Story Decisions #IWSG Insecure Writer’s Support Group

#IWSG
Story Decisions
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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 to say.
IWSG CO-HOST FOR MARCH 2ND, 2022:
Janet Alcorn, Pat Garcia, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

Story Decisions
March 2 question –
Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?
My Answer:
I’m conflicted about my current story. It was never meant to be anything more than a flash fiction story. Making story decisions can be tough.
My article:
How To Write A Good Flash Fiction Piece?
I understood the world I was writing in, as I had created many shorts in it—world building is my thing. I always start with character and build from the inside out.
My trouble was finding my character’s long-term voice at first. I still struggle with my sidekick. I did not intend my story to be YA, but it is—again, story decisions.
So I am writing in a genre I am not totally comfortable in. However, I have been reading a lot of YA lately to get a better feel for it. I am very picky about my story, so had trouble finding great YA story that pulled me into the world, but I did.
Finding YA Book I like to read:
I found a few I am really enjoying that hooked me, but it was a search for me.
In my search, I came across Shade. I started reading and did not stop until chapter six, and only then because I had to do so. I read several before this one and was not impressed. So, I bought the whole series to read. This is a NY Times and USA Best-Selling author, which means she has experience capturing her audience.
Reading Shade (Shade series Book 1) Marilyn Peak and also, Kingdom of Engines Nathan Van Coops.
I am also a pantser and linear writer. This story I have written, somewhat, out of order, not my natural writing style. Now I struggle a bit with transition scenes and the piecing together. Expansion, revision, and editing are a slow, painful process, but I will not give up.
Finding Character Voice:
The story decision to write this story always belonged to my characters. I write this story because my characters, though difficult, will not shut up. Especially Smoak, my sidekick. If you read my newsletter then you have been talking to Smoak as he has taken the newsletter writing over for now. He is insisting that I go back and rewrite my welcome letter in his voice. I may do that just have not had time yet.
So though I struggle with the long-term story voice, the voice in my head has no problem at all chatting my ear off.
In fact, in the last monthly newsletter, Smoak even shared his favorite movie.
Here is the excerpt from the newsletter:
Okay, on to the question, what is my favorite movie? My favorite movie is Avatar. The local inhabitants of the planet have tails. Tails are handy. Since I am a Fae Dragon Sprite, I have an awesome tail.
In fact, you could say, I am downright dangerous with it when I can stay in my natural form. All too often, I have to shift into whatever form is needed or promotes safety. The way life and the planet is all connected and symbiotic makes me think of me and Remi. We are elemental bondmates. Our element is FIRE. Avatar 2 is coming December 2022. I can’t wait!
Smoak even took a special place in the remake of my logo featured below.
My newsletter with my gift story, The Boon. This story is not related to my current story, which for now I am calling Project Atlantis.
I enrolled in Tammi Labrecque, The Newsletter Ninja’s, Cookie Challenge. We will be creating short stories or other choices for reader targeted opt-in related to our reader audiences. It starts March 7th; I am excited about it.



March 29, 2022 @ 19:50
It’s great that you’re expanding your horizons with a YA novel. You’ll be able to branch out and diversify. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out the story and voices, but eventually it will start to flow. I’ve been enjoying Smoak’s turn with the newsletter. He’s such an interesting character. And I like his choice of movies. I didn’t know there was going to be a sequel to Avatar. Definitely looking forward to that. Best of luck with your story!
March 4, 2022 @ 23:15
Writing in a genre when you aren’t used to it is a learning curve for sure! I was used to fantasy and a book distributor told me that the book I’d just published wasn’t marketable and he told me to write realistic fiction. I was devastated but it was helpful because now I can write realistic along with other genres that are not fantasy! I have faith in you!
March 4, 2022 @ 13:54
Best of luck with your story. I don’t read YA much either and should start checking it out.
March 3, 2022 @ 19:43
Best of luck with the story! I love YA. 🙂 I’m glad you found a story you enjoyed reading.
March 3, 2022 @ 06:44
That’s so cool that your flash fiction turned into a YA novel. There’s so many good YA stories that can inspire you on. Good luck in the adventure of writing a much larger project than you intended.
March 3, 2022 @ 01:49
I’m glad you found the right genre for your story! Sometimes that’s the tricky part. I inadvertently wrote YA for my first WIP. I’ve learned a lot since then, so I’ve been pondering revisiting it and making it less cliched. Good luck as you continue on your way! I enjoyed Kelley Armstrong’s YA series. One of the books is called “The Gathering,” but I don’t remember if it was the first one. All the others are two word titles like that one. But I was already an Armstrong fan before I read her YA.
March 4, 2022 @ 01:59
Thanks for the recommendation. I bought the book looks good.
March 2, 2022 @ 19:24
Smoak – I love that name. Never change it.
March 2, 2022 @ 19:06
I don’t think I could write young adult.
I’ve heard Ender’s Game is technically young adult if you need more to read…
March 2, 2022 @ 18:53
Oh, yes–chatty characters! I know about those. Mine like to talk to me in the shower. Like, seriously, folks, can’t I have even a little privacy? 🙂
Good luck with your project!
March 2, 2022 @ 17:49
Finding a character voice can be so tough. It took me a big chunk of this past year with starts and stops, lots of ripped up paper, and not a few moments of frustration before my YA MCs voice came spilling out of me one night. I was actually afraid to go to sleep and lose the voice by morning. LOL. I am glad you found a book series to inspire your search for the right voice/