IWSG - Writing Therapy

INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP

Founder

ALEX J CAVANAUGH

 Question - How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

Consistently. The truly personal is hidden but it’s there. And yes, it’s helped. Writing is therapy!

The awesome co-hosts are Dolorah @ Book Lover, Christopher D. Votey, Tanya Miranda, and Chemist Ken!

Don’t forget to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website

&

THE OCTOBER CHALLENGE IS HERE!

IWSG - Publishing

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh

I am late, rushed and dealing with little to no Wi-Fi. My apologies.

I’ll do my best with this post and comment and then I’m on a break until October.

When I’ll be hosting the WEP’s Halloween Challenge. Can you believe it, HALLOWEEN!?

You’ll not want to miss this one!

Sign up on Oct 1^st!

Oh, and check out the last challenge and the amazing winning entries HERE!

CONGRATULATIONS!

TANYA MIRANDA

MICHELLE WALLACE

&

TOI THOMAS!

Your stories surpassed!

***

Now down to IWSG business:

Question - What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

I’ve done them all, first self-publishing, when it wasn’t COOL! Not a fun time. Then traditional publishing. Not a fun time either. Buyer beware again!

So now I self-publish through Amazon. They PAY monthly, give accurate statistics and make the process EASY. There are some drawbacks to distribution, but even those are surmountable.

Good luck with what you choose! For me, it’s having the control that makes the difference. Now if I could only get better control (understanding) of the Marketing angle. I’d have it made. 😊

The awesome co-hosts are Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler! Don’t forget to visit!

IWSG - Pitfalls

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Question - What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

Keep track of where you spend your advertising dollars. It’s easy to send money via PayPal on bogus websites promising the moon. Ask questions and get recommendations from other authors who’ve had positive experiences.

One of the best places to ask for advice is on the IWSG Facebook page.

The awesome co-hosts are Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover, Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!

CONGRATULATIONS!

WEP – Write…Edit…Publish

For partnering with the IWSG

Starting in 2019!

Hat’s off to Denise and the rest of the team for making such a great move!

Read more about that HERE!

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In the meantime,

have you signed on for the newest challenge?

IWSG - Spring Fever

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

 Every month, the IWSG announces 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. Remember, the question is optional!

Question - It’s spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?

Right now, I’m struggling to get into writing mode. Spring fever has hit, and I find my attention is diverted. To be honest when the muse is in ‘go mode’ nothing, no season can stop the creative process. As a rule though, spring is the one season where diversion is the rule.

Who can resist coming out from the huddled cold of winter to the colors and warmth of spring and try to work off some of that winter blubber by getting the ass in gear, the hiking boots on, and the picnic basket filled with wine and cheese?

Or a walk on the beach barefoot?

Just beware the wildlife!

                                                                      

Happy Spring Everyone!

 The awesome co-hosts are

 E.M.A. Timar, J. Q. Rose,

C.Lee McKenzie, and Raimey Gallant!

Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website

For the Tick Tock Tour

I'm appearing over on Juneta Key's Blog

The Writer's Gambit

A REAL PLACE, A TRUE STORY - FICTIONALIZED

Come by for a visit and learn a little more about me...

IWSG - Struggles

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

April's Question - When your writing life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to dig down and keep on writing?

My first go to option is to read. It usually always inspires me, but there have been a few too many rainy days, and recently I’ve really had to fight the urge to just walk away. Saying the hell with it all, pursuing another outlet sounds exciting, but I’ve no other talent. Although, there’s always abstract art, would have to be abstract because I can’t draw a straight line. Or music maybe I could take up the guitar again or the drums. I’m sure the neighbors would appreciate that. 😊 At least that’s what I tell myself.

Life does get in the way, health and family issues, and significant changes always take precedence, and all of it influences my writing in one way or another.

I’ve also found that participating in the WEP challenges gives me a deadline to work towards. Deadlines always help push me forward. And if all I’m writing is flash fiction for a while, then at least I’m still in the game.

Currently, I’m trying to get three different projects to the finish line. A short story, a novella, and a novel. All of them are related to my original Detective Quaid Series, and, I’ve been struggling, but hey, it’s a good struggle.

The awesome co-hosts are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Renee Scattergood, and Tamara Narayan!

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It's time for another WEP Challenge.

Have you signed up?

IWSG - NEXT

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Question - How do you celebrate when you achieve a writing goal/ finish a story?

Usually, that single accomplishment starts an avalanche of creativity, and I start planning my next story. The ‘high’ doesn’t always last though because shortly after I start worrying about whether or not it fits the bill, will the readers like it, then, the worst worry, how to market.

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The awesome co-hosts are

Mary Aalgaard, Bish Denham, Jennifer Hawes, Diane Burton, & Gwen Gardner!

Sunset before the rain!

March 6, 2018


Do worries ever steal your accomplishment 'high'?

IWSG – FAVORITE GENRE

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh

What do you love about the genre you write in most often?

I write what I love to read. I’ve always been interested in the motivations of others, especially when it comes to murder. And a good who-done-it is my go-to relaxation and entertainment.

I’m enjoying the ‘Alienist’ now.

My awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia, Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!

Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!

***

Have you signed up for the WEP Challenge

IN TOO DEEP

Any situation with the potential for unforeseen conflict. Or it could be literal – a flood, a hurricane, a mining disaster, you name it. This one is wide open. A million possible takes.

Love. War. Anything in between. An affair sours. A hobby (hubby?) goes berserk. An addiction teeters on the edge of out-of-hand. A sports tournament goes horribly wrong.

Let your creativity soar!

Thank you for visiting!

Comments are disabled. I will be traveling this week and will not have an opportunity to respond.

ISWG - 2018 & Goals

IWSG

The INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP founded by

Alex J. Cavanaugh!

This month’s Question is - What steps have you taken or plan to take to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

My answer: I’m always working on a plan. Setting goals are and always has been an essential part of my life. The first thing I did this New Year’s Day was to write out a definite set of goals and a plan to achieve them.

Now it’s time to get to work!

&

Now that the news has been shared

I can shout it to the world!

My story

Cypress, Like the Tree

Placed in the IWSG Anthology!

I am THRILLED!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WRITERS WHO PLACED!

Such an exciting way to start the New Year!

Don’t forget the awesome co-hosts Tyrean Martinson, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Megan Morgan, Jennifer Lane, and Rachna Chhabria! Be sure to visit and comment.

This year was a wild one, but in the end, several goals were achieved. A book was published, and we are now living on the coast with a lovely view of the ocean. A dream come true. The journey here was a bit crazy, but not all paths run straight. Still, we are blessed!

          While I was absent most of the time from blogging and social media, I did manage a few posts, and I did my best to keep up with friends. I know I’ve missed some critical changes in many lives, but I hope to catch up and will try my best to be more active this year.

          I feel that it’s important to acknowledge several of the folks that never lost faith in me this last year. Most significant is Denise Covey, my partner in crime at the WEP. I may be speaking out of turn, but the relationship that we’ve developed over the years proved invaluable this year with all the emergencies, travel plans & moves, and all the chaos that filled 2017.

          Thank you, my friend! I love you dearly!

And I value the creativity and artistic input of Nilanjana Bose and Olga Godim. We are now an unbeatable team! Thank you, Denise, Nila, and Olga! I am so proud to be part of such a unique writing team!

To that end, I’m happy to announce that the

The Winners of the WEP December Challenge –

 The End is the Beginning were announced today!

Please stop by and congratulate the winners!

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          I also need to thank Susan Swiderski, Michael Di Gesu, Chrys Fey. Without them, The Snowman would not have been released in 2017. But more important than just support for the writing these amazing individuals were there when the personal got to be too much! Thank you!

          Thank you all for always being there when I needed input, editing, and hand holding!

           A special Thank You for all those who've read and commented on my blog posts. Your support has inspired my faith and keeps me striving for the possible!

May the New Year help you reach the goals you've set!

***

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

&

HAPPY READING & WRITING

IN

2018

IWSG - RE-DO's

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Question:

As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

Everything. But life doesn’t give us that option so dealing with what will be is the current goal.

Wishing for you and yours a 2018 that is the most prosperous, most love filled year ever!

The awesome co-hosts are

Julie Flanders, Shannon Lawrence, Fundy Blue, and Heather Gardner!

Be sure to stop by and wish them well!

***~~***~~***

A NEW CHALLENGE

WEP - December - tHE eND IS THE bEGINNING

SIGN UP NOW!

IWSG - NANO

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

 Question: Win or not, do you usually finish your NaNo project? Have any of them gone on to be published?

Yes, and no. I’ve finished several times and almost finished others but the works have all gone on to be published in one way or another. I’ve always considered the work successful, but I’ve yet to go direct from NaNo to publication. My first, second, and usually even the third drafts are extremely ROUGH. 😊

The awesome co-hosts are Tonja Drecker, Diane Burton, MJ Fifield, and Rebecca Douglass! Be sure to stop by and wish them well!

tHE WINNER'S OF THE

WEP HALLOWEEN DARK PLACES CHALLENGE

HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!

VISIT THE WINNERS

AND READ

SOME AMAZING STORIES

here!

IWSG - PHONES

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Question: Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose?

Sarah, one of the main characters in my murder trilogy, hates telephones. I hate phones. It took me years to get a cell phone, but I am now free from the landline.

Although I have the least technical of the models. I’ll upgrade one day soon, maybe. 

Yes, this is the phone on my wall. It's now art!


My experiences, the characteristics of family, friends, and strangers all make up the characters of my stories. A little fact, a lot of fiction, and loads of research make the story!

The awesome co-hosts are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan!

And don’t forget the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!

*****

It's that time of the year.

The WEP - Halloween Challenge

Dark Places

Sign-up NOW!

IWSG - CHALLENGES

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?

Yes, when I wrote Ever-Ton, now in the anthology Parallels:Felix Was Here, my entry for the IWSG speculative fiction challenge in 2015. I’ve always loved science fiction; my brother was an avid reader and I’d sneak his paperbacks when he wasn’t looking. He didn’t like to share.

I love a challenge, did the research and was surprised by the story that formed. My muse was working diligently then?

Now, today, not so much! I’m in a bit of a slump, due to outside influences. You know that thing they call life, but I do see the light at the end of this long, long tunnel.

Does your muse cooperate?

The awesome co-hosts are Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure!

SIGN UP HERE:

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html