IWSG & Romantic Suspense & Time Machines

 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!   

March 2 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?

If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably heard me say I have a bouncy brain. I tend to have far too many ideas going on at once.

For instance, I'm currently planning (as much as my non-plotting brain can plan) and writing a new six-book Small Town Heroes series. I've got one written, the second mostly written, the third started, and the other three sets of characters walking around in my head.

I need to know my characters before I write their stories. While they wander my brain, they're telling me their backstories and I'm finding out where the conflicts are. Of course, there are also some secondary characters who want to bump up to main characters vying for my attention as well.

I also have several folks from Bloo Moose walking around in my brain telling me who they need to meet and demanding their turn in the spotlight.

Then I have an outline (in my head) for my third series and the 6 (potentially 7) sets of characters who will be its focus.

Now, to answer the question 😊

I have a really great idea for a speculative fiction series. It would be a long multi-generational series about the future of humanity with lots of cool SF elements.

Here's my conflict.

When am I supposed to fit this in? Would I need a pen name for the new series (SF) as it doesn't follow my current brand (romantic suspense)? Where in the world would I find time to work on building up another pen name???? So far, no answers, just lots of ideas.

Anyone working on a time machine that will give me more hours in the day just for writing?

How about you? Do you have characters knocking impatiently on your skull too? Anyone else with a bouncy brain?

Winners for the #WEP challenge All You Need is Love are being announced today! Check out the winners and the other stories HERE! There are so many talented writers in this challenge!

WEP & Grams

 “Hey, Grams.”

“Good morning, Trav. Isn’t it a gorgeous day?”

Trav moved to the chair beside the bed, trying to ignore the antiseptic smell and the plain room. Grams loved colours and sunshine, not this crap.

He kissed her papery cheek and sat on the chair, keeping his eyes on hers. Her body was shrinking, weakening. But her eyes remained hers. Strong, vibrant. But he could see the pain. The acceptance lurking in the shadows.

He swallowed hard and pulled out his phone. “Which playlist today, Grams?”

“It’s a Beatles kind of day, Trav.”

That made him smile. It was a Beatles kind of day at least four days a week. He hit shuffle, knowing that was the way she liked it best. Always a surprise around the corner, Trav.

Her eyes lit up when Imagine started to play.

Trav set the phone on the blanket and while they listened, he lifted the bag he’d brought her. Another surprise.

“You finished it?”

Grams didn’t even know what he’d been working on, but she was excited. She’d asked him to draw her something, didn’t care what. She’d encouraged his art from the day he picked up his first crayon.

Trav pulled out a sketchbook, light enough for her to hold, large enough for her to see.

The vibrant eyes clouded with tears, but the smile told him everything he needed.

“You drew for me.”

“Not just for you, Gram. Of you.” Because she’d been his person since day one.

He helped her flip to the first page as the playlist shifted to Here Comes the Sun.

Grams laughed. “Perfect timing.” She was a big believer in fate and karma and all that hippy stuff.

The first sketch was Grams dancing in the kitchen, his earliest memory of her.

Happy tears trickled down her cheeks as she brushed her fingers lightly over the page. “Well, she was a bit of a firecracker, wasn’t she?”

“Was? No was about it. You’re still the brightest firecracker in the sky.” Her dimples flashed, reminding him she’d once been young. “I bet you had men fighting for a dance with you.”

Her laughter filled the sterile room. And his heart.

She flipped through the pages in time with the music. He’d drawn his favourite memories.

Hotdogs over the campfire.

Picnics at the zoo.

Trips to galleries and museums.

Painting on easels together.

Graduation day. She’d nearly burst with pride over his valedictorian speech.

As she flipped to the final sketch, the playlist clicked to All You Need Is Love. He caught Grams' eye and they both smiled. Trav lifted her hand and kissed it.

“I guess they’re right. All I needed was you. Your love has got me through the very worst of times. You’ve been everything to me and I don’t know how to tell me how much you mean to me.”

Grams laughed and patted his cheek. “You’ve told me every day, Trav. Every day in all the best ways, just like this.” She patted the final sketch, one of the two of them hanging out in their favourite spot. Sitting on the porch swing looking out over the river.

“This is perfect, Trav. I’m so proud of you. This is the best gift ever. Well, until you get me a great-grandchild. I’ll be hanging around until then.”

They both knew that wasn’t true, but he grinned at her, going along with the running joke. “And you’ll be the best Grams to the kid ever.”

Which she would be, because his kids would always know they were loved. They’d always know unconditional love and support. Because Grams had taught him well.

***

Tagline: Lessons from the Beatles and Grams

***

The above is part of the WEP February Challenge All You Need Is Love.

The link is open until Feb 18 - I hope you'll join up. WEP is open to everyone and is a whole lot of fun. Follow the links for the rest of the stories in the challenge. I can't wait to see how everyone interprets this prompt!

IWSG & AQC

 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!  

February 2 question - Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

It seems like such a long time ago when I joined the online writing community! Way back then I thought agents were for actors and that only famous people wrote books.

I've learned a lot since then!

On the very first day I decided to try to write a book, I stumbled across a site called Agent Query with a forum called Agent Query Connect. I didn't know what a query was. Nor did I know what a forum was...

Regardless, I clicked and a whole new world opened up for me. I discovered that regular people wrote books and that maybe I could, too. I discovered a whole new language (including query and forum) and a slew of acronyms (WIP, POV, MC...).

I found an amazing group of writers always willing to help others. I learned so much about craft, more about queries, the importance of being succint, and the power of feedback. I found my first critique buddies. I found the courage to share my work. It was an amazing community.

Agent Query is no longer around - and I never did discover the person/people behind the AQCrew persona but whoever they are, I hope they're enjoying fabulous success and joy.

If I hadn't stumbled into that inclusive, caring community, I doubt I would have ever have written books strong enough to be published. While I still keep in contact with many of those writers through FB and Twitter, I do miss the AQC community!

There are many echoes between AQC & IWSG which might explain why I think so highly of IWSG as well!

How about you? Any people or communities who have helped you along your path (writing or non-writing!)? Anyone else know about AQC?

Shannon Lawrence & The Business of Short Stories

I'm excited to welcome my friend Shannon Lawrence, AKA The Warrior Muse, to the blog today! 

Shannon has a fabulous guide to the short story business coming out soon and I had a chance to ask her a couple of questions.

1. What was the most challenging part of writing a nonfiction book? 

I think the hardest part was figuring out how in-depth to go and how wide an array of topics to include. Luckily, I've been teaching short story workshops for years and paid attention to what attendees were asking, plus I had awesome beta readers. One of the things I asked my beta readers to do was to jot down the questions they hoped to have answered before they read the book, so they could let me know both their expectations and whether I'd met them.

2. Your cover is fantastic! How did you come up with the idea for it?

Thank you! All credit goes to my husband, who does my book covers. I pulled all the writing craft books off my shelves and we went over what I liked and didn't like about them. I knew I wanted something clean and bright and different. A lot of the craft books were dark and/or used red, but since my books are usually horror, I wanted to separate them and do something I don't usually get to do. He presented me with several great versions, including a compass I liked, but the post-its were so apropos of the writing life. I used a bunch while writing and putting this book together!

***

The Business of Short Stories: Writing, Submitting, Publishing, and Marketing

Author: Shannon Lawrence

ISBN: 978-1-7320314-5-6

Format/Price: Print ($13.99) and e-book ($3.99)

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Pre-order E-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFSTJ2V

Pre-order paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Business-Short-Stories-Submitting-Publishing/dp/1732031452/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

Will also be available after the release date from Ingram, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other sites.

Blurb: Whether you're looking to add short stories to your repertoire as a solo pursuit or in addition to novel writing, The Business of Short Stories covers every aspect from writing to marketing. Learn the dynamics of short story writing, where to focus your editing efforts, how and where to submit, how to handle acceptances and rejections, what to do with reprints, and how to market yourself and your stories online and in person. The information in The Business of Short Stories has been distilled from over a decade of short story publishing experience so you don't have to learn the hard way. You'll find information on submission formatting, cover letters, querying a collection, sending proposals to writing events, how to create a website, SEO, social media, and so much more. This is an invaluable resource for short story writers.

There's never been a better time to get into short stories!

Author Bio: Shannon Lawrence has made a career of short stories, with over a
decade of experience and more than fifty short stories published in magazines and anthologies. In addition, she's released three horror short story collections with a mix of new and previously published stories. Her true-crime podcast Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem is going into its third season. 

Website: www.thewarriormuse.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewarriormuse

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewarriormuse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriormuse/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-lawrence

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/shannondkl

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shannon-Lawrence/e/B00TDKPOAO

Podcast Website: www.mysteriesmonstersmayhem.com

*** 

Thanks, Shannon!

Love the answers - I'm a post-it note fan as well!

Congrats on the book! It's going to be a great resource for all the short story authors out there!

IWSG & Regrets

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!  

January 5 question - What's the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?

As a teacher, I believe that a person who doesn't make mistakes is a person who isn't trying anything new or challenging.

Making mistakes and taking wrong turns is part of learning. We get something from every step we take, whether that step works out or not. I don't spend a lot of time looking back and thinking about mistakes. I'd rather look forward to what I can do better next time.

However... I think my biggest regret might be not realizing I had uploaded the wrong file for one (okay 2) of my books. Instead, I uploaded the files from the next-to-last edit round. With multiple typos and errors. Not a ton, but still far too many!

It took me almost a year to realize my errors and correct them. Sigh.

How about you? Any publishing horror stories in your past? Anyone else upload the wrong file? Anyone else learn the hard way to triple-check their uploads?

Wishes

 I'm not sure I'm even used to saying 2021, but here we are in December and looking forward to 2022 in another blink of the eye.

Here's to a year filled with peace and love and joy.

Here's to a year where no one is hungry or alone or afraid.

Here's to a year where we show our best selves.

Here's to a year where we find the best in others.

Here's to a year where everyone believes in science, equality, and respect.

Here's to a year where the world becomes a better, safer place for all.

Wishing you and yours all the very best for the Christmas/holiday season and all things wonderful for 2022!!

Have yourself a Merry MooseMas!

WEP Challenge and Little Tommy

“You have the cutest baby ever. He should be in those commercials. They could sell anything using that face.”

Cindy and Tom smiled at each other. It seemed they weren’t just proud parents with a huge slice of bias. Their baby boy truly was adorable. Everyone said so.

Those big blue eyes. Jet black curls. Beautiful.

***

“Candy. I want candy.”

Little Tommy’s pout warned of stormy tears as Cindy stood in the checkout line. Her beautiful boy stared up at her from the grocery cart, those blue eyes shining. Cheeks rosy.

“You have such a handsome son. You’re a lucky mom.”

Tommy smiled at the cashier, and the woman smiled back.

As he charmed the lady, Cindy reached out and added a candy bar to her order.

***

“I want the blue one.”

Tom looked at the red shirt he’d picked up for his son and then to the blue on the rack. “I thought you’d like the dinosaurs on this one. You’d rather have the blue?”

Tommy nodded seriously. “Yes. It matches my eyes.”

Tom laughed, ruffled his son’s curls, and changed out red for blue.

***

Tommy held the truck behind his back. “It’s mine.”

“I had it first!”

Tommy shook his head. “I have it. It’s mine.”

“Now, boys. No fighting. Tommy will have the first turn, you can have it next, Kev.”

***

“Tommy has been struggling to keep his attention on his studies this term.”

Cindy and Tom exchanged a look. “How can we help?”

The teacher smiled. “Well, if you could keep the girls away from him, that would probably help.”

Everyone chuckled. “The girls are always calling the house as well. One even dropped off cookies for him on the weekend.”

“He’s a good-looking kid. There’s probably more of that in his future.”

***

Tommy checked his hair in the mirror he’d installed in his room. The bathroom had better lighting, but his parents were always complaining he spent too long getting ready for things.

They didn’t get it. It was important to always look his best.

***

Tommy gave his best smile to his grandparents. They liked to see him smile.

He even let them pinch his cheeks.

They always slipped him money when they visited.

***

“I prefer to be called Thomas.”

“But, Tommy, you’ve always…”

“I will no longer answer to that name.”

“Okay, Thomas.”

***

“My eyes are halfway through a blink. I need you to retake the photo.”

The clerk frowned at the picture and pointed to the sign that stated unless eyes were fully closed, the picture couldn’t be retaken.

Thomas smiled the way he’d perfected in the mirror. The smile that gave him the maximum results.

The clerk smiled back and the second picture was perfect.

***

Thomas checked his appearance one last time before heading out to pick up the girl. He’d told her to leave her hair down. When she wore it that way, she was the prettiest girl in the school.

He’d told her to choose a blue dress so they would match. His shirt and tie were the perfect shades. They would make a striking couple.

Their pictures would be the best.

***

Thomas selected his courses carefully. All it had taken was a bit of research to find the perfect professors.

It was an easy thing to cruise the internet, find their bios, and check out their pictures.

Adults were easy to figure out. He knew which ones he could work with and which ones would be more difficult. His degree would be a piece of the proverbial cake.

***

Thomas looked out the windows of his penthouse.

Christmas lights were lit across the city. Cindy and Tom had wanted him to cross the state to visit with them. Spend a day traveling to put up with annoying small talk and overcooked turkey.

He’d rather be exactly where he was. He had a dozen invitations but had yet decided which would be most beneficial and least annoying. He might stay in and enjoy his own company. It was far better than idiotic small talk.

Thomas lifted his wine glass and toasted his reflection in the window.

Tagline: Bringing up Tommy, the tale of a narcissist. 

*****

The above is part of the WEP Challenge for December. I really struggled with a story for this prompt! It's always interesting to see which prompts bring stories quickly to mind and which have me really reaching for an idea!

I hope you join in the Challenge for the month! Because it's a busy season for many around the world, we've extended the posting dates from December 1st to the 15th. That will give everyone time to write, post, and enjoy the other stories.

I'm looking forward to seeing how others interpreted the prompt!

We've decided on the prompts for next year and I think you're going to love them!