Wednesday, June 5, 2019

IWSG & Picking Favourites

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.




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!

And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day 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.

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June 5 question: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?

I love so many genres - both for reading and writing!

I've been immersed in the world of nonfiction recently getting ready to publish Dancing With Dementia. It holds a huge part of my heart because it deals with my family and how dementia has affected all of us.

Nonfiction is a different beast from fiction and it's had its own set of challenges and joys.

Because it's consumed my world for the past few years, it's definitely my current favourite genre. Writing a deeply emotional subject is obviously not easy, but writing it with the purpose of helping others makes it easier to do.

I'm looking for early readers for Dancing With Dementia. If you're interested, send me an email (jemifraser@gmail.com), let me know in the comments, or sign up for my newsletter over in the righthand sidebar of the blog. (The newsletter will be for all my writing, not only the nonfiction.) Thanks!

Once this book is out and about, and I start focusing on my romance stories again, I'm sure that genre will zoom back into my favourite spot!

How about you? Do you switch up your favourites depending what you're working on? Anyone interested in an early copy of Dancing With Dementia?

65 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Knowing that it will help others has probably kept you going.

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great that you have branched into nonfiction. I have too with my contract writing job, but it's much different than what you are writing. Dementia is so hard to deal with. I know too because my mom has it, and I now take care of her. Thankfully, she lives in independent living.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Non-fiction gives you marketing opportunities that fiction doesn't. Be ready to play the expert card.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I am super proud of you for moving past your fiction struggles to work on this project. I can't say when I could have it read for you, but I'd love to be an early reader for you! Dementia has touched my family on my side as well as my husband's side. It totally sucks. Thank you for opening a conversation about it.

The Cynical Sailor said...

Kudos to you for moving into non-fiction and tackling such a difficult issue. Your work will help others who need it.

Carol Kilgore said...

I play around within genres, but don't venture too far from the overall mystery and romance ones. Congrats on the dementia book. I'm not the reader you need for it, though.

cleemckenzie said...

I'm sure your account of dementia will be touching as well as helpful to others who are experiencing the effects of this disease in their families.

emaginette said...

The best non-fic books come from helping others. Good luck with it. If you're doing a blog hop or virtual tour, let me know. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Pat Garcia said...

Your new book interests me. I don't know what your requirements are for readers but I would definitely like to be considered, even though my plate is rather full right now.
Take care.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Chemist Ken said...

I guess I can't answer your question since I haven't finished any of my stories yet, so I don't know if I'll feel like switching genres when I do. But if I had to answer, I'm pretty sure I'll stick with fantasy until the end.

Elephant's Child said...

I am a multi-genre reader though at the moment I am spending more time in non-fiction. A lot more time.
I would also love to be considered as a reader of your book. It is a subject which yanks on my heart strings and dances on my buttons.

Anonymous said...

Kudos for taking on the enormous task of addressing this personal experience in your non-fiction. Dementia is an issue that touches many lives.

I write fiction (horror) and have used the stories as a vehicle to work through real issues. I think perhaps that's how writers are wired, no matter what genre they write in.

klahanie said...

Hi Jemi,

I like a wide variety of genres. When I actually have the energy, I have been known to write in many different genres. And that's just within one story.

My favourite genre would have to be when Penny used to write on my blog and thus, the doggy "pawspective" genre.

Non-fiction can indeed be an emotive challenge, Jemi. You are pursuing the non-fiction for all the right reasons. Kudos to you, my kind friend.

I shall duly share your post on Twitter and sign up to your newsletter.

Kind wishes, eh,

Gary

Nicki Elson said...

I'm sure writing this book must have been very difficult for you emotionally, but I hope it's also brought you some peace and more understanding. How wonderful that you're writing it to help others who face the same issues.

Sara Codair said...

Nonfiction is a very different beast for sure! I admire people who write it because I think it is the most challenging things to write.

Sara Codair said...

And of course I hit post before I answered your question. I try switching genres sometimes, but I get bored with nonfiction, and anything fiction always ends up with a drop of fantasy in it even if I try to make it hard sci fi or contemporary. The only time I really switch is when I write poetry.

Meka James said...

Writing a book so close to your heart like that one sounds can't be easy. Best of luck with the next step in the process and finding readers. That is a whole other struggle at times. Hopefully writing the romance will come easier when you get back to it.

Jemi Fraser said...

It really has! It makes a tremendous difference!

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm so glad you've got your mom in a safe place. We do as well and it makes her life so much better and safer!

Jemi Fraser said...

Good advice! I'm never very good at being the expert, but I probably should!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Sheri! That means a LOT to me!
I'd love to have you read an ARC - and you do it as you can - I get it!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Ellen. I really hope I can help!

Jemi Fraser said...

Mystery and romance are such fun! I love them both :)
That's okay - it's certainly not a topic for everyone!

Jemi Fraser said...

I hope you're right! Thanks Lee :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Anna - I haven't figured that bit out yet, but I will!

Jemi Fraser said...

I'd love to have you read an ARC, Pat. I understand the full plate and would only ask you to leave a review if/when you feel inclined :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Switching up genres is fun - but it's all part of having that Tigger brain! I love Fantasy too - so many possibilities!

Jemi Fraser said...

I would love to have you read an ARC, Sue!
It is an incredibly difficult disease - I hope our story can help others!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Lee. Dementia is an ever-expanding nightmare!
Great insights - I agree!
Horror is a fun genre - I'm just a little bit too wimpy to enjoy it often :)

Jemi Fraser said...

LOL - switching genres in the same story sounds like a whole lot of fun!! :)
Penny's paws-itive posts are definitely some of my favourites as well.
Thanks (as always!) Gary - much appreciated! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Nicki - I think you're right - writing does help us make sense on reality in so many ways.
Thanks - I hope our journey can help others!

Jemi Fraser said...

It is much more of a challenge than I realized at the beginning!

Jemi Fraser said...

Fantasy definitely has a way of worming its way into other genres - probably part of what makes it so much fun!
I love poetry too!

Jemi Fraser said...

It's definitely been a struggle at times, Meka!
Finding readers is always the challenge, isn't it!! :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I tend to feel whatever I'm writing is my favorite genre too. I haven't tried nonfiction but I have some ideas.

Sylvia Ney said...

Nonfiction can be so much harder to write, and so much more painful as well as rewarding to finish when it is meaningful to us. Happy Writing!

Fundy Blue said...

You are tackling such a difficult subject, Jemi! Writing personal nonfiction can be deeply painful and emotional. Kudos to you for taking on the challenge. I hope that your book helps others who are dealing with the devastation of dementia.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I wish you huge success for Dancing With Dementia. I think it will help so many people.

Jemi Fraser said...

You should try them - it's fun!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Sylvia. This one definitely a lot of emotion tied up inside!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thank you - that's certainly my hope as well!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Lynda - I hope so!

Chrys Fey said...

Dancing With Dementia sounds wonderful.

I love to read non-fiction, and I write it a little, too. Mostly how-to stuff, but I've also done some memoir writing.

Michelle Wallace said...

I can only imagine the challenge that comes with writing a book on this subject. My hat off to you, Jemi, for taking the plunge with this project.
The rewards will be immeasurable, of that I'm sure, since this condition touches lives directly or indirectly, and you never know who may read your book and pass the knowledge along, thus spreading the word and helping/empowering others along the way. Sounds immensely gratifying.
As a writer, what more can you ask for?

I would love to be a reader but I'm not sure if you have a deadline for the story review... and I'm so busy with schoolwork that I can't commit to a specific review date (unless it's months and months away LOL)

Toi Thomas said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I have dabbled in nonfiction a bit but not to extent you have. While I enjoy nonfiction, and appreciate all I can learn from it, I still prefer fiction.
I think it's really cool that you've taken on this project and started a conversation like this by putting yourself out there. It's very brave and appreciated.

Diane Burton said...

Dementia is a heartbreaking topic. My mom had Alzheimer's. I'm sure your story will help many people.

Lynn J Simpson said...

Congrats on you upcoming book Jemi! I'm sure it is needed for many experiencing care-taking of someone they love with Dementia (and other health issues that are emotionally tough). I'd like to learn to focus on one type of writing so I actually finish something! Essays/Creative Non-fiction pieces seem to be the best writing for me currently. In the editing process of a couple now!

Ryan Carty said...

What an interesting and important subject, dementia. My grandmother and great-grandmother both suffered from it and their final years were chaos, fear, and love. So many conflicting emotions.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Chrys!
Nonfiction is fun to write - much more so than I expected!

Jemi Fraser said...

LOL - I know the feeling. I'll sign you up and you just do what you can when you can! :)
I'm really hoping our story and tips can help people!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Toi. The whole experience was/is so disconnected from anything we'd ever experienced that I had to get the words down!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Diane. I hope so!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Lynn!
It's hard to settle in one area - I've got a Tigger Brain so I totally get it! Good luck to you!

Jemi Fraser said...

So true - it can be a hateful disease. Watching a vibrant, strong, bright personality dim by inches is heartbreaking!

DMS said...

I can only imagine the differences of writing non-fiction. Such a different genre from romance! I can see why it is your favorite right now. Wishing you all the best with Dancing With Dementia.
~Jess

mshatch said...

I don't read a lot of fiction. But I do try to read some every year. Scifi/fantasy has always been my fave.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Jess! There was sure a learning curve with the nonfiction! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I love sci-fi and fantasy! So many great stories out there and so many possibilities!

Liesbet said...

Congratulations finishing your non-fiction, Jemi. Is it a memoir or self-help book? What an immense task - mentally and physically. I wish I had more time to read, but my backlog doesn’t allow for more. Especially nothing urgent. I manage to only read one book every three months, it seems like. Sorry about that. I wish you luck with the publishing process! Interesting and helpful theme, for sure.

Since I don't read much, I’m just focusing on the books writer friends have written. So, any genre basically. But, since I only write non-fiction myself, I like that genre the most.

Nas said...

Awesome on finishing your book, Jemi!

Heather R. Holden said...

Can't even begin to imagine how challenging nonfiction writing must be! Can see why it'd become a favorite for you, after being immersed in it for so long, and the personal connection you have to it. Best of luck with Dancing with Dementia!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Liesbet! It's a mix of both memoir and self-help. :)
Nonficiton is fun to write - I've got a self-help for public speaking aimed at kids in the works too :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Nas! It's been a long haul, but I'm nearly there!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Heather - it's been a tough one, but I'm so very glad I did it!

Liesbet said...

Awesome!!!