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!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments.
The awesome co-hosts for
the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Gwen
Gardner, Doreen
McGettigan, Tyrean
Martinson, Chemist
Ken, and Cathrina
Constantine!
So what's this got to do with writing?
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Would it be some faraway, exotic location?
Or maybe a location that would be the actual story setting?
Or is your sweet spot the local coffee shop, where you spend many hours bringing your story to life?
Some Unusual Writing Places of Famous Authors
Gertrude Stein avoided tiresome shopping expeditions by dropping off her partner and then parking up her Model T Ford to write.
Nottingham born D.H. Lawrence loved writing al fresco, leaning on pine trees in New Mexico and great firs in Germany’s Black Forest. “The trees are like living company,” said Lawrence.
Maya Angelou wrote in hotel rooms, requesting that everything be removed from the walls, in order to avoid distractions. She brought note pads, a dictionary, a thesaurus and a Bible in order to write, plus sherry and cigarettes for a little ‘down time’.
Agatha Christie constructed her plots in a large Victorian bath tub.
Some interesting and quirky writing spots!
Today is the closing date of the Annual IWSG Anthology Contest. You still have a few hours to submit your story!
Genre is middle grade historical – adventure/ fantasy and the theme is voyagers.
The IWSG needs co-hosts for October through to January 8. If you're interested then leave a comment or send an email.
If you haven't co-hosted yet, give it a go. It's a great networking opportunity.
The IWSG Twitter Pitch is coming up soon. Polish those pitches and have them ready to go. You just never know who may be watching.
There are loads of exciting activities happening at the IWSG Goodreads Book Club
Quizzes, Giveaways, Freebies
So what is your ideal location to sit and write your next story?
Have you submitted to the annual anthology contest?
Are you interested in co-hosting for the monthly blog hop?
Getting ready to polish your Twitter pitch?
Do any of the IWSG Goodreads Book Club activities catch your attention?
Happy IWSG Day!
Enjoyed reading about the famous writers writing spots. Fun. Can't really imagine writing in the tub!
ReplyDeleteYup me too...loved reading about those author's places. And funny that Maya had a bible plus sherry and cigarettes.
ReplyDeleteMost interesting to read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Last day to enter the contest!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Thinking..... I've bookmarked. I'll be back. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading Agatha Christie also did some plotting while doing dishes - the lady liked her water!
ReplyDeleteI didn't get a story in for the anthology this time - had a few close ideas, but nothing that got finished up in time :)
I prefer to write at home in my messy computer station, but I've blogged from a hospital and a rehab center. I didn't work on a WIP in either of those locations, though. I also have composed short poems while in the bathtub. (They have to be short to memorize them to write down later.)
ReplyDeleteI think the key to being a 'real writer' is not waiting for ideal conditions but writing where you are, even if it's a spot full of distractions.
Nissa Annakindt
https://myantimatterlife.wordpress.com
I've heard that Maya Angelou worked from a hotel room, but I had not heard the bit about Agatha Christie in a Victorian Bathtub. LOL. We writers are an interesting lot.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle - interesting to see authors' favourite writing locations ... as you say some are a bit OTT ... I'd come out to Africa and spend time in the bush - would love to come out ... and write - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt would be neat to write in the setting of your current work-in-progress.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to know what famous writers did to produce their work. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I go to book events alone, coming back to an empty hotel room was my favorite time of day.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to learn where these writers liked to write. I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteLove these anecdotes about other writers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question (and I loved reading this blog about authors and their favorite places). Thanks for sharing with us! I wrote about a secluded mountain cabin and how it might resemble my current home (although not in the mountains), without all the distractions that keep me from writing. Happy September! https://www.dianeweidenbenner.com/iwsg-first-wednesday-9-4-19/
ReplyDeleteLocation is key, removing everything from walls is a bit excessive though haha
ReplyDeleteDH Lawrence must've visited the north half of New Mexico - not many pine trees in the lower half. (Trust me!)
ReplyDeleteToo funny! I remember reading that Agatha Christie (allegedly) liked to examine photos of murder scenes while in the tub, as well. I'm sure it helped with her plotting.
ReplyDeleteI would be so distracted trying to write while leaning against a tree. I'd be afraid of bugs! I plot in the shower and tub also, though mostly I do it while exercising.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to write anywhere overlooking the seashore or coastline. If only such real estate were affordable!
ReplyDeleteI would like to own some lakefront property. I would say ocean but that invites hurricane.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing some of the famous writer's writing spots. Don't think I could write in a tub, that's relaxing time for me.
ReplyDeleteI had already posted, so I'll mention it here that my favorite spot to write is at a table at home with a view in front of me. It doesn't matter what the view is, I just need a view of something. Anything. Except a brick wall. That won't do at all :)
ReplyDeleteFun Facts, Michele! I could go for where D.H. Lawrence liked to write, especially in Northern New Mexico.
ReplyDeleteI would write in a submarine deep in the ocean.
ReplyDeleteFascinating facts about those famous authors. For me writing on my sofa in the living room is where I enjoy writing. as long as my home space is comfy, I can write. When my home is in disarray, then I can't write a single word.
ReplyDelete