The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Charcuterie, and Photo Trickery

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

November 4 question - As a writer, do you have favorite themes that you like to explore in your stories? If so, what are they?

Love is a strong theme in my stories (although I don’t consider myself a romance writer or reader) along with overcoming obstacles. I like the idea of the lost finding their way and victoriously. I have too much optimism in me to think otherwise.

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My most recent charcuterie:

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And I saw this on the History Channel on the show The Proof is Out There. Can you spot the issue? Know how I did it?

What theme do you use? Into charcuterie? Know how I did the photo?

The Insecure Writer's Support Group, Fayetteville Fan Fest, and Pineapple Cat

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


October 7 question - Many people are calling for writers who use AI to disclose it. Most who employ ghostwriters do not admit it - do you think authors who use ghostwriters should have to disclose that, too?

There are a lot of celebrity books that are not written by the celebrity author. (A few are, mostly children’s books though.) A few list a co-author, but most claim to be written by the celebrity. Which they are not. I think that is infuriating to all of the hard-working authors out there who slave over their own words. These celebrities get big book deals with agents and they didn’t even write the book. So, I say just do away with ghostwriting and credit the actual writer, even if only a co-author.

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Dancing Lemur Press will be at Fayetteville Fan Festival On October 31 – Halloween! The cosplay and costume contest will be amazing. Come visit our booth – we are one of the first ones inside the door!


I also have an article in September's Speaking of Writing. It's a free online magazine so check it out

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I ordered a shirt last month from author/illustrator H.R. Sinclair

I am a big fan of “Noodle Cat” (see second photo) so “Pineapple Cat” was a must have for me.

She has so many amazing shirts, stickers, etc. I recommend checking out her store.

What do you think about “authors” who use ghostwriters?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Turns Fifteen!

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


September 2 question - Do you have a favorite character archetype you tend to gravitate toward in your writing?

Nathan Baugh has an extensive list of character archetypes HERE. Seventy-seven in fact!

I would say a lot of my characters tend to fall between brooding loner and resilient survivor. Most of my In Darkness characters fell in that range as did several of my Circle of Friends characters. I guess as an only child who has been through some stuff, I can relate to those archetypes.

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The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is fifteen years old this month!

To celebrate, Alex has asked that we list our books with links and when visiting other members, purchase some of their books.

I’m just going to link three of my books:
How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!
In Darkness (paranormal romance)
Overcoming Obstacles with Spunk! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting

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And a charcuterie board from August – lots of fresh fruits and veggies!

What archetype do you tend to use?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Homemade Food

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


August 5 question - As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?

I wish I’d honed my craft better before the release of my first series of books. I did great with my two non-fiction but I feel more experience, better editing, and more practice would’ve helped my first fiction titles. My second set of fiction titles are worlds better and I am so proud of them, but that first set will forever taint me and keep readers from finding my paranormal romance series.

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Garden still growing and I am attacking homemade versions of all the highly-processed foods we no longer want to consume. I make my own pancake mix, sun dried tomatoes, salad dressings, tortillas, bagels, croutons, etc. We use Stevia, honey, and maple syrup only. Organic peanut butter. Even homemade crackers. And with the garden exploding, I am drying so many herbs and such now.

I also have my own catnip tree. Yes, that plant to the left is catnip. Over twelve feet tall!

I still enjoy doing charcuterie boards. Here are some from the past couple months: 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you regret? What do you make in your kitchen or from your garden?