Wednesday, January 04, 2023

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, #IWSGPit, and In Darkness: The Werewolf


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

Today’s question: Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finish my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?

My word will be focus.
Focus on my own work.
Adjust the focus of Dancing Lemur Press.
Focus on health.
Focus on my family.


#IWSGPit is coming!


The next #IWSGPit will be January 25
9:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On January 25, 2023, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query.
Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents.

Get the full details here.


The IWSG Goodreads Book Club is reading Fractions of Existence (Existence #1) by J Lenni Dorner and The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass this month.

* * *


Tales From the Valley is up for pre-order now.

In Darkness: The Vampire
comes out February 7.


And I have a working cover for the third book in this series, The Werewolf!



(Due out Sept. 5.)


What is your word for this year?

36 comments:

  1. Happy New year, Diane!

    Word of the year? I can never choose just one, that's too difficult, so I don't have a word of the year.
    However, focus is a good choice.
    Another good word is perseverance. I love that word.

    Happy IWSG Day!

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  2. Focus was one option I toyed with... but ended up with 'achieve'. I need to focus on the things I want to do, but actually it was the achievement that needed the spur.

    Good luck with your year of focus!

    Jemima

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  3. Focus is a good word, too. I have a lot of commitments, and I'm busy, but when I'm not taking a needed break to recharge, I'm reminding myself to be like and shark and keep swimming...if I have some free time, pick a task that can be done in that span and do it. Sitting there, thinking of all the things I need to do isn't getting them done. I also subscribed to a ready made meal service (no cooking, just heating), and it has freed up a lot of time while helping me stick to my diet. I think it's going to be the gamechanger for 2023.

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  4. Awesome cover! I'm glad you'll be focusing on your own writing some this year.

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  5. You've chosen a good word, Diane. You are one of the most focused authors I know. Best of success to you. And thanks for all you do. Happy 4th New Day! Oh, and best to your mother!

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  6. Focus is a great word. Something we all need.

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  7. Happy New Year Diane. Focus is such an amazing and positive word, and very motivational too. Good luck with all your goals.

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  8. Happy New Year!
    Good Word. I need to focus much much more, if I plan on getting any writing done in 2023!

    Diane, I hope you will be able to Focus and achieve much success in 2023!

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  9. Focus is a good one! Mine is something like "forward" is Tallyho one word? That's might be it. Happy New Year!

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  10. That cover looks delightfully scary! I love the chained ankle detail--there's a story there! LOL.

    I love your word--Focus could have been mine as well. Instead I chose patience.

    Happy New Year, Diane!

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  11. Love your word for this year--focus. I need razor-sharp focus when editing! Great cover reveal!

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  12. I'm all Sagittarian and we tend to be overly focused on our goal. At least you sent out a spread of arrows. All good targets too. ;-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  13. Love your word! And the way you see it playing out.
    I chose a group of words when I wrote my post, but I've been thinking it's all about one particular foundation, which I didn't reveal in my post, but... ah well.
    Congratulations on your writing!

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  14. Focus is a very good word. It's certainly something I struggle with. I'm sticking with "chocolate," though :D

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  15. Focus! This is the proper word for me in 2023. Bravo, Diane! I truly need to focus on my writing to get the job done. Thanks for sharing this with your followers. All the luck in 2023!

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  16. Focus should help you get to where you want to be this year! Good choice. Great and very spooky cover, Diane.

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  17. Is that a police monitor on his ankle? Somebody's been up to no good

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  18. Melissa, my best friend loves those meal services.

    Gwen, there is indeed.

    Stephen! Long time no hear.

    Thank you, everyone.

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  19. Good luck with your focus.

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  20. Focus is a good one. It's too easy to sometimes feel like a squirrel. Congrats on your releases!

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  21. Terrific cover. No question what the book is about. Focus is a great word. Best wishes for 2023.

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  22. Awesome cover! Focus is a great word for the year.

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  23. Great cover. I need to focus more also.

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  24. Focus is a great word. I wish I thought of it too. I definitely need to focus on my writing.
    I like your cover - very atmospheric.

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  25. Focus is perfect. Good luck with 2023!

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  26. "Focus" is a great word choice, Diane! That should be my mantra! The cover for your third book is scary and compelling, especially that red eye. It's almost hard to see anything else because it's hypnotic. Somehow I don't think that chain is going to hold the werewolf. I'm looking forward to reading your new series a little later in the year. All the best to you in 2023!

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  27. Focus...that's my mantra. My mind shifts often especially when I'm on my computer researching. Many rabbit holes to go down, and while fun and interesting...it's not very productive.

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  28. Focus is a great word. Congratulations on your books! It's about time you got to publish something of your own.

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  29. I'm trying hard to focus at the moment, but I'm being pulled in so many directions. I know I should stop, breathe, and then organise - but unfortunately that's not possible at the moment, with this set of jobs.

    Good luck with your focus!

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  30. Tonja, and I am the ultimate Hammy the Squirrel!

    Louise, I like that word - hypnotic.

    Bish, that's what I said!

    Thanks to all for your comments regarding the cover.

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  31. "Focus" sounds like a great one!

    And...great cover!

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  32. Thanks for the book shoutout!
    Great cover art.
    "Without having a goal, it's difficult to score." Paul Arden
    I hope 2023 will become everything you need it to be.

    J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Reference& Speculative Fiction Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge

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  33. Focus is a great word, Diane. It's too easy to lose focus and head off in too many directions. May 2023 result in more personal success!

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  34. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sorry for the late reply. I too could use some focus in 2023. Your new series sounds really cool.
    Happy New Year!

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