IWSG - PET PEEVES

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website

Question:

What are your pet peeves when reading/writing/editing?

My biggest pet peeve regarding READING is when the story ends in a cliffhanger. In other words, buy the next book, and I’ll let you in on the real ending. HATE, HATE, HATE that!

Setting up the next story in the series is great, but I think a writer needs to tell a complete story in each book!

I’ve no real pet peeves regarding WRITING other than the fact that it takes me much longer than I’d like, but I’ve never been disappointed in the result.

I find the EDITING process the most fun. I’ve found that the true story reveals itself after I’ve handed off what I originally considered a finished story to a talented editor.  Once they’ve made their suggestions the real work begins, and the book really begins to shine.

Thanks for stopping by. I can’t wait to read your pet peeves!

***

The awesome co-hosts are Christine Rains, Dolarah @ Book Lover, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Yvonne Ventresca, and LG Keltner!

Be sure to say hello and thanks!

***

There’s a new WEP Challenge this month.

REUNIONS!

An interesting prompt – think class reunion, family reunion, long lost friends reunited – where does this prompt take you?

Sign up and share your story here!

IWSG - REGROUP

INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Congratulations to the founder

Alex J. Cavanaugh

For making the Writer’s Digest 19th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers!

AWESOME!

QUESTION OF THE MONTH!

What is one valuable lesson you've learned since you started writing?

I’ve learned that laughter is an antidote for a bad review! See the humor in their words, and you’ll see the hilarity in your own.

I’ll be taking a break for a while. I need to regroup, redesign, revitalize.

© 2017 Yolanda Renée

I hope you’re all enjoying your summer/winter depending on the hemisphere you're in, and that all your writing goals are being met!

Be sure to say hello to all the awesome co-hosts Tamara Narayan, Pat Hatt, Patricia Lynne, Juneta Key, and Doreen McGettigan!

Have you visited the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website yet?

Remember the IWSG is on Twitter too - @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG

Are you taking a break this summer/winter?

From writing, blogging, or just to enjoy the season?

IWSG - OLD STORIES / NEW PROJECTS

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH

First, I have to say thank you, to everyone who’s supported me these last few months while I work to achieve a goal – the completion of my novelette the Snowman.

My appreciation is 10-fold, truly, as I’ve been horribly absent from the social side of blogging due to this deadline, but your support has meant the world.

I’d initially thought I’d be announcing the completion of Motive for Murder, and while I gave it everything I had, I couldn’t seem to get it to gel. Not yet – maybe later – maybe never.

But, the Snowman has gelled. Stowy Jenkins, aka Stone (his artistic pseudonym) aka the Snowman, demanded my attention, and I gave it to him.

Therefore, he granted me two books. Well, a novelette, sans the Snowman, and the next novel in the Detective Quaid series, Murder, Just Because.

I don’t think of my time writing Motive for Murder a complete loss, it's just NOT this books time.

Which leads me to this month’s IWSG Question, very apropos by the way!

Because when you consider the time and effort that I’ve put into Motive for Murder, it does sting a bit that I can’t make it happen as a novel right now. Still, I don’t count it out .. not yet!

IWSG Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?

Many times, I have a storehouse of short story ideas that I go back to, especially when I need something in a pinch, or if a prompt reminds me of something I’ve already penned.

Many a time, I’ve sat down and written something  inspired by something seen or done that day. You never know when an idea will grow into a full-fledged book.

So, there’s hope for Motive for Murder, right?

What about you?
Have you ever shelved an entire novel?

Be sure to stop by and thank the co-Hosts:

Tamara Narayan
Patsy Collins
M.J. Fifield
Nicohle Christopherson

Introducing:

the cover of the Snowman

Mason Canyon of MC Blog Tours

 is organizing the Blog Tour for

the Snowman

Please go HERE to sign up /

or leave a comment with your email address.

I'd love to send you a review copy or do a guest post or interview!

Thank you, in advance!

Sign Up Now Tour May 1-June 2, 2017

Excerpt:

 Maggy struggled against the restraints. “Please don’t do this.” her voice wavered in her throat.

Stone tilted the autopsy table and locked it in place. The old relic, now refurbished, worked like new.

Stone’s heart raced. “Oh, but I do.” he said silkily. “I need your blood to create the new colors for my latest masterpiece."

"I'll give you my blood. As much as you like.”

"I know, sweetheart.  I know." Stone smoothed the sweat soaked hair back from her face. "Sweet little Maggy. So lovely of you to offer."

*****

IWSG - THERE ARE RULES?

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Created by Alex J Cavanaugh

The awesome co-hosts are Eva @ Lillicasplace, Crystal Collier, Sheena-kay Graham, Chemist Ken, LG Keltner, and Heather Gardner!

January 4 Question: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?

There are rules for writing? Honestly, I wasn’t paying attention. Too busy writing, but I look forward to reading your answers to the question.
As for me and rules – aren’t they meant to be broken? J

 Happy 2017!

A New Year, the opportunity for new beginnings. Love that aspect and I am grabbing the bull by the horns. I hope you are too! Go for it, make this the year you achieve your deepest desires!

What are your writing goals for 2017?

Consider adding WEP writing challenges to your goals:

WEP - Write...Edit...Publish

IWSG - PLANS & GOALS

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH

Today's Question: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?

I plan to have at least 10 books in publication, and I'll get there by continuing to write.

However my non-writing goals are a whole other story and means another paragraph or two. Maybe another time.

Good luck, everyone. May you all reach your goals, writing and otherwise!

Be sure to say hello to these awesome co-hosts:

Jennifer Hawes, Jen Chandler, Nick Wilford, Juneta Key, JH Moncrieff, Diane Burton, and MJ Fifield!

*****

Have you signed up for the latest WEP Challenge?

Do you set goals?
Create lists? 
Know where you're going and how to get there?

Or are you flying by the seat of your pants!
How's that work'in out?

IWSG - NaNoWriMo

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Alex and his gang have revved up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, they'll 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.

Today's Question:

What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?

The unlimited creativity! You get to be anyone or anything at anytime or place.

Pure and simple. J

I know that's cheating. Such a short answer, well, maybe it is, and maybe it isn't. All I know is that this month is National Novel Writing Month and I'm all up in it!

I've set  a goal and that's to finish Motive for Murder and I'm sticking to it.

J

So you may or may not see me around for the rest of the month!

Good luck fellow NaNo Writers!

Be sure and say hello to the awesome co-hosts

Joylene Novell Butler, Jen Chandler, Mary Aalgaard, Lisa Buie Collard, Tamara Narayan, Tyrean Martinson, and Christine Rains!

The Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

Have you read the 

WEP Constellations/Halloween

Entries?

Now's your chance!

The winners are announced!

Congratulations to all the winners!

#IWSG - CHANGE

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

First, I want to apologize for being absent. Many life changes have occurred and more are on the way! As things settle, I'll get back to a routine that will allow me to read and comment again.

That being said, welcome to another posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. The one post I don't want to miss.

They’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! 

Every month, they'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post.

Today's Question:

How do you find the time to write in your busy day?

The question is so apropos, at least for me right now. With numerous things occurring at one time, you know all the usual stuff that life throws at you all at once. The truth is for several months I've found it difficult to find time to write, but at the same time, I have managed to cut out a few hours here and there to finish my Murderous Imaginings story Sheila's Murderous Mind. The final story will post on September 19^th.

While life goes through many changes, I've found that more than ever I NEED to write. Writing is a haven when all else is upside down.

Next month my post will be written and posted from the beach! A chance for a writer's escape and the opportunity to get back to both of my WIP's. Heaven for sure!

What about you? 

Is writing your haven or more like the monkey on your back?

*****

Be sure to share thanks with the

awesome co-hosts are C. Lee McKenzie, Rachel Pattison, Elizabeth Seckman, Stephanie Faris, Lori L MacLaughlin, and Elsie Amata!

Find us on Twitter @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

****

I hope you're all looking forward to the next WEP Challenge.

This time, it's all about CONSTELLATIONS!

Despite being in October we're not pushing the Halloween side of the challenge, there are so many other flash fiction challenges for the ghost stories, but if you wish to go there for the WEP, please do!

It's an opportunity for many genres - science fiction, romance, non-fiction, fantasy, etc. So get that imagination working!

CONSTELLATIONS!

Sign up October 1st

Post your story October 19 through the 21st

Prizes awarded!

See you there!

IWSG - WRITING

The Insecure Writer's Support Group

Alex J. Cavanaugh

The awesome co-hosts are Tamara Narayan, Tonja Drecker, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Lauren @ Pensuasion, Stephen Tremp, and Julie Flanders! 

Be sure to thank them!

August’s IWSG question is - What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published? 

I wrote the third place-winning essay for the American Legion Young Citizens Contest when I was in the 10^th grade, but my first published piece was a poem for rape victims.

Although I do have a file cabinet that collects dust, and it does have several hand written projects sitting in a file, so yes, a few are collecting dust. So many ideas, so little time! J

I hope you all have a great writing month!

Don't forget to sign up for the latest WEP Flash Fiction Challenge – it's all about Gardens!

Here are a few words about gardens, to inspire you!

In my garden I spend my days; in my library I spend my nights. My interests are divided between my geraniums and my books. With the flower I am in the present; with the book I am in the past.

~Alexander Smith, "Books and Gardens," Dreamthorp: A Book of Essays Written in the Country, 1863


If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.

~Cicero


A garden was the primitive prison, till man with Promethean felicity and boldness, luckily sinned himself out of it.

~Charles Lamb, 1830

IWSG - COMPLETION

The Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts are Stephen Tremp, Fundy Blue, MJ Fifield, Loni Townsend, Bish Denham, Susan Gourley, 

and Stephanie Faris!

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

As far as insecurities go. I've at least a dozen this month, but no time to dwell on them. I'm pushing them aside to get back to the mundane stuff for awhile, but before I go I'll do my A to Z Wrap-Up!

COMPLETION

I did it, and from what I understand so did you! We finished the A to Z Challenge, and while I fell behind a few times, I managed to catch up. The oddest thing that happened was when I realized, right after my Z letter posted, that I hadn't added the official letters to my Murderous Imaginings Blog. No big deal right. It was 2 AM, but I quickly replaced the A to Z logo with the proper letter. I bet none of you even noticed.

I know the A to Z reflection posts are being scheduled for the 9th through the 13th, but I may not show up for that. It depends on too many variables and I did want to say Thank You, for a great A to Z Challenge. To the organizers, hosts, minions, participants and especially the commenters! Well done! Don't forget to pick up your survivor badge!

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new bloggers and loved all the different themes. I really, and I mean categorically appreciated the shorter blogs. Those blogs made my day! However, to be honest, some of those longer ones, where I was hooked on the continuing story, well; those were wonderful too, because damn it, I just had to know what happened next. LOL

These are just a few of the blogs that impressed me the most:

Guilie & Dog Rescue

Kathleen Valentine & Meet My Imaginary Friends

Light Traveler Kate & her Paris Journey

Megan Morgan & The Worst Romance

Melanie Schulz & Flash Fiction UBook

Patricia Garcia & The Prophet & the Child

Rosa Temple & It's Just Coffee

Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles & The Case of the Cursed House

Vidya Sury & Mindful Living 

Zeljka & Traveling thru Eastern Europe

Anyway, it's over, and I'm going to take a break. I really, really need to take a break. Therefore, for the rest of this month, I will be doing anything but blogging. I will be writing, daydreaming, and repairing family connections that I've been ignoring.

I wish you all a great month, but I think a few of you will be joining me. Rest, write, and soak up that great spring sunshine (it's supposed to rain all week, oh well). I'll see you all again in June!

The winners of the drawing for a copy of all three books in my Murder Trilogy are:

Defending the Pen – Sophie Duncan

Murderous Imaginings – Melissa Sugar

Everyone, have a great month!

A - ANAKTUVUK PASS

A IS FOR ANAKTUVUK PASS

"Anaktuvuk Pass (Uhn-uk-too-vuk) was named after the Anaktuvik River. Anaktuvuk is the English way of spelling annaqtugvik place of caribou droppings in Inupiaq, the language of the Inupiat." Wikipedia

While Alaska attracts people seeking adventure, it also attracts those who need a place to hide. The wilderness is a great place to lose oneself, and to lose those in pursuit. Just as one criminal does in my latest release Murder & Obsession! Detective Quaid, with the help of his uncle, tracks the culprit to Anaktuvuk Pass. 

A beautiful place, Alaska, but a dangerous place too!

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Anaktuvuk Pass, just north of the Brooks Ranges, was a remote village of Nunamiut Eskimos. Flying in during October, early November meant below zero temperatures, a frozen tundra, and few places to hide. Steven knew if Gayln Southwick was there, ferreting him out would not be hard.

. . . Steven crossed the room in two strides. His hand clamped around Gayln’s neck. "Remember me?"

Grasping at Steven’s hand, Gayln struggled for air and words. Steven threw him against the door. Gayln’s head bounced with a sickening thud. “Going somewhere, Gayln?”

Gayln tried, but couldn’t move his head. “No,” he croaked.

“No, you aren’t, unless it’s a quick trip to meet your maker. You want that, Gayln? Are you ready?”

Gayln nodded, then immediately shook his head.

“Give me a reason. Please, just one little reason. You've no idea the rage I’m holding. What-Have-You-Done?”

Gayln moaned. His face turned an odd shade of blue, his eyes bulged.

“Are you going to talk or do I have to show you the entrance to Hell first?”

Gayln's face was almost purple. “I’ll talk,” he gasped.

*****

Buy Here

Add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

And try for a free copy of 
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)

Please support my Thunderclap.

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)


FYI!
The winner of the A to Z Challenge Giveaway 
held on the 21st is
Bish Denham!
Congratulations!