IWSG (the Insecure Writer's Support Group) is a wonderful group of writers, who come together to share, encourage and support each other. As writers, we sometimes need a shoulder to lean on or are ready to assist others on their writing journey.
We post on the first Wednesday of every month and talk about our doubts, fears, or triumphs with fellow writers. To find out more about how it works, head on over
here.
Special thanks goes to the never relenting, always amazing
Alex J. Cavanaugh (this is his brainchild) and to the other co-hosts this month:
Diane Burton, MJ Fifield, and Rebecca Douglass!
You can also find us on Twitter at @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG
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This month, I learned something new.
I rolled up my sleeves, and dug into the world of crime and mystery only to discover that it is much more difficult to write than I expected. This is not my usual genre. So, it was another plunge outside of the comfort zone. And what a plunge it was!
I was surprised how difficult it is to weave in small clues here and there without ever letting them seem overly obvious. Little things like emotions, reactions or even a single word in the dialogue can make or break the entire mystery. It felt like building a puzzle and having to rearrange the pieces over and over again to make them fit just right. I've never paid that much attention to detail before, and to watch everything so closely was a real eye-opener for me—and a great exercise.
Now, to see if I can take that lesson and remember to use it in my next project. . .why is that always the hardest part?.
And to this month's question:
Win or not, do you usually finish your NaNo project? Have any of them gone on to be published?
Some years, I join in on NaNo. Some years, I don't. Since most of my writing is intended for middle graders or falls into the short story category, the 50,000+ words doesn't fit what I'm looking for. Sometimes, I've finished my projects. Sometimes, I haven't. It's not something I really worry about but use more as an extra push in those years that I feel like I've hit a slump.
But I love to cheer all NaNoers on and hope they reach their word count goals!!!
Are you joining in on NaNo?