Simon The Time Traveling Cat's Life Gets Disrupted | IWSG

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:

"How do major life changes affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?"

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 via The Graphics Fairy

"Here, kitty, kitty," I called out. I opened a can of cat food, scooped it into a bowl, and set it on the floor. "Come and get it." 

A streak of gray fur flew past me and skidded to a stop. Simon sniffed at the bowl then sat back on his haunches and glared at me. "This doesn't smell like Frisky Feline's Ocean's Delight, lady," he said.

"That's because it isn't. It's a new brand of organic cat food especially designed for the, ahem, less active cat."

"Less active cat?" Simon asked. "What are you talking about? I'm very active."

"Moving from the bed to the couch for your afternoon nap isn't exactly what I would call active." I pointed at the bowl. "Go on, try it. The lady at the store said that the morsels of tuna and turkey nestled in a hearty beef gravy are sure to delight any feline's taste buds."

Simon extended one of his large gray paws and tipped the bowl over, knocking the contents onto the floor. "My taste buds told me to tell you to take a hike, lady. A hike right back to the store to get some Ocean's Delight."

"Oh, Simon, you're going to have to learn to embrace change. I bought a case of these cans. It's this or nothing."

"Fine," Simon said. "If it's change you want, how about if I start hacking up my hairballs on your pillow instead of on the carpet from now on. How does that sound?" He padded toward the bedroom, then turned and looked at me. "I feel one coming on."

Fine," I said with a sigh. "I'll go to the store."

"While you're at it, pick up some full-fat milk too, lady."

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When I first looked at this month's question, I figured it didn't apply to me as I didn't think I had had any major life changes since I started writing. Then I thought about it some more and realized that I actually started this whole blog as a result of a major life change - buying a sailboat, moving aboard, and setting off in search of adventures on the water. 

Duh! That's a pretty big change and the reason why I started writing in the first place. And my cozy mystery series is all about how the kooky Mollie McGhie copes with major changes in her life when her husband presents her with a dilapidated sailboat and tried to convince her to sail off into the sunset with him. So I guess writing is how I document and process the changes in my own life.

In related news, I just got back >>Bodies in the Boatyard<< from the editor. I'm in the process of making changes before it goes back for a final round of edits. Hoping to release it in November (exact date TBD). Cross your fingers for me. And your toes. Plus your elbows if you're particularly dexterous.

How have major life changes affected your creative pursuits?

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Murder at the Marina - a lighthearted & humorous cozy sailing mystery - available in ebook and paperback format at:

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