Author, Writing Coach, Speaker
I’m out of pocket with no way to post except via my phone. That’s a challenge for me so let me have a raincheck, please. And until my next post, I hope you have a fun day visiting our great IWSG members.
If it’s Wednesday, then it’s IWSG Day! I’ve missed a month or two, but I’m back. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page. The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, and answer any questions new writers might have. Remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question.
Our awesome co-hosts for this posting of the IWSG are Sadira Stone,Patricia Josephine,Lisa Buie-Collard,Erika Beebe,and C. Lee McKenzie!
Our interesting optional question this month is: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever googled in researching a story?
A few years back, I was offered an opportunity to write a novella for Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll series published by The Wild Rose Press. My characters popped into my mind immediately. One character was so incredibly evil he surprised me. I had to research his kind of evil. I needed to find some way he would mark his family and I did. He branded them. To my surprise, people really brand each other and themselves. I’m not talking about tattoos. I mean like cowboys brand their cattle. I tip-toed in to communities where they discussed it and told what they used: keys, cookie cutters, wire, anything decorative that they could heat, sear and mark the skin. When I say I “tip-toed” in to these sites, I mean I peeked with one eye closed because I’m pretty queasy when it comes to any kind of pain and torture.
My book was called The Last Daughter and it’s a story very close to my heart. It’s about love and evil, and sincere, heartbreaking forgiveness. It’s out of print now and “waiting” for revision so I can republish under my own imprint. I hope in early 2020.
Today, I’m excited to announce my latest release called Christmas In Love. No evil here. Just love sweet love. I’ve coupled two of my previously published short stories with a brand new story that I’m pretty proud of. Take a look at my cover. Isn’t that hero yummy? I thank the multi-talented Heather K. Duff for finding him, designing the cover and formatting the book.
If you give Christmas In Love a try, I hope you’ll leave a review—good or bad. But, hey … if you leave a bad review, at least tell me why or what you didn’t like about Christmas in Love. It might be something I can fix.
I hope you’re all doing well, writing up a storm on NaNoWrMo, and that you have a very blessed Thanksgiving. See you in December!
Who: The Insecure Writers Support Group
What: A group that isn’t afraid to voice their fears and insecurities, and share and encourage others.
When: The first Wednesday of each month
Where: Everywhere! Twitter, Facebook, on various blogs and HERE.
Why: Because Alex J. Cavanaugh saw writers expressing doubt and fear … and noticed writers offering encouragement. (Writers love to see other writers succeed.) Alex recognized a need for a support group and he decided to do something about it. The Insecure Writers Support Group was born. Yay, Alex!
The awesome co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantiner!
Our Optional question this month is: If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?
Give me anywhere as long as I’m in a large room with a wall of windows overlooking a sandy beach and blue water. The catch is—let me have at least eight hours each day for an entire month. I don’t like writing in snatches of time. Unfortunately, I do it, but I prefer long hours so I won’t lose the various strands of my story or the rhythm of my dialogue or the vague ideas that pop into my head as I create. I seldom plot more than a few lines per chapter so I often desperately hang on to my story. When I stop to cook, or participate in another activity, or leave my work area to run an errand, I struggle to get back to where I was while pounding keys.
I read that Danielle Steele used to lock herself in a room, not coming out until her book was finished. Her family delivered her meals to the door but other than that, no contact. In a way, that sounds like an ideal writing arrangement for me—as long as that room has windows.
What do you think?
Wednesday is IWSG Day because it’s the first Wednesday in July. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can read and follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page. The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, and members have the option of answering questions in our post.
The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe,Natalie Aguirre,Jennifer Lane,MJ Fifield,Lisa Buie-Collard,and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
Our July 3 question is: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?
I always incorporate many of my own traits and beliefs into my characters. In my short story that was published in Legacy Letters, my character was a procrastinator. So am I.
In The Last Daughter, I gave Trent Jones, the hero, more of my traits than the heroine, though I did make her a vegetarian. Trent (known as a picker) and his family owned antique stores, and frequented auctions, estate sales and garage sales—something I’ve always enjoyed doing. I’m a collector (or a packrat) of just about everything. It was fun showing Trent’s excitement over valuable (or interesting) items he came across, and what he could sell them for. By the way, The Last Daughter isn’t available any more. I have the rights back from The Wild Rose Press but I haven’t finished my revisions so I can get it back out there. Hopefully soon.
WHAT’s HAPPENING IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW:
The days are zooming by. I’m getting older by the second. I’m a July girl—my birthday is the last day of the month. I never imagined getting old; I still can’t and here I am leaving 70 behind and turning 71. Of course, there was a time I couldn’t imagine being published either. Here are some wonderful things I’ve got going these days:
I speak at The Woodlands-ACFW on July 13th on article writing. I was supposed to have spoken in May but the weather was horrific from Louisiana to Houston so we postponed. I’m looking forward to visiting with this ACFW chapter.
Secondly, I sold an 800 word romance to Woman’s World magazine. It will be out around July 11th, maybe a little sooner. I titled it Summer Promise but according to the contract, the title has been changed to The Promise of New Love. I’m pretty excited about this sale. I’ve been trying to sell stories to them for years. Don’t ask me how I did it. I just hope I can do it again!
And that brings me to—I have a guest blogpost coming out some time in September telling everything I did to “crack the Woman’s World code.” Yeah, right! That’s a hoot! I’ll remind you so you can learn my secrets.
On another note, I just finished my second Christmas play for my church. (If you’d like to see my first Christmas play and my debut acting go to other media; Its posted there.) I haven’t submitted this new endeavor to our Music Minister so I have no idea if it’ll fly. It may not be joyful enough; or Christmas-y enough. Sometimes I tend to get too serious.
I guess that’s all the news I have except…maybe you’d like to sign up for my newsletter? It doesn’t really exist yet, but I took a great newsletter course called A What-to Course for Author newsletters and I’ve been wanting to create one ever since. So sign up if you will and I promise, I won’t bombard you with unnecessary news about me, Me, ME.
Hope everyone is doing well, writing, submitting and selling! Let me hear from you!
IWSG Day comes around the first Wednesday of each month. We’re the Insecure Writers Support Group and we love to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. You’re welcome to join us. We’re FREE! Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin!
Our question for May (and the question is always optional) is:
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
Well, that’s certainly easy! When my mom popped me in the face for back-talking her, I learned quickly that my language, how I was communicating my thoughts and feelings, had the power to set her off. Because she worked nights as a nurse and slept during the day, there was absolutely no nonsense allowed. She’s 95 years old and still makes herself heard and understood. ‘Nuff said.
On a more interesting note, school is almost out. Kids will be taking off to camp. Families will be taking vacations. I can’t believe the year is flying by so fast. What are your plans for the summer? What have you accomplished during the past four months? Are you on track with your goals for 2019? Share!
IWSG comes around the first Wednesday of each month, and it’s the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group. It’s your “safe place” where you can ask questions, discuss insecurities and all the fears you have about your writing. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Join us anywhere and everywhere.
Co-hosts for this April 3 posting of the IWSG are: J.H. Moncrieff,Natalie Aguirre,Patsy Collins,and Chemist Ken!
Today’s question (always optional) is:
If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)
Who thought up this question? Good one!
Answer:
If I had one wish, it would be that during the editing process all the holes and threads in my novel would be brightly highlighted so that I could easily recognize them and make certain they’re all fixed; threads tied nicely into a satisfactory reading experience.
I’ve noticed that when it comes to the editing process, I approach it with feet-dragging apprehension—the way I did tests back in school; the way I approach going to the dentist or the doctor today.
And speaking of feet-dragging apprehension:
I’ll be speaking at the Texas Gulf Coast Spring Writers Conference on April 13th. (I’m really not dreading it. I notice I’m one of the last speakers–about 8 in all–and feeling tired all ready.) If you live in the vicinity of Beaumont, Texas, plan to spend the day with us. You can learn more about it at http://txgulfcoastwriters.wixsite.com/mysite
According to the flyer, I’ll be speaking on Submitting to Markets. Specifically, I’ll be speaking on where writers can submit their work, with a few how-tos thrown in.
In the meantime, let’s head off to a quiet place and try to conjure up some editing skills—or wishes.
Today is IWSG Day because it’s the first Wednesday in March. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page. The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, and members have the option of answering questions in our post.
Today’s question is: Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?
I think I’ll pass on this month’s question. I’ve never written from the villain’s perspective but it’s an interesting thought. In fact, I might not be able to get it out of my head. Something to ponder.
Since I’m short on time, I thought I’d pass along a hint about book signings and how to display our books. Recently, a friend purchased a 4-tiered book signing rack that keeps her book table neat and displays her books in a way that shoppers can see them from “across a crowded room” 
and fall in love.
This rack costs about $37 bucks from Amazon. Mine arrived yesterday. Take a look at how I’m displayed. Can’t wait for my next book signing!
So two questions for you:
Do you often write from the villain’s perspective? Give us a tip or two.
And do you sell your books at festivals and craft shows? Share some advice you think others might need if they hit the road with their books.
Today is IWSG day and our purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Co-hosts for the Feb. 6 posting are: Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace.
The IWSG February 6th question is:
Besides writing what other creative outlets do you have?
Like most creatives I have a lot of half-finished projects—and way too many interests. I’ve dabbled in everything from jewelry making to quilting, from sketching and painting to photography. What I’m really good at is collecting but I’m not certain that’s a “creative outlet.”
I collect post cards that have to do with writers and anything literary. If you live in a city where a famous writer lived, died, wrote a book, feel free to send me a post card of his/her house. If you want to add your own book cover post card to my collection, you’re welcome to do so.
Jessica Ferguson, P.O. Box 4024, Lake Charles, LA 70606
I collect depression glass too—but don’t send me any—mine takes up too much shelf space, and I don’t like dusting.
I’ve got a few really pretty rocks–here’s one a boss gave me when I worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Boss found it at Sam Rayburn Lake on one of his fishing trips. I’ve hung on to it for 45 years!
I used to collect frogs. The one on the bottom right came from Colorado. My brother said it called my name and asked to live in Louisiana. Cute, huh? It’s been living here for two years.
I have a difficult time passing up anything that looks unique, fun or interesting. I’ve been told I have eclectic taste; that’s a nice way of saying I love junk. When we had our house renovated a few years ago, the contractor even told us we have “good junk.”
Decorative boxes often catch my eye and so do art journals. Can one ever have too many journals?
Books and magazines are high on my list of collectibles. I have a really hard time passing them on. In fact, when a friend tells me she’s dropping books off at a used book sale or to Goodwill, nine times out of ten, I’ll take them off her hands.
I love genealogy and collect a lot of new relatives. Testing your DNA will certainly bring them out of the woodwork! I save interesting obituaries too. The Houston Chronicle has some good ones; they’re a study in characterization and backstory.
A not so complimentary name for me might be hoarder, but I reje
ct that term. I haven’t started collecting cardboard and plastic bags yet. Well, now that I think about it . . .
What do you collect? Are you a minimalist or does your house overflow with fascinating clutter?
Today is so exciting because it’s Insecure Writers Support Group day. IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh for the purpose of encouraging other writers—or anyone who’d like to learn the craft. Writers can ask questions and express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. We invite you to follow other IWSG members here or by using the twitter hashtag #IWSG. You can also go to our Facebook page and Instagram. We’re awesome!
Co-hosts for the January 2 posting of the IWSG are Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!
Our January 2nd question is What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?
The question I dislike the most but hear often is are you still writing? That’s a sure sign they haven’t Googled me, looked me up on Amazon and they certainly aren’t reading me. Yeah, yeah, I know I’m putting all the work on them. The way I see it (and like it) is if they do what they’re supposed to do (track me down) then I won’t have to do what I should be doing (promote myself and my books!) I really have a rough time promoting myself.
Questions I’d like to hear are:
Hey, I was thinking about you the other day and Googled your name. You’re really out there, girl! How did I miss all the excitement in your life? Now that would make me laugh out loud! I might even strut a little.
Or this question:
I can’t get your first book out of my mind. It was such a fun novel, I really loved all the Elvis trivia. Have you thought about writing a sequel?
Yes, a prequel and a sequel, but no, my Elvis days are over.
Answering questions about our work is part of the job–regardless of whether they’re good questions or bad questions. Promotion, advertising, doing interviews and blog hops is expected. Every contract I’ve signed has included a paragraph about promoting the project.
Having interviewed authors for Southern Writers Magazine for almost seven years, I noticed how some authors have a knack (a personality) for answering questions and others come across dull as dirt. Maybe the dull ones are trying to come across as serious professionals. Then again, maybe they just have no personality or humor about them. Answering questions seems like an easy task but as an interviewer, I believe there’s an art to it. We all need to learn how to answer questions in a way that encourages the reader to find us interesting and want to know us better. We should put personality in our answers.
In 2019, I hope to write, sell and answer a lot of questions. How about you?
This post is part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog hop. The first Wednesday of every month is Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. We Members talk about our fears, insecurities, dreams and failures and our inspirations. We encourage each other.
The post card reminds me how important it is to know our characters. SK is not only a great story teller but his characters are memorable.
