are your goals?

Interesting question with at least two answers, depending on which book is the first:

The first complete draft of a novel: When I was finishing college in the gorgeous Laurentians, north of Montreal, I thought I was on the brink of a career as a fantasy/science fiction writer. I had written the first draft of a fantasy novel, some short stories, and edited a SF/Fantasy fanzine called ‘Mind Sphere’.

However, family demands led me back to England with some short stories, copies of the fanzine, but not the draft novel. Dreams of becoming a writer unwound, although I scribbled a few shorts over the next three decades.

The first novel published: ‘Spiral of Hooves’ was my first published novel. The writing journey is full of memories as it’s a mystery set against the horse world surrounding the sport of eventing, which I was covering in my last years as an equestrian journalist. However, the initial inspiration came a few years earlier when I was photographing events… and before I switched career paths to selling organic produce… and then to TV/film production.

Eventually, I returned to writing about horse sports as an equestrian journalist. My initial idea proved too unwieldy, but this time I was ready to commit although my journo-journey was taking off and eating into the fictional commitment. But it was feeding the plotlines. Then at an international indoor show, I was watching a showjumping class when the pieces gelled.

Okay, it took invaluable comments from the experienced novelists of Tunbridge Wells & District Writers Circle , an incurable disease, retirement, a few more years, and my determined American wife to encourage me across the published finishing line.

From that encouraging start, I have kept writing, although judging by the out-of-date ‘Work Progression – or not’ page on this website, kept distracting my progress with new projects… often during NaNoWriMo. Even my second finished novel ‘Wyrm Bait’ was submitted to an editor, and June 2013 I received a positive appraisal with extensive notes and suggestions on how to revise it. Instead, I darted down another rabbit run.

So, eight plus distractions later, I have two more challengers for second novel:

*Graphics by Jonathan Temples –*
http://jonathantemples.co.uk/

Fevered Fuse – my Snowdon Shadows police procedural, which I’m attempting to revise through my health issues, guided by my editor’s notes, and encouraged across the finish by you, my loyal followers. Many thanks.

Freedom Flight – my ongoing Ukraine saga, requiring a just peace, and maybe a NaNoWriMo attempt to fill in the blanks.

Fatigue is setting in, so I must stop, then post.

**
The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett,Nancy Gideon, and Natalie Aguirre!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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!

#IWSG – Anniversaries

March 1, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question and today’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , I should address the anniversaries.

First though, how flexible are the definitions? I chose to find guidance from the online thesaurus I use.

https://www.powerthesaurus.org/anniversary/definitions

So, all the following anniversaries qualify.

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 13^th 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 1^st, 2014.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus

That post made me look for other March 1^st IWSG posts.

Although, this next one appeared on March 5^th, 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.

Forty Days & Forty Nights without Internet

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.

Eight Headless Chickens

The final anniversaries are all related to Ukraine, which is still one of my two writing priorities.

February 22^nd: In 2022, Russia began its unprovoked aerial bombardment of Ukraine.

February 24^th: In 2022, Russia began its devastating. land invasion of Ukraine.

February 26^th: In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine’s Crimea territory, and illegally annexed Crimea on March 16^th.

I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. Latest episode was on February 15^th:

WEP/IWSG February Challenge – Gone with The Wind

Slava Ukrayini

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.

**
The awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight,Tonya Drecker, Bish Denham, Olga Godim,and JQ Rose!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

WEP/IWSG February Challenge – Gone with The Wind

February 15, 2023 by Roland Clarke

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.

The current stories open with Part 1, Rainbow Firebreak, for the WEP/IWSG April: Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-a-hard-rains-a-gonna-fall/.

Part 2, Winged Woes, for the WEP/IWSG June Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/06/15/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-please-read-the-letter/

Part 3, Moonbeam Magic, for the WEP/IWSG August Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/08/17/wep-iwsg-august-challenge-moonlight-sonata/

Part 4, Winged Death, for the WEP/IWSG October Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/10/19/wep-iwsg-october-challenge-thriller/

Part 5, Soul Seeds, for the WEP/IWSG December Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/01/wep-iwsg-december-challenge-first-time-ever/

Part 6, Swords to Ploughshares, to conclude the WEP/IWSG December Challenge and close 2022: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/10/swords-to-ploughshares/

Part 7, Winter Resolution https://rolandclarke.com/2023/01/31/wep-iwsg-challenge-resolve/ This extra post leads into this month’s Challenge entry and included a plot event I foreshadowed in Part 6.

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 Evdokiya **Bershanskaya 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 14^th – 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.

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:

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com

#IWSG – Cover Art

February 1, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question and Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , I must give you my usual writing-health report.

Writing one-handed through pain and med-induced drowsiness, is now exacerbated by using the second arm/hand to massage or lift myself.

Hence snail progress… or, apologies, none. Thus, this post is delayed… and nearly missed the deadline.

Ukraine is still my priority – see yesterday’s post: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/01/31/wep-iwsg-challenge-resolve/

Plus. February’s WEP-IWSG’s Challenge entry will happen.

Slava Ukrayini

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 9^th, 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.

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.

***Cover design by Jonathan Temples. Cover photo by Nick Perry***

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.

**
The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray,Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Gwen Gardner!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

WEP/IWSG Challenge Resolve

January 31, 2023 by Roland Clarke

My 2022 WEP-IWSG Challenges entries, bar February’s, were my ongoing Ukraine stories, so I resolve to continue them until there is a just conclusion to the horrendous war.

The current stories open with Part 1, Rainbow Firebreak, for the WEP/IWSG April: Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-a-hard-rains-a-gonna-fall/.

Part 2, Winged Woes, for the WEP/IWSG June Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/06/15/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-please-read-the-letter/

Part 3, Moonbeam Magic, for the WEP/IWSG August Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/08/17/wep-iwsg-august-challenge-moonlight-sonata/

Part 4, Winged Death, for the WEP/IWSG October Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/10/19/wep-iwsg-october-challenge-thriller/

Part 5, Soul Seeds, for the WEP/IWSG December Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/01/wep-iwsg-december-challenge-first-time-ever/

Part 6, Swords to Ploughshares, to conclude the WEP/IWSG December Challenge and close 2022: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/10/swords-to-ploughshares/

https://dewildesalhab.com/blog/2019/5/15/things-to-do-in-yerevan

I’ve been working on my February Challenge entry and made some crucial corrections.

First, a plot event I foreshadowed in Part 6 had to occur in late Jan/early Feb before the key romantic event of the month. Hence, I’m posting that event here as Part 7 with both Ukraine and Russia probably preparing winter offensives.

Second, I noted some errors in my air force terminology. Specifically, when calling a group of three or four jets, a wing. I sensed I was wrong. I’ve now done my research. Apologies to all who knew a wing consisted of a number of squadrons, which are sub-divided into flights of around four jets.

I will be more accurate in future. Here’s a clearer explanation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_(military_unit)

Blurb: Night Witches resolve to make Winter their friend.

Part 7

Winter Resolution

2023

Friday, February 10^th – CFB Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

The six elite Witches walked into the de-brief, stamping snow off their flying boots.

“Not quite what was intended, trainees,” said the Royal Canadian Air Force instructor waiting for them. “But effective although unconventional… as you have proved every day.”

“Is that a pass then, sir?” asked Anzhela Havrylyuk on behalf of her sisters designated as Silver Flight.

Even if they’d played by their own rules and with Night Witch style, they must have completed their five-week low-level flying and extreme weather training to a reasonable level of proficiency. Or had their approach to the last challenge failed to impress their RCAF trainers?

Hopefully their chief mechanics had succeeded at their tests.

“We were tempted to fail you all,” said the senior instructor, nodding at his colleagues. “But we won’t as we were impressed at your ability to adapt and improvise. It was a chance for us to glimpse that Ukrainian resilience, which has Russia struggling.”

Another Canadian continued. “We’re amazed how this afternoon you dealt with the mock ‘hostile’ raid. Perhaps against a Russian ‘Bear’ bomber your tactic might have failed. But you forced our Aurora maritime patrol aircraft to land—”

“—So, your ground crews could overpower the Aurora’s personnel… who have agreed to stay for the evening. Time to celebrate your success, pilots.”

Outside they were joined by the embarrassed twelve-person Aurora crew, escorted by six Ukrainian chief mechanics.

“They were worried what we were going to do with them,” said Anzhela’s partner Larisa.

“Make them dance all night for us,” shouted the Witches.

A roar of jet engines.

Everyone turned towards the main runway as another four Hornets in Ukrainian markings and the squadron’s distinctive midnight blue camouflage landed.

Ground crew guided the fighters into temporary hangers.

The pilots joined the watchers and saluted Anzhela.

“I’m Kapitan Maryna Sobol,” said the wiry blond leading the group. “We’re Sable Flight from Cold Lake. I’ll explain more in the warmth.”

As they approached the mess, Maryna stopped, glowing inside as she watched a swarthy mechanic spontaneously make a snow angel and giggle.

The mechanic grinned and jumped up. “I’m Bohdana Shvets. The angel’s for our protection. Let me get you a beer and whatever else you desire.”

After she’d eaten, Maryna told everyone, “We’re all Canadian-Ukrainians, inspired by the defense of our ancestral home, especially by you Night Witches.”

Once the shouts of Slava Ukrayini ended, she continued, “We originally trained with the RCAF. Chayka Air obtained our Hornets, then repainted them.”

“So, you volunteered like our Majors?” asked Anzhela.

“Yes. We’ve all changed nationality to fight. But please help us adapt our dialect to standard Ukrainian. If you need to know more, chat to any of us.”

Maryna nodded as the enticing groom pointed at their empty glasses. Her sensual musing was interrupted by Anzhela and the Garrison Commander, who asked a question many had posited.

“Since February 24^th, we’ve all worried about provoking the Russians and escalating this war. Fortunately, the gradual increase in weaponry, like HIMARS, hasn’t. But do you think equipping a squadron with NATO jets will trigger that reaction?”

“I pray we can fly ten Hornets into Ukraine via Poland, low-level at night… without the Russians noticing,” said Maryna, crossing herself. “As for combat, how did the Witches avoid enemy escalation before?”

“Witches luck,” said Anzhela. “Guess a few NATO jets with Ukrainian markings on night sorties were misidentified. But a squadron of 20 won’t remain hidden.”

The Commander advised caution. “Timing is crucial. Other NATO deployments like Leopard 2 tanks might distract attention from your next sorties.”

Bohdana returned with refills for the table and asked Maryna, “Can we expect others like you from Cold Lake?”

The blonde smiled. “Like me… or more volunteers?” She paused, staring intently at the mechanic. “I’m unique… but other recruits – sure. Chayka Air has set up a training program for pilot and mechanic Night Witch volunteers, especially from Ukraine, as well as Canadians.”

“Privately funded?” asked Anzhela.

“Donations and Chayka staff giving their time. Plus, decommissioned RCAF jets will be available at discounts.”

The Commander added, “A few avenues remain, so our Canadian MOD doesn’t officially step outside current policy on Ukraine.”

Recognizing the distracted couple, Anzhela stood. “Sir, we must finalize tomorrow’s departures.”

When the other two had left, Bohdana asked Maryna, “Can I be your chief mechanic… please? I haven’t been properly assigned. I have unique—”

“—qualities I need to satisfy. Let’s slip away before we’re missed.”

Sunday, February 12th – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border.

Anzhela led the six Hornets of Silver Flight in silent low-level approach towards Kalyniv airfield. As dusk fell, she cleared the familiar treetops at the snow-ploughed runway’s end, then lowered her landing gear. Her wing-sisters followed, and when the ground crews taxied away the last plane, Maryna led the four jets of Sable Flight down.

Larisa embraced Anzhela as she climbed onto the ground.

“Even that was too long being apart. At least I got to see how Hornets are refueled mid-Atlantic by an air tanker. Impressive Chayka maintaining their retired RCAF Boeing CC-137. It was comfortable too… more than the truck from Kraków.”

“Or a Hornet for hours?” Both laughed, then Anzhela added, “But our refuel stopover with Chayka’s Swedish military friends was a relief.” As her flight-sisters gathered, she said, “Time to debrief.”

FCA 915 words

Slava Ukrayini

#IWSG – Thrive

January 4, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question and Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , I must give you some news that was uplifting going forward.

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.

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.

Slava Ukrayini