IWSG: Five Objects From My Writing Space

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!

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Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the December 5 posting of the IWSG are J.H. Moncrieff, Tonja Drecker , Patsy Collins, and Chrys Fey!

So, what are my insecurities, this week? Well, there are the usual things, and they mostly involve my latest revision.  Can’t spell. Can’t comma. Can’t verb much. And also, in the equally insecure and nerve wracking drafting world, my main character–who is a eunuch, btw–is currently on his second love interest. (Well, his first, actually. The second one I’ve written.) Apparently, cutting a character’s balls off in the first act in no way mitigates his desire for a home and family in the second act.

So, now, an imaginary eunuch is getting more lovin’ than I am.

It’s also possible there are a few insecurities about where my life is going these days. The feeling that nothing I want is happening fast enough, and the clock is ticking seems to be a regular factor, right now.

December 5 question – What are five objects we’d find in your writing space?

1. My computer, or more and more frequently, my phone and a Bluetooth keyboard. The computer is getting old and creaky, and the battery isn’t as good as it used to be. The phone steps up to the plate more and more often, while I’m waiting for a good sale on computers.

2. My Progress Journal. This is where I keep my word counts, my scene lists, and my revision schedule. Basically, the current plan to keep myself on track.

3. Some kind of time-saving meal/caffeine combo. At the moment, this tends to be meal replacement shakes. They do save time.

4. My very ancient copy of the Little Brown Compact Handbook. It’s probably the only textbook I still use on a regular basis. It has tabs, so I can track down the exact grammar mistake I’m worried about very quickly.

5. My  cat. Generally sitting on top of whatever I’m working on at the moment. He’s a great butt-in chair accessory, since he’s always so disappointed when I have to get up.

18 Comments

  1. Rebecca Douglass

    Reply

    Hadn’t thought about that aspect of a cat’s presence! Nor would I have even thought of using a blue-tooth keyboard with my phone (not that it’s an option for me–I have an old, and very small, phone, which means that I can’t see it well enough to do much, though I’ve been known to start drafting short stories by feel during boring meetings.
    Rebecca’s IWSG post at The Ninja Librarian

  2. Reply

    Cats are so good at being right in the middle of everything. I get anxious too with where I am right now. I try. Everyday. And I believe when you stick to it, eventually something wonderful will find you. Happy IWSG day 🙂

  3. Reply

    Progress journal, eh? That’s an excellent idea. After a recent workshop with a CPA on tax advice for writers, I’ve just been tracking my hours and general activities, but not what I’ve actually accomplished. I’ll have to try that. Wishing you happy writing in December.

  4. Lee Lowery

    Reply

    I love how so many of us have cats/dogs in our writing space. I really like the idea of a progress journal – I think I’ll start one today. I have no shortage of notebooks or pens, so I don’t even have to order any special supplies.

  5. Reply

    Cats are important for writing if you have one living with you. We have dogs. I miss my cats. Happy IWSG Day.

    • Reply

      I’m in an either-or situation with the dog-cat debate, too. I’d love a good dog by my feet, while I work, too.

  6. Reply

    The cat is like a tiny writing tyrant. I bet you get ‘the look’ when you try to move, as well. Such a great way to up your word count! haha

  7. Reply

    Midnight, my cat, considers himself my muse! I even have his image in my last three books shamelessly asking for a review! 🙂

  8. Tonja Drecker

    Reply

    If someone could train cats to become grammar geniuses, that would be helpful. Happy writing!

  9. Reply

    I truly miss having my cat around while writing! I can relate to “things not happening as fast as I want them to” more than I care to admit. Patience, thy name is not mine.

    • Reply

      My texting skills are horrible! LoL. I have a folding Bluetooth keyboard that’s pretty much full size. It fits in my purse and goes everywhere, but I’m not writing anything with my thumbs.

  10. Reply

    Your character does what in the first act? Eek! lol

    I love the sound of a Progress Journal. I guess that a lot like what my Bullet Journal has become. 🙂

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

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