Quote of the Day: One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for 1,000 years. To read is to voyage through time. Carl Sagan

Today is 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. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.

Question of the Month: Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?

I have been reading more in this past, pandemic, year than any other time. I’ve been reading at least one book a week, plus listening to one on audio. I read from many genres. I’m in a book club, so I’ll read whatever someone else picks, sometimes non-fiction, or books I wouldn’t normally have found on my own. Usually, that’s good. Sometimes, it’s a book that’s not for me. I usually read fiction, but can also enjoy a well written memoir with a strong narrative. I also follow what my sister reads. We have similar taste. I’m on Goodreads and follow some friends there who have great taste. If I walk into a bookstore, I go right to the mystery section. I’m a huge fan of mysteries and suspense. My favorite author is Sue Grafton. I can find a good mysterious ghost story from MN author Wendy Webb, and I’ve become a Stephen King fan in my later years. I used to think his books would be too graphic for me, but that’s the movies. His writing is brilliant. I also love historical fiction, which is popular in my book club, too. We read Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner for March. I’m listening to Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton, set in Cuba, both in the 1950’s and current times. I love it. Next up on my night stand is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.

So, what’s for insecurities this month? Well, with all that reading of wonderful novels, and attending a zoom author event with BOTH Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult, I’ve felt a little inadequate. It’s wrong to compare yourself, but how do you stop yourself? These women are brilliant storytellers, generous, gifted, and have enormous success and following. Over 300 people attended that zoom webinar. The side comments never stopped. So, my little story of a mom and son traveling during the pandemic feels so unimportant. And, yet, I persevere. I’m up to 50,000 words. Go me. I’ve enjoyed participating in an online writer’s workshop with Candace Simar and Krista Soukup through Blue Cottage Agency. Our session ended last week, but Krista is offering another workshop with book doctor Stuart Horwitz, same time, same place, through March (check it out if you’re looking for a four week motivation). I signed up. It really does help keep me motivated to write my novel, edit it, and eventually get it to publication. Some day. Also, Spring is here. Spring fever has struck, and I am ready to leave this pandemic nest I’ve created and explore the world. Would love to get that vaccine shot before hitting the road, however.

Take care, dear writer and reader friends. The light is bright at the end of this long, angst-filled tunnel.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What are you looking forward to?