Insecure Writers Support Group badgeI’m a co-host today!  In all this time (I signed up on 7th January 2015) I’ve never been a co-host before. Being somewhat insecure (of course), I wondered whether you had to do something special to qualify. The answer is no, just volunteer to host the day’s question and visit lots of you lovely people.  Co-hosts cover the whole sign-up list, to make sure everybody gets visited.

The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett (me), Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!

Actually, if you want to know more about me, see my second post: ‘Oh dear, I got it wrong’!

The last in my series

Funny really; that second post included a nearly-right obituary as part of the writing course I’d just started.  It started by saying roughly ‘Jemima’s millions of fans will forever wonder what happened in the last instalment’.

ereader Princlengs Revolution courtesy of SW LothianWell, no need to worry.  The last book in the Princelings of the East series is now out.  Princelings Revolution launched last Thursday, and is on a blog tour, which you can still join if you wish. Just leave a note below and I’ll email you.

Am I still insecure?  Of course!

I mean, why would anyone other than someone who’s read the nine previous books buy it?  Although I have heard that some people won’t start a series that’s still in progress, in case they are left without the ending.  If that’s you, well, head over to Amazon, iTunes, B&NKobo or Smashwords to buy the ebook (special price until 23rd Oct) or the paperback.

Princelings Revolution (Princelings of the East book 10)

The planes are crashing, the people are angry at the changes and shortages. King Fred puts democracy to the test and finds it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.  And things are going from bad to worse…
Above all this there is a promise Fred wants to keep. A promise to an engaging chap he made when he was a mere stripling, when he persuaded Lord Marius of Hattan to stop the Great Energy Drain.
What will happen if he fails?

The Insecure Writers Support Group

Purpose: 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!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to the sign-up page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can’t find you to comment back.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

This month’s question

When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

I’ve been self-employed on project-based work for several years, during the 90s and 2000s. So my writing looks like project work rather than a full-time occupation. Now that I’ve stopped the other work I did I’m drawing my pension—several added together than don’t add up to my brother’s local government pension—but it means I have regular income and enough to pay bills. So although I consider my occupation ‘writer’, I also get to tick the box for pensioner if I need to, which is useful for things like finance agreements.

That also means that I can write what I want and set my own deadlines, so it’s not like someone making a living as a writer (or trying to). But I don’t think of it as a hobby. Those are the things I would like to do if I wasn’t writing or promoting, etc.

I may not write books every day, but every day I’m working on my books in some way or other.

Except I’m due a holiday. Don’t employees get holiday (vacation)?  I should do that sometime.

Princelings Revolution Launch tour and Giveaway

The Giveaway is still running (till 23rd Oct).  Please enter as many times as you like, and click the Badge to visit other people on the tour.  Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badge for the Princelings Revolution launch tour

 

 

#IWSG October | In which I’m a co-host!
Tagged on:                     

87 thoughts on “#IWSG October | In which I’m a co-host!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 6:51 am
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting! And congrats on the new release. Can’t imagine writing such a lengthy series. Always wondered how a writer could write more than a trilogy. Now that you’ve written the last book from the Princeling series what would you do next?

    • 7 October, 2020 at 7:10 am
      Permalink

      Ah, now that IS the question! My imagination is fried at present. Thanks for stopping by, Lidy 😀

  • 7 October, 2020 at 7:29 am
    Permalink

    Thank you for co hosting Jemima. Good luck for the book. Nine books is great. It’s wonderful. Sometimes I wonder if how many will I write. Will I write one and stop or will it go on… I’ve just been a part of anthologies until now. Thanks for inspiring. Happy IWSG day.

    • 7 October, 2020 at 7:35 am
      Permalink

      Being part of anthologies is great! I’ve only got into one so far. I was only writing a trilogy, then the characters demanded more. I told them I’d stop at 8, but they pushed me to ten!
      Good characters are hard to let go. I enjoy your WEP stories.
      Good luck with your books.

  • 7 October, 2020 at 11:52 am
    Permalink

    I think getting a pension and being able to write as much (or as little) as you want sounds mighty fine.

    • 12 October, 2020 at 9:49 pm
      Permalink

      Well, I got the first four or five books out before I started my pension, but it definitely eases the mind 🙂
      Sorry for the late reply, I found you in the ‘moderating’ folder!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 12:33 pm
    Permalink

    Thank you for solving the mystery of what a co-host does! I enjoyed hearing about your new release as well. Happy vacation!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 12:36 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting this month! Good luck on the book launch. Looks amazing!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 12:46 pm
    Permalink

    You’re definitely a working writer!
    That’s great the series is done. You’re right, more people will be inclined to pick it up knowing it has an ending.
    Thanks for co-hosting today and have fun with it.

  • 7 October, 2020 at 1:08 pm
    Permalink

    Congrats on #10, Jemima! With my new release #15 (and last) of a series, I asked myself the same thing. I had a built in audience, which was nice AND those who bought it and found out it was part of a series, gave my backlist a boost. Could it have done better as a single? One of those great mysteries. Thanks for co-hosting this month. Isn’t it fun?!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 1:16 pm
    Permalink

    Congrats on finishing your series! And thanks for co-hosting. I’ve done it in the past. It’s fun, but it’s work!

    • 8 October, 2020 at 1:29 pm
      Permalink

      It is, and time zones make it a long day – but fun! Thanks for visiting, Melissa.

  • 7 October, 2020 at 1:16 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting this month.
    Congrats on your release and the completion of your series.
    I guess I haven’t made any really hard promises.

    • 8 October, 2020 at 1:31 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Toi! BTW I did reply to your comment on Denise Covey’s blog, but the comment form was playing up – it’s a few comments further down from yours.
      Not making hard promises is probably a wise move in these changing times. Thanks for entering the giveaway 🙂

  • 7 October, 2020 at 2:07 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting! As for holidays (or vacations)…. yes, I think we all need them. You know I give my writing a rest for travel, especially wilderness travel. Part of me always feels a little guilty about that (given how much of it I’ve done in recent years), but there is a lot to be said for resting the brain. Pretty soon you’ll be full of ideas for the next big thing 🙂

    • 8 October, 2020 at 1:32 pm
      Permalink

      Er yes, but that’s not exactly what you’ve said on your own post!
      I have a list of the next small things… watch out for a post on the Princelings website on 2nd November 🙂

  • 7 October, 2020 at 2:21 pm
    Permalink

    Wishing you much success with the finale of your series! I would call you a working writer, unlike myself. Take Care and thank you for co-hosting this month.

  • 7 October, 2020 at 2:39 pm
    Permalink

    Hi,
    I definitely see you as a working writer regardless of whether you’re drawing a pension or not.
    I have read three of the series and would love to read this one but unfortunately I don’t have the time.
    Take care and take a vacation. I am doing that this month. We writers need vacation too.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

    • 11 October, 2020 at 8:28 pm
      Permalink

      I seem to have lost my reply to you. Sorry about that, Pat. It’s been a busy week. Thanks for your kind words, and if you ever want more of my books, just say 😉

  • 7 October, 2020 at 2:44 pm
    Permalink

    Ten books! Jemima, you’re my newest hero! Congratulations on your new release. You are an inspiration. Thanks for co-hosting.

    • 11 October, 2020 at 8:29 pm
      Permalink

      Another person I missed. I’m so sorry, Joylene. Thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated 🙂

  • 7 October, 2020 at 2:54 pm
    Permalink

    Grats on completing the series! That’s an amazing feat. I hope you find a lot of new readers! Thanks for co-hosting!

    • 11 October, 2020 at 8:31 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Loni. I have at least sold some copies – in most of the places I send it to! Have a good month.

  • 7 October, 2020 at 3:07 pm
    Permalink

    Congrats on your new release and thanks for being a cohost. It’s a lot of fun since you get to meet so many new people (as you’re finding out).

    • 7 October, 2020 at 9:32 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Diane. It is lovely to see lots of people I’ve not met before – or haven’t talked to for years!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 3:29 pm
    Permalink

    What an interesting prompt to write to. I’m giving that one some thought. Congratulations on your latest book and thanks for doing such a great job as co-host!

    • 7 October, 2020 at 9:41 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, C. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with 🙂

  • 7 October, 2020 at 3:41 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting, Jemima! Isn’t retirement wonderful? Congratulations on finishing your series.

    • 7 October, 2020 at 9:44 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks Sadira! Retirement doesnt seem very different from what I was doing before, except I get paid regularly and without having to chase the accounts department, or bid for new contracts! I used to hate that. So, yes, it’s wonderful.

  • 7 October, 2020 at 5:02 pm
    Permalink

    Volunteering to help our Ninja captain is doing something special!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 5:42 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting. And congrats on your new book. That’s awesome that you could retire and have enough time to devote all of it to your writing.

    • 7 October, 2020 at 10:07 pm
      Permalink

      As I said to someone above, I never really retired, I just started getting monthly payments. The taxman thinks I’m self-employed and so do I!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 6:01 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting, and congratulations on the final book in your series! I’m sure that must feel like the end of an emotional journey.

    • 7 October, 2020 at 10:09 pm
      Permalink

      It’s certainly that. Every time I got through a revision to that ‘The End’ I had a little moment of sadness.. Thanks for visiting 🙂

  • 7 October, 2020 at 6:31 pm
    Permalink

    Congratulations on your release, finishing a series, and 10 books, too!!! So much to celebrate.

    Thank you for co-hosting!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 6:59 pm
    Permalink

    It does seem to be more about mindset than anything else. Wow, congratulations on releasing your series finale! That’s a huge milestone to celebrate. Happy IWSG day and thanks for co-hosting this month 🙂

    • 7 October, 2020 at 10:19 pm
      Permalink

      Mindset is always important. Just ask my characters!
      Thanks for visiting 🙂

  • 7 October, 2020 at 7:13 pm
    Permalink

    Thank you for cohosting! Good luck on your book. Glad I am following you now!

    • 7 October, 2020 at 10:18 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Tammy – and thanks for visiting 🙂

    • 12 October, 2020 at 9:42 pm
      Permalink

      I think you did, but thanks anyway!
      Sorry for the late reply, I found you in the ‘moderating’ folder!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 9:05 pm
    Permalink

    Hi, Jemima!

    Gosh, where to begin? Congrats on everything – I am so impressed! Your attitude on the business of writing is just the gentle breeze I need to dry the beads of uncertainty from this quiet writer’s face.
    Thank you. And thanks for Co-hosting!

    • 7 October, 2020 at 10:16 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks Diedre, that’s really poetic 🙂

  • 7 October, 2020 at 11:03 pm
    Permalink

    I hope that you’re having fun co-hosting today, Jemima! Congratulations on releasing the 10th and final book in your series. That is awesome! I laughed at your comment about finance agreements. “Pensioner” does sound more financially stable than “Writer.” I often write “Retired,” but on a bad day I can be snarky, as in “Retired ~ Said no woman ever! What a joke!” Take care!

    • 8 October, 2020 at 1:27 pm
      Permalink

      I am indeed having fun, although it was a very late night! I had the discussion when changing car insurer – writer or self-employed caused all sorts of problems, like how much did I earn… retired was so much simpler!
      Love your family get together pictures this month!
      You take care, too.

  • 7 October, 2020 at 11:44 pm
    Permalink

    Thank you for co-hosting! Congratulations on the conclusion to your series. That sounds like an enormous project.

    • 12 October, 2020 at 9:44 pm
      Permalink

      Thank you so much, Karen. It sort of grew, so I didn’t notice how big it was getting!
      Sorry for the late reply, I found you in the ‘moderating’ folder!

  • 7 October, 2020 at 11:51 pm
    Permalink

    Hi Jemma. Happy IWSG! Congrats on book 10. Inspiring. Thank you for co-hosting. I consider my occupation as writer as well. Can’t wait for my non-corporate writing to equate to paying the bills. Maybe if I’m lucky. You’re point of view above refreshes my perspective. Great post!

    • 7 October, 2020 at 11:59 pm
      Permalink

      Sorry, Jemima. Meant – …’my occupation as a writer as well.’ Comment needed editing. Happy IWSG!

    • 12 October, 2020 at 9:45 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Adrienne. I thought I’d replied before, but my blog swallowed it up!

  • 8 October, 2020 at 12:08 am
    Permalink

    Congrats on the Princelings Revolution! By the way, what does one need to do in order to be a host???

    • 8 October, 2020 at 2:45 pm
      Permalink

      I think you either have to be Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh, or maybe one of the IWSG permanent wrangling team!

  • 8 October, 2020 at 12:23 am
    Permalink

    Congrats on finishing your series…but are you sure it is ‘done’. My characters seem to what to produce offspring with their own problems. 🙂

    • 8 October, 2020 at 2:52 pm
      Permalink

      When it was a trilogy, it became a series. I’ve certainly finished the Princelings role in it. I have some more stories of Dylan and Dougall to knock into shape (heros of book 8), but otherwise I can let Fred and George’s world return to its quiet privacy.
      I think it helps that I’ve moved house. I can find something else to turn into a fantasy land in my new area. Hmmm… Children of the New Forest, perhaps. Oh, that’s been done!

  • 8 October, 2020 at 1:25 am
    Permalink

    Thanks for co-hosting and congrats on making it to the end of a series! I’m hoping to be in that position in a couple more years myself. @samanthabwriter from
    Balancing Act

    • 8 October, 2020 at 2:53 pm
      Permalink

      Just keeping putting one book after the other, and you’ll make it, Samantha!

  • 8 October, 2020 at 3:50 am
    Permalink

    What’s the most difficult promise I’ve kept?
    To always rise above, never sink to their level. I try. But some days it’s really hard.

    You’ve done an amazing job working as a writer.

    I am excited for the Pass or Pages query contest at Operation Awesome with the YA category this week. Plus, I have half a dozen books to review this month. And WEP coming up! Busy month. I hope you’ve been staying healthy and thriving as best as you can this year.

    – J

    • 8 October, 2020 at 2:55 pm
      Permalink

      I’m glad you’re not getting too bored twiddling your thumbs, J. 🙂 I hope to get round a few more WEP offerings this month, too.

  • 8 October, 2020 at 4:16 am
    Permalink

    Congratulations on that latest (and perhaps last in the series?) book. Sometimes readers surprise us by wanting more!!!! Or a character pops up and starts talking to us. Or we wake up dreaming of a new spinoff story. May your next story inspire you. And thank you for being a co-host this month. I learn so much about writing and writers by co-hosting (this is only my second time). You just might volunteer once again. Have a great month ahead.

    • 8 October, 2020 at 2:58 pm
      Permalink

      Oh, no, it’s definitely the last in series. My beta readers pointed out some loose ends, which I’ve commented about in the Acknowledgements, but if pressed they’ll be nothing more than short stories, in which case they’ll go on the Princelings website (princelings.co.uk) for fans.
      I have several other characters jostling for attention!

      I’m enjoying co-hosting – but I’ll have to make sure of having the time when I next volunteer 🙂

  • 8 October, 2020 at 8:42 am
    Permalink

    Thanks for cohosting this month! So glad you get to write the way you would like to! Stay safe!

    • 8 October, 2020 at 3:00 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Lisa. Yes, I’m a lucky woman! 🙂

  • 8 October, 2020 at 10:29 am
    Permalink

    Congratulations on finishing your series! And I’d definitely say you are writing as a career!

    • 8 October, 2020 at 3:01 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Lynn. Well, it sort of gets to be a habit, writing, doesn’t it?

  • 8 October, 2020 at 11:55 am
    Permalink

    I’m so excited that you’ve finished this series — it means that someone I know did it, so I can too! Congrats and good luck 🙂

    Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist

    • 8 October, 2020 at 3:05 pm
      Permalink

      He-he, yes, and I now someone else who did it and is now at book 9 in the daughter’s spin-off series 🙂 As someone said above, it’s hard to let go sometimes. The ten year anniversary in a year’s time is time to do a reveal why I can leave it alone, perhaps.

  • 8 October, 2020 at 6:23 pm
    Permalink

    Thank you for co-hosting! I haven’t hosted yet, either! Maybe one day. Congratulations on completing your series!

  • 8 October, 2020 at 8:12 pm
    Permalink

    I’ve never worked a job that makes me a lot of money. I guess I’m just too much of a dreamer.

    Thanks for hosting!!

    • 8 October, 2020 at 9:30 pm
      Permalink

      I levelled out at middle management. I had this habit of wanting to change careers till I got to the last one before writing. That one comes out in my books from time to time 🙂

  • 8 October, 2020 at 9:37 pm
    Permalink

    I like the way you describe your writing–project-oriented, not a hobby. Excellent.

    • 9 October, 2020 at 11:02 am
      Permalink

      If Covid hadn’t happened, I would probably have plenty by now. I moved house with plans of what to join, then wham! Lockdown. But it helped get this one finished on time 😀

  • 9 October, 2020 at 5:29 am
    Permalink

    Congratulations on finishing up your series! And thank you for co-hosting.

  • 10 October, 2020 at 4:44 pm
    Permalink

    You’re definitely a working writer. And a wonderful IWSG co-host, perfectly qualified. Thanks for co-hosting!

  • 13 October, 2020 at 2:39 pm
    Permalink

    Hi Jemima – book 10 – that’s brilliant. I do love your illustrations for your books … yes you are definitely a writer … take care and all the best – Hilary

    • 14 October, 2020 at 7:39 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks, Hilary. Writing a series turns out to be good fun!

Comments are closed.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox

Join other followers: