Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, and the last of 2025! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Tara Tyler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, Lisa, and Natalie Aguirre.
It appears we have a suitable question for the time of year. As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?
Well, this takes me back to my earliest forays into the writing world. Ah, so much hope and so many possibilities back then. (Okay, they're still there, but tempered somewhat by years of rubbing shoulders with harsh reality.) I have to say I haven't been showered with authorly parephenalia - my family don't indulge me with mugs, T-shirts, mouse mats, or fridge magnets, but that's okay. I've received some excellent writing books over the years and the standout has to be Stephen King's On Writing. I think it's the fact this book combines advice with a chatty, biographical tone that makes it more engaging as opposed to a dry list of rules. It makes you see how the writing mindset can be incorporated into your everyday life. It's a while since I read it, but a lot of it has seeped in, such as the idea that inspiration can come from anywhere.What else do I have to report as we approach the end of 2025? Well, I'm almost through a first pass of my AI/VR-skewering satirical/dystopian project. I've identified some pacing issues with the help of my excellent critique partners and I plan to continue fine-tuning with the aim of having some solid by the end of the year. I also have a few more queries for my previous MS that I want to get out in December. In other words, I'll keep ploughing on. I think King said his only two days off were Christmas Day and the fourth of July. Well, only one of those is a thing where I am.
I'll wrap up by wishing you an excellent, stress-free and rejuvenating festive season, however you celebrate, and I'll see you back here in 2026! In the meantime there's always the plethora of superb authors to check out at the IWSG list.
20 comments:
AI-skewering project, awesome!
Ooh, good point, some of those craft books are really fun and useful. I like King's book a lot.
I love King's book, On Writing. Think I'll take it off the shelf and read I again. Happy Holidays!
I forgot about the writer books that I have been gifted. They helped me learn writing!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
I found On Writing helpful too. And I was way more hopeful back then like you. You're making great progress on your current story. Good luck querying. I know it's hard to keep plodding on with it, but don't give up.
I do have a mouse pad from my publisher. I also have On Writing but never had the time to read it. Guess I need to.
Wishing you a lovely Christmas, Nick -- and all the peace and relaxing you crave.
On Writing is probably my favorite book on craft.
I never heard of King's book. I may have to check it out. Have a happy holiday season!
Hope you finish everything up by the end of the year.
Writing books are a great gift! I hadn't even thought of that! 😆
I forgot about the mouse pad my son sent me for my last birthday! Doh! Here's to a low-stress holiday for you, too.
I keep hearing great things about On Writing too. Right now I'm reading Chapter by Chapter by Heather Sellers, and it's really inspiring.
Good luck with your current project. Stephen King really does know his stuff.
Good luck with your WIP, Nick! Stephen King's "On Writing" is an excellent read and full of good information. Happy Holidays!
stop everything - I love the sound of this “AI/VR-skewering satirical/dystopian project!” — I look forward to reading it!
happy december!
Tara Tyler Talks
Hi,
I have ON WRITING on my iPad, but have never opened. It will be a part of my Christmas reading. Good luck with your book.
Have a Merry Christmas and. safe passage into 2026.
Shalom shalom
Wishing you all the best for the holidays and coming year. Good luck with your project.
Yes, Nick, I bet Stephen King gives excellent writing advice. He is a prolific writer. But! If he even said "hi!" to me, I'd be terrified. You have the right attitude. Just keep moving forward. On your manuscript revisions. On pitching. All the luck in the New Year with your writing. Merry Christmas!
King's On Writing has to be my favourite of all writing instruction books! I find it both inspiring and motivating especially when it combines his own experiences with writing instruction and advice.
Happy Holidays!
PS: I'll be sending you the link to my beta book soon. I've been sending it in order of who volunteered when. It's a different link for each reader.
Hi Nick - hope all well ... and do hope 2026 brings lots of happiness and success - cheers Hilary
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