The Pull of Creativity #IWSG

The IWSG question of the month: If you ever stopped writing, what would you replace it with? 

Many writers say they write because they must. There’s something deep down inside that drives them to string words into stories. I too have a similar drive, but it’s less specific. For me, it doesn’t have to be words. It’s anything creative. If it includes storytelling in some form, then that's even better.

Consequently, I tend to oscillate between art, writing and music. I’ve pursued animation, game design, graphic design, photography, music composition, piano, ai art, card making, sculpture, even cooking can be creative in a way. They all bring a quality of peace that eases the need to express myself.

As long as I’m doing something creative, I’m happy. 

How about you? If you couldn’t write, what would you do instead? 

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.
 

Aussie Phrases and A New Release #IWSG

The first Wednesday of the month is IWSG Day. This group is all about support, so today, I'm hosting hosting L. Diane Wolfe to support her new release. Take it away, Diane. 

Hello to Lynda’s friends and fans!

She asked me about Aussie words and paranormal romance. So, my answer here will be two-fold.

When I was crafting The Shark, I asked Lynda about phrases that were popular in Australia in the early 90’s when the story is set. While I didn’t use all of them, I used a few, and some really amused me.

Chucking the wobbly – getting angry and showing it

Arvo – the afternoon (much shorter which is nice)

I’m a happy little vegemite – do a search for the commercial, it’s so funny

I feel daggy – comfortable but unfashionable (my daily attire apparently)

To chuck a sickie – take a sick day off (maybe because you are chucking)

And from Lynda’s comments, apparently they say dunno a lot, too!

As for paranormal romance…

I’ve always been a bit of a romantic. I don’t read romances but I like that element in the genres I do read.

Paranormal encompasses a wide variety of fantasy/horror/speculative elements and creatures. As thus, my series contains an assortment of paranormal critters. The first in the In Darkness series was The Vampire, set in a medieval type of fantasy world. This next release, The Shark, is more contemporary and set in 1990’s Australia. The third, The Werewolf, is set in mid-80’s England. The Alien, set in the far future, is a stretch for paranormal but I do have plans!

The Shark is paranormal because…well...Clarence is a talking shark. Is he a shifter? An anomaly? What is the story behind this great white shark who can speak?

I also have a huge fascination with great white sharks, but that’s for another post!

Thank you, Lynda.
 

In Darkness: The Shark
By L. Diane Wolfe

Souls shrouded in darkness…

Focused on her studies and duties at the aquarium, Jewels prefers her solitary life. Burned many times and short on trust, she has more in common with her aquatic friends than the people around her. But she never imagined coming face to face with a shark named Clarence…a shark who talks!

As their friendship grows, Jewels must overcome her deep set mistrust. There are dangers, both in the Australian ocean and on dry land. Can Jewels depend on the great white or will his animal nature betray her?

Release date - May 9, 2023
Romance/Paranormal - Fantasy/Paranormal - Fantasy/Romance
eBook ISBN 9781939844910 $3.99

A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
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A Writer's Dreams vs Reality #IWSG

So, I started a new Instagram account. The old one no longer exists. You can find my new one here: @Elle.Cardy

I'd really appreciate it if you could like and follow my new account.

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IWSG Question of the month: Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals? 

When I was bright eyed and bushy tailed, full of unrealised dreams, I decided I wanted to be a writer. I had no idea how to make that a reality. All I wanted was for my stories to be in every bookshop across the world and to have movies made from my books. Not too much to ask, right? 

I shake my head at my younger self. At that stage, I hadn’t even written a book. So that’s where I started. I threw everything into it. If I only could’ve won on enthusiasm alone. 

First mistake: Other than reading a lot of my favourite genre, I did no research. I had no idea what made a good book, structurally or otherwise. Consequently, my first book was not up to scratch. It was insanely long. Some chapters were 10k plus words. For a single chapter! And that’s just one of its many flaws. 

I had no idea how to approach agents and publishers. Which agents? Which publishers? What was a query letter? What was a synopsis? I hadn’t even wondered how to get my story across in any form of interesting manner that might pique ANYone’s interest. Erm, it’s a fantasy. Lots of adventure and stuff. You’ll love it. 

I soon realised this dream of mine wasn’t going to fall into my lap. I finally did the research. How to write, how to structure, how to edit. I also researched my genre of choice, preferable book lengths, chapter lengths, story beats. And I wrote a whole new book. Then I edited it and edited it some more. Then delved into the business part: finding an agent. 

Second mistake: I gave up too easily. I convinced myself my new book wasn’t good enough. So I stopped looking for an agent and started writing another book. (As if I couldn’t do the two things at the same time). I went through the process again. And did the same thing again. 

Then life got in the way. 

When I finally got back to writing and publishing, life had taught me a tough lesson: It’s short. After some mighty rough times, I wanted control back. So, I took the self-publishing route and haven’t looked back since. 

I’m proud of my books. I love the stories I’ve written. I’m living the dream where I can continue to write what I want, when I want, all within the parameters based on my research of what readers want to read. Life is continuing to throw those nasty curveballs, but I’m not stressed about my writing. As long as people are still reading my stories and enjoying them, then I’m in a good place. And that makes me smile. 

What makes you smile? 

 

Wielder's Prize, Wielder's Curse, Wielder's Fire, 

Wielder's Storm Trilogy Box Set, 

Well of Ash a fantasy novella.

 

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.

 

 

 

Note: I'm not actually here. I'm 6.5 hours away visiting family again for a week. When I'm back, I'll tour around the blogsphere to say hi.

Author Envy #IWSG

The IWSG question of the month: Do you ever get Author envy?

My answer is yes, of course. But I want to add that not all envy is bad. Here's why:

When we look at the success of other authors, not only can envy come for a ride, but with it a desire to analyze how that author found success. In many ways, envy can become a drive to improve the way we write, the way we market. It may bring with it the crucial questions we need to ask ourselves: What does it take to become successful? What is success to me?

I once met a writer who thought his path to success was through writing novels. He tried this route for many years until he forced himself to stop and wonder why he found no satisfaction. That's when he asked the difficult questions and discovered the truth. He was a short story writer at heart. When he shifted his goals, he found not only satisfaction but success.

Everything I read inspires me in some way. When I read something exceptional, my analytical brain switches on and I ask myself what exactly is it that engaged me with the story? How has the writer tugged my emotional strings so perfectly? How can I improve my work so it touches readers in a similar way? When I read published work that I perceive as not as great yet seems to have found success, I remind myself  to stop delaying, stop striving for perfection and just get my stories out there. There's an audience for everyone. I just have to find mine.

Envy is only bad when you let it stop you from moving forward, when you fool yourself into thinking you'll never be good enough and give up. Keep improving, keep reading, keep writing and get your work out there.

What does success mean to you? Does envy drive you forward or hold you back? 

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.

 

 

Please note I'm actually away at the moment, visiting family. When I get back, I'll do the rounds across the blogsphere to say hi. Until then, stay safe and keep writing!

On Book Covers #IWSG

The IWSG question for this month: 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? 

 

When I was traditionally published: I had no say in the covers. As an artist, I find this hard, but the publishers usually know what they are doing and they want the best success for your book, so you just have to put your trust in them. Thankfully, I was happy with my covers.

When I was published by a small press: A couple, I had no input at all, but again they generated wonderful covers so it wasn't an issue. One, I did have input into the cover, but perhaps not as much as I wanted. It turned out fine, though.

When I self publish: I do my own covers. But I do a lot of research into what is popular for the genre I'm publishing. Doing my own covers takes a lot of time and I throw out many failed attempts. There is one book I haven't published yet because I simply can't get the cover right yet.

Please note I do NOT recommend any writer to do their own covers. Even if you have a artistic background, you may not be able to achieve that professional look. There's a lot behind creating the cover: the colors, the fonts, the whole psychology behind the images. Book covers are so very important to get right if you want to sell your book. It is the first impression your potential buyers will have. Don't risk it. Make it professional.

What elements are in some of your favorite book covers? What first draws you to a book?

 

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.