tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50409140783551304422024-03-18T23:49:10.652+00:00Nick Wilford, Speculative AuthorNick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-66049650612207363052024-03-06T06:31:00.000+00:002024-03-06T06:31:15.995+00:00IWSG March 2024<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="http://kristinaseyes.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Kelly</a>, <a href="https://miffieseideman.com/" target="_blank">Miffie Seideman</a>, <a href="http://jeanddavis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jean Davis</a> and <a href="http://middlepassages-lcs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Liza @ Middle Passages</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBsm3AMfppj11Z_xbdCKNR0pjcH-7NUgv6KDdlRv-9EMQUhNs2HWfSlGT2SJeAs2bkQliPl-juv6ddTmqhNdt9af4mPT3vf7-eMbHgre9fKXHbSut6Rj4xPMQmZfFmXqItPuniVwl2nJVRVv5_IPwL1ITHw57mo990ie1d4PHOHg52gSiymYa9PzlG10M/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBsm3AMfppj11Z_xbdCKNR0pjcH-7NUgv6KDdlRv-9EMQUhNs2HWfSlGT2SJeAs2bkQliPl-juv6ddTmqhNdt9af4mPT3vf7-eMbHgre9fKXHbSut6Rj4xPMQmZfFmXqItPuniVwl2nJVRVv5_IPwL1ITHw57mo990ie1d4PHOHg52gSiymYa9PzlG10M/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">This month's optional IWSG question is: </span><b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?</span></span></b><div><br /></div><div>These are great questions. I feel like we covered AI quite recently - though my grip of what is "recent" is quite hazy, so it could have been anywhere up to a year ago. I'm happy to dive back in though. I'll restate the answer I will have given for that other question - I would never let AI near any piece of writing that I put my name to. No shortcuts here! No matter how dreaded the synopsis might be (and I do have quite a lot of dread), I'd fear the program would misrepresent what my work is all about and I'd have to do it all again anyway. Even if it produced a word-perfect summary, I'd probably feel there was something missing because it can't capture those emotional nuances that the human writer can - one of the hardest parts of the synopsis is producing a pocket-sized recap of your narrative while also transmitting something about the characters' emotions, and I definitely wouldn't leave that to a machine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Talking of synopses, that ties quite nicely to my current insecurity, which has been for the last few months - you guessed it, querying. My journey is ongoing and I'm still hopeful, but I'm reaching that point where it might be due a rethink to change things up (leaving AI out of it though!). Over five months, I've sent 50 queries to agents, receiving 20 rejections, and a further 12 were closed with no response. I think only a couple of these rejections were semi-personalised. Everyone's journey is different, of course, but if you've been in the trenches, how many queries/rejections would/did you go before refreshing things? I'm still hanging in there, and in a lot of ways I feel like I've just started. Interested to hear any advice.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also gearing up for <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-twitter-pitch.html" target="_blank">#IWSGPit</a> which is due to take place on March 27. Let me know if you're taking part, it would be great to see you there! Meanwhile, don't forget to check out other answers to this month's IWSG question <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>. See you next month!</div>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-1886442418735193702024-02-07T08:28:00.001+00:002024-02-07T08:28:39.511+00:00IWSG February 2024<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="https://janetalcorn.com/" target="_blank">Janet Alcorn</a>, <a href="https://sewhitebooks.com/" target="_blank">SE White</a>, <a href="https://www.victoriamarielees.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees</a> and <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM7VQC2YmShL0Fy8-9fa5KeRICWGhF_LwOycr3K0TWNQlkqY_p4XjBmNTgP_w7Qjw1bBYc9_G-LRc9dgL8TpJshf_paB94i72ERAzcquCHw1JuTcBTjhMXu_6P6FcNnLJ6BS1wM2Lh8idHB2kchSZGlGLgm-iSC1y_-zQrhTNeqjGJrEYB8__JJiG-X6z/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM7VQC2YmShL0Fy8-9fa5KeRICWGhF_LwOycr3K0TWNQlkqY_p4XjBmNTgP_w7Qjw1bBYc9_G-LRc9dgL8TpJshf_paB94i72ERAzcquCHw1JuTcBTjhMXu_6P6FcNnLJ6BS1wM2Lh8idHB2kchSZGlGLgm-iSC1y_-zQrhTNeqjGJrEYB8__JJiG-X6z/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">This month's optional question is: </span><b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books?</span></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I hadn't really given much thought to this before - I usually just think how everyone's site looks so much better than mine! But on reflection, if I do find anything offputting it's when the front page is too busy, with links to multiple blog posts (often in apparently random order), mixed with book images, ads, newsletter pop-ups etc. Too much going on and hard to know where to start. I like to read about the author, and links to other pages like the bio may be too small or faint, hard to find etc. So, I guess I would prefer my sites to be kept pretty clean and neat. Funnily, that's the opposite of how I usually am in my physical space!</p><p style="text-align: left;">In other news, I'm inching towards 60000 words on my WIP set in a virtual reality AI universe that goes severely wrong. I feel like I'm still to iron out a really defined resolution and a brainstorm might be in order, but the end is certainly in sight. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As I continue to query my first book following my traditionally published debut, I was pleased to see #IWSGPit will return next month and will be busily polishing my pitches to throw my hat in the ring. If you haven't taken part in this excellent event before, you simply (?) have to craft a tweet-length pitch for your work, including genre and age hashtags, which you can post once per hour over a ten-hour timespan in the hope that browsing agents and publishers will take a nibble. If they like your pitch, you check their submission guidelines and send your requested query. It's taking place on March 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. More details <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-twitter-pitch.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I think that's it. See you next month, and as ever, more IWSG entries can be found <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-85001053056380931822024-01-03T08:27:00.001+00:002024-01-03T08:27:53.614+00:00IWSG January 2024<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group and the first one of 2024! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/olgagodim.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a>, <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Deidre Knight</a> and <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ1QVsuHhemy1mYpIDE2FakvfLblQk0-YWSz9jgzWYDF7PnYyp6EF4_h4NFzR_aaYW-RozbfRq95KlSFDo7XGrrCP6fZQaNB09sRotRzq58cRWUGB6sZVoFh4LqGFbzUfuUc86wQbzNlHBDaJDOBfqrIltVMzAhOf-t9s2JEQaOyE19KMVuFAfyRu2mKq/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ1QVsuHhemy1mYpIDE2FakvfLblQk0-YWSz9jgzWYDF7PnYyp6EF4_h4NFzR_aaYW-RozbfRq95KlSFDo7XGrrCP6fZQaNB09sRotRzq58cRWUGB6sZVoFh4LqGFbzUfuUc86wQbzNlHBDaJDOBfqrIltVMzAhOf-t9s2JEQaOyE19KMVuFAfyRu2mKq/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">It's a brand new year, so there should be a lot to talk about. Chief among these is that I'm not going to miss any more IWSG postings if possible after skipping the last two. Life intervenes and all that, but I'm lucky not to get kicked off the list! </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">First, let's look at this month's IWSG question. I was a bit caught unawares by this one:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b style="background-color: yellow; color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?</span></span></b></span></p><p>BookBub is one of the many things that I'm on, but I need to do more with. I hadn't even thought about it for some time, which I know is bad. Upon realising I did actually have an account, I found I had a grand total of ten followers and was only following one back. I quickly put that right and followed everyone else. Now, I just need to see what BookBub can do for me. I have always inferred that it's hard to get listed in promotions and such, but I need to have a poke around. But yes, I would always follow back readers as well as authors, as I would on any platform. Authors are great sources of support and will often read your book and shout about it too, but I want my book to reach as many people as possible and not just readers.</p><p>So, turning to thoughts of the new year... apart from cracking BookBub, what do I have in store? Well, I decided that this is the year I finally put myself out there in the form of real, live author events. Something that I've always shied away from or found an excuse not to do. But I do believe that a one-on-one connection between an author and audience is increasingly important in a world that's being digitised to death. I have recorded several podcasts and Facebook live events, so have dabbled in public speaking to an extent, but it's a different ball game when the people are right there in front of you. I'm going to have to do a lot of practice so I don't fall on my face, but I'm up for the challenge. I'll be starting off with a reading at Cymera SFF festival in Edinburgh in the summer, and then there's an indie book festival in the autumn that I hope to confirm this week. </p><p>Apart from that daunting prospect, I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing, but more consistently... writing, marketing, newsletter, whatever else. I don't believe in making grand resolutions out of leftfield that will probably only last a couple of weeks. Instead, it's better to refine and improve what you already do. That said, I do want to get fitter this year. I'm also continuing with querying and of course will give updates on any positive news on that front if it comes.</p><p>I hope 2024 is a wonderful success for you whatever you have planned! To read other IWSG entries, as ever, check out the list <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-74454923507189275182023-11-28T08:49:00.000+00:002023-11-28T08:49:13.590+00:00J.L. Campbell - Flames of Wrath blog tour<p>Today, I'm welcoming the excellent author J.L. Campbell to help kick off the blog tour for her new release, <i>Flames of Wrath</i>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flames-of-wrath-banner_orig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="800" height="149" src="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flames-of-wrath-banner_orig.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif">The need to right a wrong against an
innocent victim triggers a hailstorm of revenge. </span>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flames-of-wrath-ebook_orig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="484" height="400" src="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flames-of-wrath-ebook_orig.png" width="323" /></a></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b>Flames of Wrath </b></span>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">by
J.L. Campbell </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Genre:
Crime Thriller </span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flamesofwrath-about-the-book_orig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="453" height="90" src="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flamesofwrath-about-the-book_orig.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif">A mother’s quest for justice turns
into a race against time to stop insidious murders that mysteriously
begin populating throughout the city. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth
Ware will be enthralled by this emotionally chilling thriller!<br />
<br />
The
need to right a wrong against an innocent victim triggers a hailstorm
of revenge!<br />
<br />
In less than twenty-four hours—before
Alexia Leighton is scheduled to return to Miami from spring break in
Jamaica—a group of friends betray her in a grisly assault that
stops a heartbeat away from murder. The seventeen-year-old prays for
the mercy of death. She survives. While on the road to recovery,
Alexia's attackers become victims of mysterious acts of violence,
leaving authorities confounded and racing against time to prevent
another deadly attack. Concern looms, as the perpetrator has proven
to be two steps ahead of them at every turn.<br />
<br />
When
the attention swings to Alexia's mother, a cyber-security expert, the
family closes ranks. Geneva Leighton must quickly eliminate herself
as a suspect, but not without handing down more punishment. The
offenders fear for their own safety and the secrets that plague them.
Can they trust the police to find the killer before someone else
dies, or has their fate been sealed—leaving them with no place to
run, and no place to hide . . . </span>
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<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flames-Wrath-J-L-Campbell-ebook/dp/B0BZ3579DM">Amazon</a>
* <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/flames-of-wrath/id6446507924">Apple</a>
* <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1143144070?ean=9798985594164">B&N</a>
* <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/flames-of-wrath">Kobo</a>
* <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/flames-of-wrath-by-j-l-campbell">Bookbub</a>
* <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123453746-flames-of-wrath">Goodreads</a></b></span></span></p><p class="Standard"><b><span lang="EN-US">An Accidental Adventure</span></b></p><p class="Standard"><span lang="EN-US">Flames of Wrath is a new genre for me and an
adventure that started when I pitched a romantic suspense story to Black
Odyssey Media. They were more interested in a thriller, and since I’m not one
to back down from a challenge, I brainstormed the idea with my son and expanded
on the concept I’d come up with in a synopsis.</span></p><p class="Standard"><span lang="EN-US">The main character is a cybersecurity
expert, so that meant a fair amount of research to make the story credible.
Writers tend to fall down a rabbit hole when researching, so I had to balance
information on technology without getting lost in subject matter that I
wouldn’t use in the story.</span></p><p class="Standard"><span lang="EN-US">The writing was the easiest part of pulling
Flames of Wrath together. I tend to take a linear approach but this book had me
writing chapters out of sequence. Some at the back end of the story were
written early and only had to be tweaked a bit when I arrived at that part of
the book.</span></p><p class="Standard"><span lang="EN-US">The best thing about writing this novel is
the fact that it’s a new adventure for me. I’ve been blessed in that I’ve never
written in a genre that didn’t like me. There were times when I asked what I
had gotten myself into with this story, but my experience with romantic
suspense gave me the edge I needed to bring all the critical elements together
in a cohesive way.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></p><p class="Standard"><span lang="EN-US">Would I do it again? That’s a definite yes.
The characterization, accidents-on-purpose, and plot twists made Flames of
Wrath exciting to write. I hope readers will find it as interesting to read.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flamesofwrath-about-the-author_orig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="514" height="81" src="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flamesofwrath-about-the-author_orig.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/jl-campbell-headshot-new-286x400_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="286" height="320" src="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/jl-campbell-headshot-new-286x400_orig.jpg" width="229" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif">National Bestselling Author, <span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">J.L.
Campbell lives in Jamaica and</span> <span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">writes across
several genres. </span>She is a<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> certified
editor, and book coach, who has produced over forty books. When she’s
not writing, Campbell adds to her extensive collection of </span>photos
featuring Jamaica’s natural beauty. </span>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.joylcampbell.com/">Website</a>
* <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jlcampbellwrites">Facebook</a> *
<a href="https://twitter.com/JL_Campbell">X</a> * <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jl.campbell">Instagram</a>
* <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-l-campbell">Bookbub</a>
* <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-L.-Campbell/author/B004S148VO">Amazon</a>
* <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1091161.J_L_Campbell">Goodreads</a></b></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flamesofwrath-giveaway_orig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="303" height="115" src="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/flamesofwrath-giveaway_orig.png" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Follow
the tour </b></span></span><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/flames-of-wrath-book-tour-and-giveaway"><span color="#"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u><b>HERE</b></u></span></span></span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>
for special content and a giveaway!</b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">$10 Amazon</span></span></p></div><br /><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="23d974a93957" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a93957/" id="rcwidget_if3obbhu" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/silverdagger-quill-logo_orig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="300" height="264" src="https://www.silverdaggertours.com/uploads/8/2/5/5/82557464/silverdagger-quill-logo_orig.png" width="300" /></a></div></div></div></div><p></p>
Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-42302619604841332422023-11-02T08:14:00.000+00:002023-11-02T08:14:44.787+00:00IWSG Apology and Good Luck for NaNoWriMo!<p>I'm just realising I spaced on IWSG this month so I'm just checking in to apologise, I had a slow start to the week writing wise and so I was more focused on getting words on a Word doc rather than the blog composer. I see the question related to NaNoWriMo, being November, so I'll give a shout out to anyone buckled in for that crazy ride this year. I've taken part three times (I think? It's a bit hazy), winning once, but of course it's more about getting ideas down and getting re-inspired if you need it than getting to 50k words per se. Good luck and I'll be here next month. Hard to believe 2023 is nearly at an end!</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-71758917116355865992023-10-04T13:10:00.002+01:002023-10-04T13:10:18.113+01:00IWSG October 2023<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>, <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>, <a href="https://fictioncanbefun.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Debs Carey</a>, <a href="http://gwengardner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Gardner</a>, <a href="https://www.rebecca-douglass.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Douglass</a> and <a href="https://twistingmyths.substack.com/" target="_blank">Patricia Josephine</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCJonlkDUIvX9Frzw_uUNGJ_ixdEAHb4HpX9GeKY33fjZthzxLqTtj1frHxiTXfkjDMydzhjMwy51PpGP1MGRs9Re3VZWAwP1on7JBhozAV8_Nh0qlrH37z-kioUy1E-eGZ27qCxPkLHHUztFe9bTRymgTWN3nbG9OMopNaYoefTjbXiaL6SpnEPGPiqf/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCJonlkDUIvX9Frzw_uUNGJ_ixdEAHb4HpX9GeKY33fjZthzxLqTtj1frHxiTXfkjDMydzhjMwy51PpGP1MGRs9Re3VZWAwP1on7JBhozAV8_Nh0qlrH37z-kioUy1E-eGZ27qCxPkLHHUztFe9bTRymgTWN3nbG9OMopNaYoefTjbXiaL6SpnEPGPiqf/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Today's optional IWSG question is a good one! I'm a bit late today, but I couldn't resist weighing in on this one.</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b style="background-color: yellow; color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?</span></span></b></span></p><p>This one's interesting to me because I'm currently exploring AI themes in my WIP - not in terms of assisting in writing, but in the context of VR worlds and immersive experiences. Suffice it to say, things don't go so well when the characters are allowed some degree of independent thought rather than following preprogrammed behaviour patterns. I suppose it reflects my fear that AI could get out of control if we let it - and the most sinister result could be an overload of blandness. We all know there are already plenty of human-produced works out there in every genre that reproduce the same set of tropes that fans of that area have come to expect. AI can only compound this and accelerate the stagnation because it can only imitate, not innovate. I suppose the argument in favour is that this is giving readers what they want, but art isn't a production line. I like to know exactly what I'm getting when I order my favourite pizza. In contrast, when I pick up a new book, I'd like to be surprised - to encounter a different way of looking at the world, to come away slightly changed by the experience. Also, can AI capture the intricacies and idiosyncracies of human relationships in the same way we can? I'd need to be convinced on that.</p><p>AI can't move things forward, it can only reproduce and dilute what's already out there. I don't think it'll produce a great work of world literature like <i>Frankenstein </i>or <i>Lord of the Rings</i>. They may not have been the first ever works of horror or fantasy, but they were different to what came before and changed the game in terms of what those genres could be and what they could achieve.</p><p>I could go on, but I'd probably get into an even more worried and troubled state. Maybe I'm a Luddite in some ways, but the only word processing software I've ever used is Word and I don't even like the autofinish feature - how many times does it come out with the wrong thing?! Creativity has to stay in the hands of humans if things are to remain vital and progressive. </p><p>Over to you - I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'm sure there are also loads of interesting answers at the IWSG sign-up sheet <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-57265344417173384412023-09-22T06:27:00.001+01:002023-09-22T06:27:30.409+01:00The Becalmer blog tour Day 5<p>It's the last day of <i>The Becalmer </i>blog tour already! Can't believe it's gone so quick, but it's been a huge amount of fun. I hope you've enjoyed following along with some of the posts. For today's final stop, I'm at <a href="https://lisahaselton.com/2023/09/22/interview-with-ya-sci-fi-author-nick-wilford/" target="_blank">Lisa Haselton</a>'s blog with an interview and excerpt. Have an amazing weekend!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UH0nXVTGoRssESHMtz9XdKkC36GUGlBFtawfzQNNNPmnrirrsSlbpN2jirU7AZHlo94afHeuiFbUaLx-OZ3CQbFJ_XXYLFzC1F2IQn72PKM5E88em-NZRou9_91rMKDQ2F0QzjMWQg39e9YOkFWCuFLvInb7O1G99hJpN4cU8tExPjqtLWdfEGvJ0rai/s900/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UH0nXVTGoRssESHMtz9XdKkC36GUGlBFtawfzQNNNPmnrirrsSlbpN2jirU7AZHlo94afHeuiFbUaLx-OZ3CQbFJ_XXYLFzC1F2IQn72PKM5E88em-NZRou9_91rMKDQ2F0QzjMWQg39e9YOkFWCuFLvInb7O1G99hJpN4cU8tExPjqtLWdfEGvJ0rai/s320/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-68741952482515935672023-09-21T09:07:00.001+01:002023-09-21T09:07:44.092+01:00The Becalmer blog tour Day 4<p>Onto Day 4 of the blog tour for The Becalmer, my recently released traditionally published debut. Today's stops are as follows:</p><p><a href="https://www.literaryau.com/2023/09/the-becalmer.html" target="_blank">Literary Gold</a> - excerpt/interview<br /></p><p><a href="https://kitnkabookle.com/becalmer-nick-wilford/#comment-5122" target="_blank">Kit 'n Kabookle</a> - excerpt/interview<br /></p><p>Don't forget there's a chance to win a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card all week. Hope you can join!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEneNPgiKOzmU2n_X3h6IvzuxADFb1-GVer5bOuQxdUNTuLoiqWDCiRIUzEqOxH8knckt_GcDkixmhXJ2gozb94JNh8Q4Fz8N1a5PwgJEb_YdYSCjj6gNzN6v_ueI_OR5EKXyT6MPkKHYsD9SjO8rz6IKf0UDyHWgjppVClkUiNnbwKnkVVfcB-NXWMOk/s900/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEneNPgiKOzmU2n_X3h6IvzuxADFb1-GVer5bOuQxdUNTuLoiqWDCiRIUzEqOxH8knckt_GcDkixmhXJ2gozb94JNh8Q4Fz8N1a5PwgJEb_YdYSCjj6gNzN6v_ueI_OR5EKXyT6MPkKHYsD9SjO8rz6IKf0UDyHWgjppVClkUiNnbwKnkVVfcB-NXWMOk/s320/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-17233862104619757392023-09-20T09:44:00.001+01:002023-09-20T09:44:43.649+01:00The Becalmer blog tour Day 3<p>It's day 3 of the blog tour for my debut traditionally published novel, The Becalmer. Can't believe we're already halfway through! Here are today's stops:</p><p><a href="https://archaeolibrarian.wixsite.com/website/post/thebecalmerbynickwilford" target="_blank">Archaeolibrarian</a> - excerpt/review<br /></p><p><a href="http://straightfromlibrary.blogspot.com/2023/09/straight-chatting-from-library-nick.html" target="_blank">Straight from the Library</a> - interview/excerpt<br /></p><p>Hope to see you there!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkI4GCfw5sgMSiAW5uWtaCAF_uEWNaz-AbnhUR9s0jlSw8mDl3XZ_6ORAUHxrUGc90RbonsXX4k2C5mzsi0s208k6MYK1baPnjhLD-hKFXvo3YJeTZ_qBMvpcwvVZgzyDoE5cNo9VV1jG_2v8KgCGBOgjpHDOII4ApaxsXzLmQSFGapzpjSX3PggnUh5Z/s900/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkI4GCfw5sgMSiAW5uWtaCAF_uEWNaz-AbnhUR9s0jlSw8mDl3XZ_6ORAUHxrUGc90RbonsXX4k2C5mzsi0s208k6MYK1baPnjhLD-hKFXvo3YJeTZ_qBMvpcwvVZgzyDoE5cNo9VV1jG_2v8KgCGBOgjpHDOII4ApaxsXzLmQSFGapzpjSX3PggnUh5Z/s320/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-46550996033222644732023-09-19T11:05:00.000+01:002023-09-19T11:05:01.655+01:00The Becalmer blog tour Day 2<p>Onto day 2 of the blog tour for my debut traditionally published book, <i>The Becalmer</i> and today I'm calling in at the following stops:</p><p><a href="https://sybrina.com/2023/09/19/the-becalmer-by-nick-wilford-goddess-fish-promotions/" target="_blank">Sybrina's Book Blog</a> - excerpt/guest post on why I write speculative fiction<br /></p><p><a href="https://fabulousandbrunette.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-becalmer-by-nick-wilford-book-tour.html?sc=1695112592009#c950916708094670544" target="_blank">Fabulous & Brunette</a> - excerpt/guest post on how to create great main characters<br /></p><p>Hope you can join! Don't forget, there's a giveaway running throughout the tour to win a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoNdeP3f-uU6Xwbu69ddcacbxQ5n1hHN8rOwTM2dmguRfo0UWgn-N8bp6qSHY_sbnTaU_1Hm_Ef64RwkMqQi2BcsYCNJOVD5bIvr17h26WXtuZ8eR4RkBc4fVzmaTfuJMM4KwVT-CIs5xyxkLiAS2S0tA1UEQAUx0NXqn2OXmVLCBDjlqV5sevAv1hNqz/s900/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoNdeP3f-uU6Xwbu69ddcacbxQ5n1hHN8rOwTM2dmguRfo0UWgn-N8bp6qSHY_sbnTaU_1Hm_Ef64RwkMqQi2BcsYCNJOVD5bIvr17h26WXtuZ8eR4RkBc4fVzmaTfuJMM4KwVT-CIs5xyxkLiAS2S0tA1UEQAUx0NXqn2OXmVLCBDjlqV5sevAv1hNqz/s320/F6Tj0erWgAAZUq8.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-14930929657104804872023-09-18T12:02:00.001+01:002023-09-18T12:02:40.402+01:00The Becalmer blog tour kicks off today!<p>Happy Monday all! Just a heads up that the blog tour for my recently released debut traditionally published novel, <i>The Becalmer</i>, starts today. The first two stops are as follows, which you can visit now.</p><p><a href="https://www.owenhabel.com/2023/09/the-becalmer-by-nick-wilford.html?sc=1695021209417#c3157092351389083499" target="_blank">Kenyan Poet</a> - excerpt/guest post</p><p><a href="http://www.longandshortreviews.com/guest-blogs/what-scares-me-the-most-by-nick-wilford-guest-post-and-giveaway/#comment-558162" target="_blank">Long & Short Reviews</a> - excerpt/guest post<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhN5bx-VIARLpTnSQdF5554K7hzBtd6A-5h-5p-0V7pxAyJIiv1QsC9gSONuUvLPuTciIpV3w5esuLka2ZdNMu4gYYGnbtGzrzqB4bPF9cbZTx0ieaTxvBEgWcJu99tiS8o7t2rfw_9h9adu2NEy_hEZnAGrwaSG_Sxt09POn1OKDbCQ30Lg17AZf6MIa/s400/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhN5bx-VIARLpTnSQdF5554K7hzBtd6A-5h-5p-0V7pxAyJIiv1QsC9gSONuUvLPuTciIpV3w5esuLka2ZdNMu4gYYGnbtGzrzqB4bPF9cbZTx0ieaTxvBEgWcJu99tiS8o7t2rfw_9h9adu2NEy_hEZnAGrwaSG_Sxt09POn1OKDbCQ30Lg17AZf6MIa/s320/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>The tour will continue through to this Friday, September 22 and I'll post up the links for each day. Each post will have a chance to win a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card.</p><p>As a reminder, here's the blurb for <i>The Becalmer</i>:</p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Order links are <a href="https://books2read.com/u/4j5V85" target="_blank">here</a>, or add it on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61377350-the-becalmer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Have a great week!</span></span></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-41980067611951968032023-09-12T06:00:00.001+01:002023-09-12T06:00:00.149+01:00L. Diane Wolfe's The Werewolf blog tour<p>Today I'm honoured to welcome a fantastic author and publisher as part of the blog tour for her latest release, <i>The Werewolf</i>. Many of you will be familiar with Diane. As well as bringing many fantastic stories into the world through her imprint, Dancing Lemur Press, she's also the author of her own books, the latest being the <i>In Darkness </i>series with a fresh take on various creatures found in the horror and paranormal genres. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPITW6Zd0QFSIOC1xrO345ZX6_XVsX4UD3Bs5Q-ZWuYxpLx09-aon-1KPaZo_LD8NcjrhvEXx0Twjj436pQB7372F4MiMB3ZwefGGpR9Yf1KEZT0Y1JXOJ7O3_6CVkfTNEHHnh_L0kdTdVxRzEoJ3Y7WuoCSWQ78cUYksQxPa2W24pl7K1ljwfRMu6Mgqc/s1350/InDarknessTheWerewolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPITW6Zd0QFSIOC1xrO345ZX6_XVsX4UD3Bs5Q-ZWuYxpLx09-aon-1KPaZo_LD8NcjrhvEXx0Twjj436pQB7372F4MiMB3ZwefGGpR9Yf1KEZT0Y1JXOJ7O3_6CVkfTNEHHnh_L0kdTdVxRzEoJ3Y7WuoCSWQ78cUYksQxPa2W24pl7K1ljwfRMu6Mgqc/s320/InDarknessTheWerewolf.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>How did you get started on your writing
journey? What sparked your interest in writing?</b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve always been an avid reader. I
devoured books as a kid. One day I picked up a new release, Anne McCaffrey’s
The White Dragon, and something clicked. I could picture my name on a book
cover. That kicked off a writing frenzy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Tell us a little about how Dancing
Lemur Press came about. Did you have any publishing experience going into it?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’d published a couple books, doing it
all wrong. Then I really dove into research, reading everything I could get my
hands on about publishing. When I felt I had a handle on it, I mapped out the
steps, selected a name, and started putting everything in place. That was
fifteen years ago!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Your In Darkness series looks like a
lot of fun. How did the idea for writing the series come about and how did you
first get interested in paranormal fiction?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I like romance and horror so the genre
was a natural blend. I’d written and polished The Vampire and The Werewolf
eight years ago. The Alien was written 30 years ago (and needed a rewrite) and
I had an idea for The Shark. That’s when I realized they would make a good
series, tied together by the theme of darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Tell us a little about The Werewolf.
There are a lot of werewolf stories out there. What makes this book stand out?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As more than one reviewer has pointed
out, it’s the sweetest werewolf story you will ever read. Often werewolf
stories are gory-scary or involve an alpha male. This is a story of acceptance
with a lycan who is gentle and shy even when in wolf form. Readers who hesitate
to read werewolf stories will enjoy its sweet innocence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>What’s it like juggling being an author
and publisher? How do you divide your time between these two roles?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My balance is chaos! Usually, I’m the
publisher. Dancing Lemur Press and our authors come first, so I don’t have a
lot of time for writing my own books. This series came about only because there
was a lull and I already had two of the stories finished. But other books are
rolling through the process with mine right now, so it’s a juggle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>What advice would you give to someone
who would like to get into publishing?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Research, research, research! Spend
months learning the process. You compete with other traditional publishers by
being professional and following standards. Don’t take shortcuts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Can you share a favourite line from The
Werewolf?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just one is difficult! This one makes
me chuckle as Nicholas is preparing dinner for Vicki at the family house:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Son,
might I suggest you relax? If you’re this tense for dinner, Vicki will be
afraid to breathe.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Are you a plotter, pantser, or
somewhere in between?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a definite plotter. I like making
outlines and character sheets. I really want to know where the story goes and
where it ends before I begin writing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>You have a day free of all publishing
tasks and responsibilities. What do you do with it?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m going somewhere! Day trip to see
something fun, go out with friends, go to a concert. Just get out and live a
bit away from my computer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks, Nick!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><a name="_Hlk128487551"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
Darkness: The Werewolf<br />
By L. Diane Wolfe<br />
<br />
</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk128487551;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Souls shrouded in darkness…<b><br />
<br />
</b>On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred
by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals
his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she
wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive.<br />
<br />
Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf
legend is shattered by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts
his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love
enough to overcome their physical challenges?</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
<br />
Release date – Sept. 5, 2023<br />
<a name="_Hlk128487580">Romance/Paranormal/Shifters (FIC027310),
Romance/Paranormal (FIC027120), Fantasy/Paranormal (FIC009050)</a><br />
<a name="_Hlk128487795">eBook ISBN 9781939844927</a><br />
$3.99 eBook available in all formats<br />
<br /><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltuNF_nGm6YK-7f0W3sSbjtBkwzIdveHjzKS0236ErXcADOv27-gSsBPj4RKKCWrDs4S_5zWBQkr2sh012QomRWzmfEmXpVcb-SjplF9kkdfGEOsovCm6TttPw30vMmb43uDwngdop4U1CIpeLI-yEsYQRZDx518drXqIm2wJd5GwirK-RAYM0vHkiq1u/s880/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20-%20DLP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="880" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltuNF_nGm6YK-7f0W3sSbjtBkwzIdveHjzKS0236ErXcADOv27-gSsBPj4RKKCWrDs4S_5zWBQkr2sh012QomRWzmfEmXpVcb-SjplF9kkdfGEOsovCm6TttPw30vMmb43uDwngdop4U1CIpeLI-yEsYQRZDx518drXqIm2wJd5GwirK-RAYM0vHkiq1u/s320/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20-%20DLP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.spunkonastick.net/"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.spunkonastick.net/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> - Spunk On A Stick<br />
</span><a href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> - Spunk On A Stick’s
Tips<br />
</span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> - Insecure Writer’s
Support Group<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
Amazon -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRR4VLN7/"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRR4VLN7/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <br />
iTunes - </span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6445310855"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6445310855</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <br />
Barnes & Noble - </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165994548"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165994548</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <br />
Kobo - </span><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844927"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844927</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <br />
Scribed - </span><a href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844927&language=0"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844927&language=0</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <br />
Goodreads - </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75711711-in-darkness"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75711711-in-darkness</span></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">Thanks to Diane for dropping by today! Have you read any of Diane's books? Planning on picking up <i>The Werewolf</i>?</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-45116520211977429612023-09-06T10:17:00.000+01:002023-09-06T10:17:15.831+01:00IWSG September 2023<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="https://soniadogra.com/" target="_blank">Sonia Dogra</a>, <a href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">J Lenni Dorner</a>, <a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" target="_blank">Pat Garcia</a>, <a href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen</a> and <a href="https://authormekajames.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Meka James</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4XPSp9mtNph4Q0rx5qPV5CAi_b1HnmsySfecF5lBIyDd5L-sajNuiS6orCNRRQQenmlFTZ5MiH3vOexnvH-9nHgpzhxUyR98U6uQymfLHcY2DsBEjGkmGkSpTQ5vBtJ2wi0P5uhgDcvefF8Ubw1B9vYvzI9-WVXYh7Ty6yDF7rmc4rTHh7Fbh5ZhVKDY/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4XPSp9mtNph4Q0rx5qPV5CAi_b1HnmsySfecF5lBIyDd5L-sajNuiS6orCNRRQQenmlFTZ5MiH3vOexnvH-9nHgpzhxUyR98U6uQymfLHcY2DsBEjGkmGkSpTQ5vBtJ2wi0P5uhgDcvefF8Ubw1B9vYvzI9-WVXYh7Ty6yDF7rmc4rTHh7Fbh5ZhVKDY/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Let's have a look at this month's optional IWSG question, which is a good one:</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b style="background-color: yellow; color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?<br /><br /></span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">This is an excellent question and is sure to spark off a lot of memories for a lot of people. I realise that I'm pretty lucky to have been around from quite near the beginning. Having my launched my blog in October 2011 - so that would be one month after the IWSG - I first heard of the group during the A-Z Challenge in April 2012, the event that really helped me immerse into the blogging world because it introduced me to so many others, many of whom I'm still friends with today. One of those who stopped by my posts was a certain Alex J. Cavanaugh, who recommended the IWSG as a good venue to keep these connections going. I think my first post must have been June or July 2012, and I haven't looked back since!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Although obviously members have come and gone, the group itself has provided an invaluable source of support, and I hope that continues for many years to come. Among the vagaries of social media, with many different platforms popping up here and there, the IWSG represents something solid and dependable. And there isn't another sphere that permits the space to go into depth about what ails us as writers. Not to mention it also offers the chance for publication (the excellent anthologies) and representation (#IWSGPit).</p><p style="text-align: left;">I've also witnessed firsthand how the group will rally round to support a cause. I received a tremendous response to my call for stories for Overcoming Adversity, the anthology I put together to help raise funds for my stepson Andrew's college fund in early 2013. When we tragically lost Andrew later that year, the outpouring of love was overwhelming, with many members sending me videos of them releasing red balloons in Andrew's honour.</p><p style="text-align: left;">All in all, I'm very glad the Ninja Captain had the idea to start this group a dozen years ago. It's developed into a fantastic resource for all writers and I hope it continues for a long time to come.</p><p style="text-align: left;">For other entries this month, check out the IWSG site <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-8090422183554610772023-08-08T09:00:00.001+01:002023-08-08T09:00:00.149+01:00The Becalmer release day!<p> It's finally here! <i>The Becalmer</i>, my first traditionally published book is out in the world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqyCAt126GURxZU97IUcZ7cQAcOsKr2PP9-hRRv3W_bmL9HkXVeGuh9JDfaIONTe9baCiZxsCzeRaGdBrgkX883l7gRTbCzHxFaqfpRPTvDPDUary8hlF3BysswXBvAlK06qPu5S2bLvwqg8RqPoyTOtoIuWRDL4_e3YWlkColwbZIrvJ2JHwLYuIPCsu/s400/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqyCAt126GURxZU97IUcZ7cQAcOsKr2PP9-hRRv3W_bmL9HkXVeGuh9JDfaIONTe9baCiZxsCzeRaGdBrgkX883l7gRTbCzHxFaqfpRPTvDPDUary8hlF3BysswXBvAlK06qPu5S2bLvwqg8RqPoyTOtoIuWRDL4_e3YWlkColwbZIrvJ2JHwLYuIPCsu/s320/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>Thanks to everyone who's helped to get it to this point - my amazing publisher, Jean Lowd at Creative James Media, my brilliant critique partners Annalisa Crawford and Rebecca Douglass, my rockstar editor Staci Petroski, Victoria Kaer at Dark Angel Graphics for the beautiful cover, and last but not least my incredible wife Heather for the invaluable suggestions on the female voice!</p><p><b>Genre: </b>YA sci-fi</p><p><b>Blurb:</b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?</span></span></p><p><i>The Becalmer </i>is available to purchase wherever books are sold. Some of those places can be found <a href="https://books2read.com/u/4j5V85" target="_blank">here</a>. You can add it on Goodreads <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61377350-the-becalmer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>I'll have a blog tour coming down the line in the next few weeks so I'm looking forward to that. In the meantime I'm going to try and relax, celebrate and enjoy the day!</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-73436109604975436892023-07-05T07:19:00.001+01:002023-07-05T07:19:33.157+01:00IWSG July 2023<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="http://www.pjcolando.com/" target="_blank">PJ Colando</a>, <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>, <a href="http://gwengardner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Gardner</a>, <a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" target="_blank">Pat Garcia</a> and <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyQL_rVDnj9JkM06Zmz4Tx9jRzN7T-48chlJrYjDL_WOaPGhk9qysS4y5hgZHlQ2rFgDKGXzcCsVhikBLYvOqFyx216mBSjVYIcTEx-Tn72WK1gyDjPuUQWaSbf1IAysaocSTbzDrn49gOhP3_-wqM8EIvdK-Fr5BKhDdVVC9_6st5NmQPDJj34MKz-ZV/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyQL_rVDnj9JkM06Zmz4Tx9jRzN7T-48chlJrYjDL_WOaPGhk9qysS4y5hgZHlQ2rFgDKGXzcCsVhikBLYvOqFyx216mBSjVYIcTEx-Tn72WK1gyDjPuUQWaSbf1IAysaocSTbzDrn49gOhP3_-wqM8EIvdK-Fr5BKhDdVVC9_6st5NmQPDJj34MKz-ZV/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">This month's optional question is: </span><b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?</span></b><p></p><p>This is a really good question. I have to say I rarely get story ideas in dreams, although I have had a couple of good ones. It just doesn't happen very often. Most of the time, ideas will suggest themselves when I have some downtime to think (like when out on a walk) and things that have been swirling around my head crash together and suggest something new and different. I'm constantly soaking up information about the outside world (and let's be honest, quite often worrying and stewing about it) and regurgitating it through plotlines is my brain's way of dealing with it. Of course, at other times overhearing a fragment of conversation or catching something on TV is enough to spark an idea off. I don't always write these ideas down straight away, but if I'm still thinking about it a day later then there might be something to it and it'll receive a scribble in my notebook.</p><p>Just a couple of quick news items now. My debut traditionally published book, The Becalmer, will be out in just over a month (it's sneaking up fast!) and I've entered the beautiful cover in AllAuthor's cover of the month contest for July. If you could spare a minute to vote by going <a href="https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/15740/" target="_blank">here</a>, it would be greatly appreciated!</p><p>And, all my previous books are available for free for this month in the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale. So if you'd like to check out my YA dystopian series or collection of shorter speculative fiction, you can find them all <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/NickWilford" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>To visit other wonderful ISWG authors, check out the list <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-50457692809934511832023-06-07T07:20:00.001+01:002023-06-07T07:20:40.817+01:00IWSG June 2023<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="https://www.patriciajosephine.com/blog" target="_blank">Patricia Josephine</a>, <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Deidre Knight</a>, <a href="https://olgagodim.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a>, <a href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">J. Lenni Dorner</a> and <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u00RGxv96svzECAdO1fn1aGlzPFSr1LqoOfIwFdc1zTXt64XDCK0QeYAXY7YxFQ9dCEyTtjw3TCRxS8rQgJqvyS8Qfn3Ofr4ymaYo8GYJd54w1gl-3WC_U5fGaNEbsJoEam3nUtJxX-mJ_Yp1YiU_7ncbmz-VzIlWwE-kMeHV9gPNoDlO-1UQVv9ZA/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u00RGxv96svzECAdO1fn1aGlzPFSr1LqoOfIwFdc1zTXt64XDCK0QeYAXY7YxFQ9dCEyTtjw3TCRxS8rQgJqvyS8Qfn3Ofr4ymaYo8GYJd54w1gl-3WC_U5fGaNEbsJoEam3nUtJxX-mJ_Yp1YiU_7ncbmz-VzIlWwE-kMeHV9gPNoDlO-1UQVv9ZA/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I'm going to skip the question this month because I really have nothing to answer it! Honestly, it made me a little bit anxious. Instead, I'm going to talk about a subject I'm sure many of you can relate to: the jitters leading up to a book release. Any form of release will come with nerves, I know that, but with my first traditionally published book this feels different from self-publishing because there's a lot of other people invested in my book and its success. I don't want to let them down, but at the same time there's so much that feels out of my control: reviews, sales, events... it all seems pretty overwhelming. And I'm lucky that my publisher offered on my follow-up too. With this being a writer's group, what I want to explore is the impact all this has on my writing. You'd think I'd be more comfortable and confident in that area knowing that people are backing me. Instead, it seems harder than ever before to string together a sentence that makes sense. Can I deliver again? I don't know. Can I find the fun and joy in writing again without a lingering sense of pressure? Really hope so. Switching from a publishing/marketing mindset to a purely creative one means wearing two completely different hats and just putting one down and putting the other one on is no easy thing. I know this isn't groundbreaking news or anything, but I'm feeling it more than ever right now.</span><p></p><p>I know many of you will have been here, or are here. Grateful for any and all advice. I'm in a privileged position, and this isn't meant to be a whine. But I guess what I'm learning is there's no point or nothing that can happen that would make writing "easier" or less of an effort. But it's never meant to be easy, or ultimately the reward wouldn't be as good.</p><p>To find more posts for the IWSG, check out the list <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-38066735384879707282023-05-04T08:14:00.000+01:002023-05-04T08:14:14.912+01:00IWSG May 2023<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog/" target="_blank">Ronel Janse van Vuuren</a>, <a href="https://authormekajames.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Meka James</a>, <a href="https://www.victoriamarielees.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees</a> and <a href="https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">M Louise Barbour</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwTAQEQilLqPOFT6cJg18pszVZvDQcJxqDHAcuN_ByP9ALSY-f-XVnMsgfrWkGT8m_j9L04JTRCY4ykBM_YKGvHo-04Ktm5K_nCfDjN7Z1DpZvNjiOQaG4O3WheH_dWahQosjf_D01XBbqA_gYFICtAm0VU01sR7_kze3M3nBA1s9a3oQr1hHo3w4bg/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwTAQEQilLqPOFT6cJg18pszVZvDQcJxqDHAcuN_ByP9ALSY-f-XVnMsgfrWkGT8m_j9L04JTRCY4ykBM_YKGvHo-04Ktm5K_nCfDjN7Z1DpZvNjiOQaG4O3WheH_dWahQosjf_D01XBbqA_gYFICtAm0VU01sR7_kze3M3nBA1s9a3oQr1hHo3w4bg/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Apologies for getting here slightly late. I spent a very nice long weekend on a mini cruise with my other half taking in Bruges in Belgium and the island of Guernsey. We got back late on Tuesday so I was tuckered out on Wednesday. I only remembered IWSG when my wife reminded me! What would I do without her? Being a day late, I'll take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy Star Wars Day, and may the force be with you always.</span><p></p><p>OK, let's check out the question for May's meeting. A good one I think...</p><p><b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">When you are working on a story, what inspires you?</span></b></p><p>This is such a multilayered question and there will be an infinite variety of answers. Of course, there's the multitude of elements that might possibly go into choosing what story to write (overheard conversations, news stories, memes, social media posts, TV shows, books, podcasts, the list goes on), but when working on the story itself... I'd say I'm inspired by trying to capture something, an atmosphere, something that might be about a totally different world but also says something about our current one. There is no shortage of things to comment on. Things that raise red flags. The rise of AI, rights abuses, human voices not being heard. Not that I'm setting out to create something worthy or take some moral high ground. I'm just as confused as things about anyone, and I'm trying to grapple with them through the medium of my characters. I'd like to leave readers with things to think about while also feeling like they've been taken on a thrill ride of twists and revelations. Quite a lot to pull off but it keeps me trying!</p><p>While I'm here, I'll just offer a brief reminder that the preorder campaign for my debut traditionally published book The Becalmer, about a girl who can resolve conflicts using her mind, is well underway. I'm offering signed copies for the first one hundred paperbacks, as well as a swag pack for those who leave a review. All formats available <a href="https://books2read.com/u/4j5V85" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Don't forget to visit other IWSG blogs <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and see you next month! </p><p></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-19015765648128128582023-04-10T12:00:00.001+01:002023-04-10T12:00:00.172+01:00Pre-orders for The Becalmer are live!<p>Happy Monday! I hope you've had a wonderful weekend, whatever and however you celebrate. I'm keeping the party vibe going today because I'm delighted to announce that The Becalmer, my first traditionally published book, is now up for preorder!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVukR6cEL-g2OeOWR5ngvm27Zj3D9Le7zbKDVVENca7Kq6yQj3bg8G-PAgJav4MAM0ksglRozb501-XTZ_nKNB5ENxuhYtQVtGuGlK8a_V_KGU1TkSKXUVq0W1K-3kcLIkqmpfz5f1AdInEBmWf8dEICxzjKyuZ-jAOrnTVa19BEyp4wiNwkqkOixLrA/s400/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVukR6cEL-g2OeOWR5ngvm27Zj3D9Le7zbKDVVENca7Kq6yQj3bg8G-PAgJav4MAM0ksglRozb501-XTZ_nKNB5ENxuhYtQVtGuGlK8a_V_KGU1TkSKXUVq0W1K-3kcLIkqmpfz5f1AdInEBmWf8dEICxzjKyuZ-jAOrnTVa19BEyp4wiNwkqkOixLrA/s320/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><b>Blurb:</b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #1e1915;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Release date: </b>August 8, 2023</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #1e1915;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Publisher: </b>Creative James Media</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #1e1915;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Genre: </b>YA, Sci-fi</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #1e1915;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/4j5V85?fbclid=IwAR3StAhpAPQtT9vAFGykcM3rI8RBofrG-OsPudVkPtSh3uDNE4WF7tzHG9c" target="_blank">Universal preorder link</a><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #1e1915;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61377350-the-becalmer" target="_blank">Add on Goodreads</a><br /></span></p><p>Since signing the contract over a year ago, I feel like it's been a long road getting here but I'm grateful for the opportunity for a steady build-up. It feels a lot more real now and I'm excited for Harica to make her way into the world in just a few months. Have a great week!</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-61570406639375874452023-04-05T07:34:00.000+01:002023-04-05T07:34:47.063+01:00IWSG April 2023<p>Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="http://jemimapett.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jemima Pett</a>, <a href="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Gideon</a> and <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn9LTYB0K1woujBM-wm96xsmfJXh74h0AFaL2qiYh3m5TI6GI4zs4EjzmF-haXbjJskhYZFg9FNslU5pd8skKMsx2mKZOBlOo5VM_oLhBkwD5WH0U7MW7puMtbM2lQnWNEumGnP1adjByPlUYM4Y1vLu8-ss5Op5HEPAgX-fdmV4FZ1yZP4hOpbURGQ/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn9LTYB0K1woujBM-wm96xsmfJXh74h0AFaL2qiYh3m5TI6GI4zs4EjzmF-haXbjJskhYZFg9FNslU5pd8skKMsx2mKZOBlOo5VM_oLhBkwD5WH0U7MW7puMtbM2lQnWNEumGnP1adjByPlUYM4Y1vLu8-ss5Op5HEPAgX-fdmV4FZ1yZP4hOpbURGQ/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There's a great question this month. It's: <b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">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?</span></b></p><p>I do remember writing my first book. It was around this time sixteen years ago that I started writing it. It was meant to be some sort of psychological thriller because I was reading a lot of that sort of thing at the time. Mistaken identity and amnesia were involved, but I don't remember much more of the finer detail. I do recall it took me two years to write it and then a year seeking an agent, during which time I did no further writing. That was my first mistake because I've since learned you should always keep moving forward in your work while waiting to hear from any gatekeepers. Thankfully, it was not long after that I started a blog and joined IWSG and started up soaking up wisdom from legions of wonderful authors. That means you - I'm amazed that I've known some of you reading for over a decade now and I'm so grateful for that connection. I suppose when I started writing my first book I had naive ideas of doing packed book tours to adoring crowds and topping best seller lists. Through IWSG, I learned that writing is more about grafting and getting the next sentence down. After my first couple of books, I put my agent hunt on the back burner and pivoted to self-publishing, which taught me a lot about marketing and probably about what not to do as well. It was a lot of fun organising blog tours, cover design, ARCs. I was still interested in the traditional path and becoming a hybrid author and I started seeking a small press for the book I started writing during the first COVID lockdown. I thought it was the strongest thing I'd done and I wanted to seek other avenues for it and see where they could go. I believe the reason I was able to write a stronger book that a fantastic publisher was willing to take a chance on was because I'd picked up so much great advice from all of you over the years, not just about the writing itself but about ways to keep motivation going, as well as reading so many superb books you wrote as well. That's the best way to learn!</p><p>Whew! That got more emotional than I expected. Thanks for this question because it's definitely good to look back and see how far you've come sometimes. It keeps you putting one foot in front of the other. </p><p>In terms of where I am right now on my journey, I just had my cover reveal for The Becalmer and preorders start in a few days, on April 10. Trying not to get <i>too </i>freaked out...</p><p>To read others' answers - and I'm sure there'll be some awesome ones - check out the IWSG list <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-89882099895168947142023-04-03T08:00:00.001+01:002023-04-03T08:00:00.181+01:00The Becalmer Cover Reveal!<p>A big day today as I get to unveil the cover for my forthcoming debut traditionally published book, The Becalmer! Really excited and I hope you love it as much as I do.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRf85J4G2Qf1TpF_wvjbSLebkXz9iM5IRnI--NPB7k3pTXHP6SE8YFOerTUT8E0TOg51b5z0leH88fR8NA4jhIBrdrdtgRNHz2Z69fdTTnYj5s407RsYq3GciRE5Y5AgjW1PLrJnE84zI6eP4B7OKUmI1nBQsQTedkqO2JtH-oziwNE_FhIkyLVh5bvw/s400/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRf85J4G2Qf1TpF_wvjbSLebkXz9iM5IRnI--NPB7k3pTXHP6SE8YFOerTUT8E0TOg51b5z0leH88fR8NA4jhIBrdrdtgRNHz2Z69fdTTnYj5s407RsYq3GciRE5Y5AgjW1PLrJnE84zI6eP4B7OKUmI1nBQsQTedkqO2JtH-oziwNE_FhIkyLVh5bvw/s320/The%20Becalmer%20cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Title: <b>The Becalmer</b></p><p>Author: <b>Nick Wilford</b></p><p>Publisher: <b>Creative James Media</b></p><p>Cover design: <b>Dark Angel Graphics</b></p><p>Release date: <b>August 8th 2023</b></p><p>Preorder date: <b>April 10th 2023</b></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61377350-the-becalmer" target="_blank">Add on Goodreads</a><br /></p><p>Blurb:</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">*</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">If you'd like to sign up to receive an ARC of The Becalmer or join its street team, you can do so <a href="https://forms.gle/5aWmvs6hd6nA8UgbA" target="_blank">here</a>. I'll see you on Wednesday for IWSG!</span></span></p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-34751429944680969272023-03-01T06:44:00.000+00:002023-03-01T06:44:08.020+00:00IWSG March 2023<p>Time for our next monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diedre Knight</a>, <a href="https://www.bookwormforkids.com/" target="_blank">Tonya Drecker</a>, <a href="http://bish%20%20randomthoughts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bish Denham</a>, <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/olgagodim.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a> and <a href="https://www.jqrose.com/" target="_blank">JQ Rose</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqHCIoxYZnGhduL9iEpqdjzPEwm774i8FcyhWQNvO5fBnTdHM0AaZ__jkHZZcNqzZk1Et7skdIGv34CeTYQgAtzU6_flhhIoHXR6PtFXElatYRq-DUiQkD9xCN8TkohMgOA6l23sNieQrkeNO0n9oUCYjNLKINL_E4V3KznX2Jt294WpOrA8P6LvExA/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqHCIoxYZnGhduL9iEpqdjzPEwm774i8FcyhWQNvO5fBnTdHM0AaZ__jkHZZcNqzZk1Et7skdIGv34CeTYQgAtzU6_flhhIoHXR6PtFXElatYRq-DUiQkD9xCN8TkohMgOA6l23sNieQrkeNO0n9oUCYjNLKINL_E4V3KznX2Jt294WpOrA8P6LvExA/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Sorry I missed last month's meet! It just snuck up on me for some reason. Leaving that aside, let's turn to this month's IWSG question, which is an interesting one: </span><b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?</span></b><p></p><p>I'm sure most writers have had that sort of moment where you think "I wish I'd thought of that" or even "I'll never write anything as clever as that." And probably on multiple occasions - I'd struggle to pick out specific examples. Envy is a strong word though and not one I'd probably use to describe that feeling. It's more a sense of healthy competition that spurs you on to do better. We're all learning all the time and probably every book we read has something to teach us. Envy doesn't go anywhere - it means we want what others have, but only that author could have written that book. By the same token, no one else could have written the books we write, either. So, be amazed, be inspired by others' accomplishments, and funnel that inspiration into doing what you do best!</p><p>In other news, I've got some slightly nervous insecurity as things will start to roll out for my debut trad pub release in August. I've been told my proofs are on the way, so I will finally get to "hold my book in my hands", and there should be a cover and blurb reveal in the next few weeks. It's a good kind of nerves, I suppose, there's just always that tingling anticipation at how it will all go down.</p><p>For more takes on this month's question and to see what other authors are up to, check out the list <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-43371309784422906252023-01-04T08:17:00.000+00:002023-01-04T08:17:16.542+00:00IWSG January 2023<p>A brand new year and it's time for our first meeting of 2023 for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Hope everyone's excited and has great plans for the year ahead. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="http://jemimapett.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jemima Pett</a>, <a href="https://fictioncanbefun.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Debs Carey</a>, <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>, <a href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Foster</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></span> and <a href="https://journalingwoman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">T. Powell Coltrin</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s91YVDEruTaJHP6mWrbEdXwRwPaCXG8Vrpchu1jx-ztL5yUknjjWlhHTUJB573JWXCwQSACemHEe62t5Bg_2rbTEhlDACPFRkRK35ZppVmcZHVGmqaIg6WQ5FjzFCYN7Tb9VpetNwkhuifZKMgfW-l1lIc2L8Uyg1pjlj8K7kiMYGpiwVixf1w2I2g/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s91YVDEruTaJHP6mWrbEdXwRwPaCXG8Vrpchu1jx-ztL5yUknjjWlhHTUJB573JWXCwQSACemHEe62t5Bg_2rbTEhlDACPFRkRK35ZppVmcZHVGmqaIg6WQ5FjzFCYN7Tb9VpetNwkhuifZKMgfW-l1lIc2L8Uyg1pjlj8K7kiMYGpiwVixf1w2I2g/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">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 finished my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is 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? Why?</span></b></p><p>I had a think about this - I initially dismissed the question because I've never had a "word of the year" but on reflection it might be quite a nice idea. And a good word for my 2023 might be "present." No, it's not a hangover for Christmas, I'm not fixated on receiving gifts. No, I mean it would be a good idea to be present in the moment and receptive to opportunities, especially in the year when my first traditionally published book is released. It's about not second guessing things in terms of what could go wrong or right because it's easy to get into a tailspin that way. I'm not saying that nerves or anxiety about my work coming out on a particular platform are going to go away. I think those are ever present for all of us to a degree no matter where we are in our career. But it's about managing that and not letting it stop us enjoying special moments when they happen. Obviously, being present is a good motto in any situation - with family, for example. </p><p>So, yeah, that's the word I'm going to take going forward for this year. What about you? See how others answered at the IWSG list <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-7702945860518794252022-12-07T08:08:00.000+00:002022-12-07T08:08:29.146+00:00IWSG December 2022<p>Time for the last IWSG meeting of December 2022! Greetings from a freezing cold Scotland, and I hope you're managing to get into some kind of spirit. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, 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 <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chemist Ken</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>, <a href="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Gideon</a> and <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23Wqv2J9Gd6kjyTi38vrARyOttnY5-9OIFnS72QuPM4MPWH1tEB4vMlBZfPwONoNfdS8T9Id6urBp-NJp4oCOxD6LD20_q65LLQbWUHKPrah6Tq7y-kLv6bErjidCkwUVfL_oije9_oT2C2w8A5PM5H0fxvyuGTPVZzu5E3MaUG853zmv48ZjTrTUAw/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23Wqv2J9Gd6kjyTi38vrARyOttnY5-9OIFnS72QuPM4MPWH1tEB4vMlBZfPwONoNfdS8T9Id6urBp-NJp4oCOxD6LD20_q65LLQbWUHKPrah6Tq7y-kLv6bErjidCkwUVfL_oije9_oT2C2w8A5PM5H0fxvyuGTPVZzu5E3MaUG853zmv48ZjTrTUAw/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">As we near the end of the year, I have to say it's been one of the best years of my writing life, as I signed my first contract for a traditionally published book. There is still some way to go, with the release date not until August next year, but I have to say I'm thankful for the fantastic relationship I've built with my publisher. They favour a slow-burn approach, laying the groundwork over many months by making meaningful connections with reviewers and influencers and focusing on a handful of excellent titles rather than rushing to get many books out to market and not giving them the attention they deserve. I'm loving being on this journey. Don't forget, if you haven't added The Becalmer to your TBR yet, you can do so <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61377350-the-becalmer" target="_blank">here</a>!</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">In terms of writing progress, I spent the year writing a draft of my next project, which is out with CPs, and I'm kicking around ideas for something else that I'll hopefully get a jump on before the end of the year. This brings us in to our IWSG question for this month:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b style="background-color: yellow; color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">It's holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">I don't really think about goals at this time of year, in terms of catching up on any I might have set. It's more about looking forward to next year. If I was seriously behind on something I wanted to do, I don't think the holidays are the best time to fix that! And it's not a good idea to set hard and fast goals for the year and then kick yourself for not completing them. Instead, it's a time to look back on what you did accomplish and to ponder what you might want to do next year. The actual writing tends to slow up a bit over the holidays but I'm still hoping to get a bit done.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Check out other festive posts at the group <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-84106222550358917542022-11-02T06:42:00.000+00:002022-11-02T06:42:26.388+00:00IWSG November 2022<p><span style="background-color: white;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">ime for another posting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #29aae1; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. Today I'm honoured to co-host alongside <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Deidre Knight</a>, <a href="http://douglasthomasgreening.com/" target="_blank">Douglas Thomas Greening</a>, and <a href="https://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane Burton</a>! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYwlTjNxA1L0n3CXYDbGEbfoMzaJtKC6ABkytEXeIOUjgBc2Zmpo4JTEyce1jiaoCiR9RTOgX2t-7L9ohb2UJNfFcdIv2aG7yyrmh-zxldSfTM_BQUBAUojthcS0AxMVjQrTfiTD5KdJ6d2pMav_74d10e6ksE4KOZo_j_z5KPejt3Lh3M_fmUK8_RQ/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYwlTjNxA1L0n3CXYDbGEbfoMzaJtKC6ABkytEXeIOUjgBc2Zmpo4JTEyce1jiaoCiR9RTOgX2t-7L9ohb2UJNfFcdIv2aG7yyrmh-zxldSfTM_BQUBAUojthcS0AxMVjQrTfiTD5KdJ6d2pMav_74d10e6ksE4KOZo_j_z5KPejt3Lh3M_fmUK8_RQ/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Today's optional question is: </span><b style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?</span></b><p></p><p>I knew I'd done NaNo at least once and I thought I'd won but the exact details and dates escaped me. So, I pulled up my NaNo dashboard and it turns out I took part three years in a row from 2012 to 2014. The first year saw the beginning of my Black & White trilogy with the first draft of book 1. I finished at 34,020 words. Apparently, my progress was sporadic and I didn't write every day, but I was surprised at some of the daily wordcounts I did turn in. 4000 words in a day feels out of my grasp these days! Moving on to 2013. Well, this was a difficult year as we lost Andrew on November 9th and I stopped any writing for several months after that. Between November 1st and 8th I racked up 13,374 words of a story that I remember practically nothing about. I don't think I have it saved any more anywhere, and I doubt I would ever revisit it even if I did, but the dashboard tells me the working title was Truth Hurts. That's not triggering anything for me. To 2014. I think that year really represented my push back towards a daily writing habit. My project was part 2 of my trilogy and I remember being quite determined. Indeed, I won that year with 50,075 words done. Since then, I haven't really felt an urge to take part again, maybe because I already "completed" it and I'm quite happy working at my own pace. I wouldn't rule it out though. I think NaNo can be good if you want to motivate yourself but it's probably best to keep up a steady routine year round rather than a burst of frenetic activity in a particular month. And the fact the first two parts of my series were started in 2012 and 2014 but published in 2017 and 2019 indicates they still needed quite a long gestation process because NaNo is notorious for producing very raw material. It's good for instilling a daily writing habit but the trick is to keep that up the rest of the time. I'm also quite staggered that, having just published the last part of the trilogy, it ended up being a ten-year process from beginning to end!</p><p>What about you? Done NaNoWriMo before? Are you taking part this year? Check out others' experiences and thoughts at the IWSG list <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040914078355130442.post-78015959280819503352022-10-20T13:00:00.007+01:002022-10-20T13:00:00.176+01:00The Becalmer Playlist<p>Hope you're doing well and making the most of the spooky season if ghouls and ghosties are your thing. Music is also a thing for many of us, it's certainly important to my work and I recently had a lot of fun putting together my first ever book playlist. It's for my upcoming the release The Becalmer and all the songs relate to the story in some way or remind me of the characters.</p><p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/31rXtXBk4lOYlkRqna85DA?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe></p><p>You can find it on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31rXtXBk4lOYlkRqna85DA" target="_blank">here</a>, and here's a breakdown of the songs:</p><p><b>Mansun - Wide Open Space </b>- My personal favourite band, I had to include this song because it seems to sum up the other plane of reality my main character, Harica, finds herself in where she learns more about her gift. It seems like an empty space, but there are people there to learn from. I love the otherworldliness of this song.</p><p><b>Idlewild - You Held the World in Your Arms </b>- A very anthemic song that really reminds me of Harica's journey. The verses speak to the insecurity she feels about her gift - not wanting to be singled out - while the chorus is like an affirmation that she does need to own it because she ends up with a massive responsibility, literally using her power to save a planet from a terrible fate.</p><p><b>The Only Ones - Another Girl Another Planet </b>- An all-time classic and pretty self-explanatory from a sci-fi theme, with Harica making the journey down to a pretty terrifying planet (which she's never been to before) to take on her great task.</p><p><b>Wet Leg - Chaise Longue </b>- This is just fun. When Harica and her best friend Miriam get to the royal palace where Harica is to perform her intervention to stop a war, they get put up in fancy rooms that are basically a gilded cage with all sorts of fine art and furniture, including these chaises longue where they have a lot of discussions about what's happening. I kept hearing this song while editing those scenes and it stuck with me.</p><p><b>Radiohead - Climbing Up the Walls - </b>Taking a darker turn here, this song has a claustrophobic feel to it that reminds me of the intense mental battle Harica engages in with her nemesis, Princess Jasmila. It's spinetinglingly great. "Either way you turn - I'll be there. Open up your skull - I'll be there."</p><p><b>Royal Blood - Typhoons - </b>A very upbeat song, the lyrics seem to be about mental turmoil, which again fits in well with my book.</p><p><b>The Orielles - Bobbi's Second World - </b>I think this is a great band. The songs are a lot of fun. This one really speaks to Harica's situation, the other world that she can get to through her gift - where she can unleash her power.</p><p><b>Mansun - Can't Afford to Die - </b>I had to put in another song by my favourite band. When Harica first encounters Jasmila, she ends up in a coma through the mental effort she exerts, but it actually lets her go somewhere else in her mind, the other dimension I referred to earlier where she meets people who help her. So, Jasmila's defence backfires.</p><p><b>Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence - </b>Those who share Harica's gift of being able to get into people's minds to resolve conflicts inevitably hear a lot of mental chatter all around them as they're highly tuned into people's inner turmoil. The other dimension, the "white space", offers a respite from that.</p><p><b>Garbage - Stupid Girl - </b>A song for the villain of my piece, Jasmila, who's a very vain and manipulative creature.</p><p><b>Peter Gabriel - Games Without Frontiers - </b>This is going back to the mental warfare Harica wages. There's no hiding there. Games without frontiers, indeed.</p><p><b>Foals - The Runner - </b>This song reminds me of the relationship between Harica and Miriam. When Harica's struggling or unsure, she can count on Miriam to pick her up and get her going again. It also goes well with an exciting escape scene in my book.</p><p><b>Ella Henderson - Ghost - </b>A great pop song. Without giving away too many spoilers, death is not an impediment for those who share Harica's gift.</p><p><b>Foo Fighters - The Pretender - </b>Another song that speaks to the epic battle between Harica and Jasmila, and Harica's not giving up. "What if I say I will never surrender?"</p><p><b>John Lennon - Mind Games - </b>Self-explanatory with the title again, but the song is also about peace and unity, which ultimately is what Harica is trying to achieve.</p><p><b>Longpigs - She Said - </b>I was listening to this album again recently. I forgot how good it is. This song just seems to speak to Jasmila's emptiness and superficiality.</p><p><b>The Farm - All Together Now - </b>An uplifting finish. The no-man's land could be the white space that's removed from everyday reality, but it's also the place where everyone comes together and stops fighting, like they did at Christmas in WWI, which the song is about. It works for the war in my book, too.</p><p>If you download my playlist, I hope it gets you excited to read my book and learn more about the characters. Let me know what you think!</p>Nick Wilfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.com4