writing-community | Writing Wings

As in previous months, I’ve been concentrating on one writing project, so I haven’t posted anything here since May’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post, Feedback. Well, not since yesterday’s apologetic Not #IWSG keyboard delay, which explains that I’ve been struggling with my keyboard as well as my health, which is why I am posting this a day late.

Also, we are selling our trailer home and moving in with my wife’s second son towards the end of June, which has consumed some of our time. When I create space, my writing has focused on revising my North Wales police procedural, Fates Maelstrom. My answer to this month’s question will touch on its origin.

For those following my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, that project remains on hold, except I keep abreast of the ongoing war daily.

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!

June 3 question – Do most of your story ideas come from one place (the news, dreams, etc.) or do they hit from all over the place?

Mine hit from all over the place.

My current writing project is part of the Snowdon Shadows Mysteries, so I’ll start there. The clue is in the series title, as Snowdon is in North Wales. There are four books in the series, and all but one were inspired whilst living there. The main character, detective Sparkle Anwyl, appeared as a secondary character in the first draft of what was originally the first book, Fates Maelstrom, set on Dartmoor in the West of England. The plot grew from a conversation with a friend about police confusion when identical twins commit crimes.

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

I developed Sparkle through various short stories prompted by numerous suggestions, including some WEP/IWSG Challenges. As I assembled the stories, a linking plotline emerged, becoming Fevered Fuse, which chronologically is Book 1. Therefore, Fates Maelstrom is chronologically Book 2, so I’m writing a new outline to guide my current revision process. The inspiration for Book 3, Seeking A Knife, was research I did for my Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2015 theme of ‘The War of 1812’. Book 4, Ruined Retreat, arose from a retiree murder mystery suggestion from a neighbour in our residential park in North Wales.

The Norwegian Viking ship Draken Harald Harfrage sailing off Greenland – http://www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com

I wrote the first draft of my Alternative History novel, Eagle Passage, after I asked, “What would have happened if Leif Eriksson had settled Vinland permanently in 1000 AD?” In fact, I initially answered the question in an entry for an IWSG Anthology competition, though it wasn’t among the winning entries.

However, my World War II story Feathered Fire, appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost and did lead to my present-day Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights. That IWSG Anthology competition theme inspired me to research Slavic mythology and World War II’s Night Witches.

Ideas for earlier writings were not just prompts but events, such as The Tevis Cup, the ‘Ultimate Horsemanship Challenge’, which became the spark for Tortuous Terrain, the sequel to Spiral of Hooves. My health has also inspired a few stories, including The Last Leaf, a fantasy novella whose main character suffers like me from MS, Multiple Sclerosis.

The awesome co-hosts for the June 3 posting of the IWSG areVictoria Marie Lees, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, andC. Lee McKenzie!

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!

I nearly missed this next Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024 as I was frantically trying to finish Episode 26 of my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights. It was overdue by over two months from the last day my characters appeared on duty. However, I finished and posted it with a day to spare:

Freedom Flights: Episode 26 – Deceptive Intuition

Unfortunately, if the election of President Trump stands, Ukraine could be forced into a peace which cedes not just territory but thousands of Ukrainians who do not want to be second-class Russians. Also, Putin and other autocrats will be emboldened, and countries like Taiwan will feel threatened. What then?

Slava Ukrayini

The other writing news is I’ve drafted an acceptable query letter for my Welsh police procedural. I was unsure what books to compare it to, but I chose a series set in South Wales and a lesbian crime writer I admire. Ultimately, it must stand up in its unique way.

Remember, the question is optional!

November 6 question – What creative activity do you engage in when you’re not writing?

It would be great to do something creative other than writing but I’m aware of a drawback or two. My fingers are not nimble enough for some activities I’ve attempted. Nor do I have the space on the desk over my bed.

A few months ago, I attempted to revive my photography which was part of my career as a journalist from my early twenties onwards… although with breaks for other careers in farming, wholesale food marketing, and the film industry. Sadly, I’m struggling to upload any recent photos. Maybe one day.

Many decades ago, a girlfriend taught me to knit, and I made a scarf for her. A few years later, when we had both married other people, she admitted to dismantling my only attempt at knitting.

My attempt to play the flute lasted longer, although I eventually sold that flute to a more adept player. However, I still have the wooden Nepalese flute I bought in Kathmandu… the start of my flute adventure.

Airfix Sopwith Camel
https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235067424-airfix-sopwith-camel/

As a kid, I made a lot of plastic models from kits, mainly 1^st World War biplanes, which my brother and I hung from the ceiling by thread. Making them was very fiddly so not a hobby to revisit.

My wife plays computer games that involve designing and building structures, from houses to workshops. I used to play the same games, and I’m tempted to return to them… when I’m not writing.

What should I do?

The awesome co-hosts for the November 6 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Lisa Buie Collard , Kim Lajevardi, 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 our hashtag is #IWSG.