#IWSG – Using AI

September 3, 2025 by Roland Clarke

The months seem to pass by so fast, and another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post is almost here. Time again to update my writing plans…or rather to request some feedback.

Since my Snowdon Shadows police procedural, Fevered Fuse, was rejected after my first submission, I’ve been thinking about my next step.

As I let my editor know what happened, she kindly sent me some suggestions. The one that struck me as most achievable at this point was being active on Substack, on which I discovered I had a dormant account. First, I should start writing short pieces, and then she suggested I post one of my existing novels or novellas in serialised form, which I should monetise.

I have four possible manuscripts that I could serialise, and that’s where I need help choosing the best one.

Fevered Fuse: Although this is fully edited and an excellent choice, I’d better hold this novel back as long as I’m still submitting the manuscript.
Freedom Flights: As the present-day episodes are on this blog, I could serialise the pre-2022 growth of the Chayka Family and their aviation business based in Canada, Chayka Air. The first four chapters (54 pages) are written, but the first one is my short story in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost, so not useable.
Tortuous Terrain: An early draft of the sequel to Spiral of Hooves, my published novel, so in need of revision &/r editing. A possible means to promote my debut book.
Eagle Crossing: An early draft of an extensively researched alternate history set in a 21st-century Viking North America arising from Leif Eriksson settling Vinland permanently in 1000 AD, and founding Kanata. Has potential legs.

I will probably still submit Fevered Fuse to at least two more of the small publishers on my researched list… but only if I’m convinced that the manuscript is publishable (as it stands). Or I will continue revising ‘Fates Maelstrom’, the second book in my Snowdon Shadows series, until it reads almost as engrossing as the audiobooks I listen to.

I’ve just posted another episode of my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights. If you manage to read Conviction and Commitment, Part 1, please be patient waiting for Part 2. I must make it worth reading before posting it online.

Obviously, I’m also still following the news from Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

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!

September 3 question – What are your thoughts on using AI, such as GPChat, Raptor, and others, with your writing? Would you use it for research, storybible, or creating outlines\beats?

Last month, I made my attitude to unscrupulous AI publishers clear. However, I can see the benefits of AI for our type of writing, even if I sometimes get frustrated when my AI-driven grammar software messes up my creativity – Copilot, I’m pointing at you.

As for the examples in the question, I don’t use them, nor am I tempted. I checked if any of the aforementioned ‘unscrupulous publishers’ produced them.

If I used any AI app besides grammar services, I would use Edwina, Fictionary’s Helpful AI Writing Instructor. Fictionary is the Story Editing software I’ve used on & off for some years, usually while writing early drafts and before I send a manuscript to my editor.

Incidentally, Kristina Stanley, best-selling author of the Stone Mountain Mystery Series, founded Fictionary and was one of the authors who helped me launch ‘Spiral of Hooves’.

Fellow writers, some of you might be interested in this FREE webinar on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time, organised by The Authors Guild Foundation – The AI Revolution in Book Publishing. I would attend, but my carer is still here at that time.
*

The awesome co-hosts for the September 3 posting of the IWSG are Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Diedre Knight!

Finally, don’t forget to visit other writers via the IWSG site for their invaluable insights on writing:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

#IWSG – AI Rejection

August 6, 2025 by Roland Clarke

Another month has passed, so it’s time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post, and an opportunity to tweak my writing strategy.

First, it’s been over three months since I submitted my Snowdon Shadows police procedural, Fevered Fuse, to London-based publisher Joffe Books. As expected last month, I never received an answer, so that is a firm rejection. Their website says, ‘Do not be disheartened if you don’t hear from us. What is not right for us may be exactly what another publisher is seeking. We encourage you to look for other opportunities to publish elsewhere.’

I’m not disheartened, I’m just disappointed to wait three months for this rejection from my first choice. Months ago. I began checking out other publishers by listening to a few of their authors’ books, and I made a short wish-list of small publishers. The second on my list, based in New York, answers within two weeks (and the third, an LGBTQ+ publisher, in 16 weeks). Unfortunately, another UK small publisher only considers fiction from UK-based writers, not UK-based fiction.

However, before I submit ‘Fevered Fuse’ again, I need to know if the manuscript is unpublishable (as it stands). Or perhaps, I would be best to revise another novel, such as ‘Fates Maelstrom’, the second book in my Snowdon Shadows series, which reads better than ‘FF’. But not up to the same standard as the audiobooks I listen to.

I worry that I’m kidding myself about being a writer, even if I’ve just posted another episode of my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights. If you manage to read Winter Warning, there’s a question to answer, but only if you want.

Obviously, I’m also still following the news from Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

Remember, the question is optional!

August 6 question – What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

Last month, I wrote the following:

‘Has anyone kept up to date with the legal cases against AI companies, like Anthropic and Meta, that have used pirated books, ignoring copyright, to train their AI products? My debut novel, Spiral of Hooves, was one of thousands of pirated books. Latest news from the Authors Guild on the cases at: https://authorsguild.org/news/mixed-decision-in-anthropic-ai-case/ and https://authorsguild.org/news/meta-ai-ruling-meta-gets-technical-win-but-law-favors-authors/.’

Therefore, this abuse of copyright and the reasoning behind it, training AI, must rank as the most insidious and unethical practice. Closely followed by using AI to write books, thus flooding the market at the expense of real writers, depriving them of income.

‘Insecure’ colleagues have also pointed out other dubious practices like ‘price-gouging on ISBNs’ in the USA, ‘vanity publishers’, ‘false research’, ‘the predators’, and numerous other restrictions and traps. Plus, so many more unethical practices at: Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jemima Pett, and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

I don’t think it’s unethical, as I realise publishers are overstretched, but knowing why a manuscript is rejected would be helpful. I guess multiple rejections mean ‘time for me to write something different’. Or stick to reading a book. 😉

Which reminds me of my May IWSG post on my writing fears: #IWSG – Writing Fears | Writing Wings

The awesome co-hosts for the August 6 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Natalie Aguirre, Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Olga Godim

Finally, don’t forget to visit other writers via the IWSG site for their invaluable insights on writing:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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

#IWSG – Writing Fears

May 7, 2025 by Roland Clarke

It’s time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post, and an opportunity to write about something opportune.

On Sunday evening, I finally submitted my police procedural, Fevered Fuse, to London-based publisher Joffe Books. After researching the best independent publishers for crime fiction, Joffe Books was my first choice. I should hear back from them within three months. While waiting for the publisher to answer, I’ll rewrite ‘Fates Maelstrom’, the second book in my Snowdon Shadows Mysteries, and write more episodes of my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights.

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

Remember, the question is optional!

May 7 question – Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them?

Since my late teens, submitting a manuscript has triggered my fear of rejection. I can’t remember the exact short story, but I wrote many fantasy stories in my teens. However, I do remember my first rejection was for one I submitted to a fantasy magazine whose name I have conveniently forgotten. All I know is that I was discouraged from submitting any fiction for decades. But I couldn’t stop writing and even edited a magazine called Mind Sphere for a bilingual SF & fantasy society I helped create in Montreal, Canada.

Four-legged Field magazine fans Credit: http://www.thefield.co.uk

My first paid editing job for The Field magazine led to my first published fiction articles, and eventually, my factual writing was published hundreds of times over the next thirty-five years. But my fear of rejection for fiction writing hovered in the background.

When I finally finished a novel I believed in – not my first or even third attempt – I submitted it, despite fearing another rejection… and encouraged by my wife, Juanita. However, Spectacle Publishing accepted Spiral Of Hooves and my debut novel was published in 2013. Except another fear emerged: the fear of failure.

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

Although Spiral Of Hooves sold a few copies and had predominantly excellent reviews, I believed I had failed. I’d written a sequel but shelved it and worked on other stories, unwilling to resign myself to accepting I lacked talent.

Or was that my problem?

I submitted some shorts, willing at last to accept a few rejections. IWSG threw me a lifeline, and in 2019, my WWII historical fantasy short story Feathered Fire was accepted for the 2020 IWSG Anthology Voyagers: The Third Ghost. The encouragement from the published short and fellow authors has helped me have faith in my writing. It’s also led to my ongoing Ukraine episodic story, Freedom Flights.

On one level, I manage my fears through my writing, although if I look at the growing pile of unpublished shorts and novels, I still question my talent.

Submitting Fevered Fuse feels like a test. Am I prepared for rejection? Or does another publishing opportunity bring the risk of not promoting the book enough? How do I promote a book when I’m housebound? I must do more than print a few T-shirts like the Spiral Of Hooves one I’m wearing today.

Perhaps I only need to be online in the present digital age… not housebound but cloud-borne.

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

I’ve just read this interesting blog piece by Pauline Rowson, the best-selling author of many crime novels, published by Joffe Books: https://www.rowmark.co.uk/article/the-emotional-stages-of-writing-a-novel/

The awesome co-hosts for the May 7 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn, Rebecca Douglass, Jemima Pett, and Pat Garcia!

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 our hashtag is #IWSG.

#IWSG – Synopsis Solution

August 7, 2024 by Roland Clarke

It’s time for yet another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024, and more canine escapades.

First writing. My Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, has been delayed since I posted the 3^rd and last part of Episode 23, ‘Witches Troupe’, although I have drafted some of Episode 24.

Freedom Flights: Episode 23 – Witches Troupe – Part 3

Slava Ukrayini

As for my Welsh police procedural, Fevered Fuse, my editor has kindly offered to help me get the manuscript ready for submission to publishers at no extra charge in the autumn, as long as I work on a submission package before then. I’m struggling with the synopsis first but will need brave volunteers to read it. Those who don’t know the plotlines so can judge if the synopsis sounds like an interesting story.

Now I must not forget the other change in our house – July’s canine arrival. Our cute 15-week-old Beagalier puppy, Taika – Maori for ‘tiger’ – is still pure energy with sharp nails and teeth, who loves chewing sockets, cables, my wife’s oxygen tubes, boxes etcetera… even though he has plenty of toys from Blondie. Whether he’ll ever be as calm as Quetzal, remains to be seen. We hope the cost of replacing everything he destroys doesn’t eat at our affection.

Finally, our older dog, Treeky is ten today… easy to remember as he kindly agreed to share his birthday with me, though he’s 61 years younger.

Remember, the question is optional!

August 7 question – Do you use AI in your writing and if so how? Do you use it for your posts? Incorporate it into your stories? Use it for research? Audio?

The nearest I come to using AI to write is probably when software like Grammarly and ProWriting Aid improve my writing, although Word also corrects my errors. And they were at work in that sentence and throughout this post.

I’m also aware that AI must be at work in all the high-tech that appears in Freedom Flights. When researching the jets and helicopters integral to the plotlines, I know how AI has played a key role in making them formidable and deadly, even if my understanding is a long way behind the skill sets my characters have mastered… and those of their brave real-life counterparts.

Wallpaper – https://wallup.net/eurocopter-tiger-attack-helicopter-aircraft-42/#google_vignette

The same possibly applies to my characters in Fevered Fuse, though their AI-influenced tech is motorbikes and police radios.

Sorry for this brief answer.

The awesome co-hosts for the August 7 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Kim Lajevardi, Diedre Knight, C. Lee McKenzie, and Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen!

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 our hashtag is #IWSG.

#IWSG – Another Year

January 3, 2024 by Roland Clarke

This is the first Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024 so, Happy New Year to everyone. May this year prove better than the one past, despite any gloomy predictions… forecasts which should be ignored as always.

2023 felt like a turbulent year from my health and my wife’s to writing and world events. I’m praying for positive developments in 2024, starting with everyone’s health… not just mine. As this is a writing blog, I wish you all a fruitful year, filled with inspiration.

I must prioritize completing the revision of Fevered Fuse and avoid distractions. Unfortunately, another urgent deadline is approaching fast… my 2023 tax return due January 31^st. However, I cannot ignore world events, from Red Sea piracy to primarily the war in Ukraine. Even with the final draft of my Welsh police procedural preying on my conscience, I still get diverted by nightmares… well, Night Witches.

The WEP/IWSG challenges may be over, but I intend to continue writing episodes of my saga about the Ukrainian Chayka family. Even over New Year’s Eve, I was updating my notes about my fictional squadron. In 2024 the war will enter its third costly year – the third year of my coverage. However, I pray that a just peace with reparations will soon be reached. Then, that will be a perfect conclusion to the Freedom Flights collection.

Slava Ukrayini

Finally, I am hoping this post is seen by friends whom I have lost touch with over the last few years. This occurred in part because I stopped checking my Facebook pages. If you are one of those who wondered where I disappeared to, comment below and I’ll attempt to rekindle our friendship.

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!

January 3 question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

The easy answer is I’m not conscious of having any BookBub readers, nor if my single novel is on the site. To be honest, I haven’t read anything on BookBub… well, not that I remember.

Sorry.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Diedre Knight, 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 our hashtag is #IWSG.

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 – Walk the Line

October 6, 2021 by Roland Clarke

Time for the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post and finally better news on the writing front.

Although my search for a co-author ran into problems – primarily financial – I reassessed how best to edit Fevered Fuse, and stay sane. Last year, I’d been using Fictionary to edit the manuscript, as it helped me deal with even the fine detail – down to the weather and the scene opening/closing types. The programme/software is exceptional, and I recommend Fictionary, especially as sorting out my convoluted/twisted plotline was simplified using it. However, due to my health, I felt I was trudging through mud with no end in sight. So, I collapsed.

I realised the best approach was working through the invaluable beta readers’ comments – thanks Dawn Ostlund, Rebecca Douglas, and Toi Thomas for fantastic feedback. I’d already used their guidance to improve the plotline, and I’m now focusing on other elements – a few scenes/issues each day. Slow and steady, I’m walking the line towards completion.

The next step is the professional editing, which I’m getting quotes for – a) substantive/developmental; b). Copy edit. First, from the London-based editor friend who nursed Spiral of Hooves to publication, and second, from a Welsh-born editor-author friend working with a small UK press, Crooked Cat / Darkstroke Books. If anyone else wants to throw their editing cap/quote in the ring, let me know.

Anyway, on to the monthly question, which I’ll attempt answering, so please prepare for more weird thoughts.

Okay, here goes.

Well, first I must thank the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh for all he does – and thanks for creating the Insecure Writer’s Support Group without whom my writing would be non-existent…and March’s post might have been ‘farewell’.

Second, my thanks to all those whose encouraging comments ensure I scribble onwards. Apologies for failing to reply to every comment recently. I try at least to press ‘like’ when I’ve read them. Maybe I’ll attempt an all-inclusive answer sometime.

Anyway, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site, and to read better answers to this month’s challenging question.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Although the question is optional, I’m again tempted to answer.

October 6 question – In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?

A: When I feel my readers will stop turning the page.

For you, I know I’d even try to turn the tide
Because you’re mine, I walk the line

Okay, that was the cryptic answer.

First, I avoid ‘horror’ although that’s because it’s not my genre -although I’ve written one or two ghostly tales.

However, within my own genres, I try to avoid writing too bloody or graphic crime scenes, although the suggestions might be there – as in cruelty to animals:

https://rolandclarke.com/2021/06/16/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-great-wave/#:~:text=Plastic%20water%20bottles%20float.%20I%20shiver.%20Bottles%20with%20captive%20birds.

Same goes for erotic scenes – I write suggestive encounters, but not as overt as in some romance novels I’ve recently listened to. Although there are readers who still balk at my ‘sex scenes’. One critic, a Mormon, took exception to the restrained encounters in Spiral of Hooves…and to my foul language.

Seems even though I heard the F-curse often used by horsey people, it is unacceptable. Guess someone hadn’t heard Royalty swear like a trooper.

So, that’s why DC Sparkle Anwyl chooses to say:

Ffyc

The awesome co-hosts for the October 6 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, J Lenni Dorner, Cathrina Constantine, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard!

How can I be repetitive asking you to agree these guys are the best? Well, they are – especially as they all have concerns, fears, and insecurities. But they struggle on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available.

Purpose of IWSG: 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!

Every month, we 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.

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 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!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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

Every month, we 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.

For more on the IWSG monthly post and links to other participants visit:

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html