Hurricane & 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 optional question is:

"If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?"

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. You can find out how I answered the question below.

I didn't have the time or energy to put together a "proper" IWSG post complete with an appearance from Simon the Time Traveling Cat. The reason has a name - Dorian the Hurricane.

I just asked my hubby when Dorian first came onto our radar as something we needed to be concerned about. He said, "Sometime last year." To be honest, that's what it feels like. In reality, I think it was just last week. When the National Hurricane Center started showing forecasts that had Dorian barrelling straight toward us as a major hurricane, that kind of got our attention. We prepped the boat, bought food, topped up the car with gas, and waited to see what Dorian would do.

Turns out we were fortunate. He bypassed us. Unfortunately, he pummeled the Bahamas. It's been heartbreaking seeing the photos and video showing the aftermath. So many of the places we've spent time cruising on our sailboat are no longer there. There really are no words to describe what I'm feeling and supposedly I'm a writer.

I have three more books planned in my Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery series. I'm currently working on the third (Dead in the Dinghy) and once I finish that I need to get started on the fourth (Shooting by the Sea). I had always planned for it to feature a hurricane and the impact that it has on Mollie, Scooter, and their marina friends. Now I'm not sure what I think about that now.

In other writing-related news, I just finished writing a Mollie McGhie prequel novella - Robbery at the Roller Derby. (Yes, Mollie used to be on a roller derby team. That's how she met her hubby.) I'm planning on using it primarily as a reader magnet for newsletter subscribers, although I'll probably also put it up for sale. Love to hear from any of you about your thoughts and experience with reader magnets and building your newsletters.

Where would you like to sit and write your next story or work on your other favorite creative pursuit? Has Dorian impacted you (or forecast to)?

Want to find out more about my books? Check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases, sales and promos, and other fun stuff.