Insecure Writer's Support Group-Harvest to Horror

Autumn has always been my favorite time of year.  Cold snaps ignite the leaves, Honeycrisp apples sparkle like ice wine, and the chill in the evening breeze signals the imminent arrival of sugar-seeking ghosts and goblins.

There's just one problem. Along with more time spent indoors comes additional writing time.  So why is this a problem? It would be perfect if it wasn't for the fact that I was using the sunshine and errands and chores and anything else I could think of as an excuse to avoid my greatest fear, making reader-sense of my ideas, AKA that nonexistent writer's block. My mental block isn't because I won't have any ideas or won't be able to describe them well enough, or add enough action and motivation to my characterization.

Terror comes when I think about interweaving the subplots and secondary characters with conflicting motivations. They swirl in my head like a murder of crows, pecking at the threads of frayed storylines and sacrificial straw men in a field ravaged by drought, death and horror. 

So where do I go for inspiration and calming chaos? I attend my publisher's month-long Halloween Horror Party! And you should too. There are so many exciting ideas and possibilities for typing up loose ends. I am able to focus in on what makes a good story great, a motivation life-sustaining, or a way to help conflicted characters form a bond and solve their problems. Let's hear it for Halloween! My favorite holiday ever!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

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 fBeor insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Be sure to visit this month's co-hosts for the October 1 special anniversary posting of the IWSG, Kristin Smith, Elsie, Suzanne Furness, andFundy Blue!

Also visit the IWSG's website!