Tag: insecure writers support group

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#IWSG Bodies in the Boatyard by @Ellen__Jacobson 5 Star Review #cozymystery

Jennifer Lane

Happy Holidays, writers! Time for the Insecure Writers Support Group, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh.


Thank you to this month’s co-hosts:

 J.H. Moncrieff, Tonja Drecker , Patsy Collins, and Chrys Fey

Fall is my busiest time at work so I’ve focused more on my day job than on writing lately. But, I did submit a short story for consideration in an anthology, and I applied for a writing festival.


I’d like to share my review for fellow IWSG author’s latest release, Bodies in the Boatyard. Congratulations to Ellen Jacobson for her engaging cozy mystery series!



Bodies in the Boatyard (A Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery #2)Bodies in the Boatyard by Ellen Jacobson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Panda Bear on the Case

I continue to enjoy the integration of murder mystery, sailing science, chocolate cravings, and frisky felines in the Mollie McGhie series, which takes place in a small Florida boating community.

In book two, Mollie’s husband, Scooter, has moved on from calling her Sweet Potato to Panda Bear, and Mollie appreciates not being referred to as a root vegetable anymore. Their dilapidated boat has sprung a leak, so she gets hauled to the boatyard for repairs.

Conflict among Mollie’s Coconut Cove neighbors, along with an illegal poaching ring, lead to dead bodies piling up. Who finds these bodies? Mollie, of course–much to the consternation of the police chief. If Mollie weren’t so cute and good-hearted, she might get in trouble for her meddling! She is also lucky to have a feline mini-sleuth at her side, the adorable Mrs. Moto, to help her solve crimes.

I like clever boat names like The Codfather, and Mollie’s incessant sweet tooth that never stops scheming for sugar. There are also some fun jabs at extreme environmentalists who seem to value the environment more than human life.

I look forward to book three in the series!

View all my reviews
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#IWSG The Healing Power of Writing

Jennifer Lane
Happy October, writers! Time to support each other on this writing journey…join us here.

Thank you to this month’s co-hosts:


IWSG Day Question: How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

This is a timely question for me as I’ve been pondering why I haven’t felt as motivated to write lately. (Though I do plan to finish a short story soon.)

I’ve realized that I don’t feel the burning need to write right now because things in my career are pretty good. I went through some difficult times at work in 2007, and I unknowingly turned to writing to cope with feelings of insecurity and betrayal. The words poured out of me then. I made my ex-boss the villain of my first book, a murder mystery. (He he.)

Thank you, writing! You have helped me heal. I also feel grateful for second chances. After a six-year hiatus working elsewhere, I returned to my same position, and version 2.0 is much better. I’m less naive and more confident, and my career as a psychologist feels like a true calling.

Maybe I’ll immerse myself in a sea of words again, but for now I’m happy to bask in the sunshine onshore, knowing writing is always there to dive into when I need it.


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#IWSG Publishing Paths #writer #support #group

Jennifer Lane
Happy September, writers! Join our support group to vent and celebrate this wild writing journey at our founder’s blog, Alex Cavanaugh. 

Thank you to this month’s courageous co-hosts: Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler!

IWSG Day Question: What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?


I never anticipated becoming a writer, much less an author, but now eight published novels sit on my shelf.

After writing a few stories, I wanted to publish my debut novel, With Good Behavior, in 2009. I bought a print book about publishing (remember print books?) and took a stab at writing synopses and queries for agents and publishers.

Rejections rolled in–disappointing then but not surprising now after I have learned more about the finicky publishing business. 

Luckily, I discovered a new small publisher that specialized in romance novels like mine, and I was THRILLED when they accepted my novel!

Omnific Publishing taught me so much about editing and marketing, and we published four novels together.

In 2014, I sought more creative control for my New Adult romance trilogy, so I ventured into self-publishing. But the awesome author friends (including critique partner Nicki Elson), editor, and book designer I’ve met through my publisher have been instrumental in creating four novels.


I love self-publishing! Though it’s a challenge to spread the word about my books, I enjoy the speed and entrepreneurial spirit. And there are so many cool writers and readers like YOU I’ve met along the way.

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#IWSG Plentiful Publication Pitfalls

Jennifer Lane

Happy August, writers! Join the Insecure Writer’s Support Group at Alex Cavanaugh’s blog.

Thank you to this month’s courageous co-hosts:

I love this month’s question: What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

I’ve faced publication pitfalls galore so I hope that sharing them will help newbie authors avoid them. Here are beliefs that put the pain in publishing:

1) “I’ve got this writing thing.” I thought my debut novel was well-written. It wasn’t. WRITING IS A CRAFT. It takes years of developing the craft even to knock on the door of good writing. I feel more confident in my day job after over twenty years of experience, so why did I think I was competent at writing after only a few fledgling years of fan fiction? Fortunately I had the opportunity to re-edit my debut novel seven years later, so at least now I can read it without cringing.

2) “My book should hit the shelves soon.” I pride myself in finishing tasks efficiently and often feel impatient when others don’t do the same. The fact is that publishing is full of excruciating waits. Waiting for…responses to queries, publication contracts, multiple rounds of editing (fortunately my editor is super speedy–love her!), proofreading, cover design, book design, marketing materials, marketing assistants…and that’s before the book is even released. Not to mention it’s rare (and often requires years of persistence) to publish with a large publisher who gets your book on shelves.

3) “It’s clear when a book is good or bad.” Reading is so subjective! What one reader loves, another hates. Regarding one of my brash heroes, one reviewer said, “Where can I get a Dane in my life?” whereas another said, “Dane is the WORST hero I have ever read about.” I felt proud of the writing in my latest release–too bad it has been my worst seller. Considering the subjectivity and flooded market, we need to write the stories in our hearts instead of wondering what readers will like or buy.

One common thread through all of my pitfalls is expectations. I wish I could quiet my planner brain and live more in the present. I don’t know much about Buddhism, but one friend described it as “letting go of expectations”. Sounds like a good way to live and write.

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#IWSG July #GOALS

Jennifer Lane

Whoops I hope I’m not too late (only one day?) to post for the Insecure Writers Support Group, July version. Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for starting the group–join us here!


I’m in Hilton Head with my seven-month old niece, whose cuteness supersedes any blog schedule in my mind.


Hop on over to this month’s awesome co-hosts!

Co-Hosts
Nicki Elson


Now onto this month’s question:


What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time?

Writing started as a need to express myself, and I got lost in the characters and stories I created. Over time, more goals emerged, including the desire to inspire hope for healing and demystifying psychotherapy as one path for that healing. Another big goal has been connecting with authors and readers.

As a psychologist, I often encourage clients to focus on the process instead of the outcome. But since I’m a competitive person, I get drawn into outcome goals: sales and reviews. I wish I didn’t care as much about those, because outcome goals sometimes interfere with my enjoyment of the process. (Though a great review can sure inspire the process!)

I’m still on a writing hiatus so for now my goal is to enjoy friends and family on the weekends.

What are your #goals?
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#IWSG Writing Funk and Title Trouble

Jennifer Lane

I love summer! I was so absorbed in summer goodness that I forgot to post for June’s Insecure Writers Support Group yesterday, whoops.


Thank you to Alex Cavanaugh for his clever creation. Join us here.

I haven’t written for six months and I’m wondering if my writing mojo will return. But I do still enjoy supporting fellow authors like Ellen Jacobson from The Cynical Sailor! Her cozy mystery, Murder at the Marina, is a cute hoot, and I’ll post my review on 6/22/18.

IWSG June Question: What’s harder for you to come up with, book titles or character names?


I gotta go with titles. I agonized over the title of my last novel though in the end it probably didn’t matter much. For the most part I have a blast drumming up character names. I don’t have children so the characters are my babies I get to name and hold and pet.

Make sure to visit these stellar co-hosts!

Beverly Stowe McClure, Tyrean Martinson, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

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#IWSG Set Fire to the Rain

Jennifer Lane

Happy spring, writers! Join us as we vent and cheer at the monthly Insecure Writers Support Group, hosted by Alex J Cavanaugh.


Thank you to this month’s co-hosts:


IWSG Day Question: 


When your writing life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to dig down and keep on writing?

This is a timely question for me because it feels like fog has rolled into my writing life. I haven’t written since December of 2017. I’m not upset about it–I just don’t have ideas for new stories whispering in my ear. So I’m not digging down deep for now, but that’s okay with me.

Instead of writing, I’ve enjoyed hanging with my friends and family on the weekends. I visited one sister (along with my 4-month-old niece) in South Carolina in March, and I’ll visit my other sister (and three nephews) in Chicago in April. 

I also found time to assemble Pinterest recipes for Easter, each with only 3 ingredients:

Butterfinger Eggs




I look forward to learning how you respond to the rain.
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#IWSG Celebrate Writing Goals…Take a Break?

Jennifer Lane

Happy March, Writers! Thank you to Alex J Cavanaugh for starting the Insecure Writers Support Group, where we air our hopes and fears.


Make sure to visit this month’s cohosts:

 Mary Aalgaard, Bish Denham,Jennifer Hawes, Diane Burton, and Gwen Gardner!

IWSG Day Question: How do you celebrate when you achieve a writing goal / finish a story?

I haven’t paid enough attention to celebrating in the past, maybe due to my worried brain and achiever personality. Instead of basking in the glory, I often jump to the next goal.

But my psychologist friend, Karen, insists on taking me out to dinner when I finish a novel, and it is important to revel in satisfaction after a completed goal.

Upon finishing a novel, I typically have a sequel or new story hopping in my brain. Since I finished Twin Sacrifice, though, it’s been pretty quiet up in hearrre. 

I pushed hard at marketing my latest release and have felt bummed by sales, although the reviews have been very kind. Maybe my overall lack of plot ideas and return on marketing investment are a sign to take a break from writing for a while.

Have you taken a lengthy break from writing? How’d it go?




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#IWSG Genres We Love to Write #Marketing #NewRelease

Jennifer Lane

Happy February, writers! Join us for our monthly group therapy, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh.

Hop over to visit this month’s kick-butt co-hosts!



IWSG Question: What do you love about the genre you write in most often?

I write multiple genres so I’ll mention one aspect I love about each:

Romance — A spark of attraction that deepens into intimacy provides emotional depth in the story.

Suspense — Torturing my characters by imprisoning them or sicking the Mafia on their tail creates needed plot conflict and hopefully keeps readers turning the pages.

Sports — The pursuit of excellence, against mighty odds, reveals character.

Psychology — Throwing characters into therapy is an ideal mechanism for character development and healing.


I’m gearing up for the release of psychological thriller (with suspense and romance) TWIN SACRIFICE on 2-28-18.

Thank you to all who shared my cover reveal, including IWSGers Shannon from The Warrior Muse, Jacqui from Word Dreams, Miranda Burski, Cathrina Constantine, and Nicki Elson’s Not So Deep Thoughts. Your support is awesome.

Here’s my marketing plan:

* Goodreads giveaway

* Facebook release party

* Netgalley listing for 6 months

* Pre-order Blitz and Release Tour by Book Partners in Crime Productions

* I made the ebook available on Amazon for pre-order and I’ll do author takeovers at a few friends’ Facebook pages

If you have additional marketing ideas that have worked for you, please let me know. Happy writing!

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#IWSG Writing Schedule New Release TWIN SACRIFICE

Jennifer Lane

Welcome to 2018’s first Insecure Writer’s Support Group! We’re a “safe space” to share our hopes and fears, created by our intrepid leader, Alex Cavanaugh. I’m excited to be your co-host today, along with these witty writers:






*This month’s question: What steps have you taken or plan to take to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

At first, writing consumed me so much that I wrote every day. Now, I only write on weekends (unless I’m traveling). I’m okay with that schedule because I’m too wiped out from the day job to write on weeknights, and no way in hell am I waking up early to write!

I also aim for publishing one new release a year. On February 28, 2018, I’m launching my first psychological thriller, Twin Sacrifice.


Do you have a little time to help spread the word for my new release? 

You can add Twin Sacrifice to Goodreads HERE. 

A larger time investment is signing up for the cover reveal, pre-order blitz, and/or review tour HERE. Book Partners in Crime will send you super easy HTML for your blog.


Here’s to an amazing 2018! May you strive for and reach your writing goals.