Insecure Writer's Support Group: When the Going Gets Tough

The first Wednesday of the month is Insecure Writer's Support Group! YAY us!

 

June Question: When the going get gets tough writing a story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end?

My Answer: Ah. What a great question!! I've been in that spot many, many times. The best trick I have is to open one of my favorite books on the craft of writing, randomly flip to a page, and then whatever concept is explored on that page, I apply it to the passage/chapter/scene that I'm struggling with at the moment. So for example, if the challenging scene is about two characters walking through a park and the random concept from the writing book is about second-person point of view . . . I'll rewrite the challenging scene in second-person POV. The exercise gives my brain a different way to process the writing, the story, the characters, and stepping out of my typical method gives me more insight and hopefully some new excitement for the story. I don't need to keep the changes I make during the exercise; I just need to remotivate myself to move forward in the story. Detours exist for a reason. They help us navigate around the hazards and construction sites. Give it a try. Take a detour. It may just open up a whole new landscape you hadn't considered before or even known existed.

What are your thoughts? How do you move past the bumps in the road in your writing?

Insecure Writer's Support Group: Writing Hard Scenes

Oh, it's the first Wednesday of the month, and that means it's time for another installment of Insecure Writer's Support Group. I always find the questions SO thought provoking.

This Month's Question: 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?

My Answer: There are quite a few scenes in WHO R U REALLY? that actually happened in real life. The hardest part about writing the story was making those real-life scenes translate into a believable fictional tale … because sometimes real-life events are too hard to believe. For those of you who've read the story, the scene where the mother and daughter played Scrabble was the hardest scene for me to write, because not only did that game happen in real life but the devastating events that immediately followed the game also happened. As I wrote the scene, I got very emotional. It was hard, but if the story was going to be shared, the scene had to be written. To make it tougher, I had to write it from my daughter’s perspective rather than my own since it's a book for young adults.

IWSG: Blurb or Title - Which is Harder to Create?

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group? 

"On September 7, 2011, Alex J. Cavanaugh launched the monthly blog posting of the IWSG and it has been going strong ever since. On the first Wednesday of every month we share of thoughts about writing on our blogs. We also have an optional monthly question to assist with member's posts, which can be found on the Sign-Up page."

November's Question: What's harder, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?

My Answer: At first glance, I thought the answer was definitely the blurb! However, after a minute of consideration, I realized it depends upon the book. With Who R U Really?, the blurb was simple to write, but the title took years and countless variations before the final one was decided. I had changed it myself multiple times during the writing process. Then while querying it, prospective agents suggested changes. Once I secured an agent, she, too, thought it needed a change yet again. Finally, the editor at the publishing house said the title would not work. She and I brainstormed via emails for quite a while before landing on the final title. On the flip side, with Unlocked, the title came to me instantly when I was developing the story idea. The blurb, however, was nearly impossible to write because the story is so complicated. I have since learned to write the blurb before I begin working on the first draft of the story. It can always be revised later, but by writing the blurb first, it gives me a sense of direction throughout drafting, and it makes the process of blurb-writing so much easier.

How about you? Do you think one is harder to come up with than the other?

IWSG: Quit Writing?!

The purpose of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is 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!"

For more information visit: https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

This Month's Question: What would make you quit writing?

My Answer: I've thought about this topic often during my time as a published author. Interestingly, the question never occurred to me before I was published. Before then, I was determined and confident and tenacious. Once published, my perspective changed. I saw behind the curtain of the publishing world and was surprised by how it all works . . . and doesn't work. Now, I'm more of a realist, and I know the publishing world won't always work in my favor, won't always greet me with open arms, won't always pave the road before me. And yet, I still want to create stories, imagine worlds, and develop characters. I've decided I will never quit writing, because I am a writer. 

How about you? Is there anything that would make you quit writing?

Book Review: WHERE DO YOU HANG YOUR HAMMOCK? by Bella Mahaya Carter

It's been a while since I read a nonfiction book, so when I was offered this new one, I jumped at the opportunity. Scroll down for my complete review.

Where Do You Hang Your Hammock?

by Bella Mahaya Carter

Publication Date: June 1, 2021

Publisher: She Writes Press 

ISBN: 9781647420659

Description from the Publisher: 

In Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? seasoned coach and author Bella Mahaya Carter shows writers how to use their present circumstances as stepping-stones to a successful and meaningful writing life, navigated from the inside out. It encourages writers and authors to rethink their ambitions (which may be fueled by the tyrannical demands of the ego) and trust in their heartfelt purpose and values in the journey to becoming, or continuing on, as authors.

Many writers believe their self-sabotaging thoughts are trustworthy and true. They take rejection personally. They surmise that if they don’t achieve their goals they have failed, and lose sight of who they are and what matters most.

This book is for writers looking for inspiration and for authors daunted by the publishing process, who might lack the requisite author platform to get published the way they dreamed, or whose careers may not be unfolding as expected. It aims to be the friend and trusted expert writers turn to when hijacked by their own thinking. Ultimately, it reminds authors that they are infinite creators. 

About the Author: 

Bella Mahaya Carter is a creative writing teacher, empowerment coach, speaker, and author of an award-winning memoir, Raw: My Journey from Anxiety to Joy, and a collection of narrative poems. She has worked with hundreds of writers since 2008 and has degrees in literature, film, and spiritual psychology. Her poetry, essays, fiction, and interviews have appeared in Mind, Body, Green; The Sun; Lilith; Fearless Soul; Writer’s Bone; Women Writers, Women’s Books; Chic Vegan; Bad Yogi Magazine; Jane Friedman’s blog; Pick The Brain; the Spiritual Medial Blog; Literary Mama, several anthologies' and elsewhere.

My Review:

Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? by Bella Mahaya Carter is an excellent resource for writers.

At first, I was confused by the title. What does a hammock have to do with writing? At the very beginning of the book, Carter explains the concept with a personal story, which serves as a perfect analogy for the publishing industry. Not only did she have me hooked with that single story, but I also bought myself a hammock swing as a result. Now I just have to decide where to hang it.

Whenever I read a nonfiction book, the first thing I do is read the author's bio. What qualifies this person as an "expert" in the field, and why should I trust what she has to say? Well, Carter's bio is impressive (shown above), and it made me curious what I exciting things I'd be able to learn from her writing.

The next thing I do is flip to the table of contents, which should be easy to navigate and give an overview of the book. Carter's table of contents is clear and concise, giving a detailed roadmap of the book. This enables the reader to pick and choose topics to read in short spurts or to read the whole from beginning to end. 

Then, before actually reading anything, I flip through the book and scan the pages. Sometimes a nonfiction book can feel overwhelming to me, and if there are charts, quotes boxes, divided sections--these elements help break up the narrative, making the book easier for me to digest. Carter's book is mostly narrative, but the chapters are short and the sections are divided, which helps break up the prose. Also, at the end of each chapter is a journal prompt that allows the reader to ponder the concepts presented.

The journal prompts would blend well with the "Morning Pages" concept from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. I intend to use the two books together to help me explore my creative confidence.

As I read the book, I was surprised more primary sources were not cited for stated facts. For example, in the chapter on traditional publishing Carter states, "...royalties--generally a small percentage (about, 7.5%)..." No sources cited. In the same chapter, she quotes Brooke Warner, writing, "...sobering fact: Only 2 percent of authors make their living from their writing alone." This is not a primary source.  A primary source would be the study or research paper that gathered these statistics. Giving information in this manner can be misleading or worse yet, offer misinformation. I'm a big believer in seeking out primary sources rather than taking second-hand information as gospel truth. I wish Carter had cited actual primary sources so readers could read additional information for themselves, if wanted. This is my only criticism of the book. 

This book makes a great companion book for Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way and Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic. If you haven't yet read either of those - I highly recommend them.

Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? by Bella Mahaya Carter is thought-provoking and insightful, helping readers explore their dreams about writing with interesting concepts to nourish their creativity.

[I was offered an early copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.]

IWSG: Surprising Reactions from Readers

"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." For complete details, visit the website: https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

This Month's Question: "Has a reader ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?"

My Answer: Yes! One of my all-time favorite responses was from a teacher who'd been reading Who R U Really? aloud to her class. She had previously read the book herself, and she knew the big reveal of the bad guy was coming up for her class. So, she recorded the class as she read the scene aloud, and then she sent the video to me. It was so awesome to watch the students' varied reactions as the bad guy made himself known to the main character. (I love teachers so much!)

How about you? If you're a writer, has a reader ever surprised you with a response? If you're a reader, have you ever contacted an author about their writing?

IWSG: Most Productive Times for Writing

The first Wednesday of the month is time for the Insecure Writers' Support Group post!

This Month's Question: "Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?"

My Answer: Pre-pandemic, yes. Pre-2020, sure. But boy, oh, boy, 2020 has been way too stressful for me to be highly productive with my writing. So, I suppose I am most productive when I can find a sense of peace and calm within my mind and spirit. Going to the mountains helps me with this. Avoiding social media helps me. Listening to music helps. And reading inspiring nonfiction books definitely helps me find the right head space to be more productive with my writing. I'm currently working through THE ARTIST'S WAY by Julia Cameron. I say "working through" because it's more than a book to read. It is a 12-week program to help artists attain a higher level of creativity, but it is hard work. I've found it quite challenging (this is my third attempt to complete the program), but this particular time through, I'm recovering a sense of myself and that has been enlightening and calming. I'm excited to write and revise, again. I'm ready to be productive, again. We all need a little help sometimes finding our way back to the path, leading to our own true north.

How about you? When is your most productive time for writing?

IWSG: Why Do You Write?

Over the years, I've found THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP to be such a great community. I look forward to the monthly posts to connect us. I encourage you to visit the website and join the group!

This Month's Question: Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

My Answer: I write because I love telling stories. I love creating worlds, characters, plots, and twists. I love creating. I love exploring all of the possibilities. I've always been a curious person, and as a writer, I can ask as many questions as I want. Then I can explore, hunt, and find the answers to those questions.

How about you? Why do you write?

Insecure Writer's Support Group: Writing Rituals

Have you visited the Insecure Writer's Support Group website recently? Rated one of the top websites for writers, you will find tons of invaluable information there. Check it out: www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com . . . and while there, be sure to sign up and join the group.

www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

May's Question: Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE?

My Answer: Yes! Music. With each manuscript, I choose at least one song that represents the mood and energy of the story. Sometimes, I create a playlist of multiple songs. I listen to it to set the right tone and focus my mind. Other times, I will listen to high energy music and dance around the room with my dog to vitalize my mind. And other times, I'll listen to instrumental music while typing to help my mind zero in on the words and flow of sentences. Music is a huge resource for me.


What about you? Do you have writing rituals?

IWSG: Family Traditions in Stories

Oh, the Insecure Writer's Support Group has proposed an interesting question this month . . .

March Question: Other than the obvious holiday traditions, have you ever included any personal or family traditions/customs in your stories?

My Answer: I had to think really hard on this one! It's a great character development idea, too. In my first novel, Who R U Really?, the main character's mother gives her a "quote of the day" calendar every year for Christmas. That's their tradition, and one year, the mom changes the calendar. No good. Goes back to the tradition.

Here are a few quotes from that fictional calendar tradition:

To learn more about the Insecure Writer's Support Group, visit the website: https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html


How about you? 

Have you ever included any personal or family traditions/customs in your stories?

IWSG: What Started Your Writing Journey?

Every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group announces a question that members can answer in a blog post. These questions may prompt advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Join the journey by visiting the IWSG website!

(DUE TO NEW YEAR'S DAY FALLING ON A WEDNESDAY, IWSG WILL POST JANUARY 8 RATHER THAN JANUARY 1.)



January's Question: What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just "know" suddenly you wanted to write?

My Answer: I read a lot as a kid, everything from Judy Blume’s sweet books for kids to Raymond Chandler’s murder mysteries for adults. Chandler’s gritty stories were what spurred my creative energy. As a kid, I pulled out the dusty typewriter and plunked out my first novel (unfinished around twenty pages) . . . a suspenseful murder mystery, of course. Plus, I feel like I’m the most curious person in the world, always wanting to ask: Why? How? When? Where? Who? I crave to know more about everything. Reading provides avenues to learn more through someone else’s experience and retelling. Writing provides a different method to learn more, because I am the one researching topics, exploring and learning, and then retelling it for others to then experience through their reading of the story.

What about you? What started you on your writing journey?

IWSG: Google Searches

A new month, a new Wednesday, a new question posed . . . this all must mean . . .

"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!"

This Month's Question: What's the strangest thing you've ever googled in researching a story?

My Answer: Whelp. I've googled a lot of strange things. But the strangest? . . . Hmm . . . When I researched occult topics for my novel, Unlocked, my search history filled up quickly with obscure and unusual tidbits. And when I wrote Who R U Really?, I became fascinated with the Japanese folklore of kitsune - the shapeshifting fox. Lately, my search history has involved topics of a more violent nature, because . . . well . . . research for my work-in-progress. We writers often joke that our search histories could get us in trouble if ever checked by law enforcement. I figure as long as we don't break any laws, we'll be fine. Right?! *fingers crossed* Could you imagine how hard it was fifty years ago to do all this research without the internet, before Google? We live in an amazing time.


How about you? What's the strangest thing you've googled?

Insecure Writer's Support Group

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.

From the group's website:

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: 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!

...

Today, I share with you a few of my favorite writing quotes to encourage and inspire you:

Book Review: THE EMOTIONAL CRAFT OF FICTION by Donald Maass

Having devoured two other books written by Donald Maass, I was thrilled to finally read THE EMOTIONAL CRAFT OF FICTION. (I was also quite pleased to read it while lounging in my hammock up in the mountains, finding it fascinating how the book's cover went so well with nature's surrounding trees.) Scroll on down for my complete review of the book.

THE EMOTIONAL CRAFT OF FICTION
by Donald Maass
December 30, 2016 (Writer's Digest Books)
ISBN: 978-1440348372


Description from the Publisher:

While writers might disagree over showing versus telling or plotting versus pantsing, none would argue this: If you want to write strong fiction, you must make your readers feel. The reader's experience must be an emotional journey of its own, one as involving as your characters' struggles, discoveries, and triumphs are for you.

That's where The Emotional Craft of Fiction comes in. Veteran literary agent and expert fiction instructor Donald Maass shows you how to use story to provoke a visceral and emotional experience in readers. Topics covered include:

• emotional modes of writing
• beyond showing versus telling
• your story's emotional world
• moral stakes
• connecting the inner and outer journeys
• plot as emotional opportunities
• invoking higher emotions, symbols, and emotional language
• cascading change
• story as emotional mirror
• positive spirit and magnanimous writing
• the hidden current that makes stories move

Readers can simply read a novel...or they can experience it. The Emotional Craft of Fiction shows you how to make that happen.

About the Author:

Donald Maass is the author of more than 16 novels. He now works as a literary agent, representing dozens of novelists in the SF, fantasy, crime, mystery, romance and thriller categories. He speaks at writer's conferences throughout the country and lives in New York City.




My Review:

If you're wanting to improve your skills as a writer, read books written by Donald Maass. 

One of the elements I love best about his books is when he includes exercises to put principles into practice. In THE EMOTIONAL CRAFT OF FICTION, these "exercises" are each titled "Emotional Mastery." There are 34 different ones throughout the book, and there is even a checklist in the back of the book to mark your progress completing the exercises.

Within "Emotional Mastery 8: The Meaning of Everything" Maass writes: "Choose some dry information that must be imparted for your story to make sense. Who has this knowledge? How does that character see these facts as no one else does? ... What is good, bad, worrisome, reassuring, or in some other way revealing about these facts? What does your character love or hate about what these facts are saying? What would she change about this information if possible? What would he change about himself? ... Don't be afraid of slowing the pace. When you deepen the meaning of things, no one will complain" (page 67).

An additional highlight of this book is the chapter at the end: "The Writer's Emotional Journey." While I loved the entire book, this chapter had me nodding my head and saying, "Yes." 

Maass writes: "Many fiction writers do not feel worthy of their calling. ... When writers approach their craft that way, it shows. You can sense when fiction is masking cynicism or anger. ... The spirit that you bring to your writing desk either infects your pages or enlivens them. ... How you feel inside is how we will feel in reading. ... In some ways the most important work you do in writing your novel is the work you do on yourself. ... your fundamental outlook, your positive spirit, your embrace of goodness, your faith in humanity. It shows in ... granting strength to your characters and filling their hearts with expectation" (pages 177-178).

I could continue to quote passages and sing the praises of this book, or I could simply say: Go read this book if you want to improve your skills as a writer. Oh, wait, that's how I started this review! Go. Now. Read. Practice. Improve. And ...

Enjoy the gift of being called a writer.

IWSG: Where in the World would YOU Write?

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

Question: If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?

My Answer: Easy. I'd pick the mountains. Unplugged. Refreshed. Inspired. 

Insecure Writer's Support Group

"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!"

This month's question: Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? 

My answer:
I've been reading a terrific book: THE ARTIST'S WAY by Julia Cameron. The book is a 12-week program designed to help unleash your creativity. You read a chapter each week and then complete homework assignments and various exercises to help you tap into your creative power. One of the daily exercises is to hand write three pages of anything on your mind - even if it seems nonsensical. At first this was a real challenge for me, because I felt like my time could be better spent actually working on a current manuscript instead of hand writing random thoughts from my head. I quit after ten days. But then I returned and started over from the beginning, determined to fully commit and complete the program. I am now on week five, and I am learning how beneficial those morning pages are --- by hand writing the "nonsense" from my mind, I'm emptying out the garbage and worries to allow free flowing creativity to pour into my manuscript later. So, I must admit, the rewards of writing those three pages each morning has certainly taken me by surprise.

How about you? Has your writing ever taken you by surprise?

IWSG: What's Your Favorite Genre?

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!

This month's question: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?

My answer: I love writing edge-of-your-seat mysteries and thrillers. My goal as a writer is to have readers say, "I finished the book in one sitting." I want readers to feel so compelled to turn the page that they are unable to put the book down. And ... if they must put it down, because of work or school or other obligations, then I want the story to linger in their minds, pushing them to get back to the pages.

How about you? What's your favorite genre (to write and/or to read)?

Coaching & Editorial Prices

While writing novels remains my primary focus, I'm often asked if I offer coaching and editorial services. Yes, I do. Details are below. Feel free to email me at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the spaces) to ask additional questions and make arrangements to propel your manuscript to the next level.



One-on-One Coaching :: $100 per hour
In person, online, or over the phone, we’ll discuss where you are on your writer’s journey and where you’d like to be. After clearly defining your goals, I’ll offer step-by-step guidelines for you to achieve them. ***I am not currently accepting new clients for coaching.***

Query Critique :: $35
Once your manuscript is polished and you’re ready to seek an agent, I’ll review your query letter and offer suggestions to catch the interest of literary agents. This package includes a second evaluation after you’ve made changes.

Synopsis Analysis :: $120
Many agents and editors require a synopsis with your manuscript submission. I’ll point you in the right direction before you begin, and then I’ll critique your finished synopsis (up to four single-spaced pages).

Submission Package :: $250
This evaluation includes thorough line-edits of your entire submission package, including your query letter, synopsis, and the first 30 pages of your manuscript.

First 100 Page Assessment :: $350
If you’re not certain about your manuscript or its potential, having your first 100 pages critiqued may help give you the direction you need. I’ll provide a detailed line-by-line edit, pointing out grammar and punctuation issues as well as addressing big-picture ideas regarding character, plot, and setting. (I require standard formatting of your pages, including double-spacing and 12-point font.)

Reader Report :: $750
I’ll read your entire manuscript (up to 85,000 words) and provide at least a two-page written evaluation of your overarching ideas, including characters, plot, setting, voice, and theme. This package does not include a line-edit. 

Full Manuscript Edit (up to 85,000 words) :: $1,000
With this comprehensive service, I’ll read your entire manuscript, providing line-edits and an editorial letter addressing the big-picture ideas. Manuscripts must be formatted according to industry standards. (Manuscripts over 85,000 words will be charged at $0.013 per word.)

Complete Package :: $2,100
Starting with a Reader Report*, I’ll offer an evaluation of your overarching ideas and discuss next steps in a one-on-one coaching appointment. Then after you’ve revised your manuscript, I’ll provide a Full Manuscript Edit*. Finally, after you’ve polished your manuscript, I’ll evaluate your Submission Package* before you query agents and editors. (*Read descriptions above for what’s included.)

Library Workshop - Outlining Your Story

Saturday, April 13, 2019, we had a terrific time joining together as writers to discuss various ways of creating an outline for our stories. Below are a few slides from the presentation along with a couple snapshots. Libraries and librarians are the BEST. 

IWSG: Writers' Resolutions

This time of year many people, writers included, are making resolutions. (Are you?) Twitter has been full of threads and Facebook has been full of memes, and while many of them have been funny or thought-provoking, I've chosen one of the most helpful to share with you below (scroll on down). 

Sometimes as writers we feel isolated and alone in our endeavors, but in actuality, we are in the same boat, striving toward the similar goals. If we stick together, the journey will be easier and happier. That's why I'm a member of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. It is such a great community of writers helping writers. If you're not already a member, click here and join our ranks and benefit from the group's resources.