#IWSG – To Read or Not To Read
Created and hosted by
the Ninja Captain himself, Alex
J. Cavanaugh, theInsecure Writer’s Support Groupmonthly
blog post is here again – and so am I, insecure, although a chunk less as I scheme
ahead to NaNoWriMo.
Last month, I was meant to be
submitting my Pitch
Wars 2019 submission. The required query
letter, one-page synopsis, and the first chapter of my completed manuscript seemed
achievable by the September 25th-27th deadline. But I was
unsure if I had a “completed and polished full-length, fiction manuscript”. I
decided it was incomplete and ‘dusted’ more than ‘polished’.
So, what started as an insecure month,
evolved into a decisive plan to revise ‘Fevered Few’. The short stories at
its heart are becoming episodes and memories driving the main story. And I’m
working on a new way to open this renewed novel, now called ‘Fevered Fuel’
and slated for its rewrite as my 2019 NaNoWriMo project.
Anyway, on to the IWSG monthly question.
October 2 question
– It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is
that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of
yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand,
how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy
reading? What are your thoughts?
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Are any ideas new and original?
All writers borrow from others in some measure. Even Shakespeare
borrowed – retold tales. Like others, he built on the past weavings of different
storytellers – ancient Greek playwrights, medieval histories, and folklore. Can’t
we do the same?
For me, reading is like settings and people – enjoyable fuel
for the little grey cells.
All this feeds and inspires my writing about Detective
Sparkle Anwyl of the North
Wales Police/Heddlu
Gogledd Cymru – and other scribblings and scratchings.
I’d like to believe Sparkle is unique, but I know she has loaned
traits and actions from others. Perhaps, she will inspire someone herself.
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The awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG
are Ronel
Janse van Vuuren, Mary
Aalgaard, Madeline
Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
(I have to admit how
much I admire these guys as I know they have commitments too – like Ronel’s
recent release. Ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts too.)
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers
can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.
Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a
safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer
in their IWSG 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.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is
officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your
thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you
have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of
encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and
connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and
return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer
in their IWSG 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.
