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Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

It’s IWSG Day: Our Fear & Regret

January 4, 2022 By Jessica Ferguson 20 Comments

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!

HOW IT BEGAN: 

Alex J. Cavanaugh, the founder, noticed a lot of blog posts from writers mentioning their doubts, concerns, and lack of confidence. He also saw the positive replies they received and realized that the writing community offered an abundance of support. Writers want to see other writers succeed, which is how he came up with the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

We post on the first Wednesday of each month. Check out our membership.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Olga Godim, Sandra Cox, Sarah Foster, and Chemist Ken!

Every month we have an optional question and they always make me put my thinking cap on and examine my writing life. This month IWSG is asking:

 What’s the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?

The one thing I regret the most when it comes to my writing career is my lack of confidence, or maybe not taking myself seriously. Or maybe even taking myself too seriously. They all three might go hand in hand. Seems I’ve always doubted and denigrated my abilities in an effort to prepare myself for failure. For some reason, I have always expected to fail.

Looking back and analyzing my lack of confidence, I can identify spurts of bravery popping periodically out of the blue. Like when I learned that Southern Writers Magazine needed a writer, I had a spurt of confidence and applied. Only afterwards did I hit my forehead and ask, “What have I done? Am I crazy?” I wrote for them for almost seven years.

Another spurt of bravery was when the entire staff walked out on a local magazine editor; my daughter and I walked in as if we knew what we were doing. The bi-weekly folded a year later, but we had an entire year of creating a magazine, interviewing city and government officials and business owners. Such a wonderful but hectic experience. That spurt of confidence paid off.

My spurts of confidence are sparse. I’m truly a “NO” person. When I’m asked to do something I always say ‘no’ first, then analyze, visualize the situation like a play in my head. I suppose that’s my so-called dress rehearsal.

Once I was asked to replace a speaker at a conference. I immediately said no. Hubby reminded me that this was something I’d always wanted so I called them back and accepted. I’d spoken at small conferences before but this one was a one-room conference with almost 100 people. Fear and dread consumed me but it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Another “no” came about when the director of a continuing education department of a nearby university asked me to create a writing program. No, no, and double no! Why would he think I could do such a thing? When he asked again and again, I finally said yes. What fun creating classes for writers to take, even teaching one!

When the music director at my church asked me to write a Christmas play I said no, but then God gave me an idea and I sat down and wrote the first act. Of course, I had to call her back. I’ll never forget the thrill of watching my characters come to life on stage.

I don’t tell you this to brag but to share the torture I put myself through—needlessly. Lacking confidence and saying NO out of fear is one of the most miserable feelings one can have. It’s almost painful!

Think about it: If fear of failure keeps us safe then it also keeps us from success. If we protect ourselves by saying no, if we don’t value and use the talent God gave us or take advantage of opportunities He hands us, then where are we?

Some day we might be wrapping ourselves in regret because time has passed us by.

Let’s make 2022 work for us. Let’s make a point to accomplish something on a monthly basis. If you’ve never submitted anything for publication to anyone, promise yourself you’ll do it soon. Getting one thing published will boost your confidence so much, you’ll want to submit again and again and again.

And the second part of that question … was I able to overcome it? Nope! I’m no braver than I was five, ten or fifteen years ago. I just swallow my fear …

GULP!

 

Filed Under: IWSG, Uncategorized Tagged With: Alex Cavanaugh, fear, IWSG, Regret

IWSG: Success: Where is it and How do I get There?

September 1, 2021 By Jessica Ferguson 7 Comments

Happy September!
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.

The awesome co-hosts for the September 1 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, T. Powell Coltrin @Journaling Woman, Natalie Aguirre, Karen Lynn, and C. Lee McKenzie!

September 1 question – How do you define success as a writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published? Making a certain amount of income from your writing?

——-

Sorry gang, I’m a little under the weather today, but I didn’t want to miss IWSG day. So here I am for just a second:

To my way of thinking, we all have our own definition of success. My success might not be yours. I like what Pele, the Brazilian pro football player had to say about success:

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”   

I think that sums it up. Come up with a game plan for your writing life then get busy. Work toward those goals and dreams. Success will find you when you least expect it. 🙂

Filed Under: Uncategorized

IWSG Day: Favorite Craft Books

August 3, 2021 By Jessica Ferguson 22 Comments

The days and months are flying. It’s August already–another IWSG day. The purpose of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is 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!

Our awesome co-hosts are PK Hrezo, Cathrina Constantine, PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox!

August 4 question always option is:  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?

I think you’ll agree there are so many good craft books and we can learn from all of them. But let me ask how you read a craft book? From beginning to end? Spot read? Scan a paragraph here and there. Read just what you need? I have to admit I’m pretty guilty. Years ago I read a book called Writing Pop Fiction. The title alone tells you how long ago that was. 🙂 The author suggested the new writer (me) take 12 (or whatever) sheets of paper, each signifying a chapter and jot down a few things that might happen in each chapter. That pretty much helped me write my first two books and I find myself still reverting to that method when I’m having problems. But most times, I create a basic Beginning, Middle and End of my story or book. I think I learned that from Syd Field’s Screenwriting book.

When I read a craft book, I do so with a highlighter. Even if I read on my kindle, I highlight in various colors. I like to be able to revisit without reading the entire book.

One of my favorite how-to books is by Walter Mosley. I LOVE this book. I’ll quote here from my old blog: 

I love this instruction from This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley.

waltermosley.jpg

Poets know that poems are songs, but few of us realize that novels are too. If there is no music to your novel, no sound, then the book will be at best incomplete. You must have a rhythm to your characters, a unique cadence to the way each one speaks, an identifiable cacophony to the world(s) they inhabit, and a beat to the story that, when varied, gives the read an almost unconscious sign of events about to unfurl.

No one will tell you how to score your novel, so that means you have to discover the music for yourself.

This little book is about 128 pages; it was wonderful from beginning to end.  When I finished This Year You Write Your Novel, I felt rejuvenated, excited about writing and anxious to get back to my own books and stories.

Another book that I find wonderful for novelists and screenwriters is The Screenwriters Bible by David Trotter.

I liked it so much I bought my writing son-in-law a copy. As you can see, I’m heavy on the highlighter here. 

Books on the craft of writing are a must, but we need to actually read good books. We can learn so much from our favorite authors. I don’t know about you, but when I read a good story with characters I like, or that fascinate me, I feel encouraged to sit down and write.

Do you read with a highlighter in your hand?  How do you study a novel?

 

 

Filed Under: IWSG, Uncategorized Tagged With: craft of writing, David Trottier, encouragement, IWSG Day, The Screenwriters Bible, walter mosley

Let’s Get to Writing!

May 14, 2021 By Jessica Ferguson 4 Comments

Hello, my writer friends! What are you guys doing out there in writing land? This past week I’ve roughly outlined a series of NF books. Oh, please, don’t be impressed. I’m always doing that … I just never sit down and write the books. (slapping forehead).

I received a very powerful email from author (mentor to Christian writers) Shelley Hitz talking about the power of a book series (NF book series.) I’ve read it several times and each read-thru I get a little more pumped with ideas. So what did I do?

I sat down and wrote a short story. (slapping my forehead again!) Maybe some day I’ll seriously hit the nonfiction trail but when your first love is fiction …

This short story has been my first writing endeavor in more than a year. (In all fairness to me, I did edit my novel. The pandemic and the state of our country really messes with my head!) After hubby read through my story, asked his questions, made his suggestions, I sent it off to Woman’s World Magazine. Ten fingers and ten toes are crossed, and prayers are going up. I’ve sold them two stories during the past couple of years, but it seems every attempt is like starting from scratch, relearning how to pull a short romance together, at least for me. 700 words is tricky!

I really need some publishing encouragement. How about you?

For those of you who write mysteries, take a look at these two markets. You might have a story that fits. Please note: these are secular publications.

#1. Mystery Weekly Magazine  

and

#2. Untreed Reads, a publishing house that was founded in 2008. Read the guidelines carefully.

(I Just) Died In Your Arms: Crime Fiction Inspired By One-Hit Wonders

Also, have you heard of the contest that Books and Such Literary Management is hosting in celebration of their 25 year anniversary?  The deadline is May 15th but if you hurry …. Here’s the link:

I sent them my hook, and if I happen to be one of the finalists, I have my proposal all finished and ready to send.

Let me know what you’re writing … see you next week!

Jess

Filed Under: Markets, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: encouragement, Mystery Writing, short fiction, WW Magazine

Six Month Review

June 26, 2020 By Jessica Ferguson 4 Comments

Hello my friends—assuming I have any friends left. This is my first post of 2020, and I’m still not certain I have anything to say. I’m going to assess what I’ve accomplished so far this year. I’m afraid more thought than action.

I sold another story to Woman’s World. Wait… was that this year or last? It came out this year.  I’ve lost all track of time. It was such a fun little story. I titled it Daughters and Dogs but they changed it to The Promise of Puppy Love and they changed the ending. (My ending worked better.) Since we were in the middle of Coronavirus, I could only find a few copies of it in one particular grocery store. I didn’t want to run all over town exposing myself to COVID just to purchase extras. That issue went quietly into the abyss, and since the story came out, I haven’t submitted any more WW romances. I just haven’t been able to write much except …

April was Camp NaNoWrMo and I wrote a nonfiction book. Yep, that surprised me too! I’ve been wanting to pull together a “writer memoir” for a long time, sort of walking beginning writers along my publishing path and sharing info that I think is important whether the rest of the world does or not. You know, we all have our experiences and our opinions, and I really have a bunch. I even talk about mean writers/mean critiquers in my book. Believe me, if you aren’t prepared for a mean writer, it can shut you down–especially if it’s someone you admired. I still have to do a lot of rearranging and major revisions; we all know how I am when it comes to rewriting. I seldom get to it so there’s one more manuscript stuck in my “unpublished” drawer. Funny how motivating a contract is–makes all the difference when it comes to revision.

And here’s another conundrum:  I’ve been working on a short story (off and on) for two or three years. I think I’ve mentioned it before. It came to me with a complete beginning, middle and ending as I was driving through East Texas. I wrote and rewrote to the best of my ability, then sent it to a Beta Reader for her thoughts. (A woman I did not know so she had no reason to flatter me.) The comments she made really helped flesh out the plot as well as the characters. I entered it in the very first Bill Crider Prize for Short Fiction contest this past year. Back in September I received a notice stating:

“Your story was among those in the second round of judging. Unfortunately, it was not among the finalists.”

So there you go—not a winner, not a finalist, but I made it to the second round of judging. Okay, I’ll take it! I put my manuscript aside for a while so that when I finally went back to it I might determine WHY the story didn’t make it to the finals. And remarkably, I spotted a couple of places where I did NOT do my research. Really stupid mistakes on my part.

Now, I’ve rewritten again. This time my story is geared toward the Great American Fiction Contest sponsored by The Saturday Evening Post. I’ve been waiting, and waiting for just the right story to enter, and I was certain More Than a Legend was the one … until a couple of weeks ago when the Texas Ranger statue in Texas was removed.

More Than a Legend is about a Texas Ranger who passes away and after his death his “so called” best friend learns of an “indiscretion.” The moment the Texas Ranger statue in Dallas toppled to the ground, I knew I shouldn’t submit my story. I can’t contribute to the insanity of demeaning another law enforcement officer. More Than A Legend may never find a home. Obviously, not this year. It just feels wrong. And it may be awhile before I feel like writing about any bad cops.

But if you’d like to enter this great contest sponsored by The Saturday Evening Post, here’s the link. Deadline is July 1st so hurry!

Now, tell me what you’ve accomplished during the past six months. I hope you’ve been writing like crazy!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: encouragement, Great American Fiction Contest, Romance, The Saturday Evening Post, Woman's World Magazine, writing

IWSG Day: Language Power

April 30, 2019 By Jessica Ferguson 8 Comments

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!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: communication, IWSG, language, power

IWSG DAY: If You Had a Wish

April 2, 2019 By Jessica Ferguson 8 Comments

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. 


Filed Under: Uncategorized

IWSG DAY is here again!

March 6, 2019 By Jessica Ferguson 14 Comments

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.

Filed Under: IWSG, Uncategorized Tagged With: book displays, book racks, craft shows, festivals

IWSG DAY: Creative Outlets

February 6, 2019 By Jessica Ferguson 12 Comments

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 reject 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?

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: clutter, collecting, creative outlets, frogs, post cards, rocks

N is for Nashville

April 16, 2016 By Jessica Ferguson 1 Comment

NAs in conferences. There are two great writer’s conferences in Nashville and the surrounding area of Franklin.

The first conference is called Killer Nashville, August 18—21. If you’re not familiar with the Killer Nashville conference you can learn all about it at their website.  It’s a good place to meet mystery writers and readers. Of course, I don’t have to tell you that you can learn a lot at any conference so don’t be put off by the word mystery. This year guest speakers are Janet Evanovich and Kevin O’Brien. Sound fun?

In early days, Killer Nashville was held in Nashville but this year, it’s happening in Franklin. If you’re a mystery writer—thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, etc—and have an unpublished manuscript, there’s a contest you can enter but move fast because the deadline is the end of this month. You can enter the contest without attending the conference. Check out The Claymore.

Now, the following weekend, August 25-28, the American Christian Fiction Writers conference will be happening in Nashville.

This conference is pretty pricey but if you write Christian fiction of any kind, if you’re looking for an agent or want to connect with publishers, this is the place to be. Their Early Bird session (Aug 25th) is with Donald Maas. Their key note speaker is Ted Dekker.

If you’re interested in either of these conferences, I can highly recommend both. I’ve attended KN once and ACFW three times. Conferences are imperative when it comes to making connections in the publishing industry.

Do you attend conferences? If you have a favorite, tell us about it.

Filed Under: A to Z 2016, Uncategorized Tagged With: ACFW Conference, Killer Nashville

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