IWSG (My Posts)
IWSG August 1, 2018 Writing Journey: Warnings & Wisdom
IWSG AUGUST 1, 2018
Twitter is @TheIWSG Hashtag: #IWSG
INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP
FOUNDED BY
Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh
Writer’s supporting, encouraging and learning from each other. Post on your own blog about your struggles, your triumphs, and your successes. Talk about your works in progress the good, the bad and the ugly or some other writing relating topic on your mind. Read others, interact, comment, and grow within this wonderful author community. Every month there is an optional question for those who may need help figuring out what to post about.
AUGUST Co-Hosts:
Erika Beebe,Sandra Hoover,Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!
The 2018 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest
Word count: 3500-6000
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Theme:
Masquerade
A Masquerade can be a false show or pretense, someone pretending to be someone they aren’t. It can be a ball, a fancy dress party, it can be a mask. Open to interpretation.
Submissions accepted: September 5 – November 4, 2018
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (Double spaced, no page numbers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges who will be announced September 5.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.
Our book selection for August/September is:
The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
This one is for our memoir writers and anyone who has ever thought of writing a memoir. The discussion will start September 19th and will go to the end of the month, but it will be up indefinitely, so you can hop in whenever you’re able. Join Us.
Book club members have the chance to win a paperback copy of Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. This is a used copy, but it’s in great condition. To enter, go to this Rafflecopter Form.GIVEAWAY!
It’s free to enter, but you have to be a book club member. We will verify this, so join us on Goodreads!
One winner will be randomly selected on August 8th, and Chrys Fey will email the winner to get mailing details. All info will be kept private.
DISCUSSION
September 19th, Join Us.
The IWSG/WEP COLLABORATION
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group has entered into a new partnership with the Write…Edit…Publish Challenge (aka WEP) which is the brainchild of Denise Covey, a long-standing IWSG member, who runs this challenge with her wonderful team.
WEP is a free online writing/creative community.
Choose from the following formats: FLASH FICTION, POETRY, NON-FICTION, ARTWORK, PHOTO ESSAYS
SUBMIT your name to the Inlinkz list that will be provided on the WEP blog. The list opens 01 August which is TODAY!
2. CREATE your entry for the August challenge – CHANGE OF HEART
3. EDIT your entry
4. POST your entry on your blog/face book page on August 15 – state feedback preferences
5. READ other entries, giving feed back
ALL GENRES WELCOME except erotica – 1,000 words maximum.
Visit the WEP site for more information.
OPTIONAL IWSG Day Question:
What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?
STOP! Procrastination, Perfectionism, Fear! Butt In Chair Writing. Just Do IT! Send your inner critic on vacation and tell him/her they will have plenty of work to do once the first draft is finished, after all, the editor/critic cannot play on a blank page. Tell’em you will give them a whole story world to play in if they will hush until the end. For the editor/critic, it will feel like they won the lottery.
Give yourself permission to write crap. If you don’t write that first draft you have nothing to work with, edit or market. You can’t sell or share a blank page. Remember write first. You have to have a book to market it.
You write alone BUT it takes team effort and support to market and sell a book, so build your network and give back when you can.
As for the rest, I am still on the journey, but I take every opportunity to learn, network and listen to good advice and direction. I am learning also how to make myself take the actions I need on the sage advice and JUST DO IT!
Just finished my plot board and outline and the writing begins or maybe I should say starts again.
WRITER’S GAMBIT JULY AUTHOR SPOTLIGHTS
Loose Ends Suspense Fiction by Jennifer Haynie
Patricia Josephine Tempting Friendship Paranormal Romance
NEXT STORYTIME BLOG HOP OCTOBER 31ST, 2018
IWSG JULY 3RD Writing Goals
IWSG JULY 3RD, 2018
Twitter is @TheIWSG Hashtag: #IWSG
INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP
FOUNDED BY
Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh
Writer’s supporting, encouraging and learning from each other. Post on your own blog about your struggles, your triumphs, and your successes. Talk about your works in progress the good, the bad and the ugly or some other writing relating topic on your mind. Read others, interact, comment, and grow within this wonderful author community. Every month there is an optional question for those who may need help figuring out what to post about.
JULY Co-Hosts:
Nicki Elson,Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne!
It has been a while since I played host to IWSG, December 2017 I think. You will also be able to tell I really liked July question.
My answer surprised me and whacked me over the head a little.
The next #IWSGPit is Thursday, July 19, 2018, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (Book Club) is for writers to read/learn about the writing craft. We will swap back and forth between writing books and fiction books that demonstrate how to do certain aspects of storytelling.
We will read one book every two months.
WE ARE READING FOR JUNE/JULY
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1) BY C. S. LEWIS
DISCUSSION
July 25th. Join us!
The next #IWSGPit is Thursday, July 19, 2018, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (Book Club) is for writers to read/learn about the writing craft. We will swap back and forth between writing books and fiction books that demonstrate how to do certain aspects of storytelling.
We will read one book every two months.
WE ARE READING FOR JUNE/JULY
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1) BY C. S. LEWIS
DISCUSSION
July 25th. Join us!
LINKS DUE July 20th
OPTIONAL IWSG Day Question: What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?
I have written stories for fun since I was a kid. When yahoo forums were the big thang and the role play group games new to online. I started writing Star Wars fan fiction in RPG, as well as, Lord of the Rings RPG, Historical Romance RPG, and a Pern like RPG.
These games morphed and changed over time. The Yahoo forums changed and my game pals drifted away, as we tend to do in life. My roommate and I continued to play until about 2015. Good times.
I still write fan fiction to visit with my characters and develop new ones.
In the mid 90’s, I had three poems place in poetry contests to earn publication in anthologies. One came in second place. Another was requested for use a second time in a millennial anthology and set to music for a library.
During these years, I was also studying the writing craft. I took courses from places like The Children’s Writer’s Institute, Writer’s Digest when they were snail-mail courses cause the internet was not what it is today.
I also bought tons of writing craft books. I continue this practice even today. Writer’s Digest – Writer’s Digest Magazine – Writer’s Digest Shop – Writer’s Market
My list of courses and craft books is very extensive, especially now it includes Kindle books plus the tons of online writing craft courses so readily available today.
In 2011, I found Holly Lisle writing courses. I enrolled in the course How To Think Sideways: Career Survival School for Writer’s. This course made me start to believe I could write for hire and start a new career doing something I loved. Holly Lisle changed my writing, my mindset, and the way I viewed writing in general.
Writing had always been part of me. I even shared it to a certain degree with others, but now I had started to believe I could write and sell stories too. Why? For the Money? NO!
Yes, I would like to make money writing, BUT, to see my stories in print and know that others are willing to pay to read them; there is something creatively satisfying about that.
There is a sort of validation in knowing that what I love is valuable, not only to me, but others.
Since 2011, I have built my website, along with several remakes of said website. I have expanded my craft book collection and writing courses, joined several writing communities, written flash fiction and short stories while working on four to five series projects.
I have had a lot of ups and downs but I have continued to move forward and improve to some degree in my writing journey.
In 2017, I joined the Ninja Writer’s Club founder Shaunta Grimes, and started taking her course A Novel Idea. Her course is focused around my favorite writing craft book by Christopher Vogler, The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writer’s 3rd Edition.
In 2018, Shaunta created the NWL course; NWL stands for Ninja Write Along. Shaunta is writing her 2nd book in a MG series she sold to a publisher last year.
She briefly offered the NWL course to the public inviting others to join her and write along from June to January following her process. She includes her courses The Plotting Workshop and A Novel Idea. Since I was already a member of the Ninja Writing Club she invited us also as NWC members as a club bonus to join her.
The Ninja Writer’s started writing in June, or should I say plotting which has several phases. We are working on scenes for each act and creating our storyboard using a tri-fold board for a visual layout of our stories.
The tri-fold is a new tool for me.
The writing of the story will start soon, so I have signed up for July Camp NaNoWriMo for added encouragement and inspirations. I am part of my local NaNo regional group cabin, Lake Writers, this year.
Shaunta has a Facebook group for NWL writers where we share our progress, ask question and so forth. It has been quite exciting and motivating to see and learn what others are learning, doing, and having troubles with.
We also have regular Zoom meetings every Monday until NWL course ends. This has been an awesome experience so far and fun journey.
NOTE: I told you guys last month IWSG that I was doing Story Cartel through The Write Practice, but I realized within the first week it was not the right fit for me now.
The Write Practice Becoming Writer is a great community and interactive. Reluctantly, I decided to opt-out of the course which included the community as part of the course. However, things worked out for the best, as the NWL opportunity presented itself, shortly afterwards. I had been a member of Ninja Writer’s Club for a year already and it was offered as a one time bonus for current members.
Beginning goals & Expansion over time 2011-2018:
- Create a writing platform website (Check)
- Create website content & setup social media (Check)
- Learn all I can about the writing craft and take courses, read books. (Check)
- I believe this quote with all my heart. (Check)
We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
—Ernest Hemingway
- Join writing communities (Check & ongoing w/changes)
I have been very lucky in finding really awesome ones e.g. IWSG, HLWC and NW, Yeah!
- I joined NaNoWriMo November 2013 and then Camp April 2014. (Check-Have not missed one since whether I win or not, I won.)
- Set up an email Newsletter & Sign Up (Check – Learning, growing and improving.)
- Write flash fiction and publish on my website or/and in newsletter. (Check and growing)
- Attend any Webinar’s I can find about writing craft, blurbs, writer platforms, copy writing for writers, marketing, promotion & sell more books in general. (Check, check and check-ongoing.)
Working on 2018
- Complete NWL
- Write A Book by January 2019
- Do Storytime Blog Hop July & October 2018
- Participate in Katharina Gerlach Christmas Advent Calendar 2018
- Work on my flash fiction series The Legend of Kris Kringle: Wild Hunt set in my Moon Hollow series universe for Christmas.
- Start my own free Medium account. (Check)
- Start Posting on Medium. (Check)
- Join the Medium Partnership Program & Set up account for deposits. (Check)
- Write my first Medium post behind the Medium Pay Wall.
- Find a daytime job and/or online job using my skill sets (remote preferable.) (Ongoing search)
- Figure out skill services I would like to offer and check out Upwork and Fiver.
**Note: I almost had a remote job as social examiner but they over hired and being one of the last hired my contract fell through after hiring, but I am still being considered for other projects that my skills may quality me to do.**
THE KEY:
Do something, anything no matter how small or unimportant it may appear or feel. You have done something and it will add up over time.
Even if it just learning and building your skill set. You are gonna need it as a writer, whether hobbyist or career minded. No step is too small or big–check out Micro Goals.
Create a chain reaction effect by creating Micro Goals!
Break down the big goal into small goals and then break the smaller goals down again and repeat until they are very tiny.
Small persistent steps forward. Daily if you can. One of mine: Write 10 Minutes A Day & Plan next day TO DOS the night before.
Set big goals, but IF you don’t make them, LOOK at all the small steps you accomplished trying to get there.
Every little thing you do COUNTS. Every small action lays a piece of the foundation toward the LONG TERM.
Be the turtle not the hare because the turtle ultimately won the race. Steady Persistence toward the goal line.
There is real wisdom in that metaphorical story for those of us that feel like we are working hard to get there but never arriving.
WHAT? Look at what I have accomplished since 2011 (7 years) feeling like I’ve done nothing of real merit. Most of it happen while I was playing around in intermittent steps.
Small Steps Count! Now on to the bigger goals for 2018.
A Side Note: The NWC I talked about above:
Shaunta included for NWL participates, a Anti-blogging flagship course as it is created, teaching us how to use Medium as a blogging platform (possibly in place of a website if you don’t already have one) and making money on the Medium platform through their partnership program.
She has done very well with Medium and she shares the real $$$ facts with us about her own experience since April 2018. This class will be available next year for the public if I understand her plans correctly.
Medium has a built in audience. According to several sources Medium tends to attract educated, tech-savvy people that value storytelling and quality content.
Medium audience demographics according to Alexa. According to Quora. According to Storytelling a learning and exploring platform. Storytelling had the best overall explanation about Medium.
JUNE SPOTLIGHTS
The Astonishing Maybe By Shaunta Grimes
Born In A Treacherous Time Author Jacqui Murray
Write With FEY: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication!
IWSG MAY 2ND, 2018 #IWSG Spring Writing or Not?
IWSG MAY 2ND, 2018
Twitter is @TheIWSG Hashtag: #IWSG
INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP
FOUNDED BY
Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh
Writer’s supporting, encouraging and learning from each other. Post on your own blog about your struggles, your triumphs, and your successes. Talk about your works in progress the good, the bad and the ugly or some other writing relating topic on your mind. Read others, interact, comment, and grow within this wonderful author community. Every month there is an optional question for those who may need help figuring out what to post about.
May Co-Hosts:
E.M.A. Timar, J. Q. Rose,C.Lee McKenzie, and Raimey Gallant!
OPTIONAL IWSG Day Question: It’s spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?
Not really, but the fact there is so much going in April every year does. The A to Z Challenge, NaNoWriMo Camp and Storytime Blog Hop. I have never done the A to Z, but I do visit a few of the blogs all month. There were some really great themes this year. I did a guest post on RonelTheMythMaker Blog appearing the last day, April 30th. Her theme Everything Writerly!
ANGST:
I feel impatient. I swing from impatient, lost to overwhelm, to feeling stuck. The job search is still ongoing. I am stuck in the same ole rut like a mouse on a wheel chasing cheese–three steps forward and five steps back. I am so tired of letting the emotional circus of life suck me back into the mire.
I am making a push to get some short stories written and send out to magazines. I am also pushing to finish the first draft of my series Apocalypse, Signed, Sealed & Delivered. I still don’t know if it will end up being a full novel or a novella. I have 4 planned for sure but most likely five in the series. I would like to publish by end of this year or beginning of next. The ANGST is I am not writing enough or daily, despite making my NaNo word goal.
I joined The Write Practice Story Cartel course which includes the community Becoming Writer which is a paid membership. I am trying to move myself to the next level. I was able to grab the launch price on a payment plan that I could afford with a little sacrifice, otherwise, I would not have been able to do it. It is an eight-week course with assignment deadlines and a mentor for this course students, which means help with accountability or anything else course or writer related through email anytime or the FB group, a sort of one on one as needed. It is about writing but encompassing all the things that being a writer includes like building a platform, an audience and a community with some focus. It is taught by Joe Bunting of The Write Practice. I have been following him for a long time and reading his posts and others on The Write Practice blog.
I am also setting up a basic e-commerce website for a friend who did not know how to do that. It is a bit of a learning process for me too, but I also know how to do a basic website in WordPress as I did my own website.
APRIL SPOTLIGHTS WERE…
A Real Place, A True Story – Fictionalized.
by Yolanda Renee
(She talks about her inspiration for her short story that appears in the IWSG Anthology Tick Tock: A Stitch In Crime. This is actually a May 2nd Spotlight, but since Tick Tock was one in April I thought I would include it this month too.)
The Letter by Juneta Key (Short Story)
Storytime Blog Hop April 25th, 2018
The Widow by Vanessa Wells (Short Story host on my blog)
Storytime Blog Hop April 25th, 2018
Tick Tock A Stitch In Crime Anthology New Release
Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
The clock is ticking…
Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze?Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?
Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues and stay out of danger. Time is wasting…
B&N
Kobo
ITunes
TICK TOCK A STITCH IN TIME
ANTHOLOGY INTERVIEW WITH ELEVEN AUTHORS
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I used an incident from my own life and the writing technique known as the ‘what if’ factor. In other words, this happened, but what if this ‘a murder’ happened instead?
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind. Her determination and talent but more so the obstacles she had to overcome. Her short story Lost Laysen was a significant influence on my own short story writing. I loved the ending, even though I changed it during a fan-fiction challenge.
Bio: Cypress, Like the Tree – Yolanda Renée
Looking for a new adventure, Renée moved to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. A storyteller from a very early age, an avid reader, and with an education and background in business and accounting, becoming a writer only made sense. And writing mysteries pure logic.
That some of her stories mirror her life, only coincidence. Honest!
Amazon Author Page –Blog: Defending the Pen –Facebook –Twitter @yolandarenee –Pinterest
- What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
Every mystery has an element of the time theme. You know, find the killer before he/she has a chance to kill again. But cozy mystery readers and writers tend to like a series, and the series has a theme as well. Sue Grafton used the alphabet, each new book beginning with a letter of the alphabet. Or a more cozy theme, with its small-town atmosphere, would be a location or a hobby that allow for characters to meet and share information, such as a bakery (Joanne Fluke), a tea shop (Laura Childs), a library (Charlaine Harris) or quilting (Elizabeth Spann Craig).
In my particular short story, besides the ghost element, I used a cross-stitch theme. My character is learning to cross-stitch at the beginning of the story, and the cross-stitch theme comes full circle at the end of the story when a cross-stitch pendant holds the clue to solving the mystery.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
Only one? This is tough! It changes depending on my frame of mind. I’m going to stick with a mystery author, just to narrow it down. Hmmm. Right now I’ll say Jacqueline Winspear. She writes the Maisy Dobbs series, historical mysteries that take place post WWI and spans to her next book with the start of WWII. I’m fascinated with the World War I and II eras. When you think about it, it’s less than a hundred years ago. My grandparents lived through it. I’ve heard stories. Winspear is an excellent writer and storyteller, her mysteries intricate with twists and turns, and always amidst the post and pre-war atmosphere.
BIO: Gwen Gardner writes clean, cozy and quirky mysteries and don’t be surprised if you meet a few ghosties along the way.
Since ghosts feature prominently in her books, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face – but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does. Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate – not necessarily in that order.
Gwen Gardner, Author-Gwen Gardner, Blog-Gwen Gardner, Amazon-Untethered Realms
- What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process:
For my story Center Lane, I set out wanting to find the truth for my main character Hammond Stone. Soon though, it became the secrets around him that inspired me to dig deeper. Finding clues that come up during the writing process is the most exciting part!
- Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Stephen King. I love his ability to bring characters to life. When I first read his short story The Mist, I was drawn into how these characters were going about their regular daily shopping, and then all of a sudden being forced into survival mode. Now, every time we have thick fog or mist outside, I don’t just think of the storefront or the monster, I think of the memorable characters he created.
BIO: Christine writes psychological thrillers and suspense. She earned her degree in Literature/Language and went on to pen stories that send you running for the covers. When she’s not writing, you can find Christine at the park with her family, grabbing lunch at her favorite diner, or pampering her basset hound Molly. And always with a coffee in her hand!
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I used the Chicago Fire and the devastation that it caused. I saw an opportunity to use this disaster to add a larger context to the story of a hideous crime. I also looked at the strict moral code of the nineteenth century and thought it would be interesting to have a fiend loose during a time unmarried men and women couldn’t even ride in a carriage unless it was an open one. What a contrast, heh?
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
That’s impossible, but since I’m reading Margaret Atwood at the moment, I’ll pick her. It’s her way with the language. She can make people breathe on her pages. When an author can do that, she has to be a favorite.
BIO: C. Lee McKenzie has a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days her greatest passion is writing for young readers.
Some Very Messy Medieval Magick is the third book in the time-travel adventures of Pete and Weasel, with Alligators Overhead and The Great Timelock Disaster being the first two. Sign of the Green Dragon, another book for young readers, jumps into ancient Chinese dragon myths and a quest for treasure.
Her young adult work is represented by Italia Gandolfo. McKenzie has published four young adult novels: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, and Sudden Secrets. When she¿s not writing she¿s hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot questions about things she still doesn’t understand.
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I drew on experiences both of my own and other women who have been in dangerous relationships. Also, I’m drawn to stories that include animals. In my story, a Golden Retriever named Bo is a central character.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
For once, a “favorite” question is easy to answer. Sue Grafton is easily the author I most admire. She wrote the alphabet detective mystery series featuring one of the best characters ever created, Kinsey Milhone. I’ve read all her books, starting with A is for Alibi. Y is for Yesterday came out in the Fall of 2017. I was eagerly anticipating Z is for Zero, but that will never be completed. Sue Grafton died on December 28, 2017. Her family announced her passing with these words: The alphabet ends with Y.
Kinsey Milhone is strong, independent, smart, and a little sarcastic. Her 80-year-old landlord Henry is also her dear friend. She solves crimes with moxie, often completing the job on her own time because she has such a strong sense of justice. I’m rereading the series.
BIO: Mary Aalgaard is a freelance writer and blogger. Her words stretch across the globe through her blogs and articles. Mary is also a playwright who works with both children and adults to create original dramas. She gives private piano, and writing lessons, and theatre workshops for kids at Central Lakes College.
- What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
My story was written a good while ago, tweaked and updated over the years to make it current. Back then we lived in a small Louisiana town. Video stores were abundant but one in particular caught my eye—a “men’s entertainment” video store on I-10. There was also a political feud going on between the police department and the sheriff’s office. All I had to do was play the “what if” game and The Little Girl in the Bayou evolved. Note: that video store is still in business on I-10, thirty-something years later!
- Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
I’ve read Terri Blackstock for years and she has yet to disappoint me. I like her voice, her writing style, and I think she’s a master at characterization and plotting. Plus, I learn survival skills if ever I should need them. J Terri’s books keep me on the edge of my seat. I wish I could be inside her head when she comes up with an idea and takes it all the way to fruition.
BIO: My name is Jess, Jessy, Jessica and I’m a co-owner/co-editor of Swamp Lily Review, A Journal of Louisiana Literature & Arts. I’m also a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine. I do author interviews. Back in 1996 I sold a novel to Silhouette Romance. It was about an Elvis look-alike who tangles with the daughter of an Elvis fanatic. The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes was originally called Love You Tender. My pen name Jessica Travis was originally Jessica Chaney. Oh yeah, publishing was a learning experience. Silhouette turned down my option book so what did I do? I became a realtor! Selling houses is a lot like selling books.
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
The prompt from the contest really had my brain ticking (yes, pun intended!) and as I saw the clock in my head I also saw a prisoner pacing behind bars, waiting to be released. It’s always fun to write from the villain’s point of view, and this was no exception. This man helped me out as he let me know all of the people who were angry about him being released.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
Only one? That’s so hard! Let’s see…
I think right now I’d choose Jill Shalvis. Jill writes amazing contemporary romances that combine humour, heat, and lots of tension. Her characters are very true to life. They have lots of flaws, but always have good hearts. Reading one of Jill‘s books is always so much fun, and I usually end up staying up way too late at night to finish them.
BIO: Jemi Fraser lives in beautiful Northern Ontario where she works hard and plays harder with both her family and her students. Holding an ever-present mug of Chai tea, she spends her free time baking cookies and writing Happy Ever Afters. The world can always use more of both
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I love sci fi, so I had to write a time travel story. I’m always asking “what if…” and time travel leaves lots of room for twisty turns!
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
My favorite author has always been Michael Crichton. So intelligent and versatile! Very sad to hear when he passed some years ago, but he inspired me to pick up the torch.
BIO: Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World, Broken Branch Falls (fantasy adventures), plus the UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She’s a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife. Make every day an adventure!
Blog– twitter – @taratylertalks- Facebook– Really Real Housewives of America
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I took my inspiration for “The Tide Wait” both from an existing bit of flash fiction featuring the main character (I liked her and wanted to do more with her) and from my own upbringing on an island, in fact right on the beach for several years. Because of that, I thought I knew tides—but it turned out I needed to get a lot of help to get the tides right for the story!
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
*One* favorite author? Then I’ll fall back on the one I think is the best wordsmith, never fails to grab me, and to both inspire me to greater heights and to plunge me into despair over how I will never, ever, be as good a writer as he was (and the fact that he has died and will write no more books makes me very sad): Ivan Doig.
BIO: Rebecca Douglass grew up in Idaho, Arizona, and Washington states, and now lives near San Francisco. Her passions include backpacking, hiking, books, and running and biking. She works at the library, volunteers in the schools, and is hard at work on her next book.
1. What other inspirations did you use for your short story besides time in the Muse process?
I’m actually not a crime writer, so brainstorming was probably the most daunting part of the whole dang process (and that’s usually editing’s job). Going in, I knew time had to be central, as you mentioned, but I also decided that I didn’t want to deal with an actual crime head-on. I’ve always been fascinated with psychology, so I thought it would be interesting to add a psychological element. Not necessarily the crime taking place, but the aftermath of a crime and the way it can destroy a person’s mind. So in the end, I drew inspiration from my two favorite things: murder and mind games. Erm. Something like that.
2. Who is your favorite author and why? You can only pick one.
This question is always so hard! I’m going to have to say Terry Pratchett. He was one of the first times I heard about comedic fantasy and realized it was even a thing. The books were everything I wanted. There was a brilliant world, rich lore, hilarious comedy, characters I could relate to. Also, I’m more than a little in love with Death.
S. R. Betler
BIO: Born and raised in New York, S. R. Betler now lives in Kentucky, where she passes her days collecting stray animals, torturing her characters, and inventing new worlds while attempting to keep her husband and offspring from destroying this one.
C.D. Gallant-King
BIO: Writer, gamer, pro-wrestling aficionado. Dad.
I claim to write stories, but really I just find them in The Closet, dust them off, add a few commas and send them out into the world.
Proudly Canadian, born and raised in Newfoundland, fine-tuned and educated in Toronto and currently residing in Ottawa with a beautiful wife, two wonderful children and various furry four-legged companions.
