Welcome to the last IWSG post of the year. Happy to be co-hosting with Tonja Drecker, Patsy Collins, and Chrys Fey!
Before I get to the insecurity portion of this post, I have a bit of writing news. First, this happened…
There are two things about this award I find especially cool. One, I didn’t even know I was in the running, which means no application process, no checking for updates, and no crossing of fingers. And two, I share the Best Creature Feature Award with Russell R. James’ book Monsters in the Clouds. Russell is a fellow Samhain survivor (I’d say we landed on our feet) and he inadvertently turned my book City of Ghosts into a series when he suggested Kate should have her own novel. The Girl Who Talks to Ghosts is dedicated to him, and rightly so.
On December 3rd, the Hellhole anthology was finally released, and it was a #1 bestseller in its Amazon category. I’ve never been a part of anything that’s hit number one before, so this was pretty exciting. (I suspect Jonathan Maberry has a lot to do with it.) The anthology already has some great reviews, and Sci-Fi and Scary did this fun interview with Hellhole’s female authors, including yours truly. If you check it out, I’d love to hear what you think.
As for insecurities, I’ve got a few. I’m so close to finishing the next book in the GhostWriters instalment, and I have no idea how it ends. Normally, this isn’t a problem for me, but I’d hoped to finish the book this week, and I usually have at least a clue before now. Hopefully Jackson and Kate decide to let me know how to end this sucker soon. I have absolutely no desire to write a Lord of the Rings-style epic.
Also? I’ve decided 2019 is the year I take the plunge and do something I’ve long wanted to do–start a vlog. I’d like to take some of my most popular unsolved mystery posts and delve a little deeper, maybe even answering readers’ questions or responding to comments. As with any new venture, I’m a bit nervous about its potential for success, but I’d like to try something a bit more engaging than the same ol’ blog post. (Though I’ll still keep blogging here as well, which leads me to another insecurity–how to fit it all in.)
Thank you for your support, encouragement, advice, and wisdom this year. I’d love to hear what your goals are for 2019, writing or otherwise. What do you think of the vlog idea? Does it appeal to you? Is it something you’d be willing to check out?
Happy holidays, and all the best in the New Year.
The purpose of the Insecure Writers’ Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 
Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. To see a full list of IWSG authors, click here.
Congratulations on the award and hitting number one with the anthology.
I always know the ending before I start, so I’m not much help there.
They say videos are everything now, so give it a shot.
Thanks for co-hosting this month!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Alex. It’s always a pleasure to co-host! Everyone is so kind.
What a fantastic way to end the year, well done 🙂 I can’t wait to watch your vlogs, I love videos about spooky/unexplained stuff.
Debbie
Yay, my first viewer! Thanks, Debbie. You’re the best.
Congrats on the award and thanks for co-hosting. I think you have the right idea by letting your characters decide the ending. I’ve read that when in doubt, kill someone off. Good luck with that.
Thanks, Diane. I think my readers would kill me if I killed off Kate or Jackson. At least, I hope they’d care!
That’s wonderful news about the anthology! Congratulations. I love spooky stuff too. Sometimes I plan the endings first. Sometimes they change as I write. I used a great book called 90 days to your novel by Sarah Domet. Her plan helped me create an ending before I started the beginning. It worked for me 🙂
Thanks so much, Erika–both for the kind words and for the suggestion.
Welcome to my blog!
Best wishes with your new project next year. Vlogging sounds hard to me, but the format you describe sounds like it will engage the readers. Good luck!
Thanks so much, Liza. I hope so!
Vlogs are a great way to connect with readers.
That’s what I’m hoping. Fingers crossed!
Well done on the award!
Thanks, Patsy!
When in doubt, I find it useful to have a chat with my characters. I do this on paper, but I guess whatever works for you. (I know it sounds weird, but it’s really helpful).
Not weird at all, Angela! (Well, perhaps it’s weird if you’re not a writer.) I’ve done this to help resolve issues in my life. It felt really strange at first, but it was extremely helpful.
I love to kind of know the ending, but, hey, anything can happen in between. That’s the beauty of writing! Congrats on the award!
Thanks, Jennifer. I quite often don’t know my endings, as I’m a pantser, but since I’d already written over 62K and still had no clue, it was getting scary.
Congratulations on the well-deserved award. And you are so refreshingly graceful in conveying that news. Haven’t yet read ‘Return to Dyatlov Pass’ but it’s on my TBRs!
Wow, thanks for such kind comments. If you do end up reading it, I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl.
Congrats on the awesome award!! Those are the best, when you’re totally surprised!
Ending can be tricky and mind boggling at times. I once changed the ending to my mystery book 3 or 4 times.
I hope your characters will give you a hint for the ending.
Thank you for co-hosting this month!
You’re very welcome! Thanks so much for the kind words.
Many congratulations on the award. I wish you nothing but continued success in 2019. Looking forward to the vlog.
Thanks so much, Dave. I wish the same for you. Happy holidays!
Thanks for co-hosting. Blessings and Happy Holidays!
Thanks, Ann. Happy holidays to you as well.
I don’t know much about vlogs or videos or anything like that, but I’d check it out if you do one. 🙂
Congrats on all your successes!
Thanks so much, Madeline. You as well. You’ve had quite the year!
Congratulations on all fronts, J.H.!
Thanks so much, Catherine! You as well.
Congratulations! What a way to end the year. And you’re a brave one to start a vlog. I still cringe at just having my picture taken! Thanks for co-hosting today. 🙂
Thanks, Christine. I don’t enjoy having my photo taken, either, which is why this is so far out of my comfort zone.
Congratulations on your successes! And, best wishes on your vlogging! I’ve thought about it, made a tiny trial of it (two posts featuring my dog and cat), and then decided I needed to stick with what I know, but if you can do it and you feel comfortable, go for it! Enjoy it! It seems to be a great option for a lot of writers and readers.
Thanks, Tyrean. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I’m not sure if it’ll be for me or not–I’d rather use someone else’s face and voice, which would greatly lessen my self-consciousness, and I know people can be horribly cruel on YouTube. Still, I feel it’s worth a try, and if it’s fun, I’ll keep doing it.
I’d love to see a vlog series from you. You blog is always so interesting. Congrats on the award!
Aw, thanks so much, Tamara! I’m glad you enjoy the blog.
J.H ……. Insecurities, non needed. Trust me 🙂
Thanks, Jim, but I’ve yet to see a writer without them. 🙂
Congrats on all the wonderful news and the award. You deserve it. You have a great blog so I bet you vlog will be just as interesting. Best, Happy IWSG Day!
Aw, thanks so much, Juneta. That’s so sweet of you to say.
Thanks for co-hosting this month. Congratulations on your awards and recognition. I think the vlog is a great idea. As much as I enjoy your blog, I sometimes forget to read it. The vlog is right up my alley. In any case, do what feels right to you. Your fans will support you.
Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement, Toi. I definitely feel it’s worth experimenting with.
Congratulations on your award! As for vlogs, why not give it a try and see what kind of reaction you get in comparison to you blog and other platforms? I hear you about fitting it all in. Since my book released in mid-November, the promo chores (for which I’m grateful), have multiplied like baby mice. Not much time for writing if I grab them all. Happy writing in December!
Thanks, Sadira. That’s what I’m planning. It’s at least worth a shot. If it doesn’t work out, for whatever reason, I don’t need to continue with it.
That all sounds super exciting! Thank you for co-hosting!
Best of luck with your vlog. Visual is the path to go these days. YouTube has spoiled us. 🙂 Perhaps you could pause your story with a crossroads for your characters rather than a definitive ending. I mean, Life seldom ties up all the knots for us, but just keeps nudging us down the road ahead. Congrats on the award!
Thanks, Roland, both for the kind words and encouragement and the suggestion. I’m considering exactly that when it comes to the ending, but feel pressure to make something spectacular happen.
I really hope Jackson and Kate give me some good ideas soon.
Kudos and hallelujah on the award! Nothing like validation to buoy a writer beyond insecure!
Go ahead and vlog! As for me, I have too many neck-and-facial wrinkles (tee-hee) to try the task. And, our Grands in the Midwest consume our video time via FaceTime and Skype…this Boomer-aged writer is engaged elsewhere 😉
Apparently, wrinkles are all the rage in the vlogging world…or so I’ve heard. 😉
Don’t worry; no matter the accolades and validation, there are always things to be insecure about. Thanks for the kind words.
Congrats on the award and the anthology! Those are both super awesome.
I’m sorry, I have to admit that whenever I see the title “Hellhole” I keep thinking it’s about something dirty. I’m sure it’s just me. I probably just spend too much time browsing the erotica in the seedy underbelly of Amazon.
Ha ha, your comments are always the best, CD. Thanks for the laugh, and the kind words. 😀
Congratulations on a great month! I like the idea of an award you don’t have to apply for or worry about 🙂
As for the vlog, I guess they are the thing, but I have a confession: I almost never take time to watch videos. I far prefer to get my info by reading, which is much more efficient. I think that makes me either weird or old, though. Maybe both. And since I don’t read horror anyway (except when my kid writes it, because… he’s my kid), I’m probably not your target audience and you shouldn’t pay any attention to my old weirdness.
I don’t think it makes you weird or old. Everyone has their preferences. I prefer to read too, but now and then, an entertaining vlog will suck me down a rabbit hole, and before I know it, I’ll have watched 20 episodes.
PS…Only three of my books are horror. The rest are suspense. 🙂
Congratulations on the award, the #1 and everything else! Thank you for hosting this month. I’m nervous about the whole video thing:(
Have a wonderful holiday.
Thanks, Doreen. I’m nervous too, but I’ve never been great about staying in my comfort zone.
What a great way to end the year! Congrats on the award and anthology. I don’t know much about vlogs, but if you start one, I’ll sure check it out. Thanks for co-hosting today.
Thanks so much, Lee. I’d love your feedback if you do.
How was Scotland?!
What a great honor to earn that award! Good luck on vlogging–you are a braver woman than I.
Thanks so much, Jennifer. As for braver, that remains to be seen.
Congrats on that award. What a cool surprise to have come your way.
The vlogging idea sounds like it could be fun and interesting. I guess the biggest challenge would be getting the viewers and having them keep coming back. I’ve thought about the vlogging idea, but so far I haven’t attempted it though I once did a video interview on my blog.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
So true, Arlee. The same challenge we face when it comes to getting readers. Hopefully, each audience can help build the other. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for the kind words.
Congratulations on the award and getting to #1, and best of luck with vlogging! Vlogging seems to be much more popular than blogging at the moment.
Thanks, Carrie-Anne! I really hope I can make it work for me. It’s a bit daunting.
That’s great! And so cool that your co-award winner was an inspirations for your book.
Im glad I’m not the only one who hopes their characters will tell them how these things end. Good luck!
Oh, you’re far from alone, Jemima. I once taught a class on creating characters that breathe, terrified everyone would think I was insane. When I asked if anyone had ever written that way, it turned out almost everyone did! That was such a relief.
Welcome to my blog. Thanks for visiting–I hope you return.
Congratulations on the award, the anthology #1, and the interview! That all sounds like a fantastic way to end 2018. Good luck with the ending to this next book. And thanks for co-hosting today.
Thanks so much, SE. Welcome to my blog. I hope to see you back here again! 🙂
Thank you for sharing the good news (#1) and that plan to vlog. I signed up for your newsletter because I applaud your courage as well. Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Thanks so much, Beth! That’s so kind of you. I hope you enjoy the blog/vlog.
Congratulations on the award! I will have to check your book out. I find the Dyatlov Pass incident fascinating. Your site is gorgeous. Have a wonderful week!
Thanks so much, Heather. I’m glad you like the site, but I can’t take much credit for it–I had a phenomenal designer and web developer.
The Dyatlov Pass incident is the creepiest unsolved mystery of all time, IMO. I’ve written an in-depth blog post about it as well:
A huge congratulations on your award and your being in an anthology that was or is number one on Amazon. That is a great way to end the year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and thank you for co-hosting.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G
Thanks so much, Pat. It gave me a small taste of what it must be like to be Jonathan Maberry (minus the Hawaiian shirts and amazing digs).
Congrats on the award.
I’ve dabbled with the idea of a vlog, but that requires too much talking for my liking. I’d totally subscribe to yours though.
Thanks so much, Patricia–on both counts.
Yay you on your award! I’m having trouble with my ending too, for the first time ever as well, so I’m no help either. I’d scheduled to finish this draft for beta readers by the end of the month, and now I don’t think that will happen! 🙁 I like your blog/website look. It wasn’t like this last time I was here, so maybe it’s been too long since I visited last. Thanks for co-hosting…
Thanks so much for the kind words, Lisa. I guess you’ll just have to drop by more often!
Good luck finding your own ending. May the writing muses smile on us both.
Yay for hitting #1! I can’t wait to watch your vlog – I’ll definitely be checking it out 🙂
Thanks so much, Ellen! I can’t wait to dive into Bodies in the Boatyard.
Congratulations on a fantastic year, JHM! I am a YouTube addict. I will be sure to “like, share, and subscribe,” especially if the words ‘bloopers’ or ‘russian dashcam’ or ‘virgo: best horoscope EVER!’ are in the title.
I’ll keep that in mind! 😀
Congrats on your achievements! Also, can’t wait to see the vlog…!
Thanks so much, Randee. I really appreciate your support and encouragement–you’re so good to me.
Great news for you. Like early Christmas presents. Jonathan Maberry is a great guy. Pretty cool award and glad to hear you survived your publisher closing.
Thanks, Susan. I’ve only met Jonathan once, but he does seem very kind, and always ready to help out other authors.
Congrats on the award! My co-host and I just published an episode on the Dyatlov Pass Massacre for our podcast, Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun. Looking forward to your vlog. 😉
Thanks so much, Adrienne. I love to be a guest on podcasts, if you’re ever looking for one.
In person you come across funny, confident and grounded. I have no doubt you’ll be brilliant. Looking forward to your first post.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Aw, thanks so much, Anna! That’s very kind of you to say.
Woohoo! Awesome on the award and the anthology!
I think vlogging is a cool idea, and from what I’ve seen of your social media posts and online presence, I think you’d do well at it. Unfortunately, I don’t find much time for watching stuff. 🙁
Thanks, Loni. I’m guessing this vlog may help me find a new audience, if successful. I’m not sure how many of my existing blog readers will be interested.
You are winding up 2018 with nothing but exciting and excellent news. Many congratulations of the successes. And here’s to a lot more in 2019! Go Moncrieff.
Thanks so much, Lee. Here’s hoping 2019 brings wonderful things your way, and that you spend the holidays surrounded by love and comfort. Sending good thoughts to you, always.
I have a WIP for which I’m struggling to find an ending. I’m a little worried I may never find one that really fits, but we’ll see how it goes?
Congrats on your award! Exciting news!
Thanks, M.J. As for your ending, try letting your characters lead you. Failing that, brainstorm with a trusted friend. Sometimes, just chewing it over with someone helps, I find.
Where to start? You’ve had quite the month! Congratulations on the award and the #1 spot in Amazon. What’s the name of the story you have featured in the anthology?
As for the end in your current WIP, do you have another one in the pipeline after that? Could you end on a note that will tie into the beginning of the next book?
As far as vlogs go, yes, they are popular, but… they require a LOT of work. I’ve heard the editing process takes many hours, for only minutes of useful material. That is if you want it to look professional and unique.
Would I be interested in it? Nope. I’m on the road a lot and videos take too much time and data for me. I never watch anything on YouTube and when there are movies posted on Facebook, I skip them. But, I’m probably the weird one. 🙂
Thanks, Liesbet. The name of my story is “The Offspring.” I wanted to call it “Love Never Dies,” but the editor felt that might be a bit too romantic. It’s apt, though.
If by “one in the pipeline,” you’re asking if I have one planned out, the answer is nope, nope, nope. Will there be another GhostWriters book? Sure. Do I have any idea beyond that? Nope. It’s how I roll. I thought about leaving one of my lovely characters stranded in Romania, but there are two things I’ve learned about my readers (or, at least, my reviewing readers): they don’t like ambiguous endings where things aren’t resolved neatly for them (I’ll still write slightly mysterious endings, but I know that when I do, someone is going to accuse me of running out of paper again), and two, everyone wants a series where each book works as a standalone.
As for vlogs, I think they can be a lot of work, just like blogging, but apparently, “authenticity” is a trend now. People love to watch an actual human being, warts and all, which means I can save on the fancy cuts and special F/X. I’ll do some basic editing cuts, which is probably all I’ll be capable of, and if my cat jumps into the frame and shows the audience her butt, hopefully it’ll boost my views.
Happy sailing on that stream of creativity!
Thanks, Diedre. There’s always stormy weather ahead, but occasionally the sun comes out.
Congratulations. I’m doing the happy chicken dance for you. I hope you celebrated in grand style. Regarding the vloging thing, I’ve heard it can be overwhelming over time. Pace yourself and do it if you love it.
Aw, thanks Judy. Can’t say I’ve ever seen a happy chicken dance. Perhaps you’ll need to do a vlog so I can see it!
As for overwhelming, isn’t all of this stuff overwhelming? What’s one more thing, I say! (Famous last words.)
Welcome to my blog. Thanks for commenting.
Congrats on your surprise award and your other successes. How wonderful!!
Thanks so much, Lynda!
Congrats on the award, especially since you didn’t know anything about it. Also, how neat to hit the bestselling list! It sounds like you have nothing to worry about on the writing end. Happy writing!
Thanks Tonja! Sadly, I have plenty to worry about on the writing end, which is why it’s so important to celebrate the small victories. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.
Congrats on the win! And vlogging sounds cool! Good luck 🙂
Thanks so much, C.G. Nice to “meet” you. Hope I see you here again.
Congrats on the award. A little recognition is a lovely lovely thing. And good luck with the vlog. I bet you’ll be wonderful!
Thanks, Samantha. So kind of you to say, on both counts.
Congrats on all the awards and successes! Try the Vlog, it sounds like fun. I’m looking forward to the next Kate and Jackson adventure! My goal is to have a completed manuscript ready for beta readers and editing by this time next year.
Thanks for commenting on my reviews. I appreciate you returning my visits, even though I don’t expect you to comment on shows. I have my IWSG up now.
Cheers for a prosperous 2019!
Thanks, Mary. I’m sure they aren’t the most brilliant comments, but I try. I love live theatre, but don’t get many opportunities to partake anymore. Some day! I’m glad I took advantage of my working-hard-for-a-living days and had subscriptions to the local theatre and symphony when I could afford them.
Great goal! I’ll be cheering you on, of course.
Congratulations! I need to read Return to Dyatlov Pass. I was gonna purchase it at LUW’s Quills conference in August but I didn’t make it to the book store before they packed everything up.
A vlog would be great! I’ve got a kind of vlog (Freaking Awesome Authors) and I learned a TON of new skills (video editing, audio stuff, equipment details, YouTube) putting it together. I think you’d like it.
Thanks, James. Do you find it’s a lot of work, like others have said?
As for buying RtDP at Quills, no worries. It sold out very quickly at the conference (hooray!), but is still available through online retailers.
Good luck with the vlog. I can imagine that might turn out to be a real timesink if you aren’t careful. And congratulations on the award.
Thanks for co-hosting this month’s IWSG.
Thanks, Ken. I’m sure it will take some time, but so does blogging. Perhaps that week, my blog post will be link to the vlog. I’ll see how it goes. Hard to believe I used to blog five times a week!
Congrats of your ‘creature’ victory and the #1 anthology. Great news all around.
Thanks so much, Olga!
Congrats on the award! Couldn’t happen to a nicer person or a better writer. And I’m super excited at the idea of a Vlog. It will almost feel like hanging out with you, sharing a coffee, looking at the mountains.
Aw, thanks Ryan. Perhaps I should green screen the Utah mountains into the background.
I appreciate the kind words. You’re the best! xo
Ooh, Return To Dyatlov Pass sounds creepy! (In a good way.)
Thanks, Karen! I can safely say this one is creepy.
Congrats on all your success this year! I have also thought about starting a vlog or podcast but I just don’t have time. But I would be interested to watch someone else’s. Good luck!
Thanks, Melanie, and welcome to my blog.
I don’t have time, either, but I’m thinking it might be worth it anyway.
I don’t comment often, but I always read your blogs. I think some vlogs are great. The ones that do some interaction, in particular. I would give it a shot. Especially since its you because I really like your style, as well as your content. I think it does a reader good to put a face and voice… charactersitics… to an author. Then you become real and we, as readers, feel like we know where you’re coming from better.
Aw, thanks so much. I really appreciate the feedback and the kind words. Thank you so much for reading!
Your vlog sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun.
On my blog, you commented about not being able to find those settings on Google Plus…well, that’s because those Blogger/Wordpress instructions are for Blogger/Wordpress. You can find the settings on those sites. Sorry about that!
I haven’t tried WordPress yet, but had no luck at all with Blogger. I’m thinking I’m doomed. 🙁
Your website is fascinating. I love how you have a hidden library. Great idea!
Thanks, Elizabeth. Welcome!
Sorry I am late. Wahoo, congrats on all the news and award. That is awesome. Happy Holidays.
I’m so far behind on my blog readings and such! First of all, congratulations on the award!! =) Secondly, I am so grateful that Russell suggested you give Kate her own series because I absolutely love it. I will have to look at picking up a copy of the Hellhole anthology, I must have missed even seeing word of that! These foster kittens we have keep me so busy I sometimes don’t know whether I’m coming or going. =) I can’t wait to see what Jackson and Kate came up with for your ending!
Aw, thanks so much, Nikki. If you do pick up Hellhole, I hope you love it.
I’m grateful to Russell too. He’s a great friend and inspiration.
First off-congrats on your book and being #1-this is excellent news and you deserve all that you receive. What is a Vlog and how do I find it? I would love to see this. I hope to create more cards this year and start and finish a couple of scrapbooks. I guess exercise should be in there too..hahaha
Thanks, Birgit! A vlog is a video blog, and each episode will be on YouTube, but I’ll also share them here and on social media. Hopefully it’s a worthwhile experiment.
Good luck with your goals! You make the most beautiful cards.
Congrats on the award and getting #1 on Amazon!
Hope you were able to figure out the ending. As for my 2019 goals, I hope to begin editing and querying two of my WIPs.
Thanks for co-hosting this month. And Happy New Year!