The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#90
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.
The awesome co-hosts for the June posting of the IWSG are: Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!
Don’t forget to visit them and thank them for co-hosting!
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.
Remember, the question is optional!
JUNE 05th QUESTION: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?
I love the mystery/suspense genre and always imagined that would be the genre I’d write in.
However, I also love non-fiction and the first blog posts I was brave enough to publish, were some creative non -fiction pieces which I wrote for the second A to Z Challenge, which was many years ago, (I think in 2011). I still love creative non-fiction and have been reading a lot of non-fiction books lately, but I haven’t been writing any non-fiction.
This reminds me that I have an outline of ideas, as well as bits and pieces of content, for a non-fiction book on the craft of writing, which I envisage as having a distinctly local flavor… and a (hopefully) humorous angle. As a nation, South Africans have many shortcomings, but we know how to laugh at ourselves. It’s a national strength! So the humorous angle will work very well.
But to be honest, I haven’t had time for any writing because I’m so busy with school work. *sigh*
I don’t know when I’m going to get time to write…
Maybe I need to get back to my flash fiction technique which never fails me… and guarantees that I get words down on the paper.
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology Contest
opened last month – only three more months to enter.
Middle grade historical – adventure/fantasy.
Theme – Voyagers.
See the site for full details on how to submit.
Our #IWSGPit Twitter pitch event will take place on January 15, 2020. Be sure to follow The IWSG on Twitter.
HAPPY IWSG DAY!
I didn’t discover it until recently, but flash fiction definitely helps me recover from the ‘blahs’ and get back into a writing groove.
I’ve been focused on nonfiction for a few years now and I think the flip back to fiction is going to tax my brain!!
I love to read and write flash fiction, but I haven’t written much of it lately. Maybe I should 🙂
I totally understand life keeping you busy! At least flash is quick. I hope you’re able to conquer all that school work.
Being able to laugh at yourself is a tremendous strength 🙂 Flash fiction sounds like a good plan while your busy on the school front.
Flash fiction definitely sounds like a good idea if you don’t have a lot of time to write!
Flash Fiction always gives me a nice boost. I have never tried non-fiction flash….might be an interesting way to get going again.
I’m not good at writing non-fiction. I like it, but I always take creative liberties for comedic effect, so my work is not exactly serious, educational fare.
I love reading historical novels and am generally interested in history as well as working in that field for some years, so you’d think I’d write historical stuff, but I very rarely do.
Good luck getting time to write. I struggle with that too with my work obligations. I am trying to carve some time in on the weekends for now. I’m moving slowly but am getting some chapters written.
Nothing wrong with being consumed with the school front right now. Everything has a season. And I, too, find flash fiction to be an awesome way to break the writing-block ice. I can always jot down 50-100 word story. I find it a great way to germinate a seed for a longer story.
Looking forward to reading some humor from South Africa. I’ve been immersed in fiction from South Africa. I saw a play by Athol Fugard, “Blood Knot” in Minneapolis. Tremendous performance. I’m finally getting around to reading Mark Fine’s The Zebra Affaire, which I think I learned about on your blog. And, I listened to Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime” on Audio for book club this month.
Hi Mishy! I love creative non fiction. Well I love everything except hard core sci-fi and spec-fic. But I like a bit of fantasy if it’s not too fantastic. Writing for WEP has kept my brain sharp and I’m working my way through those stories and will eventually collate them into several specific genres. I have hundreds. Most are now between 2,000 and 5,000 words. Yep school is a hard taskmaster, but I’m giving it up in October and will spend my days travelling and writing.
Maybe it’s time to work that book into your schedule and write it.
I read a lot of mystery/suspense/thrillers, but I don’t write them. I don’t think I have the plotting skills.
Could you try flash non-fiction? Maybe you wouldn’t complete a whole essay but maybe lots of beginnings?
When you don’t have a lot of time to devote to writing, flash fiction seems a good way to keep from quitting. Good luck and have a great month.
Something humorous would be fun, both to write and to read.
Life is annoying when it keeps you too busy to write. =(
Always something in the way. It’s a miracle many of us can find time for our creative pursuits. I wish you success and luck, as well as a sudden surge of free time for writing and research.
All the best– hope you find the time to write soon, Michelle! I’ll look forward to your flash fiction.
I have been getting into mystery some lately. I like nonfiction but usually only read it when I need to learn something or something is recommended to me. The IWSG book club has helped me read more nonfiction. I’ve written a little but think fiction is my strong suit. Writing flash fiction has helped me grow so much as a writer.
How didn’t I realize you were from South Africa??? I was there a few years ago and loved it.
Sorry I’m late. It’s funny we read the same genre and I’ve been drawn to fantasy writing lately. That is when I write. Which isn’t much lately.
Take care.
Anna from elements of emaginette