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01 May 2019

Cozy Mystery Writing Update | 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:

"What was an early experience where you learned that language has power?"

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.

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Rather than answer this month's question, I've decided to give you an update on how things are going with my latest cozy mystery - Poisoned by the Pier.

"Boo! Hiss! That's boring! Bring back Simon the Time Traveling Cat!"

Whoa. Settle down, people. Simon will be back next month. I promise.

"We want Simon now! Even your graphic is boring. No one wants to look at a picture of a computer and a notebook, especially with such dull colors."

Okay, here's the thing - my creativity is tapped out. I've got nothing for you. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Which I guess is one of my writing insecurities. What if I don't have any creative juices left? What if I was born with a finite amount and I've squeezed every last drop out writing Poisoned by the Pier?

{Gentle, reassuring comments welcome below.}

But enough about me. Let's talk about Poisoned by the Pier.

Wait. . .that's about me too. I wrote the darn thing after all.

"OMG. Enough waffling about! Just get on with it already!"
Fine. You win.

So you know how I {gasp} skipped IWSG last month? That's because my hubby and I were in the Bahamas helping a friend bring his boat back to Florida. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get much writing done while on board, so I worked myself into a frenzy practically rewriting my entire book in March so that I could send it out to beta readers before we left on April 1st.

{Let's take a moment of silence to thank those awesome beta readers - you guys rock!}

When we got back to the States, they had sent their feedback through. I then spent last week making final changes to the manuscript before sending it off to my editor on Monday. Provided he doesn't find any major issues and all goes well, I'm hoping to publish it in June. Keep your fingers crossed for me, people.

{One more shout-out - this time to my hubby who has read this manuscript for what must seem like a million times. He's the best alpha reader, beta reader, omega reader (is there such a thing?) and all around good egg a girl could have.}

Now, to get you in the mood, and because that graphic above was so boring looking, here's a fun marketing graphic I made for Poisoned by the Pier. Anyone fancy a tropical drink on the beach?


How about you? What's been going on in your neck of the woods? What's your favorite drink?

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The latest Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery is now available! Pick up a copy of >>Bodies in the Boatyard<< at:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (CA) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (AU) | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iBooks | Google Play

Paperback available at: Amazon

Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com

49 comments:

  1. A tropical drink on the beach sounds fantastic!
    Good luck with publishing your next book! I'm sure the creativity will replenish itself soon. It sounds like you deserved a little break after getting so much done.

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  2. Glad it's on track to be published next month!
    And it's all right if Simon takes a break.

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  3. I'll take that tropical drink on the beach, Ellen.
    Congrats on your three-in-one AKA alpha reader/beta reader/omega reader AKA awesome hubby.
    Simon needs the break. I just shudder at the thought of what he might say/feel about being excluded from your post this month.

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  4. I badgered my husband into reading all of my books. God bless him!

    I'll take a Blue Hawaiian.

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  5. I'm so excited that your next book is coming out soon! So wonderful that your hubby is that awesome. My hubby never reads my stuff. Maybe I scare him a little? My cat says to leave this bowl of cream over here for Simon. I think he's bribing him to come back!

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  6. Love a good cozy mystery, and yours is on my list.

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  7. You will be fine - no doubt here! :)

    That pic of your book with the drink reminded me of having a pina colada and nachos in a restaurant by the water not too long ago. Aaaaahhhhhh..... :)

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  8. I'm ready for the beach!! Let me know the time and beach and I'll be there. Oh, wait. Sorry. Snowed in here. Maybe next time. hahaha Congratulations on the publication.

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  9. I wouldn't worry about depleting your creative juices. With as quickly as you've written the first three books of your series, you're like a million-watt spotlight of brilliance. Me? I'm more like a night light on its last legs. You've got this, girl! And you deserve a break to replenish those juices. Congratulations on what you've already accomplished. For you, I think the sky's the limit. (With lots of ocean and fruity umbrella-decorated drinks, of course.)

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  10. Ha ha, love the dialogue between you and your blog readers. You're making great progress, trip to the Bahamas and all!

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  11. It's so nice to hear that your beta readers are having fun reading your work. Keep up the good writing.
    Stay at it.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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  12. Good excuse for skipping last month!

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  13. You sent me off on a cozy mystery frenzy from which I am only just recovering from! I’m of to travel books but I’m sure I will recover in time for Poisoned by the Pier!

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  14. Not a chance in the world that your creativity has tapped out! We all need those breaks to refresh ourselves and when we're ready, the words flow again!

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  15. Giggling. Love your blog. You are a writing fool. Another book? sheesh, I feel like a lazy slug. Go for it! Looking forward to reading the next one!
    JQ Rose

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  16. I love the way you keep on rolling through the challenges. You are amazing! I haven't kept up, but I am looking forward to reading Poisoned by the Pier because I'm sure it's awesome! I'm also sure your creativity isn't burned out. It's just lurking, like Simon (sorry, I can live without Simon, but he still lives a bit large in my imagination), to pounce again at any moment!

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  17. A good book, one of yours and a cold adult beverage under a tropical tree on the beach sounds wonderful.

    Have a fabulous day, Ellen. ♥

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  18. I think you're pushing yourself too hard. Let the cup refill and think about something else. Put your feed up and read something fun. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  19. I agree with Emaginette (and I like her name! ~grin~). Hugs to you, my dear, and thanks for the kind word on my blog. Best wishes on publishing and I'm glad you got some enjoyment from kindly assisting your friend. I found approximated recipes for the Goombay Smash, by the way. Heh... Sounds yummy.

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    1. I enjoyed this article: https://somethingnewfordinner.com/recipe/goombay-smash/ :) Thanks for the fun read.

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  20. Wow, you're totally rocking the productivity! That's awesome. I admire how well you're able to stick to getting things done.

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  21. I like your graphic. You most certainly have not drained the creative tank. You might just need to give yourself a break. Do some other things. Soak up the sun. Keep on cruising. I'm looking forward to reading more of your tales at sea!

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  22. I like getting writing updates from my writing friends. :) That is an awesome graphic. You did really good!

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  23. Yeah, just take a break. You'll be back in no time. The cat too! I've been taking a long break from writing because of my job. But I've been reading more books than I thought possible this past year!

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  24. I love your series, Ellen! Can't wait for the new release. Awesome graphic.

    After three books, you deserve a breather. Put your feet up, have a cocktail, pet the cat. And it's no secret that wine is my beverage of choice, Pinot Noir and Sauv Blanc heading the list.

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  25. Love the graphic! Congrats on the upcoming book.

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  26. You won't run out of juice. Some days it's just hard to squeeze out. The key, i've been told, is to keep writing no matter what, most of it you will throw away, but if you keep writing, good stuff will come through and you build on it.

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  27. A shout out for your amazing beta readers. I fear Simon has his own - and a book, maybe.

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  28. Oh YAY! Looking forward to the next book, it needs to come out before we run out of wifi, so that I have it to read at my leisure. I also think I need that frosty drink, it looks very inviting.

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  29. Creativity never goes away, but it does need refilling sometimes.
    Great graphic.

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  30. I’m publishing this month. Fingers crossed we’re both successful!

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  31. There's more in you. Sometimes you just gotta take a rest for a minute so the Muse can catch up.

    Dark ‘N’ Stormy - Fav drink.
    Or just a cup of tea. I mean, you know, whatever.

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  32. I'm praying both you and Gwen do well in sales on your new books!

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  33. I want the book and the drink! Best of luck with your release!

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  34. Hi Ellen.
    Nice post, a bit exhausting for you and possibly a bit stressful since you seem to be a bit worn out by your trip.
    Me? I ve been working on the A to Z challenge posts since the beginning of march so haven't been writing any normal blog posts, kinda busy.
    My favourite drink would probably be a bottle of red wing, a Merlot would be preferable.
    Welcome home and very well done on your new book, I'll have to see whether your books are available here in South Africa.
    Blessings to both you and your hubby, Geoff.

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  35. How exciting! I'm amazed at how productive you are...but I'm not complaining. I love your series ;)

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  36. I don't believe you're all tapped out - You may need a breather but you have creativity oozing from your fingertips (just look at it dripping off 'em there!)

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  37. It's normal to feel like you've run out of creativity. Now breathe, have a nice tropical drink (sounds so nice!) and do something that isn't writing. You know, like trying to make Simon walk on a leash like a dog... Mm, you'll need some creative thinking for that ;-)

    Ronel visiting for #IWSG day: Help Me, Please!

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  38. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
    I think it's natural to wonder if the ideas will stop coming, but I also think that as long as the world around us and the people we interact with keep growing and or changing, inspiration will find us.
    I like your graphic. Not sure I have a favorite drink, but sangria is pretty good.

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  39. OMGoodness I'm hoping there isn't poison in that delicious looking drink! I love a fruity drink!
    I don't think you ever run out of creativity but you must feed it!

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  40. Your post was adorable. You have plenty of creative juices I was definitely entertained. Great graphic too. Great job. Margarita and Pina Colada are my favorite drinks when I drink. Happy IWSG and thanks for visiting me.

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  41. Hmmm, so when you were goofing off in the Bahamas, we were working hard as beta readers? :-) Oh, and two blog posts in a row with cocktails. Yeah... I’m glad you had some fun in April. You deserve it! Well done with Poisoned by the Pier. Fingers crossed for the June release. And, I’m sure your creative juices won’t run out! I hear you about working insanely hard before you’re in a situation where this isn’t possible anymore...

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  42. A rum punch cocktail, please. What? No cabana boys to take my order? Ah, well. Glad to hear about the new Molly McGuire mystery. Yay! Are you sure Simon didn't sneak in and edit your post? lol Good luck with your upcoming release. You know you always have a guest spot on my blog.

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  43. I'd love a tropical drink or three. hahaha Yay on getting the book reworked and ready for publishing. The graphic is bright and fun. Hope the editor only has minor changes needed and you hit your publishing deadline.

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  44. The fact that your husband can read whether it being a beta, omega or alpha reader is a plus. I am so jealous about your Bahamas trip. Not sure we can be blogger friends since I didn't get to go. :) Thanks for visiting my blog.

    Teresa

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  45. Love your marketing graphic! Hope everything goes well with the publishing of your latest book!

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  46. That's a great marketing graphic. I'll take a bellini, please. (But I do miss Simon.)

    Good luck with Chris! :)

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  47. Bother. I tried to post a couple of days ago and failed. Congrats on the progress! I was sorry not to be able to help out this time--let me know if I can do a final read for you or something--I'll have time in the next month or so, I think.

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  48. Sounds like you've been productive even while having time off! Hope everything is on course for the publication.

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