IWSG: Tools of the Trade

It's Insecure Writers Support Group Day! If you'd like to participate in this monthly blogging event, GO HERE to sign up. 

Thanks to our host Alex Cavanaugh and this month's co-hosts, JS Pailly, Rebecca Douglass, Pat Garcia, Louise-Fundy Blue, and Natalie Aguirre! for their many efforts on our behalf. 

This month's optional question is: What are your favorite writing processing (e.g. Word, Scrivener, yWriter, Dabble), writing apps, software, and tools? Why do you recommend them? And which one is your all time favorite that you cannot live without and use daily or at least whenever you write?

I write in Word, use ProWritingAid for editing, and Atticus for formatting. 

Word: This program is universal and integrates well with these programs in my experience. Plus, my daughter put me on their family sharing program so it's free to me. As an aside, I used to do my formatting of both digital and print books in Word when I first started. I don't recommend it. LOL. Diane Wolfe at Spunk on a Stick does a great job and is very affordable if you need formatting but don't want to buy the software. 

ProWritingAid: PWA is downloaded onto my laptop and is linked to Word. It automatically underlines potential problem areas with a handy note in the sidebar as to why they've highlighted the word or sentence. I can run reports for things such as glue/sticky words (if, had, the, with, went, just, could, for, etc.), grammar, overused words, readability, sentence length, etc. It also offers suggestions for passive sentences. There really isn't a learning curve with this program. Just download and go. 

Atticus: I have the ability to format both digital and print books in both Windows and Mac. I can upload my Word document directly into Atticus, and it makes the table of contents, title page, copyright page, and front and back matter pages, etc. There is a bit of a learning curve. I just (see that glue word there? LOL) went (another glue word) to YouTube and watched their how-to videos. The Atticus video people are very thorough and organized. 

Plottr: I have it but haven't used it yet. 

For ProWritingAid and Atticus I bought the lifetime membership because I really dislike having an automatic withdrawal from my bank account every month. You can watch for specials (especially ProWritingAid) and they both have a free trial period if you want to test them first. 

What software programs and 

tools do you use? 

IWSG: Why Do You Blog?

 

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! If you'd like to join us on the first Wednesday of every month, CLICK HERE to sign up. 

Many thanks to our founder and host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts Janet Alcorn, T. Powell Coltrin, Natalie Aguirre, and  Pat Garcia! Please stop by and say hello!  

Please post what you'd like, or use this month's optional question: How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?

I started blogging in 2009 after finding the writing community through my running blog. I'd just started writing so finding my tribe was so thrilling. Back then, I posted several times a week. Now, I only post once a month for the Insecure Writer's Support Group event. 

When I started blogging the writing community was much larger and held so many blog hops that I hardly had time for writing! It was a really fun time and I met a lot of people, some who became real life friends. I'm not sure what happened, or what prompted so many people to stop blogging. My best writing friend quit writing to focus on her career--partly because writing didn't pay-- so she quit blogging as well. 

I keep blogging once per month because I don't want to lose contact with my writing tribe. 😍

How long have you been blogging?

Why do you keep it up?

Why do you think so many have quit? 

#IWSG : Are You Like Peppermint Patty?

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! There is a lot to learn from this group and all writers are welcome. If you'd like to join us, click on this LINK. 

Many thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts, Janet Alcorn, SE White, Victoria Marie Lees, and Cathrina Constantine, for making this event happen. 

This month's optional question is: What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books?

Droning is a huge turn-off. That's when I skim. Ha! I think I just realized why the teacher on Charlie Brown only says "wah wah wah". 

It looks like Peppermint Patty agrees...

What is your biggest turn-off when you visit websites/blogs? 

IWSG: Do You BookBub?

Buh-Bye 2023! *waves vigorously*

Welcome 2024!

First, the Happiest of New Years to you all! 

Welcome Insecure Writer's Support Group members!

It's the first post of the year. If you'd like to join us on the first Wednesday of every month, GO HERE. 

Thank you to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts: Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Diedre Knight, and Natalie Aguirre for making this event happen. 

January 3 optional question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

I didn't remember signing up at BookBub. Anyway, prompted by this month's question, I went to check it out. As it turns out, I have an account. So I updated my profile and books, etc. 

But really, I'm not familiar with it at all. So I'm extremely interested in what you all do about followers/following, and why.

Are you on BookBub? 

Do you follow back readers, or just authors? Why? 

Are there pros and cons?

 

IWSG: The AI Debate

 

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! If you'd like to join us on the first Wednesday of every month, Go Here to sign up.

Thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and the many co-hosts who donate their time to put this event on every month. This month's co-hosts are  Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner (Me!), Patricia Josephine, and Rebecca Douglass! Please stop by and say hello!

This month's optional question is: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?

For me, the AI Debate is another of the many divisions the world is facing. So many different viewpoints and nobody is completely right or completely wrong. The only thing I will say is that I am in favor of regulation. Other than that, I keep my thoughts on the subject to myself, and don't debate the pros and cons. 

And since I'm co-hosting this month, I'm off to visit my fellow insecure writers to see if I can impart some words of wisdom and support. 

IWSG: Happy 12th Anniversary

 

Happy 12th anniversary to the Insecure Writer's Support Group. In honor of the day, I posted my vintage badge. If you'd like to join us the first Wednesday of every month, GO HERE. 

Thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts:  Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!

This month's optional question is The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

I had to look it up, but my first IWSG post was on February 2, 2012 from my Run Gwen, Run blog. That was my first blog where I stumbled across the writing community and I knew I'd hit pay dirt. I knew the Universe was looking out for me because I'd just started writing, and I really needed the connection. I still do! And through these writing blogs, I found my way to the Insecure Writer's Support Group!

While looking through my old blog I noticed all kinds of blog awards. Back in the day, bloggers handed them out all over the place. The Liebtster Award, the Versatile Blogger Award, Sunshine Blog, Kreativ Blogger, One Lovely Blog Award, The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award, The Roaring Lion Blog Award. I was always so thrilled when I got one, that I started a tab just for my awards. It really showed how supportive the writing community was. 

Of course, it was a much larger community back then. I remember once that I had commented on Alex Cavanaugh's blog and accidentally subscribed to comments. OMG, I had hundreds of comments hitting my email account for days!

We also had tons of blogfests back in those days, and they were all so much fun. You'd meet lots of writers, and some who became real friends. It's how I found Angela Brown, my first critique partner (we still text and had Zoom meetings every month during Covid). 

I've met so many wonderful people through blogging and the Insecure Writer's Support Group!

What about you? 

How long have you been blogging? 

When did you join the IWSG?  

#IWSG: Not Dreaming It Up

 

Wow, we're halfway through the year already?! And it's the first Wednesday of the month which means it's time for an Insecure Writer's Support Group post. If you'd like to join the fun, you can sign up HERE. 

Thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this months co-hosts (including me!), PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, Gwen Gardner, Pat Garcia, and Natalie Aguirre! for supporting this month's event!

The July 5th optional question is: 99% of my ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from? 

Soooo, I'm probably the odd man out, but here it goes...

In the cozy mystery genre, punny titles are a must. I write in the paranormal sub-genre of cozy mysteries, so I have to narrow it down to include my ghostly element. I do love my ghosties! 

Rather than coming up with the story, and then the title, which seems like the logical thing to do, I do the opposite. I spend a lot of time brainstorming paranormal punny titles, like, A Scandal in Boohemia (Sherlock Holmes fans will get it) and Something Borrowed, Something Booed (from the old wedding mantra, something borrowed, something blue). For this particular series, I use the word "boo" in the titles. From there, I develop my story idea (and often more than one). 

For some reason, titling in this way tends to spark my imagination for story ideas. So, 99% of my story ideas come from thinking up titles.

Weird, huh?

Where do your story ideas come from? 

#IWSG What Would You Do?

 It's Insecure Writer's support Group Day!

If you'd like to join, go HERE. 

Thanks to our our founder and host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts,  Patrcia Josephine, Diedre Knight, Olga Godim, J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!

This month's optional question is: 

If you ever stop writing, what would you replace it with?

I wouldn't have a problem keeping busy. As it is, I have lots of things I want to do that I put to the side so I can write. So in no order in particular:

• Travel more (yeah, I could do this now, but...)
• Plan and take more hikes and day trips
• Make hiking sticks (I made 2 years ago, and am working on another one now)
• Kayaking (I don't have one, but I want one...)
• Archery (Don't have bows or arrows)
• Knitting (learn how to. I have some needles and yarn and I'm sure YouTube could show me how!)
• Baking (learn how to, LOL. I recently took up making sourdough bread)
• Painting (Not a painter, but I love Impressionism--I think I could do it! YouTube has videos!)
• Paint Rocks (again, not a painter but...)
• Gardening (I wish my backyard wasn't so hilly!)
• Learn graphic design
• Become a better photographer (I actually have dark room equipment)
• Learn how to create mini films
• Pottery (I've had a potter's wheel forever, but don't use it. I took 2 semesters in college. I'm so glad I took these classes for credit only. LOL.). 
• Buy a telescope and stargaze
• Study the bible (I have a study bible but getting through the Old Testament is seriously testing me!)

Having listed all these things, I'm really not very creatively talented, but I think I could be okay with a little practice. I have so many interests, and so little time!

What would you do if you quit writing?

Do you make time for other creative endeavors? 

What are your hobbies? 

#IWSG: First Book Blues and Other POVs

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! 

If you'd like to join us, CLICK HERE. 

First, please help our writing buddy, Mary Pax, fight cancer by buying a book or making a donation. Every bit helps. Thank you!

Thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's awesome co-hosts, Jemima Pett, Nancy Gideon, and Natalie Aguirre!

This month's optional question is: Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?
 

Many of you long time bloggers have already heard this story, but I'll tell it again!

Do You Remember Writing Your First Book?

I wrote my first book, Givin' Up the Ghost, in 2011. I wrote the first draft in third person POV. It was flat as stale soda, which is to be expected, really, because first drafts do tend to suck. But out of curiosity I decided to play with the point of view, so I rewrote it in first person POV. The first draft still sucked lemons, but it came alive in a way that the third person version had not. My MCs personality came into play and the interactions with the other characters clicked. 

I'm often told that people love the characters in this series, but the whole body of work had other issues; structure problems to include dead ends and disappearing characters, too many characters, etc. This is where my inexperience really showed itself. Long story, short, I unpublished the series. I hope to rewrite and republish these earlier books at some point in the future. 

Where am I Now?

Twelve years on, and I'm not much further in my writing journey, though I have a few things published: 

• a novella, A Scandal in Boohemia
• won first place in the 2018 Insecure Writer's Support Group anthology contest with my short story, A Stitch in Crime (Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime)
• placed runner up with my Elephant in the Tomb flash short story (I got published and won an Amazon card!) 
• various other stories in anthologies with other writers.  

I count these all as wins in my own small way!

I participated in NaNoWriMo in November and finished two novellas to make up the 50K words. It's a great way of getting the words down. As they say, you can't edit a blank page. 

As of now, I'm working on several novella series' which I hope to complete this year and publish next year. 

Thoughts on a Career Path in Writing

Recently retired, I now have more time to write and focus on writing. Finally! While I have aspirations, first and foremost I write for myself. Because I'm compelled, it's my calling, even though/if/when I'm not making money. 

Where are you at in your writing career? 

What are your writing successes (or horror stories, gasp!)

What are your writing goals? 

#IWSG How Are You (Book) Covered?

 

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group day! If you'd like to join, GO HERE. 

A million thanks to our host Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts,  Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and me, Gwen Gardner!

This month's optional question is: If you are an indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover? 

I'm primarily an indie author, and there is no way that I make my own covers. I have no talent in that direction. I have a long time relationship with my illustrator, Corona,  who has done all of my covers. She is extremely talented and open to my input. Plus she can make other marketing materials, such as post cards and bookmarks. She illustrated my blog and website headers as well. 

Do you make your own covers? 

Or have input on your traditionally published covers?

IWSG: God Bless Us, Everyone!

It's the first Wednesday of the month and it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group post! If you'd like to join, go HERE. 

Thanks to our host Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts,  Joylene Nowell Butler, Chemist Ken, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!

This month's optional question is: It's holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?

I always feel like I'm behind on writer goals. I always want to do so much but life gets in the way. I retired last April, lived in our motorhome for five months while looking for an affordable forever home, found our forever home (yay!) in October and moved to Arizona. 

It was a crazy time. 

BUT!  I did NaNoWriMo last month and wrote over 50K words! I wrote two novellas and added some words onto a book I started seven years ago. I call that a win!

Of course, the downside is that I wrote it quickly and so most of it is not pretty! I have a lot of editing to do, but at least I have something to edit!

 I want to wish you all HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

I'm grateful for you all, and your support.

Here's my favorite line from A Christmas Carol 

by Charles Dickens. 

Bob Cratchitt said of his son, Tiny Tim, at church on Christmas Eve:

Somehow he gets thoughtful, sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas day who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see.

Will you catch up on writing goals during the holidays, or fall behind? 

Do you keep to a writing schedule or does life get in the way? 

 

#IWSG #NoSuspense #NoThriller #CozyGirl

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! If you'd like to join this monthly event, go HERE to sign up. 

Many thanks to our host Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co- hosts, for their time and efforts to make sure every one is included and receives a visit with kind words and encouragement:  Kim Lajevardi, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguirre, Olga Godim, Michelle Wallace, and Louise - Fundy Blue! 

This month's optional question is: What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why? 

Suspense/Thriller would be the hardest for me. I find it hard enough to put my characters in danger as it is, and any gore or murder happens "off stage" in my books. I write "gentle" murders. Nothing like real life at all,  LOL. 

My biggest problem is that I'm a fixer. You got a problem? Let me help you fix it. I want people to be well and safe and not sad or stressed. Even in books I can't bring myself to make things too hard, and when I do put the pressure on, I fix it as well. Haha! Crazy, isn't it? 

What genre would be the worst for you?

(P.S. If you visited me last month and I didn't return the visit, I apologize. I'm a bit scattered right now. I had Covid, and then Covid Rebound so was basically sick for a month--so annoying!). 

#IWSG and Giving Readers What They Want

 

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group day! If you'd like to join, GO HERE. 

The awesome co-hosts for the August 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery! Also, many thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh.  

The optional question for August 3: When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want? 

Hmmm, I don't do either. Generally I get an idea about a story and then I go with it because it's what I want to write. I don't think about if it's original or not, or whether it's what the readers want. 

Which brings up something interesting. I recently took a free seminar in which the instructor basically said not to write what you want, but what the readers expect. Deliver the book that you promised and the books will sell themselves. No ads or social media required. 

I know, I know, hard to believe. 

But I get what she was saying. Design the book to sell itself. Readers are looking for certain things within the genre and we need to give it to them. The genre/subgenre tropes, the title, the description, delivery of the promised hook, the plot points, the stakes. 

Deliver to the reader what they want, and via word of mouth, the books will sell themselves. Huh. 

Easier said than done, to be sure. But thinking on it, this could be why my books don't sell. They are not designed properly, because I don't hit all the expected marks. I mean, I read Save the Cat so this shouldn't be a revelation to me, but it kind of is. Because I'm still writing what I want, rather than treating writing books like a business out to make money. 

Don't get me wrong, we should all write what we want. But I think I can do both if I put my mind to it.

Do you pay particular attention to the tropes/plot points, etc., so that they fall where they should?

Or do you just write and let things fall where they may?

What are your thoughts on books selling themselves?

IWSG: My Favorite World

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group day! If you'd like to join, GO HERE. 

The awesome co-hosts for the July 6 posting of the IWSG are J Lenni Dorner, Janet Alcorn, PJ Colando, Jenni Enzor, and Diane Burton! Also, many thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh.  

The optional question for July 6: If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

This is an easy one for me--Harry Potter World!

The Harry Potter World is complete escapism for me. Sure, they have their warring with the dark lord, but it comes with options on how to fight him. It's good vs evil and there's some pretty clear lines--unlike the muggle world (real world). Everyone can fight against evil and it's pretty empowering. Even us non-magical folks can live vicariously through the witches and wizards of Harry Potter's world. 

Had this world been around when I was a kid, I would have had everything involving Harry Potter--a cloak, a time turner, a wand--wait, I do have a wand...even made it myself. Polished aspen. I'm still trying to figure out how to imbue it with magic though...if only I could contact Ollivander, the famous wand maker...or figure out how to get to Diagon Alley. 

This is how I'd spend my days. 

What book world would you live in 

given the chance? 

And what makes you want to live there? 

#IWSG No #Audiobooks Here, But One Day...

 

Hello! It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day. We "meet" on the first Wednesday of every month to support and encourage each other and to touch base on what everyone has going on. If you'd like to join, GO HERE. 

Thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh for hosting every month, and to this month's co-hosting volunteers: Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise - Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!

This month's optional question is: Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?

I'd love to have my books on audio one day, but keeping up with this fast-paced industry is leaving me in the dust. Retirement is looming at the end of the tunnel (April 29th!) and I have a lot going on to prepare for it, including a temporary move. But once I'm settled into my "forever" home I will have a very busy "retirement" catching up on writing and publishing. 

Also, our ninja captain Alex Cavanaugh, is going to be a guest on my blog next Wednesday April 13th to talk about his new release. Please come back next week to find out why he switched to a new main character. 

Have you published an audiobook?

Do you recommend it?

Got any advice?

Biggest challenges? 

Best place to start? 

IWSG: Conflicting Stories and Scenes

Welcome to the Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly event. If you'd like to join , we post on the first Wednesday of every month. You can sign up HERE. 

Thanks to our host Alex Cavanaugh and this month's co-hosts:  Janet Alcorn, Pat Garcia, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

This month's optional question is: Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

No conflicts about writing a story, but I have been conflicted about whether or not to kill a character. I wanted to add to the word count so thought about killing a character which would add another murder to investigate, hence more words. Instead of doing that, though, I quit being lazy and fleshed out the story instead. LOL. 

And anyway, when I asked myself if the murder would have added anything to the story, the answer was "no". 

Any conflicting stories or scenes you were hesitant to write? 

What were your deciding factors? 

Did you decide to write it or not?

 

#IWSG Encouragement is Everything

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! If you'd like to join us on the first Wednesday of every month, you can sign up HERE. 

As always, thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for hosting, as well as the awesome co-hosts this month, Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!
 

This month's optional question: Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

Answer: All my supporters are present and accounted for! My mom, sister, daughter and husband are my biggest supporters. 

Even so, my husband is my biggest supporter! Because of his encouragement I went to school, earned my degree, and discovered my love of writing. 

My husband is also my biggest fan (other than that one fan who always checks in to see when my next book is coming out LOL). He is the first to read my books and stories and says he loves them even though I know my cutesy paranormal cozy mysteries are on the opposite spectrum of what he usually reads. 

Whatever I'm endeavoring to do, my hubs is always my biggest supporter and fan. 

I used to play women's soccer, and he came to every game to cheer me on, referring to himself as my "athletic supporter" 😆. 

Grateful doesn't begin to describe how much his encouragement means to me!

Who is/was your biggest supporter?