The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
This month’s question for March 1 is: Have you ever read a line in a novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?
Author Envy?
I read sentences and phrases in books all the time that stop me in my tracks, where I’ll reread the sentence several times, soaking up its art and beauty, its construction and perfection. But, envy? No. Never. Admiration? Always!
An unforgettable read in January comes from Verity by Colleen Hoover. She’s describing the house and ends the paragraph, page 44 with:
Ivy covers the left side of the house, but instead of charming, it’s threatening—like a slow-moving cancer.
And then, the end of the next paragraph, same page:
My mother used to say that houses have a soul, and if that is true, the soul of Verity Crawford’s house is as dark as they come.
I was hooked by the promised creepiness of a dark ride into the terror of Gothic fiction.
My intent when writing is that I, too, can create that kind of artistic beauty for my readers, catching them unaware, anticipating the journey before them.
Currently, I’m finishing the last two novellas in my romance series of Lauren Ridge and am working on a nonfiction book that will help writers, but at the same time, I’m also plotting out a new Nicholas Sparks-like romance and two different Gothic suspense stories. I’m excited to be writing all of these stories.
That said, it’s time for me to return to my word for the year: FOCUS! Get that writing done!
Purpose of The Insecure Writer’s Group: 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: 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. This group is all about connecting.
Behind the Scenes with Diana Stout, MFA, PhD 
An author whose writing I admire is Sharyn McCrumb. Her Appalachian Ballad books are so lyrical they leave me wanting to be a better writer. But you’re right, I don’t envy her. I just want to keep learning and improving so I can write as well.
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Wow! You’re super productive in your writing. I like to admire great lines and plot twists and not be envious too.
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Thanks, Natalie! Say, I went and looked at your website and I was so impressed with your list of agents that you’ve spotlighted that I added your website to my Recommended Reading page on my website! You’ve got an impressive website.
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Thanks so much for listing Literary Rambles as a resource on your website. I really appreciate it. It’s a labor of love, and I can use all the help I can get to get the word out about it.
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My Recommended Reading list is a labor of love, too. We’re both trying to help other writers and readers! I love it!
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I’m always in awe when I read something amazing. Vague, I know. I like to be surprised with a twist that seems to come out of left field, but the clues were there all along.
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March 1st ? Prepared for the worst – internet on strike by Feb 24th, I posted early, for IWSG, from a place in the 21st C. – then on Feb 27th, headed home, to wait for the tech-fixers to arrive. Which they did, on Friday afternoon, March 3rd. . Home alone, with no internet and no phone, sent me back to the 19th C, and some of my favourite novels.
Envy ? Definitely not. Awed. How could anybody write Middlemarch by candlelight, in longhand ?
No distractions, and I did get lots of painting done, and 2, 502 words.
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Like you, I’m amazed at how writers from the past centuries wrote their books. I thought it was torture writing my first 4 books on a manual typewriter. I can’t begin to imagine, as you say, writing Middlemarch by candlelight in longhand. The time it would have taken! Thanks for visiting!
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