Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Optional Monthly Question: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?
I think I enjoy writing science fiction the most. There’s something about the limitless possibilities of it that appeals to me. Plus, science fiction has a practical side to it. Many things that were once considered science fiction have become a reality. Without someone first imagining that people could fly in automated machines or talk to people across the globe in real-time, we might not ever have developed aviation, space travel, the telephone, and certainly not the Internet.
For me personally, there is a thin line between science and faith, and some will argue that the two are opposites, but I see things differently. I do believe that there are some absolutes in this world that can only be explained by either faith or science, but most of the time it’s all perspective. It’s mostly about the way each individual sees and experiences the world and their existence. So, yeah, I enjoy writing science fiction first, then fantasy/paranormal, clean romance, mystery, and so on from there.
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Newsletter Member Spotlight
Congratulations to Eliza March on her June spotlight. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi.
IWSG Anthology submissions are still open.
IWSG Book Club News
This book was voted on by our members as a great example of Dialogue. The discussion will start July 24th and will go to the end of the month, but it will be up indefinitely, so you can hop in whenever you’re able. Join Us!
WEP-IWSG News, Changes, Submissions
I haven’t submitted my entry yet, but I am working on something. If I can’t pull it together soon, I may just pass on submitting this month and simply enjoy the other entries.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
Well, I’m backlogged again, but that’s nothing new. I have several projects I’m working on that aren’t really going anywhere so I figured I’d start blogging about them and see if that helps. I guess I’ll be starting that next week. Also, I have months of book reviews to catch up on. I’ll have to forgo my usual more thorough reviews and post something short and sweet to make up for it. I guess I’ll be working on that this weekend.
I’ve decided not to give up on my dream to start a book fair, but instead to take a different approach to it. I’ve talked to a few people in my area and I think we have a pretty good plan. So, in time, I’ll be sharing some of those updates as well.
Today’s optional question got me thinking about some of the story ideas I’ve not yet pursued, most likely due to fear, and have decided to just start writing them. Whether or not I ever publish these ideas doesn’t matter right now. There’s no reason I should let fear keep me from at least writing and developing these ideas for myself. The challenge for me has always been the same. I’m a person of faith with many and varied interests. Mixing faith and fiction doesn’t always work out and, thus, I’ve developed an insecurity to explore freely. Lately, I’ve challenged myself to break out of my comfort zone and write in different POVs, try out different genres, test out stories targeting audiences I don’t really relate to, and so much more. It’s time I take the plunge and write something just for me. I hope you will too.
If you missed the June Newsletter, you should check it out, for some insightful words from our founder concerning sharing your beliefs and opinions as a writer.
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Have you written content that you’ve been meaning to share but simply haven’t?
Do you ever get behind (understatement) on book reviews?
Have you ever been afraid to write something just for you, knowing others may not like it or ever see it?
Thanks for stopping by. It may take some time, but I will stop by your blog too.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Diane Burton,
Kim Lajevardi,
Sylvia Ney,
Sarah Foster,
Jennifer Hawes, and
Madeline Mora-Summonte!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #45).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
25 replies on “#IWSG June 2019: Keep’n the Faith”
That’s my favorite genre. And when it comes to science and faith, faith can be proved with science.
Thanks for mentioning all the cool stuff happening right now.
Thanks Alex. Great tips in the newsletter.
I have a number of book reviews to do. I really do need to catch up because I know how important they are to the authors and raising their visibility.
So true about sci-fi thing coming true. It’s funny to go back and read things that were published in the 50’s or 60’s and see what’s come true
Yes, it is pretty cool. I even enjoy how some fantasy things that were once considered magic are now accepted as science. It’s great for telling a good story.
Sci-fi is my fav, too. I don’t think science and faith are opposites. My faith in what I can’t understand is mirrored in my belief that science can explain much and there’s more to be proven. If you haven’t already, catch Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s “Star Talk.” He explores so many cool things. Best wishes on your WIP.
Thank Diane. I will check it out.
I’m terrible at writing book reviews! I can usually only do them if I write them immediately after finishing the book.
It’s fun to write something just for you sometimes. I find it can really help when I’m stuck on a main project. It helps to get the words out without any added pressure. And it can be silly or useless or whatever it needs to be.
I like that idea Sarah. I used to write for myself all the time, but at some point I began to look at everything as potential publication material (I guess at some level it is), but I know now that I can write something with no intention to publish. I can also write things I’ve never written before or try something just for the experience of it.
I don’t know any writer who isn’t behind. It’s good to be among such a great and industrious people. And now that you mention it, I have some books to finish and review.
Thanks C.Lee. It’s nice to be in good company.
I love Sci-Fi too. I fell in love with Star Trek as a kid, and have read/watched so much since then. I love the possibilities and the potential in SF
Yes, the possibilities are best part, even when they are a little scary.
I believe that most of us are spiritual in one way or another. If you can tap into that then you’ll find readers. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thank you. I needed that encouragement.
I agree about the collation of SF and faith. Speculative Fiction is my first love and I read all of that too.
I can dive into a good story in any genre, but like you, I’m drawn more to the speculative genres.
I like Science Fiction a lot. It’s fun to play with, and to think about all the possibilities. Good choice! Happy IWSG day.
Thanks for stopping by. Glad to see another fan of SF.
I started in my teens with SF – and still return there sometimes – but I’m more of a mystery now, well the writing is. As for reviews, my backlog is up to seven – over the last few months – and I fear some might never get written. I read faster than review – when A to Z happens.
I’ve been getting into mystery more. It’s one of those genres I’d like to write someday so I have some reading to do to help me get there. Best of luck with those reviews. I won’t say how many I have. I’ll just see how many I can post this weekend.
I think I was meant to live in the 1940’s. My favorite genre to read and write are noir mysteries.
Oooo, that’s cool. I like the idea of Noir but haven’t read much of it. Still, sounds interesting.
Yep, science and faith work together.
I love sci-fi too 🙂
I can see where faith is in science fiction. It’s true.
Doing your own book fair is amazing! I have thought about doing one around Halloween, and then the authors can dress up! lol But I probably won’t attempt such a feat for a LONG time. If I ever do.
All the best to you on your goals and dreams!
I’m behind as well. I’d watch scifi, wasn’t that long ago I binge watched Star Gate, but don’t read or write the genre. Good luck writing your story ideas.