Sign Up And Become a Member 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.
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.
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 newsletterwith 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.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group—A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links–all to benefit writers! #IWSG Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club Reedsy Discount / Past Issues
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 help 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! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
IWSG October 6th: Drawing Lines As A Writer?
The awesome co-hosts for the October 6 posting of the IWSG are:
IWSG QUESTION: In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?
ANSWER:
I’m skipping the question. Not really sure how to interpret it overall. So! Writing is my thing, so don’t really think about it unless I am forced to do so. I am going to write what I want to write—It’s my story. Other people, to each his own, live and let live is my philosophy. I hate controversy so will not seek it out or invite it. I will stand my ground when attacked or take the high road. Thankfully, that has never happened YET as pertaining to my writing—and I pray never will.
Our Book Club Leader’s Blog: FromToi Tips to make your books findable for the team. Fellow Book Club Moderator’s Blog: From Ronel Janse van Vurren How this benefits you!
A new direction: Member Reads IWSG BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS
Insecure Writer’s Support Group—A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links–all to benefit writers! #IWSG Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club Reedsy Discount / Past Issues
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 help 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! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
From the newsletter Show off your writer insecurities! Buy some IWSG swag and wear/use it with pride! Buy Here!
IWSG August 4th: Writing Inspiration
Optional Question
August 4th optional question –What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?
My Answer:
I don’t have just one. Save the Cat help me to really see how structure worked together with all the elements, and Robert McKee just so many insights I never thought about. Jordan Rosenfield was very specific about tension and the way it works. Christopher Vogel made me look around and see the character archetypes in my own life, in the people surrounding me and how I could make better characters. Romancing the Beat gave better insight as to how romance fit in a story in structure, pacing, and the why. There are more great craft books out there but this is my top five.
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL IWSG ANTHOLOGY CONTEST SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED: MAY 7–SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
ATTENTION PARTICIPATES:
Overall, your story should be clean of offensive material, including profanity, vulgarity, excessive violence, or sexually explicit or suggestive scenes. Elements in your story should focus on romance, not on sex, which should be kept “behind closed doors.” The overall plot should lead to a positive and uplifting outcome, also known as “happily ever after.” Absolutely no erotica or pornography.
THIS IS THE BASIC DEFINITION OF ROMANCE FROM RWA (ROMANCE WRITER’S OF AMERICA):
Definition: Two basic elements comprise every romance novel: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. A Central Love Story: The main plot centers around individuals falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work. A writer can include as many subplots as he/she wants as long as the love story is the primary focus of the novel (or Short Story). An Emotionally Satisfying and Optimistic Ending: In a romance, the lovers who risk and struggle for each other and their relationship are rewarded with emotional justice and unconditional love.
This is from IWSG August Newsletter: Stories have been rolling in, but there’s still time to polish up your best Sweet (CLEAN) romance and send it in! If you can’t decide what constitutes a sweet, clean romance, here is a great article by K. Anthony Wilson that might help. No time for another link? In a nutshell, think G-rated, relationship-focused, love-to-the-rescue kind of stories.
Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 5000-6000
Genre: Sweet Romance
Theme: First Love
Submissions accepted: May 7 – September 1, 2021
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group. You must belong to at least one aspect of the IWSG to enter.
* A short reminder on the characteristics of a sweet romance.
Overall, your story should be clean of offensive material, including profanity, vulgarity, excessive violence, or sexually explicit or suggestive scenes.
Elements in your story should focus on romance, not on sex, which should be kept “behind closed doors.”
The overall plot should lead to a positive and uplifting outcome, also known as “happily ever after.”
Absolutely no erotica or pornography.Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Our official judges:
Author Nancy Gideon Nancy Gideon is the award-winning bestseller of over 70 romances ranging from historical, Regency, and series contemporary suspense to dark paranormal and horror, with a couple of produced screenplays and non-fiction writing books tossed into the mix. She’s also written under the pseudonyms Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West, and Lauren Giddings.
Agent Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Associates Caitlin Blasdell has been a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates since 2002 with a focus on commercial fiction. Before becoming an agent, she was a senior editor at HarperCollins Publishers.
Author Susan Gourley Susan Gourley is traditionally published in fantasy and science fiction romance using the name Susan Kelley. She is currently serving as the President of the Pennwriters writing group renowned for the annual conference.
Author Meka James Meka James is a writer of adult contemporary and erotic romance. A born and raised Georgia Peach, she still resides in the southern state with her hubby of 16 years and counting. Mom to four kids of the two legged variety, she also has four fur-babies of the canine variety. When not writing or reading, Meka can be found playing The Sims 3, sometimes Sims 4, and making up fun stories to go with the pixelated people whose world she controls.
Agent Melissa Gaines, Victress Literary Melissa Gaines is part of the dynamic trio that makes up Victress Literary. Together with Shannon Orso and Lizz Nagle and their combined experience in literary sales, publishing, marketing, multimedia and writing equips them to go to battle for every client. Together, they are a well of creativity and cultivate relationships in what has become a rapidly-changing industry.
Author Jennifer Lane Jennifer Lane writes sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist. She has published nine novels and two short stories, including Behind the Catcher’s Mask as part of the IWSG Masquerade Anthology.
Agent Rachel Beck, Liza Dawson Associates Rachel Beck joined Liza Dawson Associates in January 2020 after working at a boutique literary agency for four years. She has been in the publishing industry since 2009 and worked at Harlequin editing romance novels for nearly six years before transitioning her skills to the agent world in order to be an advocate and champion for authors.
Author Loni Townsend By day, she writes code. By predawn darkness, she writes fantasies. All other times, she writes in her head. People call her peculiar with a twisted sense of fashion, but don’t let those understatements fool you. Her behavior is perfectly normal for a squirrel disguised as a human.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Dancing Lemur Press’ imprint, Freedom Fox Press,next year in the IWSG anthology. (Please see their site for general submission guidelines.) Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.
This is our seventh anthology contest! Previous titles include Dark Matter: Artificial, Voyagers: The Third Ghost, Masquerade: Oddly Suited, Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime, Hero Lost, The Mysteries of Death and Life, and Parallels: Felix Was Here.
Atlantis Lost, Atlantis Rising: Emergence Origin Story Novella Magic Born or Magic Cursed? Series—Coming 2020-2022 Follow Smoak Below:
Do You Believe In Magic? — Smoak is Magic.
I am a Fae spirit entity. My element is fire. My name is Smoak. I’ve been mistaken for an angel. As a spirit entity, I have many forms — I shape-shift, but my core form is Dragon.
I am a master at using shadow magic for illusion, but I can’t live alone. To survive, spirit entities must bond with another whose element is the same as theirs.
Elemental fire magic connected me to Remi at her birth. But, our magic was never used.
To keep her safe, her mother suppressed Remi’s magic at age three to hide them from the monster that chased them. On Remi’s sixteenth birthday, the spell will break and reunite us.
Let’s hope everything doesn’t burn down around us.
You can view this brief story on Medium too. I wrote it as short form fiction–150 words or fewer for a friend’s Short Form Publication on Medium The Daily Cuppa.
IWSG Insecure Writer’s Support Group July 7th Blog Hop
Insecure Writer’s Support Group—A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links–all to benefit writers! #IWSG Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club Reedsy Discount / Past Issues
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 help 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! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
July 7th optional question – What would make you quit writing?
MY ANSWER: Lots of stuff has made me quit for a season, BUT nothing can make me quit forever. There is a need to tell a story that bugs me. Besides, I miss my characters and worlds. AND, then I get to thinking what if I just kept at it? I mean, if I had never stopped I would be so much farther along now. The progress I have made to date surprises even me. So, I will put my best foot forward and keep on writing, and when obstacles appear I will find my way around them and pray that the universe and God want me to stay an author/writer too.
I am an author! You should say it out loud to yourself every day. The only one stopping you is YOU! Heard that saying, “Life will find a way.” The quote is from Jurassic Park movie and some other source I don’t remember.
The Seventh Annual IWSG Anthology Contest Submissions accepted: May 7–September 1, 2021
Attention Participates:
Overall, your story should be clean of offensive material, including profanity, vulgarity, excessive violence, or sexually explicit or suggestive scenes. Elements in your story should focus on romance, not on sex, which should be kept “behind closed doors.” The overall plot should lead to a positive and uplifting outcome, also known as “happily ever after.” Absolutely no erotica or pornography.
This is the basic definition of ROMANCE from RWA (Romance Writer’s of America):
Definition: Two basic elements comprise every romance novel: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. A Central Love Story: The main plot centers around individuals falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work. A writer can include as many subplots as he/she wants as long as the love story is the primary focus of the novel (or Short Story). An Emotionally Satisfying and Optimistic Ending: In a romance, the lovers who risk and struggle for each other and their relationship are rewarded with emotional justice and unconditional love.
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. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can’t find you to comment back.
The May 5th question–if you’d like to answer it, is: Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn’t expect? If so, did it surprise you?
MY ANSWER:
Yes. They read the short collection I published on Amazon, specifically the stories Pre-emergence: Remi & Smoak and The Emergence: Poseidon’s Island, and then went hunting for books about the world and that story, but of course, there are not any YET. May heart was so touch because about five people reached out to ask are the any places we missed looking to find more. I need to get to writing.
The origin story is serialized to email subscribers starting with episodes 3 & 4 with plans for a box set of all once completed but for now only available to newsletter subscribers. The next episode will be sent out in May newsletter.
I need to start plotting and outlining a novel around those earlier stories. I have plans for a paranormal romance series also in this world.
Working serialized episodes for subscribers. A second serialized short for a Christmas thing. The paranormal romance series. A space opera series plus some shorts from that world as well. I am also considering doing some type of paranormal urban fantasy around a new genre about Midlife Crisis-brainstorming on that one.
I have always said that “I want to be an author that writes speculative fiction stories that enable readers to escape into adventure through emotionally moving and evocative stories laced with humor that let my reader breathe, relax, and settle into the story world.“
When people say things like above to me and leave comments and reviews saying it is not enough, I realize like I am one step closer to being the author I dream of being, maybe—yeah still huge doubts here–but dreaming. My Amazon release that had those wonderful comments on below.
Magic Born or Magic Cursed?
Atlantis has risen! Cataclysmic events reshape the globe, and a new world order emerges. Magic once hidden is released back into the world. The magical Isle of Moon Hollow is no longer just an ordinary seafaring community.
Discover how the residents of Moon Hollow overcome their trials and tribulations.
Pre-Emergence: Remi and Smoak
A young girl comes into her magic when she comes of age. Is she magic born or magic cursed? So far, she’d say cursed.
The Emergence: Poseidon’s Island
A young thief triggers the rising of Atlantis setting off global catastrophic events.
Instinct
A young boy’s innate magic is ignited early, in the aftermath of the rising of Atlantis. Scared and alone, his instincts take him on a survival journey to find his destiny.
Deep Dive
What secrets and legends lay under the Isle of Moon Hollow? A tourist shop owner and deep-sea diver will soon find out.
Immortality
No one expects to outlive their children. Driven by grief, a man seeks the portal to Hades in Mermaid Cove.
What is an AI’s true role? Will bumbling siblings find their way home from deep space? Dark matter is judging us—are we worthy of existence? Would you step through a portal into another reality? Can the discoverer of dark matter uncover its secrets?
Ten authors explore dark matter, unraveling its secrets and revealing its mysterious nature. Featuring the talents of Stephanie Espinoza Villamor, C.D. Gallant-King, Tara Tyler, Mark Alpert, Olga Godim, Steph Wolmarans, Charles Kowalski, Kim Mannix, Elizabeth Mueller, and Deniz Bevan.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a journey across time and space. Prepare for ignition!
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter.
Release date: May 4, 2021–Available Now! Print ISBN 9781939844828 $14.95 EBook ISBN 9781939844835 $4.99 Science Fiction: Collections & Anthologies/Space Exploration/Genetic Engineering http://dancinglemurpress.com
Word count: 5000-6000 Genre: Sweet Romance Theme: First Love Submissions accepted: May 7 – September 1, 2021 How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group. You must belong to at least one aspect of the IWSG to enter. Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges. Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Dancing Lemur Press’ imprint, Freedom Fox Press,next year in the IWSG anthology. (Please see their site for general submission guidelines.) Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.
IWSG GOODREAD BOOK CLUB!
Our April/May reads are… The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel is our fiction selection that offers a great use and example of description.
Deep Point of View (Busy Writer’s Guides Book 9) by Marcy Kennedy is our writing craft book with a focus on deep POV view.
Discussion Day for both books will be May 26, 2021!
JOIN US for our current discussions on Ghost Light and Preparing to Write Settings that Feel Like Characters.
Our books below.
Author of Life of PI Yann Martel
A Busy Writer’s Guide by March Kennedy
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