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.
Ninja Writers Club & Academy Event: The theme for the July Ninja Writers Club & Academy is Back to Basics. In August it is BYOB, Blog Your Own Book. There is continuing theme for September, October, and November with the goal to self-publish if you want to do that. This post by Shaunta Grimes tells you how it works. For more information see this FAQ post. More about BYOB.
My News: I’m A Working Writer
I joined Ninja Writers Community (club) in fall or winter of 2016. I have been active in the community and things they offer writers ever since.
The Ninja Writer Academy started in 2019. I joined that in November 2019 for the 2020 year.
On April 26th, another Ninja Writer Club member contact me after a Zoom Working Writer class call where it was mention that I was working on creating a short story course, while talking about business plans and income streams.
The NW member wanted to pay me to coach them in short story while I was still building my course. I said, yes, so after that things started happening. Thank you, Barbara Giles.
I started doing developmental coaching after I helped another writing friend plot out three books. It was apparent I had a knack for developmental editing especially via one on one Zoom coaching sessions.
An opportunity and talent discovered because of COVID-19 and new social distancing practices. So that friend told others, and I now have eight clients.
I am writing a Space Opera. My first novel in the Starlight Galaxy series is Ghost Pirates. I am coming up to my inciting incident. I am taking it through the Ninja Writer Academy in my SF/F Workshop. We are starting the third eight-week session of 2020 in July, (Yep, right now.)
I love my NWA SF/F Workshop group. Two of the eight people in the group have finished thier first drafts, two more are close, and the rest of us not that far behind. So awesome and exciting.
I started scheduling Write-Ins for the group and created the Write-In Saloon. Shaunta Grimes the founder and creative behind Ninja Writers Club & Ninja Writers Academy noticed what I was doing, and that people were finishing their novels.
She approached me to work part-time for Ninja Writers with the goal of being full-time by beginning of the year. I started doing two write-ins for Ninja Writers, and we have now added two more. One run by Zach Payne another member of the Ninja Writer Team.
I am part of a six-person team behind the scenes. We have wonderful things happening, and future things planned. Ninja Writers is growing, so exciting.
One of the thing I will be doing during the academy sessions is doing a drop-in Short Fiction Workshop on Thursday 8 pm to 10 pm EST for academy members, as well as a Fiction co-working call on Tuesdays 6 pm to 8 pm for club and academy member.
I also run the accountability program and Ninja Writer’s buddy program for club members. Accountability is new and we are revamping the buddy program a little.
New Exciting News: We are launching the Ninja Writers Pub on Medium today. I will have a weekly fiction column in The Pub. I am the editor of the fiction section of NW Pub. We accept submissions from Ninja Writer Members. It is a benefit of the Ninja Writers community for members. and gives them experience working with an editor and such.
More News: Stormdance Publication will be releasing Grumpy Old Gods Volume 4 sometime in August. We have plans to put out a call for submission for another anthology in the fall or by end of year for that.
IWSG July 1st: Working Writer
The 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 help and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! SIGN UP AND JOIN & FIND OUT MORE HERE!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world! Our Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day 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.
There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?
MY ANSWER:
IWSG July 1st: Working Writer
IWSG 2020 Anthology Contest Announcement May 6th-September 2nd.
Guidelines and rules: Word count: 4500-6000 Genre: Science Fiction Theme: Dark Matter Submissions accepted: May 6 – September 2, 2020
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.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
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 craft books and fiction books that demonstrate aspects of storytelling.
We will read one book every two months.
There will be polls, free-gifts, and a lot of Discussion Day fun.
No promo. Just writers reading books and discussing those books with other writers.
Journey into the past. Will the third ghost be found before fires take more lives? Can everyone be warned before Pompeii is buried again? What happens if a blizzard traps a family in East Germany? Will the Firebird help Soviet sisters outwit evil during WWII? And sneaking off to see the first aeroplane – what could go wrong? Ten authors explore the past, sending their young protagonists on harrowing adventures. Featuring the talents of Yvonne Ventresca, Katharina Gerlach, Roland Clarke, Sherry Ellis, Rebecca M. Douglass, Bish Denham, Charles Kowalski, Louise MacBeath Barbour, Beth Anderson Schuck, and L.T. Ward. Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a voyage of wonder into history. Get ready for an exciting ride!
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