IWSG: How do we write when change comes?

Welcome to the first Wednesday in March 2022. No question about it. This last week has led to many dismaying hours in front of the television. Yet, today, honors Insecure Writer's Support Group. Nearly 140 writers, including me, post our thoughts on our blogs to celebrate writing in some way -- maybe sharing doubts or concerns, maybe celebrating our writing achievements, or offering encouragement. 

If you'd like to participate, why not sign up, post your own thoughts on your blog, sign up (see guidelines on the IWSG LINK, and visit about 12 other writers! Stop by our co-hosts for this month and say thank you to: Janet Alcorn, Pat Garcia, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

This month's IWSG optional question is: Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

I like to write stories about people in difficult situations who somehow find their way to a better life, whether with a loved one or not. I do believe in that 'happy ever after' for my characters. Sometimes my stories take me to darker times. For example, my three-book series (now almost four books!) that began with Standing Stones set in 1840s Scotland, begins when Lord Gordon, eager to profit from the Industrial Revolution, evicts traditional farmers from their homes, replacing them with sheep. The history is brutal; the struggles were real for far too many.

Where do people find courage and hope when faced with catastrophic change?

Loss can be measured in so many different ways.

We only need to turn on the television to see another tragedy unfolding.

This month, I'm working on final revisions for Scattered Stones, the last book in my series. I had hoped to be finished by the end of March -- but I'm feeling so distracted, not even line editing catches my attention. 

So, an invitation arrived. To fly away to Hawaii for two weeks -- in just 6 days. Are we going? Yes. Am I taking the writing and hope to reconnect with my muse? Yes. Will I sit quietly in wonder at sunsets in this quiet place? Maybe simply walk along the beach, grateful for each moment that feels like a respite from what's to come? 

Will I continue to watch and pray for those affected by Russia's aggrandizement? Yes. Will I hope that the U.S. and NATO and those demonstrations around the world can stop the tanks, the bombardments, the intrusions that bring fear to so many? Dare we hope that Putin's nuclear threats and strategic aggressions will end?  

                                    Kona, Hawaii by Ennea2 on Pixabay