Wednesday, June 4, 2014

June 2014 ISWG

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

With Torn Canvas releasing in fewer than two weeks, my insecurities should be obvious. What if people hate what I've done with this story or the direction I took this secondary character? I loved Jori in A Change of Plans. I knew I had to tell his story, show his growth as a man. What if I didn't do him justice?

Well, Neil Gaiman said it well here, and #6 fits my situation:


I've let Jori's tale go now, and I'm already working on the next book in the series--Swing Vote. I spend so much time editing that I forget how much fun writing news words can be. Even really bad new words. lol

How about you?

43 comments:

  1. If Jori's story called to you, then I bet readers were interested as well!

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    1. One can hope. I know from some of the reviews that some people more than liked Jori a little bit. :D

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  2. I'm sure the release will go fine. Don't forget to see me the info for follower's news. Loved #4 on Neil's list.

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    1. Yes! That element of "who like the kind of thing that it is" is so important.

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  3. those are some delightful rules!

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  4. Ah, those are some of my favorite "rules". I remember reading them a few years ago and thinking, yeah, that's completely right! I can't wait to read Torn Canvas!

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    1. You did a great job with the cover, Michelle. I hope you like the inside.

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  5. I just about cried reading this. Thank you so much, Donna! I'm going to use it as my desktop pic.

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  6. You're the second writer I've visited today with a release about to happen. You each could have written the other's post because the sentiments you express are identical, just in different words. All will be well with your release. Thanks for the Gaiman advice. I always need to be reminded of those rules.

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    1. Yeah, I have a feeling it comes with the job. lol Insecurity indeed.

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  7. Yeah, a very wise man. Numbers six and eight are ones I need to have tattooed on my forehead. :)

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    1. But then you'd have to remember to look at yourself in the mirror during those down times. :D

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  8. Thanks for sharing Donna. Number 5 on feedback is thought-provoking and it makes sense. I'll see if I can use that going forward.

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  9. It's going to be great, Donna! I just explained #5 to my daughter yesterday (who has become quite the book critic). So true.

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  10. If you love him that much, readers will, too. ;)

    IWSG #215 until Alex culls the list again.

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  11. If you enjoy writing it readers will too, usually seems to be the way. As long as you fix the crappy new words lol

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    1. ha ha. Definitely have to fix the crappy new words. That's what editing's all about and when I do my real writing.

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  12. Ah, the letting go us the hardest part. I'm sure you have done Jori's story justice. Now let the returns flow.

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    1. Let's hope so. I love that guy and he makes me laugh.

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  13. I think letting go is the hardest part! How exciting to have your release so soon, and I hope it is a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing Neil Gaiman's "The Ocean at the End of the World," my first book of his. Loved it! His rules really resonate with me!

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    1. And he expresses himself so very well. He gave my favorite commencement address. Takes about 20 minutes to listen to but worth every second.

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  14. Great advice from Mr. Gaiman. I also liked #8 quite a bit. Hang in there, Donna!

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    1. Yes. I like that idea of when you get far enough in your writing you can do more of it, the kind you like. Of course, I hope I'm doing the kind I like anyway.

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  15. Good luck chasing that horizon! There is always something else to do, more words to write. That's part of what makes it fun, though!
    Happy IWSG day,

    AJ @ Naturally Sweet
    @ayjaylauer

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    1. Isn't that a great visual image--chasing the horizon. I'm having SO much fun writing new words and I'm enjoying how--even only 6,000 words into the new book--the characters are taking me different paths than I'd imagined.

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  16. I think I will bookmark this cause I love that list of writing rules! So glad you shared and keep it up! You are the best!

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    1. Same here. They rang with me as soon as I read them.

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  17. Well, I've just finished my review copy and I LOVE what you've done with it. :) Have to compose my review for the 20th. :)

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  18. This is great - thanks for sharing this. :)

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  19. I have many new projects to work on. I should just pick one and start writing.

    Thanks for sharing the tips.

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    1. I'm much better when I'm focused on one project at a time.

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  20. Happy writing. I love revising and sending off old projects and starting new ones. I enjoyed reading this list.

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    1. I like the list because I need to remember different ones at different times. lol

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  21. Love those rules. Enjoy those new words.

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  22. Love the list. It's very helpful and you're wise to listen to #6. :-)

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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  23. It's healthy for me to focus on something else. :D

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