Today is day 86 in the hospital for me, still awaiting approval. 🙏Prayers needed–that I will be approved and get the Rehab I seriously need.
I have been editing a friends manuscript, and doing IWSG Instagram, Newsletter, and Facebook admin things while in hospital. I have also been the Sat Fellowship feedback zoom call for my Ream subscription fiction. Writing, not so much.
However, I need to and plan to attempt to write a flash fiction story for an advent calendar ASAP. I have participated in the advent for the last several years. I also need to write my October Storytime flash fiction, my Grumpy short story for Stormdance, and get back to revising and editing my series book 1 for Midlife Ghostwalker: Katje Storm.
So I have a lot of writing I need to do that I have been neglecting with this big Life Happened incident. I am better, and hope to get physically stronger with Rehab..
I’ll see ya next month, if not sooner. 🙏Prayers appreciated.
Our Twitter handle 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. Sign Up HERE.
September 4 question – Since it’s back to school time, let’s talk English class. What’s a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer?
I made good grades in English, but what messed me up was the “changing times”, aging, and instead of two spaces after a period it is now one. Still can’t do it has to always be fixed. Why change or fix something that was not broken?
#newletter Hey Insecure Writers,
Want to be in our newsletter?
Do you have new book release or writerly news? Tells us about your successes and your failures. Remember success comes through failure. It’s the learning process. You have to fall down a few times before you LEARN to walk. Trial and Error.
Send us your writer news. This can be new book releases, appearances on blogs, podcasts, or going out into the world to get your words out there. Share your successes in your writer business or services.
Do you have an interesting story about publishing your first book, or going to your first author conference, or maybe it’s a cute story about someone you meet and they read your book?
EMAIL us your book releases, sends us your success stories and writing news, the cute, fun, unusual and interesting tidbits about your writing life that might inspire or encourage other writers. Maybe you have an unusual writer journey to share.
Keep stories to 375 words or fewer, include a bio, and a photo if you like. To get in the next newsletter, please get information to me before the 21st of each month. We’d love to hear from you.
Images should be jpg or png, prefer 300×300 and not over 600×600. Questions email me.
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.
APRIL 6TH IWSG OPTIONAL QUESTION – Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?
My Answer: No I have not ventured into audiobooks yet. Findaway is a possible option to ACX through Audible. Other articles on my site regarding audio books.
“Cavanaugh returns to the world of his Cassa Series…for a fourth inventive space opera.” – Publisher’s Weekly
His world is unraveling…
Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse?
Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.
On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?
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.
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.
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