February #IWSG: DO OR DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

 

                                               

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Gwen Gardner!

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!

February 1 question - If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover?

You ready?
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Do judge a book by its cover. But don't take my word for it. Ask the millions of kids that pick up and put down books based on the cover design. 

I've delved into creating my own. But I have yet to start that journey. As a former librarian, there were many times I shook my head in disbelief at poorly executed book covers. You have one job and you better get it right! 

Sometimes I just want to buy books based on the artwork staring back at me. I wince when a cover design is done unprofessionally. My hope is to have a lot of input when it comes to my new-ish (newly redesigned) middle-grade murder mystery. I've always studied kid lit book covers both MG and YA to see the latest styles and trends. 

You don't have to judge a book by its cover. But I do every single time. 

January #IWSG: You've Got This!

                                               

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

 The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!

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!

January 4 question - Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finish my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year was Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? 

                                                You ready?
                        Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

I love one-word titles in books. Being a librarian for many years, my eye was always drawn to novels with a single word on the cover. However, having a one-word motivational phrase for an entire year never crossed my mind.

For a few years, I think the word rookie would've covered my life as a writer. Then hopeful. Then determined. Then Nailed...it (two-words:). Then rewind (or back to square one). I think the word survivalist covered my time as a full-time librarian.

This past year as I worked from home, I will claim the word renewal, which according to the Oxford Dictionary means, an instance of resuming an activity or state after an interruption. 

My editor in London is taking my middle-grade mystery under her wing in March, and I couldn't be more excited. Only three days into this year, and it already feels different--in a good way!

How is everyone feeling about this year as a writer? I'm pumped, which according to the Collins English Dictionary means, full of confidence, enthusiasm. 

Happy New Year!

December #IWSG: Crazy Chaos

                                                    

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

December 7 question - It's holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?

The awesome co-hosts for the December 7 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Chemist Ken, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!


You ready?
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

This time of year finds me writing and editing non-stop. And to add chaos to crazy, I read all the books. What can I say? Holidays don't slow me down. 

I do numbers for my day job. But words will always be my first love. Working from home gives me freedom to switch gears and carve out time for editing manuscripts and tackling my TBR list.

Are you ready for the holidays? What books are you excited about? I'm almost finished editing one of my favorite mysteries I've ever written. I'm even more excited about the editor I will be working with this time around!! I'm thrilled to try a different path to publication. 

Merry Christmas, writing family!

 

November #IWSG: The Never-ending Story...of Editing

 

   

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

The awesome co-hosts for the November 2 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Douglas Thomas Greening, Nick Wilford, and Diane Burton!

November 2 question - November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

I've written many books during the months of October and November. Love this time of year for all things spooky and mysterious. Something magical happens when the weather changes. When shorter days take over and foggy mornings fill the river front, it sets the mood for my favorite genre: mystery and suspense. 

Not speaking of endless sunshine and warm weather, we spent last week in Nevada visiting our oldest son. We had a wonderful time hiking and playing tourist. This is Red Rock Canyon. My son is quite the adventurous mountain climber! 

The Hoover Dam was amazing to view in person. Loved every minute of our vacation. I hope this November finds you writing or editing. I'm still in the never-ending story of editing. Call me crazy, but I love it! 

October #IWSG: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

   

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

The awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and Sandra Cox!

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. 

                                                        This month's question:
                What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?
                                            Remember, the question is optional!

                                You ready?

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Suspense! Duh. The best characteristics of the mystery genre are the thrill of the chase, discovering who-dun-it, and plot twists around every corner. 

My taste in movies, books, and TV series always gravitates toward mystery and suspense. I remember reading an agent's words once that every great book has an element of mystery whether you're writing romance, fantasy, or science fiction. 

I hope all is well this October. I'm writing (editing) before I send my work off to a professional editor. It's what any sane person does, right? I still love my book that landed me an agent who ended up quitting her agency. I'm in control now. 

Muhahaha. 

*Rubs hands together.

Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year: spooky season.

 

Do you add mystery and suspense to your writing? 

September #IWSG: It's No Mystery

     

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

The awesome co-hosts for the September 7 posting of the IWSG are Kim Lajevardi, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguirre, Olga Godim, Michelle Wallace, and Louise - Fundy Blue!

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. 

This month's question:
What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?

Remember, the question is optional!

You ready?
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Let's start with my favorite genre to write (and read). It's not a mystery that I LOVE mysteries. For some reason, I feel horror would be difficult to manage. I enjoy the unfolding of suspense and the clues leading to the crime. The genre of horror spills everything, guts and all. There's nothing left to the imagination. Mystery and horror are not the same thing.  

Fall has arrived in the Midwest. Endless pumpkin spice days ahead! 

Hope this season does not disappoint. 

August #IWSG: Best of Both Worlds

     

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

                                          

 The awesome co-hosts for the August 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery!

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!

August 3 question - When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?


You ready?
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Of course, every writer uses a formula for writing a novel and plotting out the story line. The hero's journey, the star-crossed lovers, enemies to friends are a few basics. To be original in the execution is the key to an unforgettable book! My brain never shuts off. I pick up unique and interesting original content all the time.

We are in the process of too many things this summer! I'm hoping to slow down and write more, but only finding time to read at night. Love my murder mysteries right before bedtime:-) 

Are you enjoying the last of summer? Who's ready for fall? ME!!!