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?
Love it! I don’t know if I’ve ever managed to get more than an hour or 2 at a time – sounds lovely!
I’m totally with you on the windows – I’d feel trapped otherwise. Give me a lake and forest in autumn outside and I’m good!
I used to have all day until hubby retired. I wasted most of it. 😔 Now in chunks… I’ve learned to write pretty fast.
You are a marathon writer! I crave longer chunks of writing time too, but 8 hours is way too much for me. I think I do best with two 2-hour sessions before noon.
I often get good ideas the moment I step away from something. The trick is, to capture those thoughts for later.
As for scenery, I’ll take a cabin in the woods. In winter. Real winter…and from my window I see snow covered trees and a crisp blue sky. Oh, the dream!
One question. You said “give me a large room…” Why large?
In cold weather I like to read! Bundled up in front of a blazing fire.
Why a large room? So the windows will be larger! 😂 Actually, I like to pace when I read my stuff aloud and I’m a touch claustrophobic. Never noticed?
I like Daniel Steel but did not know that about her. Yeah, that would be cool if I could get away with it. LOL. Happy IWSG! Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
I like Daniel Steel. I did not know that about her. It would be great if I could get away with that, lol. Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
This was when her kids were small. “Real” people can’t make that happen. 🤷♀️
Windows and a bathroom! LOL
Oh my! That’s s given. 🤦♀️