The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.
Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they're struggling with what to say.
This month's question is:
"What do you love about the genre you write the most in?"
Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list here. If you want to see how I answered the question, have a look below.
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| Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy |
Simon the Time Traveling Cat sprawled on the table, knocking my highlighters on the floor. Then, he washed carefully behind his ears before rolling onto his back.
"Scratch my belly, lady," he demanded while batting at my hand with his paw.
"Stop it, Simon. I'm busy working on this month's IWSG post - what I love the most about writing cozy mysteries."
Simon batted at my hand some more, this time with his claws fully extended.
"Ouch!" I pulled my hand away and checked for blood. I was going to need a bandaid. I glared at Simon. "You know what I love about writing cozy mysteries? Being able to kill off characters."
"Why are you looking at me, lady?" he asked. "What, you think you can kill me off? Hah! All of your readers would revolt."
"Revolt? Not a chance. They'd sympathize. After all, in just the past week, you've hacked up hairballs on my bed, you knocked a bowl off the counter on purpose, spilling soup everywhere, and to top it all off, you've scratched me. . .again!"
Simon blinked slowly at me. "But, I'm a cat. Everyone knows you can't kill off a cat in a cozy mystery. People who read those books are crazy about cats."
I sighed. "Fine, you're right. I won't kill you off. How about we just evict you instead?"
****
In all seriousness, I do wonder if people are getting tired of Simon the Time Traveling Cat popping up each month. He's been hanging around for almost a year. {Click here to read the original Simon post.} Other characters pop up from time to time, like Esme the Annoying Life Coach, but Simon really has seemed to take over things.
So, what do you think - should Simon be evicted?
(a) Yes, evict Simon.
(b) No, keep Simon.
(c) Have Simon stay, but on a part-time basis.
(d) None of the above.
So, what do you think - should Simon be evicted? Leave your answer and reasons why in the comments below.
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Ha! I must admit I cheered when I read your title, but only because Simon (being a cat, and all) needs a bit of comeuppance occasionally ;)
ReplyDeleteDon't get rid of Simon, he's fun. But maybe you should evict him and see what he does to get back into your good graces?
Now, that's an interesting idea. What would Simon do to get back in my good graces?
DeleteI honestly don't think he's all that bad. It's a fun spin on writing posts. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a fun spin too, just not sure if other people think the same.
DeleteIf you evict him, he'll keep coming back. I love writing mysteries too. It's a little morbid, but I also enjoy plotting the murder and killing off a character.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he'd find a boat he likes better to live on though? :-)
DeleteAs a cat, Simon has nine lives, right? Does that mean he could survive nine evictions?
ReplyDeleteI like that twist on it - nine evictions :-)
DeleteI don't think that you should evict him unless you are tired of him. And he might come back, like Jennifer says.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think Simon is strong-willed. Evicting him probably wouldn't put him off in the least. I'd come back and find him sleeping on my pillow.
DeleteLOL -- you really think you can get rid of the cat? I'd like to see you try (and fail), 'cause he's so incorrigible ;-)
ReplyDeleteI probably would fail :-)
DeleteKeep Simon. But maybe just once you could get the better of him.
ReplyDeleteI think it's time Simon took a trip to the vet. That would teach him.
DeleteYou should prooooobably keep Simon--have you ever read Pet Semetary? ;)
ReplyDeleteNo, I've never read Pet Semetary. Why do I have the feeling it might give me creepy nightmares?
DeleteTruth? I can't give an opinion here. I didn't realize he was only a year old! Wow. Funny how some characters just seem to have always been there once they've been introduced.
ReplyDeleteImagine if you lived with him, how long that would feel like. Far more than just one year :-)
DeleteHmm, I'm not sure the decision is yours to make. I don't think Simon will go anywhere until - unless?! - HE wants to. :)
ReplyDeleteSo true :-)
DeleteI LOVE Simon. More accurately, I love the way you portray him. I vote to keep him around, but what's more important is what you want. If you're getting tired of him, kick him out for a while. If the mice threaten to take over or you start to miss him, you could always invite him back. (We all know cats don't hold grudges...) Matter of fact, it might be kinda fun if you LET the mice take over for a while... then see how Simon acts when you ask him to come home. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would ever admit to Simon that I'd missed him. His ego is bad enough as it is :-)
DeleteNooo! Keep Simon. He's very entertaining :)
ReplyDeleteDid he pay you to say that? :-)
DeleteIf something happened to Simon then he had it coming. LOL
ReplyDeleteThat's true :-)
DeleteKeep Simon. He's your thing. :)
ReplyDeleteSimon sure seems to have a lot of supporters :-)
DeleteMaybe he'll become Simon the Time Traveling Ghost Cat! That would only work if he could die. I'd be a bit worried about evicting him. He can time travel after all. Dude, what if several versions of him popped up from different points of time and all crammed themselves onto the boat in revenge?
ReplyDeleteHow funny -I love that angle of Simon haunting me from the other side. And I hadn't thought about the time travel aspect. Multiple Simons - scary!
DeleteI'd love to read more about you. But I also think you should make yourself happy. So in the end I'll go along with whatever you decide. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I kind of figured that everyone reads so much about me on the other days I blog. Would they really want to read more about me?
DeleteHeck no. You cannot evict Simon. That poor, dear, lovable kitty. Ha!
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
Another person that Simon paid to be on his side :-)
DeleteI like Susan's idea--kick him out for a bit, or only let him interfere when you want him. He's a cute way to get at what you're thinking and feeling about writing :)
ReplyDeleteHe is a fun to way to write these posts. So far, the vote seems to be in favor of keeping him.
DeleteI do love being able to kill off characters too! :) Please do keep Simon, but no treats for a day for him.
ReplyDeleteSimon is glaring at you just now for suggesting that he doesn't get treats for a day :-)
DeleteSimon has his place, and I think if you feel his place and role needs reduction, reduce. I for one would hate to see him completely vanish, as he does often inspire a cookie lunch, and I do like a cookie lunch. In fact, I'm going to have one right now.
ReplyDeleteAren't you lucky - a cookie! I'm trying to stop eating sugary treats this month. I wonder how long I can hold out?
DeleteI'll wager you've already given in, because why would anyone NOT want to eat cookies? Yes, I'm projecting.
DeleteOkay, you're right. I gave in on Monday and had one cookie. The disappointing thing is that it wasn't even that good. Kind of wish I hadn't done it.
DeleteI like Simon. He's incorrigible.
ReplyDeleteI think incorrigible might be his middle name :-)
DeleteSimon may be a pest, but he's fun for us readers. I'd love to see what he does after you evict him, though. I'll bet it would be funny.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if evicting him would involved Simon's claws?
DeleteI love Simon! And like Megan Morgan, I immediately thought of Pet Sematary. Tread carefully with the cat! :-)
ReplyDeleteI probably should check out Pet Semetary to see what I'm dealing with :-0
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteSimon is feisty but he's also necessary. Don't know why, but there's just somthing about him.
There definitely is something about him - everyone seems to think he should stick around.
DeleteI love Simon, but if he is getting on YOUR nerves, maybe take a break. :)
ReplyDeleteOr take him to the vet :-)
DeleteSimon entertains us and probably knows how to juggle - a ball of wool - but would never stoop to such inane activities. What about the mice? Do they get a look-in? However, maybe he needs therapy from Esme to spice up his life. Spiced cat? Or is that not cozy enough?
ReplyDeleteCoaching from Esme - love that idea! I wonder who would win a stare down competition between those two.
DeleteDon't evict Simon! He may be a pest, but aren't all cats to some extent? ;) Yet, we still love them anyway.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about cats that we love them even when they're being pests?
DeleteIt looks like all your readers have sided with Simon. Guess you are out of luck. You will just have to put up with his nonsense for a bit longer… :)
ReplyDeleteI think I am out of luck :-)
DeleteI say 'C' if he's too disruptive. ~grin~ Just finished reading "The Silvering". Nicely done! ~hugs~ My favorite part of writing my genre is all the passion. ~grin~ Hope you and Simon are well.
ReplyDeleteAww...thanks for your sweet comment about The Silvering. Made my day :-)
DeleteI think you should keep Simon on a part time basis. Just use him when the feeling strikes!
ReplyDeleteSimon thinks he's the star of the show. I wonder how he'd react to getting "demoted"?
DeleteKeep him! Of course you can't just evict him.
ReplyDeleteYou're in good company - everyone thinks he should stay :-)
DeleteSimon is entertaining. But, I'd love to see what happens if you attempt to evict him... Is it true that people who like cozy mysteries like cats? Are there always/often cats present in cozy mysteries?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say all cozy mystery readers like cats, but cats and/or dogs do feature in many cozy mysteries. You'll often see a cat or dog on cozy mystery covers and some even have "magical" powers.
DeleteCats come and go as they please. He’ll decide!
ReplyDeleteThat's for sure :-)
DeleteI say, since Simon has been evicted, let him plan a comeback and maybe use Esme, or some other character, in his revenge plans... oooh, that conjures loads of possibilities! Hehe!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little frightened of the revenge he's going to take :-)
Delete