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IWSG

#IWSG Oct. 2025- Favorite Thing I’ve Written

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.

Optional Monthly Question: What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?

The most favorite thing I’ve written has been the story of Giovanni, a.k.a. Bletsian. Originally, I released the story as The Eternal Curse Series. I wrote three books in the series, but only release two, along with companions for each. I was writing the third book when I realized that my writer’s voice from book 1 to book 3 was dramatically different and there were things I felt needed to be expanded or explored with the story. Once I finished the third book, I decided not to publish it and removed the first two books from print. I still offer it in digital form in my Patreon shop, but haven’t been shy about the fact that I’m rewriting the whole series as The Mark of Bletsian.

Generally, Giovanni is the main character, but the story isn’t actually about him. It’s about him and everyone he encounters. It’s a story steeped in faith and the idea that there is a purpose to everything, even when we don’t like it. This story is ultimately about me and how I struggle with being a member of human society and choose to be a person of faith in a world that treats “faith” like a bad word.

It’s a family saga that spans millennia, from the time of angels to the destruction of the world. It’s a paranormal adventure with dark themes but an overall uplifting message. I lean heavily into the style of mythology (gods and monsters) but maintain a connection to reality and contemporary society.

It’s the best thing I’ve ever written and am currently writing.

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Personal Updates…

I’m currently looking to move my website and blog to another host. I hope I don’t lose all of it, but I’m at a place where I’d be ok with losing it just to get away from my current host. I feel so heartbroken over the idea of losing decades of work I’ve put into the blog, including all the guest posts, interviews, and reviews I’ve shared that were impactful for other people, but this is where I am now.

Health issues continue to dominate my life. I’m hoping to finally reach a point where I can address my issues and move on with my writing. I’ve received two new diagnosis and look forward to finding out what the plan for treatment is.

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What’s your favorite thing you’ve written?

It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Beth Camp
Crystal Collier,
and Cathrina Constantine!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #21).

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.

Categories
IWSG

#IWSG Sept. 2025- Ethical Uses for A.I. in Writing

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.

Optional Monthly Question: What are your thoughts on using AI, such as GPChat, Raptor, and others, with your writing? Would you use it for research, story bible, or creating outlines\beats?

I’m okay with A.I. helping people with research and organization, but I’m afraid that too many people might be using it to do their writing for them. I see the potential for the applications, but I have been slow to try them all. The one time I tried a creative application and it freaked me out- not going there again.

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UPDATE- I was late getting around to seeing other blogs this month due to complex issues with my hosting and other services.

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What are your thoughts? 

It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Kim Lajevardi,
Natalie Aguirre,
Nancy Gideon,
and Diedre Knight!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #21).

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.

Categories
IWSG

#IWSG Aug 2025- Unethical Practices

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.

I was unable to participate last month due to addressing a medical emergency. I am still addressing health issues at this time, but I wanted to post anyway. I have doctor’s appointments today, but I will start visiting people beforehand and see how the day goes. I appreciate everyone who commented on my last post and gave me well wishes. I’ll be sure to visit all of you this month.

Optional Monthly Question: What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

Right now, I feel very out of touch with the publishing industry. I’m not sure what the current “good” or “bad” practices are, but here are a few I think might be a concern. I guess these may simply be conspiracy theories.

Celebrities using ghost writers and not being transparent about it, or having more established authors put their names as co-authors on books they really had nothing to do with, in order to boost sales. I have no proof of this, but I, personally, doubt that James Patterson has co-written as many books as I’ve seen advertised. Still, the other author and the publishers have to agree to all this, so he’s not totally to blame (if this is even true).

No proof of this as well, but it’s curious to me how an indie title can struggle to reach an audience, break through and create a fandom, only for a very similar story or premise to be released by a more established author or a bigger publisher with an outrageous marketing campaign that buries the original indie book’s sales.

I’m also leery of up-and-coming or newly published authors from large publishers who manage to gain rave reviews from other best-selling authors and highly praised publications. Seems like, sometimes, more money goes towards marketing than editing and writing.

Like it or not, the Zon, is a major player in the publishing industry, and I don’t like that consumers don’t own their eBooks after purchasing through their e-reader services and devices. If I wanted to rent an ebook, I’d use their dedicated subscription service. These were two different things for a reason, at one point, but now, why do they even bother?

I’m eager to see what others have shared. Hopefully, others have something more solid than my theories to offer. I’m not healthy enough to return to YouTube, so no video this month.

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Personal Updates…

Currently addressing health concerns and doing very little writing and other creative pursuits.

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What publishing practices have you had enough of?

It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
Natalie Aguirre,
Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen,
and Olga Godim!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #22).

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.