insecure writers support group, writing

IWSG Who Do You Write For?

jenlanebooks
Insecure Writers Support Group started by Alex Cavanaugh, please join us here.

Many thanks to this month’s hosts: Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery.

How’s it going, insecure writers? My writing life is meh as I’m more focused on my day job these days, but I do feel inspired by those of you bravely writing all the words.

The stellar performance of USA at Track and Field World Championships also stimulated me (when my cat, Tuxedo, allowed me to watch the events!)

August 3 question – When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

I don’t have a clue for how to write a story that readers want. All I know is how to write words that reflect my passions and interests. Only when an idea sparks my curiosity, a “What if…?” question, do I dive in to a novel. I need to write what excites me. If I worry about trends or try to mind-read what others might want, I’ll never start the damn thing.

Though I’ve taken a writing hiatus, an idea for my next novel has percolated for months. You probably haven’t heard of cognitive processing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, but it is the BOM-DIGGITY of psychological treatments. I’ve been so impressed by CPT’s effectiveness that I can’t wait to bring the protocol to life in a fictional story. Do readers want to read about a character’s therapy journey in healing from a tragedy? Hell, no! But I’m stoked to write it.

Who do you write for?

Published by jenlanebooks

18 thoughts on “IWSG Who Do You Write For?”

  1. “Do readers want to read about a character’s therapy journey in healing from a tragedy?” Yes. It’s actually a POV that isn’t seen a lot. We more witness characters struggling without therapy and leaning on some poor sod who ends up taking the brunt of the eruptions.
    I write for the void!

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    Reply

      1. Hello Jen, yes there’s a glitch on my wordpress. Here’s the link to my post (fingers crossed it works – mind it’s a bit depressing so be warned): https://elegancesicy.wordpress.com/2022/08/03/insecure-writers-support-group-3/

        I’d correct you slightly by saying I don’t write for the void but to it. I used to think about someone specific when I wrote posts or any writing and that narrowed my writing. Now, I write to the void which gives me that freedom to be me. It’s all tied up in self-esteem and crappy childhood yada yada.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Hi,
    I agree. I have a problem writing what I think others want to hear.
    As for cognitive processing therapy to help people who have PTSD, I’ve heard about it and it would make a story with a realistic character. It would educate people.
    All the best.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi, Natalie, how’s your writing? Hope you’re having a good summer. From what I understand, not everyone who experiences a life-or-death trauma develops PTSD. I’ve heard it’s a bit over 20%, unless the trauma is sexual abuse / assault, and then it’s more like 40+%.

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      Reply

  5. I don’t watch much sport, but I love athletics. At the moment I’m really inspired by all the UK success at the Commonwealth games.

    I think your idea sounds like something people want to read. It’s a hero’s journey in a way and that can be more fulfilling than the lighter stuff.

    Liked by 1 person

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