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 - Dam Builders

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Question: Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?

I’m not sure I said “I quit” but I did walk away from a book for almost a year. It just wasn’t coming together. So I attempted other things, like short story writing and flash fiction.

Changing genre and style helped me complete the book. I think stretching, whether it’s writing or other creative outlets, can make all the difference when a blockage occurs – you know that thing that some say doesn’t even exist (writer’s block).

What about you. Does your writing flow like water or do those pesky dam building rodents sometimes clog up the works? What's your solution?

Be sure to visit the awesome co-hosts JH Moncrieff, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Jen Chandler, Megan Morgan, and Heather Gardner!

Have you signed up for the June Challenge?

It's easy!

IWSG - RESEARCH

THE

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Today’s Question: 

What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever had to research for your story?

Since I write murder mysteries – I've researched various serial killers their methods and their reasons – many never share the why? But as a person interested in motivations, I give my antagonists a background befitting their psychotic bent.

Be sure to visit and thank these amazing Co-Hosts:
Michelle Wallace
Nancy Gideon
Tamara Narayan
Liesbet @ Roaming About
Feather Stone

I hope you will follow my blog tour for the Snowman.

This week I'll be visiting:

THE SNOWMAN TOUR CALENDAR

May 1 – Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit – Author Guest Post

May 2 – Romance Under Fire – Review& Excerpt

May 3 – Denise Covey – Review & Author Guest Post              

                 Bish Denham - Random Thoughts – Excerpt

May 4 – The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Excerpt & Author Guest Post

May 5 – Julie Flanders, Writer – Excerpt

Please stop by and say hello!

IWSG - Marketing with the A to Z

THE INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH

It's that time again, a day to express insecurities, and boy do I have a few. Just last week I asked my publisher for the rights to my trilogy. Now, I'm dealing with cover designs, but thanks to a picture taken just last month in the snow, I had my start. I then sent that on to Michael Di Gesu, and he worked his magic. You can see the results in the sidebar -->

Murder, Madness & Love is now up as a Kindle, and I'm going to use Amazon to publish in paperback too.

Memories of Murder should be up as a Kindle in a few days. Murder & Obsession will come next. All while I’m working to get the Prequel to the Series online too!

Amazing but that when it rains, it pours! Up to my elbows in edits, and designs, and more edits, plus getting ready for the book tour for the Snowman, and this month, all month the A to Z!

That’s only the half of it, but, well, no more crying over spilled milk. Pulling up my big girl pants and getting to work! Wish me luck, because I’m damn sure as Hell going to need it!

The tour for the Snowman begins in May, there are still a few spots open, please consider hosting me that day for a review, guest post, or interview! Thank you! Just click HERE!

Happy April, everyone!

Question:

Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?

Yes, as a matter of fact last year after the release of Murder & Obsession I used the A to Z to introduce the story and discuss Alaska. I sold 40 books that month. Not a bad start. And for this A to Z I'm going something similar for the Snowman!

Thank you, everyone, who stayed with the posts and bought the book! I enjoyed that A to Z almost as much as the one I did on Margaret Mitchell.

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

 Christopher D. Votey, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Fundy Blue, and Chrys Fey!

**

Be sure to check out the WEP Challenge for April

The post happens on the day for the letter 'P'

Sign up today!

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 - READING & WRITING

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The brainchild of

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Question:

How has being a writer

changed your experience as a reader?

I became a reader and a writer almost simultaneously. Reading increased my vocabulary, and my writing skills have improved with each story, essay, and novel.

I have heard other writers say that they don’t enjoy reading and seldom do. I can’t wrap my head around those kinds of statements.

If I could, I would own a large room filled to the brim with books, I would spend hours each day just reading. I would gladly give up food for the privilege!

FYI: Here's a link to the Funds for Writers website - she posted links to Talking Book Services. Check it out!

**** 

The brilliant co-hosts are  Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and Joylene Butler!

Be sure to say hello and thanks!

*****

February's WEP Challenge

 Back of the Drawer

is open!

Sign up today!

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 - FINISHED?

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Brought to you by Alex J. Cavanaugh

October's Question: 

When do you know your story is 

ready?

When you first type "The End," you think it's over. 

You're thrilled beyond reason because you've accomplished the desired goal. You walk away, celebrate and then you send it out to betas and editors. 

You begin planning the tour, the marketing.

Then the critics of your masterpiece arrive in your inbox.

Guess what?

You're not finished.

That's when the rewriting begins along with more questioning, and uncertainty. Suddenly you fear that none of your hard work will ever see the light of day.

But guess what?

You work through it.

Whether it's significant rewriting or minor, you work through it. You realize all those suggestions from the beta readers and editors make perfect sense, have added to your story, and now, finally, it is perfect. 

Well, almost.

When you finally hand it off to the publisher, you're sure it's ready, but then, there's, even more, editing and rewriting. But you get through that too, it's what writers do.

Hitting the send button on that Final Finished Edited Copy that now looks nothing like the original, is when you know it's finished! At least that's the prayer.

 *****

Be sure to thank all the awesome co-hosts - Beverly Stowe McClure, Megan Morgan, Viola Fury, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Angela Wooldridge, and Susan Gourley!

*****

Have you decided which 

WEP Challenge you'll tackle?

and or

What ever your choice

be sure to sign up now!

WEP October Challenge

#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

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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!