Hello Everyone,
It is IWSG Time!
IWSG is a writers' support group created and led by Alex Cavanaugh.
Purpose: 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!
This group is an immense help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities, our successes, or giving encouragement and support to others.
So, if you are interested and would like to join, the link below will lead you directly to us.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
The awesome co-hosts for the October 6 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, J Lenni Dorner,Cathrina Constantine, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard!
Submissions: Turn The Light On into the KCT International Literary "TREAT" Award Contest (Still Outstanding)
A Portrait of Daisy Dee, Fiction, The Writer, Short Story Contest (Still Outstanding)
A Shared Dream, The Alpha/Omega Short Story Contest, July 2, 2021 (Still Outstanding)
REJECTIONS: The Wasteland, Carve Magazine, Raymond Carver Short Story Contest
Drawing The Line In Topics Or Language
I have a problem with the optional question because it could cause a shadow on writers who write differently than the dominating majority.
With that said, let me say there are some topics that I don't touch in my writing because I'm ignorant about those issues. Do I draw the line? Yes, I do. However, I try to maintain respect for those writers and their works. You're not going to find me out on the streets boycotting their books.
As for language, I don't like using profanity in my books. You may find a word or two, but that usually is it. However, coming from a neighborhood that was across the railroad tracks, or better known as the ghetto behind the lovely homes on the main streets, the language used wasn't and still isn't from the Emily Post School of Etiquette (excuse me for the sarcasm). Do I draw the line with such books? It depends on if I like the story and what it portrays. Again, I emphasize respecting the writer's journey, which often seeps unknowingly in our manuscripts.
Writing doesn't mean I have to agree with everything authors write or the language they use. Writers are human, and each writer's journey should be respected and not condemned regardless of whether I agree with their book or not.
Wishing all of you a lovely October month.
Take care and be safe.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
I agree with you that we don't have to agree with everything other writers write or draw the same lines in our writing as they do. It's a totally personal choice, and we should respect the decisions others make.
ReplyDeleteWell said. It is freedom of speech after all. But like you, I don't use language in my books.
ReplyDeleteI like your comment about everyone's journey being respected. I know many condemn or disregard the writing of others because of certain topics or styles; but everyone is different and everyone has an audience. Great outlook!
ReplyDelete"...each writer's journey should be respected and not condemned regardless of whether I agree with their book or not."
ReplyDeleteI love that! Unfortunately, I feel like it's something we're losing sight of, in general.
I agree. There is room for all kinds of writing. While there are some that aren't for me, I'm glad they're there for others who enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be boring to have an academy that "regulated" the way we write? Viva la différence!
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude, Pat. I also love your new profile pic above. You look happy. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteVery well said: Writers are human, and each writer's journey should be respected and not condemned regardless of whether I agree with their book or not.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the rejections--I'm sure your stories will find good homes soon!
I admire anyone that can dance over the line and do it well. They teach me a lot about method, tone, and atmosphere. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
You hit a hot button, Pat. So many people are afraid to express a simple opinion lest they be accused of being offensive or non-inclusive or some other censoring technique. All viewpoints should be allowed to be expressed, and individually we examine and accept or reject it for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are all different and have different rules and priorities in our writing. If I don't like another writer's choices in topics or language I would just refrain from reading him. I would never say to him: "Don't write this or that." I don't feel I have the right to direct anyone's writing or action.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your outstanding submissions, Pat. I think we need to use the language our characters would use or it's not authentic.
ReplyDeleteI love the diversity of answers to this month's question. I'm sort of middle road. I hope we're all confident in our own answers to not judge the ones who are different. Or just call me Pollyanna. We write what works for us.
ReplyDeleteEverytime I visit you I learn a lesson not only in writing but on life as well. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of you and your shirt! Your respect for other writers really comes through in this post.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you. I don't use language in my books, especially since I write for kids. But that limit actually ends up making me more creative sometimes.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteI agree that writing isn't about agreeing with readers or other writers.
All the best with your submissions.
"Each writer's journey should be respected and not condemned regardless of whether I agree with their book or not" - I love this so much. Too many people treat their personal taste as some kind of objective measure of quality. Thanks for being open-minded and kind.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your submissions.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in the Bronx it was kind of the norm to hear middle school age kids cursing. Didn't use foul language much myself, maybe because I'd attended catholic school before switching to public school in the 7th grade. The only times I curse is when it slips out when I'm extreme or stub my toe.
But as you said about the writer's journey, it's to each their own.
Very well said! I rarely judge people for their language. I've known people who would never say poo cut people to their very core with a mean tongue. I do try to refrain myself and in my writing, I try to match the language with the character.
ReplyDelete