The Purpose of IWSG 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 join IWSG visit Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh here.
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MAY IWSG QUESTION:
What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever
had to research for your story?
I’ve researched everything from Western esotericism to cyberbullying. Choosing the coolest is a little like naming my favorite book, but I’ll try.
A number of years ago I wrote a short story about Monhegan, an island off the coast Maine. I like to visit the places I write about, but this wasn’t possible with Monhegan. Instead, I visited the island via YouTube. I watched scores of videos and walked the entire island—from town and cemetery to woods and fairy houses—virtually. Below is one of many videos of the island ferry I studied. That I came away from this one seasick only added reality to the research experience.
A PARTING MESSAGE
On to the day’s business. This is a watershed post for me. May 2017 marks my tenth anniversary as a blogger. A decade ago, I wrote my first post. That first blog (2007-2009) wasn’t about writing. Instead, it was a learning exercise where, three times a week, I posted flash fiction.
My second blog (2009-2011) focused on the writing trials and challenges of the fledgling author. More therapy than blog, I posted about my personal experiences researching agents, querying, submitting, and needless to say, those all important rejections.
Finally, after a nine month hiatus, came blog number three, this blog (2012-present). I wanted Writer in Progress to be more dialog than essay—a conversation about the writing path.
But, as the saying goes, change is life’s only constant. The truth is, I stopped writing in January. I am no longer on the path. The change feels permanent, although I know better than to put my faith in forever. Still, the care and feeding of Writer in Progress seems hypocritical. I realize this doesn’t technically qualify as an IWSG post, but I wanted to explain why I will be putting the blog to bed.
Sure, I could change my mind tomorrow. Wouldn’t be the first time. But today I just want to extend my appreciation for your friendship and support over the years.
Thank you.
Before closing out, I want touch upon the passing of fellow blogger and writer, Melissa Bradley. Melissa’s intelligence, humor, fiery spirit, and warm heart inspired not only her friends and family but the entire writing/blogging community. The universe is a darker place without her.
Mel, you will be greatly missed. 💔
“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than
it would have been if it had never shone.”
―JOHN STEINBECK
VR BARKOWSKI 
There comes a time for everything. Maybe you just need to get away for a while and then the bug shall return and a fourth blog shall show. Life is a journey, have to go where it leads.
Absolutely, Pat. The secret isn’t to fight change but to build on the new. I forget who said that. I wish it were me, but I think it was Socrates. 🙂
Never say never. The door will always be open and the party going on when you want to visit or sit a spell. Change is fluid but history is forever.
True, Nancy. Not writing after all these years feels strange. It wouldn’t surprise me if I sat down at the keyboard tomorrow and started a new novel.
Bummer. I’m sorry to hear you’re shutting down this blog, and hanging up your writing quill… at least, for now. The only think constant thing about life is change. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the best.
Until we meet again… in your fourth blog, perhaps…? Take care.
Thank you, Susan. I will still be making blog visits, so you aren’t rid of me yet. 🙂
Don’t worry about not writing. It will come back when you need to vent or want some therapy. At least, that is what happens with me.
Congrats on the blogging gig. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
I’m sure you’re right, Anna. I’ve always written, even if it was only journaling. That I have no desire to write at the moment … well … maybe it’s just a phase?
We’ve said farewell before…so we’ll say hello again as well. Somewhere along this path of life. Wishing you all the best, my friend. Hugs! ♥
Thanks, Carol. There is a sense of deja vu about abandoning another blog. I must say, though, this one’s been my favorite. 🙂
Bummer, but we all have to do what is best for us. Hopefully, we’ll still see you around. 🙂
I plan to make blog rounds occasionally, Holly. You’ll see me around.
Hi V.R. I’m gutted that I missed news of Melissa’s passing. How tragic for one so young and to have suffered such a long illness.
Also sad to hear you’re cleaning off your quill and putting the lid on the ink for the time being. I loved reading your posts. In a time-poor world, I usually found time to drop by.
What are you going to do now or haven’t you decided? Writing and blogging takes such a huge chunk out of our lives. I wonder what I would do if I gave it up. I understand the blogger ambivalence…so many of us have lost the excitement as the blogging world has changed so much over the years. Much more fun in 2007 when I started. Now it’s quite serious at times.
It was a privilege to make a social media acquaintance, VR and I wish you well.
Denise 🙂
It’s been a pleasure, Denise. To be honest, I’m not sure what I’ll be doing. This is the first time I can ever remember not wanting to write. I plan to just ride the wave and see where it takes me.
You will be missed. I’ve enjoyed our interactions.
‘ Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
Thank you, Juneta. The same to you. 🙂
So sad to hear this. I doubt you’re done writing forever. Sounds like you need a break. Who knows? Good luck.
You could be right, Liz. Maybe a break will fix things. I’d be fine with that. I’m not certain what to do with myself if I don’t write.
That is a beautiful quote that describes Melissa.
Just a note on deleted/abandoned blogs: some spammer will take it over if it is not deleted correctly, or if it lies dormant. My deleted blog was name was stolen. Be careful if you let it sit abandoned, it could still be stolen. My advice is to log in every two to three months just to keep it active.
And you will be very much missed if you no longer blog. Take a writing breather, but please keep in touch one in a while.
Good luck VR.
I’m leaving this blog up for the exact reason you mentioned, Donna. I deleted my old Blogger blog and someone took it over. When I complained to Google, I was told they couldn’t do anything about it. That’s how I ended up on WordPress. This isn’t goodbye. I may not be blogging, but I’ll still be around.
First and foremost, I’m sorry you stopped writing. I’d love to know why, but I understand the feeling, and I’m sure, “knowing” you, you had your reasons. Secondly, sorry you’re quitting the blog. There are only a few I follow, and yours is one. Hmm, come to think of it, yours is the only one I follow other than the one I’m involved with.
These are difficult times, and I know many writers who have been distracted by current events. I’m one of them and have had a hard time producing anything I like. I write because it keeps my brain working, so there’s that.
I hope we will stay in touch on social media, and who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be back up your way and we can actually meet. I’d like that.
To be honest, Polly, I don’t know why I stopped writing. I spent a couple months researching my next novel, yet I have zero desire or motivation to put words on paper. It’s even a struggle to compose an email. Given this all started in January, it could very well be current events—it is a very unsettling time. How’s that for an understatement?
I will see you on Facebook at the very least.
Congrats on 10 years! And writers don’t follow the rules, so not writing isn’t something to stress over. I’ve had my moments too, but sooner or later the creative bug will bite you, and you can’t even prevent it. You will see:)
Thanks, Mark. I suspect I’m just due for a break. I still have stories bouncing around in my head. Eventually, they’ll demand to be released. 🙂
WOW, VI…. I had no idea. I have been in such a funk the past few months AND Melissa’s death greatly affected me. We were very close friends.
I am also so saddened that you are giving up writing. Your insights, your talents, and your direct approach to writing was/is so refreshing and NEEDS TO BE heard/read.
I TOTALLY get moving on, believe me. After seven years of writing and not much really happening with it, I kind of faded. The past week or so I pushed myself. I think of Melissa. We were to collaborate on a new project once I returned back to Chicago. But sadly she died a week before my return.
PLEASE keep in touch… you are one of my FAVORITE people. Sending you a HUGE HUG….
Michael
Thanks for the kind words, Michael. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you and Melissa were close. She was such a force—not just warm and funny, but honest— I can’t imagine what you must feeling.
I’m moving on for now, but stories are still dancing in my head, so who knows when I’ll get the urge to put them on paper? Otherwise, I will be around. I’d planned to make IWSG rounds in June, but I didn’t manage it. Maybe July?
Hugs right back atcha.
Hopefully as one door shuts another opens for you. Don’t be a stranger:) See you around:)