IWSG October 2 Question: October 2 question - Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What's your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.
I'm not really sure I have a response to this month's question. Ghost stories have never appealed to me, and if I'm at the movies, and something horrific leaps off the screen, I just want to go home. I do have a very nice cackle, though it tends to scare small children when they come to the door on Halloween. Perhaps this reaction comes from my own childhood experiences when things truly did go bang in the night. So, for this month, I'm wishing you well, and hoping all scary things stay far, far away.
Now, if we're talking about writing, I do enjoy, read and write stories that sometimes have a dark edge. a twist that invites the reader and the main character to confront and overcome a challenge, yet still somehow manages to achieve that happy ending that says no matter what we may face, we can overcome.
I do admire stories by Matthew Doggett who writes zombie apocalypse novels. Somehow his heroes face down their inner demons to find their way to what is right. And, a good gritty police procedural draws me right in, see stories by Colin Conway and Frank Zafiro.
Now, let's go explore what other followers of the Insecure Writer's Support Group think. Click HERE to find out more! And Happy October!!!!
Oh, and check out that POSTSCRIPT below. I'm asking for your advice!
The purpose of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is share and encourage writers at every stage of their writing life. We can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. IWSG is a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. You can participate by posting 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 writers - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Just one more postscript: This month (if you've read this far), I'm struggling a bit with the difference between drafting and revising. My very helpful crit group gives me weekly feedback on my current wip, chapter by chapter, but . . . I truly want to finish the rest of the story, so when comments fly in, sometimes they take me away from writing what comes next. So, do you have any advice???? I do like the advice of Savannah Gilbo who suggests just jotting down a few words, maybe in all CAPS, so you have a starting point next time you tackle a scene. What tips do you use to keep you writing????
I don't love ghost stories either. I like to revise more than write. Maybe revise a bit at the start of your writing session and then move onto the next chapter you want to write. Then revise another little section the next day and write some more. I'm not sure if it will help you, but it works for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for those writing tips. I do exactly the same . . . every day, although I try to start with drafting rather than revision, as that sometimes just keeps expanding! So far, making steady but slow progress. It's nice to know that other writers have strategies to work through these kinds of writing challenges. And thank you for visiting!
DeleteI do not like ghost stories either!
ReplyDeleteShocking!!!! But I know you, dear friend.
DeleteI don't read horror either, but sometimes, friendly ghosts appear in different genres. It could be paranormal mystery or paranormal romance. Where ghosts are helpful or humorous or grouchy, but never scary.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Olga. So many people feel as we do, but some of my favorite writers also write horror. So I read their stories and am impressed by the quality of their hero's journey. This month's IWSG posts were pretty amazing!
DeleteI don’t care for scary stories either. I prefer a cozy small town story with autumn vibes.
ReplyDeleteI like to complete my first draft before editing. Nobody reads my first or second draft either! I give my third draft to beta readers for feedback.