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.
L. Diane Wolfe says
April 3, 2019 at 5:47 amYou will do wonderful! If you’re one of the last speakers, you will have to bring the energy and rouse people. Know your material and project that voice. And smile. Big smile!
Jessica Ferguson says
April 3, 2019 at 8:32 amThanks, Diane! Yes, I’d forgotten about energy. I was visualizing no one left to speak to. LOL YOU are one of the best speakers I’ve heard so I’ll gladly take those tips!
Debs says
April 3, 2019 at 7:04 amNow that is a great response! I’d like that option too. If you find the spell, can you share with the other writing witches please 😉 ?
Best of luck with your speaking – you’re braver than I.
Jessica Ferguson says
April 3, 2019 at 8:29 amDebs, thanks for leaving a comment. Believe me, I’m always looking for “spells” and short cuts and don’t mind sharing at all! ;). As for being brave, I have spurts of bravery. It comes and goes.
Meka James says
April 3, 2019 at 8:47 amI’m not a fan of editing either so I understand the foot dragging approach. I usually handle editing with a lot of whining, kicking, and screaming, but I get it done. I wish there was a way to have someone else handle it entirely LOL. But We aren’t that lucky.
Best wishes for your speaking engagement.
Jessica Ferguson says
April 3, 2019 at 9:30 amI used to love the revision and editing process–a very long time ago. I don’t know when it all changed! Thanks for stopping by, Meka.
Damyanti says
April 3, 2019 at 9:55 amI’m not big on editing either, so I hear you. All the best for the conference–I’m sure you’ll wow them.
Jessica Ferguson says
April 3, 2019 at 10:53 amI can’t imagine wowing them but from your mouth to God’s ears! Thanks, Damyanti!