IWSG August 3: I'm late, I'm late!

Alice in Wonderland, down the rabbit hole! I'm late. I'm late!

Sorry guys. On August 3, the date I should have posted, we were recovering from a 400-mile driving day home from Vancouver, Canada.

Every month, the Insecure Writer's Study Group announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These prompts may lead us to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. 

Here's IWSG's August 3 question: When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

I'm not sure at all how to answer this month's question because when I begin to write a story, I'm thinking of the characters or the setting, maybe the genre, and wondering where this story will take me. 

I do care about readers, but the big question for me is given where my characters are, what happens next?

Sometimes travel plays a role. I already know my next project is set in Egypt. Not that we can go now, but we did spend a month in Egypt a while back, traveling down the Nile, exploring the pyramids (we even walked underneath one, looking up to see misshapen blocks that weighed tons above us). Have you ever been accosted by a merchant selling silk rugs who invites you into his shop for tea? Or gotten lost wandering through an open air market where English is not spoken at all? Or spent hours and days at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a treasure house of art and culture?

I like to write series. This gives me a chance to know my characters more deeply with each story. So, my first art crime mystery, The Seventh Tapestry, will now take Sandra and Neil to Egypt! It's time to get my journals out, gather my research together, and start dreaming and drafting. Prepare to hold your breath for a few years, for even with outlining and a sense of direction, writing takes time!

Now to share some good news: Scattered Stones, the latest in my 1840s Scottish series, is live! After nearly three years of writing, I finished the formatting, both e-book and paperback. You can catch up on Moira and Dylan's story HERE and celebrate with me!

Special thanks to co-hosts for IWSG's August posting go to: Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery!

What is IWSG? 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 for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting for IWSG: 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 - and return comments. 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.