Monday, February 10, 2025

An Interview with Tom Bromley

The Insecure Writers' Support Group is excited to introduce our readers to Tom Bromley. He's spent many years in the key aspects of this writing business and offers his expertise to those who are pursuing a career in this challenging field.

And now...meet Tom!

Interview

Your writing journey started with a passion for storytelling. What inspired you to write your first book, and how did that experience shape your career as a writer?

I started writing when I was playing in bands after college and everyone else got up later than me, so I had some time to myself! The first book I tried went nowhere, but when the band split up, I wrote a novel based around my band experiences and that became my first published novel. I learned on the job writing that book – I did five drafts over five years and taught myself how to write in the process through trial and error. Mainly error!

Having spent over two decades in publishing as an editor, publisher, and ghostwriter, how has working on so many different projects – and areas of publishing – influenced your perspective on writing?

I would hope it gives me a more rounded approach. So I try to remember the writer’s sensibilities when editing and bring that editorial eye in when rewriting my own work. Working on all those books tends to reinforce your beliefs about writing, and to understand how trends may come and go, but good writing lasts.

What’s one key lesson you’ve learned from working in the publishing industry that you think every aspiring novelist should know?

That getting published isn’t a panacea. You’re still there, at your desk, staring at the computer, working out what to write next. And those insecurities don’t go away, they change: instead of ‘am I good enough to get published?’ they become ‘am I good enough to stay published?’ instead.



Are you a plotter or a pantser? Can you tell us more about how you prepare to write your books, and the importance of preparation more generally?

I personally think that split is a little too binary – it’s more of a sliding scale between the two and the key is to work out the sweet spot of freedom/planning that works for you. I like to keep things fairly simple in terms of plotting for my fiction: I have an overall story arc of where I want to get to, but don’t know how I’m going to get there. That said, I do tend to base my books around specific real-life events, which helps create a natural structure in the background to work with.

For writers starting a new project, why is understanding their story’s theme crucial? Can it evolve as the story develops?

Possibly slightly controversial, but I’d disagree with the question. What is important when starting a project are the characters and the plot, and everything else falls into place after that. The theme should come out of what you write, rather than trying to fit the writing around it. For me, approaching a novel by beginning with a theme feels like the wrong way around.

Outlines can provide a helpful guide when writing, but stories often take unexpected turns. What are some of the signs that it’s time to deviate from the original plan, and how should writers approach these changes?

As I say, I don’t outline too heavily in my writing. That’s partly because I like the freedom to discover the story as I write, but it also allows for the narrative to change as you write it. I’d say that the key to a lot of plotting is character – as long as the change fits into their progression as a character, then go for it.

What’s your favorite piece of advice for writers looking to finish their first draft, especially those feeling stuck midway?

Don’t go back! It’s so tempting to rewrite but that leads to an endless loop of trying to get things perfect. You’re in a much better place having a full draft to work with as you can see the bigger picture at that point. The midway point can be hard – it’s a bit like being at sea when the wind drops. But the wind will pick up again – you’ve just got to keep going and you’ll see land eventually!

You’ve created a 3-month novel-writing course for Reedsy. Can you walk us through how the course is structured and what makes it unique?

The course is 101 days in length, with a daily video lesson every Monday to Friday and a panel of authors each weekend. The weeks are themed around different writing topics to guide you through the process of writing. We want you to get to the end of the draft by the end of the course. Think of it as Masterclass meets NaNoWriMo!

Who would benefit most from this course? Is it suitable for beginners, or can it also help more experienced writers looking to develop their writing skills?

The course is suited to anyone wanting to write – and get the support to write – the first draft of their novel. It works best when you come to the course with some idea of what you want to write; coming without an idea, you might struggle to begin with. I’ve tried to calibrate the teaching so you’ll learn something new whatever level you’re at. We have lots of first-time writers, but many experienced ones too – some who are published authors who want group support, others who have done MFAs or written non-fiction books in the past.

For writers planning to write a novel this year, what advice would you give to help them stay motivated and on track?

Keep writing. That sounds a banal thing to say, but even if you can only carve out thirty minutes a day, you’ll be surprised how those words add up. Give yourself a target but don’t beat yourself up if you get behind. You’ll have good days and bad days, so roll with the punches. Finding a support network can help – whether fellow writers on a course or a local writing group, their encouragement and feedback can prove invaluable in getting over the line. Good luck!

Conclusion

Registrations are now open for Tom’s novel-writing course, How to Write a Novel, which starts on March 3rd. If you’d like a sneak peek of the course, create an account to get a free lesson on creating compelling characters. 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Changing Old Stories


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. This group is all about connecting!

The awesome co-hosts for the February 5 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Louise Barbour, and Tyrean Martinson!

February 5 question - Is there a story or book you've written you want to/wish you could go back and change?

Perhaps it’s a trunk story you just haven’t pulled out again for whatever reason.
Maybe it’s a short story you submitted without success.
It could be a published story, one that you know you need to edit but haven’t done so or felt it easier just to take it down.
And there’s the possibility it’s a story or book through a publisher that you might not be able to change.

Do any of your stories fall into any of those categories? If you want to change or edit it, why haven’t you/can’t you?

* * *

Last month, we partnered with Reedsy for their writing prompts contest. The theme was Great Expectations and there were hundreds of entries. The IWSG admins were the final round of judging and we selected “Humanity’s Rebirth” by Reese Blaise as the winner. You can view the top three winners and read their entries HERE. Congratulations to the winner and top entries and thank you to everyone who entered.


Is there a story you’d like to change and why?

Monday, January 27, 2025

Social Media--One Writer's Tale

Good friend and excellent writer, Gabi Coatsworth a British-born American is posting today about something we as authors have experienced or need to know. Take it away, Gabi! 

Monday, January 20, 2025

The Beauty Of Flash Fiction

 Flash fiction is a form which is deceptively complex.


The beginning of every flash piece is like setting down an untraveled path towards an unknown destination. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, yet you have no idea what’s around the corner.

What triggers the story: a line of dialogue, a picture prompt, a single word, the line of a song?

What genre will emerge? A slice of humor, a slip of fantasy or a sliver of horror?

Whose point of view? A child? An object?

What types of ideas will come out? Extended sentences, like a throng of impatient learners, rushing through the school gates at the end of a long and tiring week. Or short phrases. Tip toe. Wary. Exploratory. Scanning the corridors of a new flash adventure.

Who knows? Writing flash fiction presents infinite possibilities which outnumber the sand grains scattered across Arabia.

And that is what I love about flash fiction – the unknown, the thrill, the risk.

In good flash fiction, most of the story occurs in what isn't there. We are talking about fiction that utilizes negative space. It’s a beautiful enigma that hints... leaves you wondering...

Expect to be taken by surprise as you savor this tasty morsel which is short on words but long on depth. It’s concise. Squeezes out any excess, yet maintains the succulence. Hacks away at the clutter until the core is revealed.

If you’ve hit a dry spot, it revs up your creative processes. It’s easier to maintain your focus for tiny word bites, than over a full-course meal of chapters and verses.

Language becomes precise and sparse. When we are forced to write within a limited frame every word becomes charged with intention and meaning. Pay close attention to detail and examine every single syllable in every word.

The fiction reaches out and grabs! It can be a gut punch or a passionate kiss, but the reader must feel something.

Imagine this scenario. You experience a fleeting moment of inspiration... maybe you’re in the shower, or just relaxing at the beachfront, minding your own, and an idea sneaks in. You plan to ignore it, but it anchors itself firmly. It refuses to disappear. However, you have no desire to extend this into something longer.

Don’t disregard it.

Seize the moment. Jot down the idea. See where it takes you.

Enjoy the ride!

Monday, January 13, 2025

Maintaining Health and Creativity as a Writer

By Elizabeth S. Craig


This post covers a topic that I think a lot about, especially at the beginning of each year. It seems like, at the start of the new year, there's a lot of advice out there about driving ourselves forward and getting our goals accomplished. I'm very goal-oriented too, but I've learned through the years that balance is incredibly important.

Ergonomics Matter:

Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic writing setup. This includes a good chair, a desk at the right height, and proper positioning of your computer screen. Your body will thank you for it in the long run. Believe me. I had months of PT, years ago, for sitting on a sofa while writing (with my feet up on the coffee table. Apparently, this is very bad.)

Take Regular Breaks:


This is one I continue reminding myself to do. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and gives your body a chance to move. I also will look at something far away, something mid-range, and something close-up.

Stay Hydrated:

Keep a water bottle at your writing desk and make a habit of drinking regularly. Staying hydrated can really help with focus and energy.

Incorporate Movement:

Schedule short exercise breaks into your writing routine. This could be a quick walk, some stretches, or a few minutes of yoga. Physical activity can boost creativity and help prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting. If we're writing a lot, we're usually sitting a lot.

Set Boundaries:

Establish clear work-life boundaries, especially if you write from home. Have set "office hours" and resist the urge to check your writing projects during personal time. It's something I struggle with, but I always try to wrap things up each day by 4:30 pm.

And always remember to be kind to yourself. I'm definitely the person who's toughest on me in my life, and I'm probably not the only one in this boat. Don't push yourself too hard. Understand when you need to take a break . . . whether it's for a day or longer.

What tips for self-care can you add to this list? Are there any you struggle with?


Bestselling cozy mystery author Elizabeth Spann Craig is a library-loving, avid mystery reader. A pet-owning Southerner, her five series are full of cats, corgis, and cheese grits. The mother of two, she lives with her husband, a fun-loving corgi, and a couple of beautiful fluffball cats. Follow Elizabeth and learn more about her books by visiting her website.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Reedsy Creative Writing Prompts


It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Beth Camp, Liza @ Middle Passages, and Natalie @ Literary Rambles!

January 8 question - Describe someone you admired when you were a child. Did your opinion of that person change when you grew up?

Looking forward to your answers.

Reedsy Creative Writing Prompts Takeover!


The IWSG is taking over Reedsy’s Creative Writing Prompts this week. There is $250.00 at stake!

For our takeover, we’ve created five prompts to kickstart your post-holiday reflection and creativity. We can’t wait to read what you come up with! As a bonus prize, the winner of this contest will be given the opportunity to be featured as a guest on the IWSG blog; share their take on a subject about writing, and introduce their books in print or any works in progress.!

Prompts:
1. Center your story around someone who receives a gift or message that changes their life forever.
2. Create a character who is spending their first holiday alone.
3. Set your story in a place where everything should be familiar to your character(s) but isn’t.
4. Write about an unexpected guest who changes the traditional get-together.
5. Write a story that includes the line “I should have known better.”

Contest ends in a couple days, so hop on over to Reedsy’s Creative Writing Prompts now!


Did your admiration change? Entering Reedsy’s contest? Who is ready for a shiny new year and new goals?