Wednesday, February 7, 2018

IWSG: February 2018

Here we are again, joining together as writers to help each other through shared tears, woes, and victory cheers with our monthly IWSG posting. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting this group and all the administrators who help make it such an amazing group. Find the entire list of participants here.

The optional question of the day is:
What do you love most about the genre you write the most often in?

I write romance and fantasy. Though I've published more books as a romance writer, my true love is writing fantasy. The thing I love most about writing and reading fantasy is the wide-open scope of where the story can go. World-building is fun as a writer and fascinating as a reader. There are endless ideas on creating a magic system. Villains can be anything. The possibilities are endless.

This past weekend we had an awesome writers' meeting. Lots of good things happened. A few promotional opportunities were presented. A presentation from a local group that presents workshops gave us a mini-lesson on story premise. The group of instructors have put together a series of lessons that will take a novice writer from story idea to a completed novel. They call their workshop A Novel Idea. It's pretty great with all highly successful authors doing the teaching.

I also signed up for a three online classes my group is sponsoring over the next six months. I'm really excited to take advantage of what I might learn.

My publisher is trying a few twists to get some of my older titles more attention. I'll tell you more about that later, especially if it works.

I also created a profile on Library Thing. Not sure if I have any idea what I'm doing there. I can't keep Goodreads up-to-date so of course, I added something else to keep track of. Anyway, be my friend on Library Thing if you're there.






64 comments:

nashvillecats2 said...

A wonderful interesting post on an insight of what and how you write Susan.
Enjoy your Wednesday.

Yvonne.

Pat Hatt said...

Fantasy sure can take one anywhere. Hopefully the courses are grand. Never even heard of librarything, don't think anyway, will have to give it a look.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I love writing fantasy too. Glad that you had such a good weekend. I'm going to go to an online writing conference this weekend--as much as I can with what I've got planned.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Fantasy gives us a lot of possibilities.

I'm on Library Thing but not sure I even remember my passcode.

Pat Garcia said...

I love your plans and how you're preparing yourself for advancement. I enjoy taking classes and learning new things so of course that hit me directly in the eye as I read your article.
All the best in writing your fantasy.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I've heard of Library Thing but don't know much about it. I enjoy spending time on Goodreads, although I do need to start doing it more as a writer and not just as a reader. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Soak up all you can learn! Sounds like you have a really growing writing group.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I like the genres you write: romance and fantasy. I'm also keen on taking some online classes.

Unknown said...

Fantasy lover here too.
Hope your classes are great. My experiences have been a bit of a mixed bag.

michele
http://themanuscriptshredder.com/why-i-write-fantasy-iwsg/

Tamara Narayan said...

Glad you enjoyed your conference. I'm doing good just to keep up with my blog. I haven't been on Goodreads for ages and Twitter? Well, at least I learned how to use it for pitch parties, but that's about it. Who has time for all these things?

messymimi said...

Reading fantasy is such fun, you never know what an author will come up with. That would make it fun to write. Good luck with your classes!

Charity Bradford said...

The endless possibilities of fantasy and science fiction seem to be a theme today. I totally agree! That's why my heart loves spec fiction. I especially like to mix fantasy elements with my scifi. Like you however, I'm starting to spend more time writing romance simply because it sells so well. At least with romance, I get to remember and relive those early days of falling in love.

Anonymous said...

I love fantasy for the scope of the worlds that can be created. Although, I have yet to really dabble in it, but I do love reading it.

Chrys Fey said...

I am the same. I've published more romantic-suspense, but my true love has and will always be fantasy. I love urban-fantasy most of love, and of course, I swirl in some romance, too. ;)

I don't know anything about Library Thing, so I haven't signed up.

Jennifer Lane said...

Way to keep learning and growing as an author, Susan. Fantasy sounds like a lot of fun to write!

Christine Rains said...

World building is one of my favorite things too. And romance, oh yeah! :)

Cherie Reich said...

I like writing fantasy for those reasons too! I hope the new twists will bring you more readers to your older titles.

cleemckenzie said...

None of my non-writing friends understand why I'm busy when all I have to do is write. I know you understand, and like you, I can't seem to stop expanding my social media. When they find me face-down in a puddle of promo, that will be a sign to stop.

Cathrina Constantine said...

I tend to agree with you about fantasy. I've written different genres but come back to fantasy all the time. It's fun and fascinating to read and write just like you mentioned. Good luck getting more readers to your old titles.

Laura Clipson said...

I absolutely love that about fantasy - you never know where you'll end up, the story could take you anywhere.

J E Oneil said...

Doesn't sound like there's much to be insecure about this month :). I haven't heard of Library Thing before. I'm interested in seeing what it's like.

Jemima Pett said...

Glad to see you've joined LibraryThing - I joined a long time ago, but maybe now's the time to make it work for me a bit more.

Loni Townsend said...

Sounds like you've got a busy and productive time ahead of you!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

It's cold and wet, but thank you, Yvonne.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

It seems my writing buddies have either never heard of Library Thing or love it. No much in between.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I haven't done an entire conference online but I've heard some good things about a few of them.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

You're one of the few who have said they even know about Library Thing.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I haven't taken a class for a while, but these ones really interest me.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I do mostly reader stuff on Goodreads also.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

My local writer group is great. We're always trying new things.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

These ones are so inexpensive, I'd be crazy not to.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

At least I'm not paying much so I don't mind if they're not great. Every little nugget will help.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm hoping to be ready for the next IWSG pitch party but I'll have to work fast.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

And it's so great that everyone manages to come up with unique ideas.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I also noticed how many of the blogs I visited today had spec fiction as their writing genre.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

World creation is one of the best parts or writing it.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I don't write urban fantasy but I read plenty of it. Your novels are definitely suspenseful.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Always learning is what I believe in as a writer. And I have lots to learn.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Those two things are right in your wheel house. LOL

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Yeah, we'll see. Have to try something.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

It is impossible to keep up with what is working and what is no longer of use. I'm stumbling through instagram now.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Cathrina. Fantasy got me into writing and it will keep me here.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

And it usually manages to go someplace I didn't plan.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I guess I did a good job hiding all my insecurity. LOL

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Let me know how you get it to work for you. I'm kind of lost.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

At least busy. We'll wait and see about productive.

Jemi Fraser said...

I adore fantasy and romance as well! So much fun

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Sounds like you are doing quite a bit. And yes, I love fantasy as well and as a writer, I especially love world-building.

Nicki Elson said...

Fantasy is my favorite genre to read. Total escape.

Have fun and learn a lot at the workshops!

I'm not active at LibraryThing BUT I like the free giveaway program for authors - you can ask readers for a review in exchange for the book. As usual, not all winners come through with a review but some do. (LibraryThing Member Giveaways).

Gwen Gardner said...

I don't read fantasy, but now I want to! LOL. I've never heard of Library Thing. I'll have to go check it out. Have a great week!

Stephen Tremp said...

Hi Susan, seems like I remember Library Thing from years ago. Not sure. I might have set up an account with them with an email I no longer use.

I love fantasy. It's a great genre that one can branch out in so many different directions.

February 2018 IWSG Co-host
www.stephentremp.com

Elizabeth said...

Fantasy is a ton of fun to read and write! I've only dabbled in writing it, but have enjoyed it thus far.

A Novel Idea sounds interesting. I wish there were more writer's workshops in Oklahoma; it appears I would have to travel to another state to find a decent one.

Shannon Lawrence said...

I haven't even looked at Library Thing yet. Argh! So many different places to split our attention.

Angela Wooldridge said...

Fantasy and romance is a great combination. I remember Library Thing from years back - will have to look it up again.

Jo said...

Sounds like you have a heck of a lot going on Susan. As you say, taking on something else may not be a great idea. However, if it all helps with your books, best of luck.

Juneta key said...

Fantasy is my pick too. Great post.

J.L. Campbell said...

Hi, Susan,
World building is something I find fascinating and I admire writers who create entire worlds for their stories.

Michelle Wallace said...

Library Thing? Am I missing out on something? Is it similar to Goodreads?

Crystal Collier said...

Ah, Library Thing. The only remaining free forum of book giveaways... I haven't delved very much into the social constructs there, but I do love their giveaways, and have employed a few of my own there.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

This Library Thing sound interesting. If I ever get a book together, I'll need to check into it. Keep writing, Susan!

dolorah said...

lol, we writers sure spend a lot of time on social and public media trying to attract readers. I can't keep up with my blog, FB, or Goodreads.

I love creating worlds too. And characters. I think romance and fantasy goo well together.

Liza said...

Sounds like you have an outstanding writer's group. So much support and activity! Thank you for the links!

Jen said...

That's why I love the Speculative Fiction genre: "What if?" is the driving force and the world building is half the fun! I always have to bring myself back to reality, though, and remind myself that the setting is just another character and I need to pay attention to everyone who's playing along.

Your writers group sounds wonderful!

Cheers,
Jen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - I've heard of Library Thing via Deniz Bevan here:

http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.ca/

For some reason best beknownst to my younger non interested self ... I just enjoy something that's almost real and teaches me about life and history ...

Yes I'm agreeing with Jen - your writer's group does sound great ... cheers Hilary