Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support.
Optional Monthly Question: When you are working on a story, what inspires you?
Life inspires me, but sometimes I have to focus and seek inspiration. I will listen to music that evokes particular moods or that helps set a scene. I will people-watch to observe natural reactions and responses. I will look at or attempt to create art that helps me flesh out a character or situation. While I might like to sit back and let the inspiration come to me, sometimes I get tired of waiting and just try something- usually a writing prompt.
****
#iwsgbookclub
Member Spotlight
Razor Valentine – Goodreads, Amazon
Craft Book
How to Rock Self-Publishing – Goodreads, Amazon, Bookshop
Now, on to the personal updates.
I had such a good time at RavenCon16. Check out the video below.
I’ve been writing more than I’m used- not a lot- but enough to make me feel proud. I even submitted a story to an anthology. Even if the story isn’t selected, I’m just proud I was able to submit something.
I haven’t written my April book reviews yet, but my reading was 50% positive and 50% not-so-positive. I’ll be talking more about that next week when I post my reviews, but the Book Club Library challenge turned out to be quite a ride.
****
What inspires you when writing?
What do you think of this month’s theme challenge?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.
My response time has gotten slower but I’m still making my rounds.
****
After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Joylene Nowell Butler,
Ronel Janse van Vuuren,
Meka James,
Victoria Marie Lees, and
M Louise Barbour!
****
Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #28).
Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.
18 replies on “#IWSG May. 2023- Inspiration is here!”
Glad you had a good time at Raven Con. Sorry the reading hasn’t been as good though.
It’s the worst reading experience I’ve had, but I was disappointed.
Writing prompts are awesome 🙂
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Joining the Creator Economy
I love writing prompts, even if what I write goes nowhere, I find they are a great way to stay motivated with little pressure.
Music seems to be what a lot of writers rely on to find their inspiration and keep writing.
Yes, I feel that music is one of the few universal languages.
Congratulations on the submission. I count those, not acceptances, when I’m looking at my accomplishments.
Me too. Sometimes wanting to submit and actually doing it are each their own struggle. I feel good about this no matter the outcome.
I’ve never tried writing prompts.
Some people find them restrictive, but I prefer to think of them as learning tools. I’ve tried things I wouldn’t have had it not been for a prompt.
I love writing prompts. They mean I don’t have to think as hard to write. 😉
Absolutely! That’s why they are so great. Thanks for stopping by.
Happy IWSG Day, Toi. I’ve used prompts many times in the past. Mostly out of desperation. These days I use my failing Macbook as an excuse. Then I feel guilty, give my Mac a hug, and plead with it to carry on.
Best to you.
My Mac and I have a love-hate relationship but I do think it’s getting better.
Any time you can submit a piece off somewhere is such a wonderful feeling! It’s like giving something you love wings. Congratulations on the submission 🙂
Thank you for your kind words. It’s scary to put your work out there, but I agree, sometimes it needs to fly.
See, I can’t listen to music while I create story. I guess it’s a mind game. I can listen to music as I exercise or take walks. But writing necessitates silence. And it is extremely difficult to find silence in a home of six other people who can’t seem to occupy themselves without me.
I love the cherry tree blossoms [?] in your video about Raven Con. I’m trying to send out pieces this year, too. All the luck to you, Toi.
Thanks for the well wishes. Everyone’s process is different, but I fear that if I required silence I’d never write anything. I’m glad you are able to find the moments of silence needed to continue your process.