Beth Camp Historical Fiction

Wednesday, March 03, 2021

IWSG March: Thinking Ahead . . . to Spring!

The first Wednesday of every month is . . . officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) day. We may write a post in response to this month's question. Or, we may write about our writing struggles, doubts, or triumphs. We hope to offer encouragement to other writers -- and we visit each other and comment. Why not, join in? Inspired by Alex Cavanaugh, the founder of IWSG, we persevere! 

IWSG's March 3 question - Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?

A very tough question for me this month. 

Perhaps like some of you, I've been fighting off depression. Some days are harder than others. So, if I'm talking just about my reading, right now, I'm reading purely for escape, roughly 20 books a month. I'll read pretty much anything in historical fiction, romantic suspense, mysteries, adventure, science fiction, or thrillers, whether cozy or erotic (if the story is too erotic, I skip pages!). 

What I hope to find is a story that takes me entirely away from our present world -- the news, political or pandemic; disasters, environmental or personal. Immersing myself in the world of that amazing, spunky heroine or hero who really does make a difference gives me a little break and inspires me to tackle another day, to cherish those I love, and to find the courage to write my own stories.

Speaking of writing, I want to ask: What can we do every day to nurture our writing? Some say routine. Yes, I can agree. Discipline and structure help. Sometimes, though, we can be inspired by what others create, whether by song, or a painting, or a poem.  Sometimes we need to just listen or look and recognize that very human desire to share something of beauty. 

A few days ago, a writer friend sent me a link to her son's latest song. I felt like I was sitting in his living room, with Andrew just across from me, singing, reminding me that creativity takes many forms -- and can nurture us and inspire us.  

I hope you have a very good month ahead -- one full of opportunity and good health, strength to face down challenges, and time for writing.

Here's Andrew Mason with his song, Prayer for the Weary Traveler

 

Consider accepting IWSG's Challenge! Why not post a response to this month's question on your blog and take a moment to visit other IWSG writers, over 160 of us, to find out what we're up to this month. 

Thanks especially go to this month's co-hosts for the March 3 posting of the IWSG are Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen Jacqui Murray, Chemist Ken, Victoria Marie Lees, Natalie Aguirre, and JQ Rose!








10 comments:

  1. COVID has definitely affected many people's mental health. I'm glad escaping into reading has helped you. Reading has really gotten me through this long period of isolation and being alone a lot too. I've also been exercising a lot, which has helped me get through the grief and depression I've felt since I lost my husband. I hope you feel better soon.

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    1. Thank you, Natalie. May your good memories of your husband keep you positive. Your tips for exercise makes me think of yoga. Mornings are for writing . . . and then by lunch time, the real world's challenges begin. Our daily walks in the late afternoon help me stay connected -- to DH and nature. At the end of the day, another book beckons! May the community of IWSG nurture you as well.

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  2. Hi Beth! Sorry to read about your continued depression. I’m glad reading is a positive escape for you. Twenty books a month. Wow! While I wish I had the time to read more (my average is one book every two months, unless I drop blogging commitments and focus on reading more books), I’m glad we manage to keep moving about a bit in our camper van, currently in Baja California where the population is sparse. If I’d be stuck somewhere in isolation, I’d use that time to be productive.

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    1. Great to hear from you, Liesbet. Truly, I wish we were living in a camper van somewhere in Baja. Are you close to the ocean? Is it warm? We both just got our second shots. Two more weeks and we're traveling south for a very small trip . . . your travels are an inspiration! Actually, before the pandemic -- and before the Kindle -- when we would go camping, we would each take a box of books and hit every bookstore along the way. Maybe some time in the future? Please keep blogging!!!!

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  3. 20 books a month! I'm impressed. I often read for escapism. It's a wonderful lift to the spirits and it inspires me to keep writing too.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Lynda. Keep writing!

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  4. I'm pretty sure I've been depressed this past year. Lack of focus, no energy, Reading takes me out of my current world and allows me to escape. I thought I read a lot until I read how many you do. Wow. I hope 2021 is better for all of us.

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    1. Hello, Diane. I'm hoping spring brings us all renewed energy. We saw our first crocus and daffodils out today. I do believe April will be better!

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  5. I'm sorry to hear you're feeling depressed. I must admit, I was feeling it too. The world felt insane and scary and I there was nothing I could do to change any of it. So, I also tuned out. I "shrunk" my world. I stopped reading the news and started helping within my neighborhood. I reminded myself that the news makes money by scaring the hell out of us, not by reminding us that the world has always been a bit insane, yet we keep on spinning. We will get through this too. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth. Actually, a recent article noted that ALL of the news channels, right, left, and 'middle', tend to highlight negative news. I'm like you. I also pulled back from the news . . . and agree wholeheartedly with you: We will get through this!

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