#IWSG – Metamorphosis

Although it’s time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post, I’ve been too distracted by recent international events to plan for this.

At least I managed a March 1st post for my wife’s birthday and St David’s Day.

I have started writing Episode 34 of my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, but it’s been hard to write scenes set in September 2024 knowing what happened last Friday in the Oval Office. At least, over the next three days, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was made welcome in the United Kingdom and able to discuss with mutual respect Ukraine’s path to a genuine and steadfast peace.

Leaders from around the world gathered in central London for peace talks on Sunday March 2nd 2025. Press Association

First, with Sir Keir Starmer, my Prime Minister, then with the 18 leaders at the biggest European peace summit since the end of the Second World War. Finally, Zelenskyy’s meeting with my sovereign, King Charles III at Sandringham, his Norfolk home, demonstrated what staunch support the British people, from the Monarch to ‘commoners’ like me, have for the heroic Ukrainians and their courageous President.

President Volodymyr Zelensky with King Charles at the entrance to his Sandringham home where they met for an hour on Sunday. Press Association

Hopefully, the rational leaders can negotiate a dependable and lasting peace in the next few months.

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

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Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or a 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!

March 5 question – If for one day you could be anyone or *thing* in the world, what would it be? Describe, tell why, and any themes, goals, or values they/it inspire in you.

I struggled for days over this question, in part because of recent events. Trump’s speech to Congress angered me so much that I wished I could return home—yes, to the United Kingdom. My wife and I regret not accepting my brother’s offer in August 2022 to fly us home with our dogs.

If I could be anyone or anything for a day, there are some dark and crazy answers like a 2025 Count Claus von Stauffenberg even though his politics hardly differed from Hitler’s.

If I morph into someone else, do I take on that person’s personality? If I became Hemingway for a day, would I write as well as him, but would I also drink heavily?

7th October 1939: EXCLUSIVE American writer Ernest Hemingway (1899 – 1961) works at his typewriter while sitting outdoors, Idaho. Hemingway disapproved of this photograph saying, ‘I don’t work like this.’ (Photo by Lloyd Arnold/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Ideally and morally, a character from my Freedom Flights might suit my current circumstances. Perhaps then I could walk again, although my sniper character is in a wheelchair, having been wounded… and she’s female. Not that I would mind, as I might better understand all my pilots. Maybe flying a jet or helicopter would dissolve my fear of flying. Or I could be a K9 handler, which I came close to being in RL. Dogs are among my best friends.

The key is being able to help Ukraine inspired by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, perhaps as one of the indispensable medics.

The Ukrainian medics risking their lives every day on the front line are credited with saving nine times as many wounded comrades as do their Russian counterparts – MAXIM TUCKER

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The awesome co-hosts for the March 5 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse Van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG, and our hashtag is #IWSG.

Purpose: 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!

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 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!