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 - 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?

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!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

&

HAPPY READING & WRITING

IN

2018

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 - 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!

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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!

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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 - 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 - 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

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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!

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