Beth Camp Historical Fiction

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

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


17 comments:

  1. Oh, history! No wonder I don't like historical books. They are always sad if they are anywhere near the truth. History contains so many human tragedies.
    I like my heroes to have happy endings, so I write fantasy and sci-fi.

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  2. It's so cool that you're working on your final revisions. Have fun in Hawaii. It sounds like a wonderful vacation. And it could inspire to finish your revisions.

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    1. Thank you, Natalie, for your kind thoughts. I hope the coming month is a better one for us all.

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  3. Hi,
    Maybe, just maybe, you need to leave the muse at home and just enjoy yourself. Let your energy return. Have a great time.

    Shalom aleichem,

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    1. Hello, Pat. Can't leave that muse at home. She's attached! Yes, I'll take your advice and think of your good advice. Thank you.

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  4. Hawaii! Oh, I wish I could go with you. I've never been. They say it smells wonderful. Have a lovely trip.

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    1. Thank you, Joylene. I've been once before, many years ago to the main island and Honolulu where they have the most magnificant museum about Hawaiian history. This time, we're going to Kona, a smaller island with orchid gardens and many quiet beaches. I'll take pictures!

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  5. Beth--excellent post! I've missed you on FB so came hunting for you! Hawaii is an excellent choice! I'm building a website and put you on my list for an initial email--hope that was okay! You can unsubscribe, of course.
    Love!

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    1. So good to hear from you, Sandy. Can't wait to see what you're doing these days . . . all lovely and creative. Consider me a fan and a happy subscriber!

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  6. Wishing you a wonderful vacation! Hope the change in scenery inspires your writing.

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    1. Thank you, Liza. I'm already back to writing but am so looking forward to those palm trees and sunshine. Thank you for your good wishes. May your own month ahead go well.

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  7. How exciting to find a fresh experience for your writing perspective in Hawaii! I sure lots of writerly magic has been borne! I'd love to hear your experiences!

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth, for stopping by -- since I've made a commitment to blog every Wednesday, you've given me a reason to talk about what happens in Hawaii, writerly style!

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  8. Happy final revisions! Though I hope you're so distracted by peace and beautiful surroundings that all you do is relax. Sorry I missed your IWSG post the first time I looked. Not even sure what reminded me to check again, but glad I did. Always a pleasure to read your thoughts ;-)

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    1. Last minute packing this morning. Thank you, Diedre, for your kind thoughts and for checking back! Happy revisions for sure with only 4 chapters left. May your own writing go well.

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  9. Thank you for visiting.

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