Tuesday, May 2, 2023

What Inspires My Writing? IWSG Blog Hop, #IWSGbloghop, #insecurewriterssupportgroup,

 

Happy IWSG Day!!

Happy May!!

It's time for the IWSG Blog Hop!
#IWSGbloghop

Hello and Welcome to the IWSG Blog Hop!!

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. To find out more, click this link:  Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The purpose of the group is 
* to share and encourage. 
* Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 
* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 
*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 
You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 
Click here to sign-up and/or to visit the participating bloggers this week.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!

?????  MAY 3 QUESTION ????? 

When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Because my WIP is a non-fiction book about how to write your spiritual autobiography, I am inspired when I research my topic. I am thrilled when I find a teacher who broadens my horizons with her teaching, an inspiring Bible verse that triggers a writing prompt for my readers, and a quote that fits into the point I want to make about writing.

I was surprised and thankful when Kevin Horsley gave permission for me to use one of his quotes in my book. I emailed him on Sunday and received a yes from him on Monday! He certainly made my day! I was definitely inspired to keep rolling along on this formidable WIP.

According to his website, "Over the past 25 years, Kevin Horsley has been analyzing the mind and memory, as well as its capacity for brilliance.... He was awarded the title International Grandmaster of Memory by the Brain Trust and is a World Memory Championship medalist."

Click here to visit Kevin Horsley's website.

Why would I need a quote on memory in my book? Because writing life stories is all about remembering stories from the past. The number one excuse for people to NOT write their story is because they say they can't remember anything. I think his quote emphasizes how important your memory is.

Your memory is the glue that binds your life together,

everything you are today is because of your amazing memory.

You are a data-collecting being and your memory is where your life is lived.

                                                                                      ---Kevin Horsley


I have a section in the book that helps writers spark memories. It's fun to remember those good old days, and I can help them do it. Yes, some memories are ones we want to forget and that's okay. Perhaps, someday the story will bubble up to the surface, and then the writer may want to write about it when ready.


When the research is so interesting, I do that instead of writing! Then I dread going through all my notes to figure out what I need and can use to structure the book. That is the difficult part. 


Whether fiction or non-fiction, you still have to research to write the story. Do you enjoy the researching side of writing? Do you find you are researching more than writing? Does it inspire you?


Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. Thank you.


Click here to visit the participating bloggers this week during the Insecure Writers Support Group blog hop!

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10 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's very cool you get to use his quote!

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's awesome he gave you permission to use his quote. I don't write nonfiction so I don't have as much research to do, so it doesn't interfere with writing.

Computer Tutor said...

Good inspirations, Janet. Inspiring Bible verses--that is more so for me as I get older.

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes, Alex and Natalie. It was so easy to ask. I asked a composer for permission to use his lyrics in my book, and he said yes. I guess these famous people are easier to approach than we think. Now I have the courage to get out there and ask!!

Thank you, Jacqui. It's hard to choose which Bible verse. So many inspiring ones. I'm working on it though.

Diane Burton said...

Great inspirations. For Christmas 2021, my son & daughter-in-law gave my husband and I Storyworth for a year. Each Monday, we received via email a question about our youth. Those questions prodded our memories. It was great reminding us of good times long ago. Now our DIL is combining all our responses in a book for us and our children.

Jen said...

That's exciting that he let you use his quote in your book. So many little pieces to a bigger picture have to come together, don't they?

I love research and it's so easy for me to get bogged down with it, let it consume me to where I ignore the necessity to actually write the story!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thanks for sharing that story, Janet. It's very nice that you have contact with such kind people. Happy IWSG Day.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

What a wonderful quote!

J.Q. Rose said...

Hi Diane, I've heard of that program and am glad you used it to record your stories for your family. It is a thoughtful gift.

Yes, Jen, There IS that after going deep into the research and feeling the excitement about the topic. But you must write the story too! LOL
Thank you, Joylene.

Diane, that quote is for sure perfect for life storytellers!

Snapdragon said...

That some good inspiration. Research does lead to many form of inspiration.

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