#IWSG – To AI or not to AI

October 4, 2023 by Roland Clarke

This month’s piece for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post almost didn’t happen. Last Friday, the internet company we are changing to laid a cable in advance of installing a modem etc. on Monday. However, the company we were leaving cut off all their services early, so for three days, including the weekend, we had no internet, phone, or security cameras. Added problem was my laptop runs on cloud so it wouldn’t save any work whatever I did. Come Monday, and the old company claimed everything was restored… but it wasn’t.

Fortunately, the new internet provider installed their equipment in time to work on this post.

Over the weekend, I was able on the writing front, to plan my next Ukraine story. As the war is dragging on and many issues are coming to the fore, such as impending elections, I will be taking a different tack with my Night Witches. I will be back with my new WEP/IWSG Ukraine historical short soon – Halloween theme – as the next episode is due around October 18th to 20th, 2023.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

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

Slava Ukrayini

Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

October 4 question: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?

AI means artificial insemination to me as a retired equestrian journalist and having worked in the dairy industry.

However, as a fiction writer, I have only encountered AI writing in editing software, as opposed to generative AI. So beyond a few articles I’ve read, I feel my thoughts are limited to a concern about its use to cut writers out… as with the WGA/studios dispute: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/oct/01/hollywood-writers-strike-artificial-intelligence?

But I can see its value in some situations, although I am unlikely to use it in my current situation: https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/11/08/ai-writing-is-here-and-its-worryingly-good-can-writers-and-academia-adapt

Although, I’m open to persuasion by writers I respect… like the inspirational Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Many thanks Alex and all IWSG members.

The awesome co-hosts for the October 4 posting of the IWSG are Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner, Patricia Josephine, and Rebecca Douglass!

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 – Ten Years of Curved Balls

September 6, 2023 by Roland Clarke

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.

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

Slava Ukrayini

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.

Life Throws Curve Balls

DECEMBER 4, 2013 BY ROLANDCLARKE

Life Throws Curve Balls

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.

Many thanks Alex and all IWSG members.

The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!

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.

#IWSG – Inspired Creations

July 5, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for the latest news updates:

Welcome WINDSONG BLONDELLE PHOENIX better known as Blondie, our new Companion fur baby. She will never replace my unique Quetzal, who remains irreplaceable and I’m still mourning her. Blondie is full of energy and tries so hard to play with Treeky. But the old man only wants to bark and bark. As for this old man, I’d love our new fur baby to share my bed – without stepping on my catheter – but the three times she’s been on the bed, her visits have been brief. She prefers getting Juanita’s attention by chewing her shoes. Luckily new toys are on order.

2. One minor problem is chewing through my computer cable, which left me unable to check my emails, write this post until Tuesday, or keep up to date on Ukraine. So, I’m being briefer than usual.

3. Health continues to plague me. I’m meant to be going on respite at the end of the month so Juanita and the dogs can go camping. Should be interesting… if I can take my laptop to write.

For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. The next episode is due around August 16th to 18th 2023.

Slava Ukrayini

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

July 5 question – 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?

Remember, the question is optional!

I must be brief this month, but I can start by saying as a teenager and in my twenties, dreams were often my inspiration.

But that gradually changed to echoing real-life events as with my two current projects. My Snowdon Shadows police procedural series reflects Welsh issues with touches of the history and folklore. Likewise, my Ukraine Night Witches historical shorts are fiction set against ongoing events… not forgetting the initial short echoing the Firebird legend.

I’ve even used Norse mythology for some WEP/IWSG flash shorts.

The awesome co-hosts for this July 5 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, Gwen Gardner, Pat Garcia, 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.

#IWSG – Written Replacement

June 7, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for the latest news updates:

As our health costs spiral, living off two pensions is a struggle, requiring careful budget savings. Sometimes harsh reality catches us out. We are now having to pay $860 p.m as our monthly ground rent has been increased by $65 p.m. Fortunately, my brilliant wife made a major grocery saving by getting us accepted for meals on wheels.
Our house move plans are progressing slowly.
My care team are still aiming to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips. But now they intend to avoid depending on commercial therapists, by us all learning simple massage techniques to help straighten my knees.
I’m now planning with my wife, for when I move on/pass. When we lived in Wales, we found a woodland cemetery, where we wanted to be buried. In Idaho, there is no such green option. So, I’ve been dreaming of being in Sussex again with my wife, somehow.

Probably. two cremations, one urn shared with our fur-babies. Wakes in Idaho and Sussex so everyone who wants to entertain with memories is welcome.

On to the writing… well, briefly as this month’s question is a departure from scribbling.

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

However, first I’m working on yet another Ukraine piece to build on my April entry: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/.

So much has happened over the last few weeks, notably the announcement about Western jets, relevant to my 2022 Night Witches as they face returning to Ukraine,and now on June 6th the destruction of Nova Kakhovka Dam .

The post should be up next week.

Slava Ukrayini

Remember, the question is optional!

June 7 question – If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?

Clue: Before reading more, decipher my photo clue and mention your thoughts in a comment. Please. Then read my answer.

June Answer: When I stopped photography, I found time to write. Therefore, photography might be my replacement for writing.

I gave up professional photography when my Canon pro-camera became too heavy to use due to my declining health. My wife agreed especially as all my lenses made the equipment too bulky to carry around.

We bought a lighter Lumix, which my wife still uses. The photo from our office window in North Wales of the view towards Snowdon is hers, and I asked her if I could use it for ‘Writing Wings’.

Snowdon above Portmeirion by Juanita Clarke

However, I still struggle to lift some things – like the Lumix.

Solution: 4K Digital Camera for Photography and Video Autofocus 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card 3” Flip Screen Flash 16x Zoom Anti-Shake Travel Camera for Beginner.

However, this small camera offers possibilities beyond stills. So, prepare for videos and vlogging. Will this get me out of my bedroom into the wider world? First though, I have transfer photos off the camera successfully.

Then decide how to target Sussex into my plans…remotely. I need to find a UK base unit.

Clue Answer: Selfie taken in family graveyard, at All Saints, Highbrook, near where we plan to rest forever, with a view over the Sussex countryside… once we’ve finished vlogging.

**
The awesome co-hosts for this June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine,Diedre Knight,Olga Godim,J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!

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.

#IWSG – Inspired Creation

May 3, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for a news update.

First, I must remember to celebrate our 13^th Wedding Anniversary on May 14th.

Second, our house move may take longer than hoped. Some of the houses we were interested in, we can’t view yet as they are not ‘active’ in the market. Our realtor explained he gets fined $1,000 for each ‘inactive’ property he shows prospective buyers around. Maybe all our funds will be in place when we find the perfect home.

At least a delay gives my care team more time to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips… and then outside with trees and grass in a gated, over 55 community with amenities.

Until the move happens, gaming and writing keep my brain active and alive. Tomorrow, May the Force be with you.

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 June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’ However, first I’m working on another Ukraine piece to build on my April entry: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/

The June prompt presents a challenge.

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

Slava Ukrayini

Remember, the question is optional!

May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Interesting question with at least two answers, depending on which story I’m working on:

Snowdon Shadows: Characters have inspired me as I wrote the various stories within my Snowdon Shadows world, especially my crime-fighting duo, Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai. However, other characters involved in their cases have proved inspirational in their own way.

[graphic]

Fevered Fuse, the first Snowdon Shadows novel, has seen this trend continue. Furthermore, I note another inspiring element – the setting, notably North Wales. In many ways, Snowdonia is another character. Therefore, I chose ‘setting’ as another ‘inspirer’.

2. Freedom Flights: Events inspired my ongoing Ukraine saga, initially real-life events. Then those inspired the fictional events to develop the episodes within the saga. Again, the characters proved inspirational. However, when I come to link the present-day stories back to my initial World War II story, ‘Feathered Fire’, I will use real events woven within fictional ones… and characters. My intention is to work on these pre-2022 episodes during NaNoWriMo 2023.

**
The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler,Ronel Janse van Vuuren,Meka James,Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!

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.

#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:

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.