Wednesday, February 1, 2017

IWSG February 2017

The first Wednesday of February 2017 is also the first day of the month. Time for the monthly bloghop of Insecure Writer's. This group was the brain child of Alex J. Cavanaugh and now has quite the following. I am one writer in hundreds. To read other post go here.


Here's the question of the month:

How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?

The answer is, a lot. When I read a book now I’m automatically aware of character perspective, back story, is there too much? Also, pacing, suspense, does the author invest in too many subplots, do the subplots work or detract. Grammar, spelling and much more. And if all that is on track do I fall in love with the characters? Is the story believable?

Trust me when I say, I hold myself to the same standard.

Other News:

I didn’t make it into the IWSG Anthology. I was bummed. It seems I can never break through that publishing standard. But I will simply take my story and self-publish it. I’m not sure I will try to get published by anyone else again.

I really don’t know what I’m doing wrong. My entire critique group and many friends love my writing. I mean, I have no sparkling characters, nor do I write in clichés. so it’s a mystery. I will press on.

How about you? Do you read books differently now? Are you published? Or do you self-publish as I do? 

Nancy

10 comments:

Laura Clipson said...

Don't let it get you down, you'll get there eventually! There would have been so many entries for that anthology, I bet they really struggled to narrow it down to the few that got in.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nancy - it's the way it goes ... keep pressing on though ... submissions give you a chance of success by being part of a publication. I certainly notice typos ... so often not my own! I also don't like it when the story ends, but has faded in doing so ... I want a crispy tidy wrap up ... cheers - good thing I don't write stories! Hilary

N. R. Williams said...

Thanks for the encouragement, Laura and Hilary.
Nancy

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry you didn't make it. There were a lot of entries this year, way more than last year, and the competition was stiff. We even sent more stories to the judges because we couldn't decide and then went with twelve instead of ten for the anthology.

N. R. Williams said...

That is interesting Alex. Thanks for sharing.
Nancy

dolorah said...

I was bummed I didn't make it too. Oh well, I have a couple e-zines that I've published in before that will likely take it. I have about three short stories that have been rejected from other themed anthologies that I need to tweak a little and get submitted elsewhere. Don't fret too much, everyone gets rejections. Just part of the process.

Computer Tutor said...

I love that you went beyond simply noticing typos. I usually get stuck there rather than analyzing plots and connections. Good on you!

Juneta key said...

Well you know, it may not be that your story was not good enough it may just mean there were that many good stories and they had to cut some. Hang in there. I did not submit, but I am sure I would have felt similar. Stay persistent.

Happy IWSG Day!
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

N. R. Williams said...

You're right Donna, good luck.

Typos can really ruin a good story, Jacqui.

I will, Juenta, thanks.

Nancy

LD Masterson said...

Don't get discouraged, Nancy. You've accomplished a lot more than many writers.