Wednesday, March 7, 2012

CassaFire Tour Day Eight, Insecure Writer's Support Group, and Music Trivia!

The party is still rocking with both a tour stop and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Today’s awesome stop is Arlee Bird’s Tossing it Out!

Lee is one of my oldest blogger buddies. Not in years (sorry, not implying you’re old, Lee) – he’s been a friend since shortly after I began blogging. Lee is really darn stable, something that is needed here online. He prodded me to join the first A to Z Challenge, something I have never regretted. You the man, Lee!

Go see what insecurities my characters possess at Tossing it Out!

It’s time for 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. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My insecurity today – that my writing does not contain enough depth and meaning.

I’m not much for heavy descriptions or fine details.

There are no great life lessons in my work. Well, not any deep messages anyway.

My stories don’t stray into uncharted territory. I tend to stick to simple formulas.

I don’t write eloquently or with fancy prose. My work is more accessible than rich.

My books aren’t award winners. Never will be.

A hundred years from now (all right, ten years from now) few will remember my books. They will never be classics.

All I can hope is that people enjoy them now. That the characters and stories take readers on a fun adventure. That for a little while, they provide a little escape from reality.

Which ultimately is all I really set out to accomplish anyway.


Don’t forget that everyone who comments here on my blog over the next two weeks will be entered to win this cool prize package from my publisher. So be sure to comment every single day!

Trivia answers from Tuesday:

1 – What year did Disneyland open? 1955 
2 – What is Eminem’s real name? Marshall Mathers 
3 – What type of gas was used to float the Hindenburg? Hydrogen 
4 – What race always occurs on Memorial Day Weekend in the USA? Indy 500 
5 – What body of water in the Middle East is the saltiest and most mineral-laden in the world? The Dead Sea

Trivia Questions – Music!

One hit wonders! Name the band…

1 – “Turning Japanese” 1980

2 – “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” 1993

3 – “Axel F” 1984

4 – “Turn up the Radio” 1985


What is your insecurity today, writing or otherwise? Hope that your work will one day be remembered? Know any answers from Tuesday’s trivia? How about today?

Check out my character’s insecurities at Tossing it Out.< You just might relate to some of them…

135 comments:

Lan said...

Totally justifiable insecurity to have Alex. Personally, I think fancy prose and deeply ingrained themes can be a bit tedious at times. Reading is meant to be for entertainment and I would choose fun and adventurous over the other stuff any day of the week. Sure it's nice to be that writer whose work is remembered hundreds of years on for being so deep, but I'd rather make someone laugh :)

Unknown said...

Ha ha, the Vapors! Thinking about this song alot lately because I am actually turning more Japanese as the month of April approaches and Banzaicon is taking over my life. SO about your insecurities, your books are enjoyable to read and if you want them to be remembered as a classic, well then put them in a time capsule ;)

Jai Joshi said...

I think that the message in a story is not necessarily what a writer intends but what the reader gleams for himself. Once your words are out there, they're out there, and readers will find their own meaning. So don't worry about it too much. As long as you were true to your characters, that's as deep a meaning as you can give.

This Insecure Writer's Support Group is a great idea.

Jai

Miranda Hardy said...

I'll stop by Lee's today. I'm horrible with band names. Ugh.

I'm always worried when it comes to perception of my novels, which is why I procrastinate so much.

MISH said...

Already posted my IWSG post!
...and I knew the Marshall Mathers answer from Tuesday...

I always imagined that "published" writers have far less securities than novices...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lan, thank you. I think I do manage to make people laugh.

Siv, you got it - and that's a funny idea!!

Jai, I was true to them and to me.

Miranda, I guess either people like them or don't, and we can't always control that.

MISH said...

Sorry, meant to say insecurities...

Sarah Tokeley said...

1. The vapours
2. Crash test dummies (Love this song)
3. Harold Faltermeyer (What? It was my era!)
4. No idea!

And you know what - I'd rather have entertainment than a literary classic any day. If that makes me shallow, so be it :-)

Rek Sesh said...

Passing up the trivia...while I sulk, my short IWSF is up, should anyone want a peek.
Your books are in public hands, Nooks and Kindles and selling, nothing can beat that not even awards or immortality.

Brinda said...

I beg to differ on some of your insecurities about your book. No life lessons? I must read too much into a book because I found lessons about trust and friendship.

The Angry Lurker said...

1 – “Turning Japanese” 1980
The Vapours

2 – “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” 1993
Crash Test Dummies

3 – “Axel F” 1984
Harols Faltmeyer

4 – “Turn up the Radio” 1985
Autograph?

Deborah Walker said...

I wouldn't be so sure of that, Alex. Readers make the meaning for themselves.

I had some lovely feedback from a reader the other day, who read all kind of deep things in what I thought was a straight forward space romp.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I don't consider myself a writer, but I find the whole idea behind 'Insecure Writer’s Support Group!' very inspiring. Arlee Bird rocks! :)

Karen Baldwin said...

I'm always amazed when I read other's insecurities. I would never have guessed you had any. My insecurity? That I'm just mediocre.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Can totally relate to your insecurities. I'm not good at writing description and definitely do not write using literary prose. But I think there is a place for us too as you've shown. Hope you're enjoying your blog tour and release of your book.

Michelle Gregory said...

i think helping readers escape from reality is the best goal we can have as writers. i know that's why *i* read. and why i write, now that i think of it.

Creepy Query Girl said...

I think a lot of published writers feel the same way you do once their babies are out there in the world. Love the insecure writers posts. Makes me feel far less alone in my swamp of insecurity:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mish, not true!

Sarah, you got three.

Rek, that's true.

Thanks, Brinda. I guess those lessons were there.

Lurker, you know your music!

Deborah, that's exactly how I view my writing!

George, glad you approve!

Em, then we share the same insecurity.

Thanks Natalie, and I am!

Michelle, that is why I read!

Katie, that was the purpose of the group.

Rusty Carl said...

Number 4 on the trivia was Autograph I think. I have no idea on the rest.

That's one of my worries too. I love reading stuff that has all these layers of meaning and these hugely philosophic themes - but its really hard to write. But I think people remember really good stories too. You may etch out your place in history yet.

Ciara said...

Alex, you may not set out to write about life lessons, but you do. They are in your books. I'm off to Lee's. He's so awesome. Two of my fave blogging guys in one place. Awesome!

Unknown said...

I think helping someone to escape into an adventure, for however brief a time, is the most amazing gift. And you have that in abundance my friend. CassaStar and CassaFire are the best kind of stories.

I cannot even think on the trivia this mornng, LOL. I am sleepy as all get out. Off to Lee's what a great guy he his.

Old Kitty said...

Cap'n Ninja!! The mmmm-mmmm-mmmm song is driving me crazy!! I am trying not to youtube it!! LOL! I know this!! But I can't remember! LOL!

The thing I find about writing stories is to play to and with your strengths! I'd love to write Mills & Boon romance but I always end up with Jackie Collins type sauciness! Sigh! So why fight it, I say!??! :-)

Take care
x

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I disagree about your books being classics. In a hundred years, there will be someone who picks up the last copy and says this is now my favorite author. Then they'll be a movie and TV series.

Artists are only appreciated after they die. :)

Teresa

Copyboy said...

Hey as an ad writer I feel that every second. I can only imagine how the insecurity must intensify on an author level. BTW....Hydrogen? D'OH ... totally knew that!!!

Deniz Bevan said...

Darn, I can't remember the first band, but I can recited the chorus! I'm turning Japanese, I really think so...
And #2 is the Crash Test Dummies [g]
I hear you on the insecurities. I tend to feel worthless often, especially while editing my own drivel...

Kyra Lennon said...

I think a lot of people feel that way about their own work - but if you are at least accomplishing your goal of providing escapism, that is a really good thing.

You can never tell how your work will be perceived. I don't imagine J.K Rowling expected to become a multi millionaire, with movies and theme parks being made about a story she wrote! :D

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

"Which ultimately is all I really set out to accomplish anyway."

You know what your goals are, and you are reaching them- which is pretty damn awesome.

Julie Flanders said...

I can understand your insecurities, I often think I should just chuck the whole business as I know I'm not writing anything that will be considered a literary classic. But I think providing enjoyment and entertainment to your readers is the best accomplishment any writer can have. Your stories are great reads that make people happy and that is what really matters!

I love Arlee's site and look forward to reading your post there as well. :)

Gossip_Grl said...

I joined your Insecure Writers Support group and posted. (#266 on linky list)I hope I posted it right. While I am not yet a writer, mainly because of insecurities. Anyway- just like the blog title "Just Wait, One Day I Will..." : )

Mary Aalgaard said...

Sometimes, all we need to do is work on our craft, share it, and allow others in. That's when we inspire others.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Play off the Page

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, it is. You do write very memorable stories though.

Thanks, Ciara!

Thanks, Melissa - escape is all I want in my reading!

Kitty, but you do saucy so well. And you know you're going to look up that song...

Teresa, then I have something to look forward to after my death!

Copyboy, I can only imagine the pressure in your job.

Deniz, got one!

Kyra, I doubt she had all that in mind at all.

Thanks, Rachel.

Julie, thank you.

Gossip Girl, you will! And thanks for joining us.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Your insecurities are why your writing's so good, Alex. Your style doesn't hurt the brain with heavy details or the need to interpret layer upon layer of verbiage. The 400+ page classics may never go out of style, but your style is classic.

xoRobyn

Tonja said...

There's nothing wrong with writing an entertaining story.

Laura Eno said...

I think writing should be for entertainment and you do it well!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I think you will "Eat Your Words" saying your books are not award winners, WHEN they are made into films who will be on the red carpet at the Acadamy Awards? not me but you.

Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

I suppose I can argue that I don't watch car racing, so that's why I didn't know it was Indy.

1-4...not a clue. Movies, TV, general trivia I have a handle on. Music and sports...not so much.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

I LOVE your humbleness.... is that a word? Anyway, even though your books might not be classics, there is a LOT to be said for entertainment value. Even if ONE reader escapes life's traumas for a few hours, you have done you job as a writer....

Hopping over to Lee's blog now.... Have a great day!

farawayeyes said...

And so you have 'taken readers on a fun adventure'.

Enjoyed getting to know your characters and 'their' insecurities at 'Tossing it Out'.

80's music trivia! You have got to be kidding.

Marta Szemik said...

I feel what you're saying and I think you have the right approach to your writing. So long as readers enjoy it! That's what really counts. And if you write from the heart, they will enjoy it:)

Sarah Ahiers said...

there's nothing wrong with being a commercial writer. Heck, i want to be a commercial writer. And if it really bothers you, you can always experiment with some deeper stuff.
Sometimes it's fun!

Anonymous said...

But your legacy can endure for generations in the form of coffee cups! Sure hope I win one. Off to Arlee's blog now.

PK HREZO said...

I think sometimes peeps put too much emphasis on deep stories. Sometimes all peeps want is enjoyable entertainment that doesn't require anything but from them other than their enjoyment. Same with music. Sometimes I just like fun songs, regardless of lyrics. :)

Jennifer Joyce said...

I'm the same with the lack of details in my writing. Some is fine but I find myself skimming long, over the top descriptive passages when I'm reading so I don't like to read them either.

Southpaw said...

That's might be THE insecurity. I do think I will be content if I can give some people and enjoyable escape from reality.

Tyrean Martinson said...

My insecurity this last week has been my doubt that I can capture my imagination in words and get them on the page in any kind of order . . .and I share all your other insecurities as well.
However, I can say with surety that your books will be remembered around my house in 10 years. We have a tendency to reread the really good books . . . and yours is one of those.

Leovi said...

Yes, I think in any kind of creation, the author must be aware of the nature of their work and accept them, and that is precisely what you've done with this reflection on the depth of your works.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

lee is the captain...
trivia... done, i still have the album to question number 4.

and thank you to my last question, you answered the other day.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, I don't want to hurt brains.

Yvonne, that would be awesome!

Thanks, Michael.

Marta, it's the only approach I know.

Stephen, that made me laugh!

Mama, I skim as well.

Tyrean, thank you!

And everyone, thanks so muc.

Nancy said...

that is something I always struggle with but at least you have the book out there and selling. As for the trivia, crickets are sounding here.

Luanne G. Smith said...

My IWSG post today is about not comparing ourselves to others. You shouldn't either. We write what we write and it's enough.

Trivia: I know one answer. The Vapors. :)

Andrew Leon said...

I think you're undervaluing yourself if you think your work only has a 10 year lifespan. I'd say 12, at least :P

Tasha Seegmiller said...

Holy Cow - Crash Test Dummies!!! I haven't heard that song in ages. I remember really wanting them to have another hit because I like his voice, but alas, it was not meant to be.

I think when people get too involved in writing something for the hidden meaning, all meaning is lost. And since when did we devalue the necessity of entertainment?

Cate Masters said...

Ack, completely forgot this was the first Wednesday. But then, I didn't even know it was Wednesday! Sorry.
Oh, I loved Turning Japanese. Now it's going to be stuck in my head. But I can't think of the band name.

Laura Diamond said...

Oh, gosh, depth!! Yes, that's a worry of mine too. Sigh.

Heading over to Arlee's blog!

Hart Johnson said...

I totally could have written this. At least the Cozy Mystery stuff is 'to entertain only'. I hope at some point my YA stuff will hit some depth--I do get at heavier issues. But as of yet...

I think you're doing great--people like entertaining books. Deep meaning, or not.

mshatch said...

ugh, go back to movie trivia! I didn't know the answer to a single question! I did fairly well on friday's test, 4 out of 5.

and yes, I do hope my books will be remembered, maybe not all but at least one or two. That would make me happy :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nancy, crickets are peaceful.

LG, you got it!

Gee, thanks Andrew!

Thank you, Hart.

MsHatch, more on the way!

Johanna Garth said...

Alex, I did an insecure writer's post on accident (even though I've been meaning to anyway). So excited!! The STARS must have been aligned just right. Participating in one of these hops on purpose is going to have to be one of my new goals!

Nancy Thompson said...

Your insecurities are universal. I feel exactly the same way. But what I think is the very most important aspect of your writing is that it's accessible. That alone will impact your reader & make for greater meaning & depth. We have to understand it first & foremost & if your writing is accessible, you've accomplished just that. Off to Arlee's now...

LynNerdKelley said...

I love your blog. Such a great model for others to learn from. My insecurities right now are that I won't be able to get back on track with not only my blog posts, but with my WIPs. So many obstacles overwhelming my life right now. Okay, going to check out your post on Tossing it Out!

Suze said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Suze said...

Al, you're published -- twice. You've a rocking blogpire with the respect of more than a thousand followers. You put yourself out there, you see things through, you organize events with a leadership that rivals the March of Dimes.

Top of all that, Vonnegut said creation is its own reward. I say enough is as good as a feast. Enjoy the considerable amount you've already accomplished! :)

And 'Talking Japanese' was The Vapors?

Tracy Jo said...

I wrote my first IWSG post today! Alex, you might think in your writing that you don't offer life lessons...but you do here and by example of who you are. Oh and never say never! :-) Off to visit Lee...

Unknown said...

Hey Alex! Congrats again on CassaFire, I just got it from Amazon and can't wait to read it!

And don't be so critical of yourself. *grins* I mean, seriously, do you really want to write the next, say, War and Peace, to be dissected by p-d off students for centuries? Your writing is perfect entertainment, and I think that is fiction at it's best. It's a joy to read and nothing you have to put down every chapter or two to ponder the meaning of life. *snigger*

Ahem.

So really, I love your writing, you're a published author, and you're a MAJOR inspiration in the blogging world as far as I'm concerned.

T.x

Carol Kilgore said...

My insecurity today is that I will never finish responding to everyone who commented on your guest post Monday at Under the Tiki Hut.

Now I'm off to Arlee's :)

D.G. Hudson said...

Fancy prose isn't needed in science fiction. (Atwood didn't like her prose being called science fiction, remember?)

I doubt your assessment is correct, many writers have ambivalence about what they create, up to a certain point.

You're just getting on a roll, Alex, who says your books won't win any sci-fi awards? Besides I want to see a resurgence in the popularity of Science Fiction. That may be because I'm writing sci-fi too. Only good writers in the genre can make it so.

Will check out Arlee's page now!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Johanna, that's great!

Nancy, it's definitely accessible!

Thank you, Lynn.

I appreciate you saying that, Suze. And you are correct.

Tracy, glad you joined us!

Tessa, thank you and so happy you ordered it.

Carol, that's funny!

DG, we need to start that resurgence.

Shallee said...

I think you'd be surprised how people can find meaning in your story and characters that you never intended it to have. And even if it is just entertainment, that's a worthy goal too. David Farland once said he got a letter from a fan who was in long-term care in the hospital, and that Dave's books were what helped him escape and get through it.

So don't be afraid-- your books can have a lot of meaning for someone!

Movies on my Mind said...

I have no insecurities. I keep things low and don't demand too much from myself.

Brianna said...

I remember the books I enjoy regardless of whether they are award winners or so-called 'classics'.

You are reaching and exceeding your goals - that's nothing to be insecure about at all!

Luna said...

Some of your insecurities are similar to my own. But you inspire me to keep going.

Thanks, Alex!

Patsy said...

Alex, some of the things you're insecure about aren't really negatives. Award winning books with immense depth and fancy prose can be great - but we don't want to read stuff like that all the time. Sometimes we really need something accessible we can just enjoy.

Jen said...

A loyal following who enjoy what you write is all any of us can ask for. I think you've got that :D

I understand. I often wonder if my writing is anything anyone will "get". Truth is, we have to write what is true for us and let it run free. It can never affect anyone else if we don't get it wings!

Off to read Lee's post!
Jen

Unknown said...

I worry that I'll love blogging more than writing, spend more time doing it, and never finish my novel.

Unknown said...

You know, I can probably take all your insecurities and apply them to my writing too! But then I think about all the books the I love reading: They're not classics. They don't all go really deep. I won't remember a lot of them in ten years' time. But I sure as heck have enjoyed reading them now and passing them on to friends!

Annalisa Crawford said...

As you've already had 76 comments, and I haven't read them all, I'm sure someone's bound to have said this: people buying your books is the greatest test of those books. Awards don't mean anything if no one reads them!

Ella said...

Lee is the man! You are the Captain, lol
Me, I just found out how exposed I am, when I blog! ;D
This is in regards to my IWSG post! lol

Yeah I don't want fancy prose in Scfy..nah~ Off to visit you over at Lee's~

Christine Rains said...

I can sympathize with you, Alex. I worry about the same thing sometimes, but then I tell myself I'm not writing classic literature. I'm writing stories to entertain and help people escape their every day lives. If I can make one person smile, then I'm happy.

Anonymous said...

wot Suze said -- you do not give yourself enough credit, Alex -- your characters' depths on Lee's blog; are insightful, create tension, looking for Athee's surprise! You seem to have discovered the knack of empathizing with the NOW world's need to escape into other realities... thanks, Cap'n

Elana Johnson said...

I think you'd rather have books that people enjoy, instead of books that win awards. So don't sweat it. You rock!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shallee, thank you.

Why Jamie, thank you!

Scribbles, that would be another fear of mine...

Rachel, that's true.

Annalisa, you're right.

Youngblood, thank you.

Elana, books that people enjoy sell more!

Thanks everyone! Still trying to get through the list and visit my blogger buddies. Hope to see everyone very soon.

Jennifer Hillier said...

"My books aren’t award winners. Never will be."

Mine aren't either. And I am totally okay with that. I will never write the Great American Novel (or Great Canadian Novel, for that matter), but I'm not setting out to do that, and I'm fine with it. I just want to write for entertainment, because largely, that's why I read fiction.

Have I mentioned I'm terrible at trivia? Don't know the band, yet I could sing the chorus to "Turning Japanese" without having to think about it...

Maurice Mitchell said...

My writing is as deep as a puddle. But, then, it is just a blog. I'm going to have to try one of these next week. They're surprisingly comforting.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Every one of your insecurities about your prose describes the prose of Ernest Hemingway's! How many decades has his work been around and considered classics?

Emily Dickinson was criticized for being on the other end of the spectrum from your worries. Guess what? She is remembered and her critics are not.

The hand of destiny touches whom it will. You write well. I enjoy it. Take heart. Roland

Laura said...

Your work has loads of themes and deeper resonances... I think in the best kind of work, it's the reader that discovers these rather than the author who purposefully signposts them.

And your books may well become classics... it's totally out of your hands :)
Lxxx

ediFanoB said...

Alex,
that was a great post over at Tossing it Out!

Cherie Reich said...

There's nothing wrong with writing books people enjoy. Those are the books people will remember the most. After all, who cares if their book is taught in English classes? I don't write so people have to dissect my work and end up hating it because they have to write a paper on it. I write for enjoyment. I read for enjoyment, and the world needs authors like us. :)

ali cross said...

I think your insecurities belong to all of us, Captain!

Belle said...

I'll spare you the novel-length story of my insecurities! I hope my blog will be remembered by my children and grandchildren. I wish I had something of that sort from both my grandmas whom I loved.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jennifer, from all the reviews I've seen, your book should be an award winner. And now you'll have that song in your head all night...

Roland, his every word had meaning though.

Laura, that's a good point.

Edi, thanks!

Cherie, true - no one will ever be forced to write a paper on my book.

Gwen Gardner said...

That darn "depth" thing - lets just hide it with humor! Sorry, I know I'm not much help. Depth has it's place, but an engaging read will always be my choice. Great post, Alex.

Jessica Salyer said...

Alex, some of my favorite things to read are great fluff. Stories that I don't have to think too hard about, but that whisk me away to a wonderful place and send me on a wonderful adventure. My life is deep enough as it is.

Melissa Sugar said...

Alex, you are describing normal and justifiable insecurities. If your book is entertaining readers now then hopefully you have accomplished what you intended. Readers differ, but I don't like heavy description. I like just enough to feel present in the story. I skim over lengthy, descriptive passages. I want to be entertained with action, dialogue, conflict etc., not read long winded paragraphs describing the scenery, just my opinion.

I get a flat zero on today's trivia questions. I usually know at least one, but drawing a blank here. BTW, I just wanted to let you know that you are always helping writers/bloggers even when you are not aware of it. I read a comment that you left on a blog a few weeks ago (can't remember the blog or post) but you mentioned using firefox as your browser because of the auto spell correction in the comment section. I switched to firefox as soon as I read it. Thanks.

Allison said...

I also worry that my writing doesn't have enough depth or meaning, but I think there is worth in just telling a good story. I also like accessible better than fancy prose, anyway :)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Your insecurity is very similar to mine this month.

Anonymous said...

Your CassaFire is in my TBR pile for next week . . . can't wait:) As always, thanks for hostin the IWSG!

Cindy said...

Taking people on adventures away from their everyday cubicals is a very good thing. We all need an escape. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

What you think you are missing from your books is what I love about your books. I love that they are a fun read. I love that they are about the characters and not about the fancy descriptions or deep concepts. I love that they are a joy to read.

Li said...

Gahhh!!!!! Now I have Turning Japanese stuck in my head!! Oh, wait. It's better than the theme song from Gilligan's Island. I think. :-)

Jemi Fraser said...

Great - thanks to Li, not only will I have Turning Japanese stuck in my head - but Gilligan's Isle as well!!! *sigh*

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks for keeping it real - and I really appreciate your comments on my blog today:)

Helena said...

I know exactly what you mean about sensing your books won't last. But you never know. Ironically, this is the week the movie John Carter comes out, and it's based on pulp books by Edgar Rice Burroughs -- he churned them out literally about a hundred years ago. And 2012 is the centennial for the appearance of his pulp creation Tarzan. Who'd 've thought back then that his stories would be around this long? But obviously there were some elements in his stories that people just keep going back to.

M Pax said...

Can't remember #1. Damn. #2 is Crashtest Dummies.

Shannon Lawrence said...

2. Crash Test Dummies?

You never know what will stick in people's minds, what will become "literature," what will be remembered. I'm betting these are very common insecurities.

Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z

M.J. Fifield said...

I just hope that someday I finish a book, forget anything else.

I don't know any of the trivia answers. I can sing (well, hum) axel F though. Does that count for anything?

Morgan said...

Your books sound like just the kind of thing I like to read... who wants life lessons in books??? ;)

I would freak out to win a copy!!!!

alexia said...

The tour continues! Rock on!

DL Hammons said...

I run screaming in the other direction from fancy prose. Vastly overrated if you ask me! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jessica, fluff may be what I write!

Melissa, thank you. And I'm glad switching to Firefox helped with spelling! Wow, people actually read my comments...

Michael, I think we'll both be fine.

Jamie, thank you!!!

Cindy, I'd like to escape my cubicle...

Lynda, thank you so much - that just made my night!

Lisa, not sure...

Jemi, now I'm laughing!

Mark, the admiration of your kids trumps all else.

Helena, that is true.

Mary and Shannon, yes!

MJ, counts in my book.

Morgan, good luck then.

DL, you won't run from my books then. Well, at least not for that reason...

Robyn Campbell said...

Love what you said about hoping your books help folks to escape reality for a time. I hope that my stories do that too. Isn't that really what its' all about? Writing not award winning books but books that people just love to enjoy?

Great post, Alex! Heading over to Lee's now. :-)

Karen Elizabeth Brown said...

At least you have the courage to face and put a name to your fears, which puts you ahead of the game.

I could identify with almost all of those you listed. My biggest fear right now is standing up in front of a room of people who will be critiquing my writing! Now that's scarey!

Emily R. King said...

I love a good book with depth and meaning, but I PREFER to read something entertaining. It doesn't give me a headache. : )

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, I hope that's what it's all about!

Karen, that would scare me as well.

Emily, I doubt my books induce headaches...

Hope Roberson said...

I'm with ya! My writing is emotion driven with plenty of action over scenery. I just hope for someone to enjoy the story and be entertained for a few hours. Thanks for sharing and thanks for this support group! Today is my first IWSG post :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I watch movies, TV shows and read books for the pleasure of a great story. I don't read fiction to search for deep meanings though I wouldn't say the main character showing growth and overcoming difficulties isn't deep enough for anyone.

dolorah said...

I missed yesterdays post- and I knew the answers to 2 and 3 :)

I'm wrapped up in a beta read and not blogging much. But I will catch Lee and Talli's guest stops.

I don't see anything wrong with writing to today's readers. Sometimes the here and now is so important. I'm an eclectic reader, and sometimes just enjoy being entertained for a while. I hope you continue writing these thrilling, live in the moment novels. Its good to escape :)

.......dhole

Karen Lange said...

I can really relate to these insecurities, Alex. On one hand, it's good to know I'm not alone. On the other, of course, I want us all to grow and learn from them.

Heading over to Lee's place!

Lola Sharp said...

That's why we have chocolate and vanilla and rocky road and mint choc. chip and tart and spicy... because everyone has different taste. And sometimes, those of us who like just about every flavor (food, genre, style), there are times when we want to read/watch something fun and entertaining. (rom com popularity is proof of that)

You found your niche, what you like to read and write, enjoy it. :)

Hugs,
Lola

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hope, I will visit soon, I promise!

Susan, true.

Lola , thank you! That means a lot coming from you.

Chuck said...

I will respond to your trivia with this music trivia:

Who performed these memorable hits..

1. "Safety Dance"

2. "Cars"

3. "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick"

4. "You Spin Me Round"

5. "I Melt With You"

Ha ha!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Hi! I'd never thought about my books becoming as classics.

Interesting thought, though, seeing that Alice and Wonderland is a classic.

Just how in the world would a modern-day book become a classic? Does it need to be unforgettable? Original? Striking? Stand-alone? Those all describe classics, right?

Who knows what the future holds, maybe classics will always remain Jane Austin, Mark Twain or Shakespeare works and never anyone close to the 21st century.

Happy IWSG day!

Arlee Bird said...

You kept things busy at Tossing It Out today. And I don't think I'm the oldest in years, but maybe among them. No need to be overly concerned about your writing--I think you do just fine.


Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog

Unknown said...

Your post is very inspirational. I'm glad to have the opportunity to be a part of this group! My biggest insecurity right now is that when my first book, Provex City, goes live on Amazon no one will buy it. I know I can't worry about that because writing is a passion first--a paycheck is just a bonus. I hope it will be remembered, but I guess only time will tell (haha...obviously). And it's sad that the only answer I know from today's trivia is #2 the Crash Test Dummies. Thank you for this. Cheers!

Jeremy Bates said...

great post alex........i think the number one thing writers in popular fiction should focus on is entertaining..... everything else, or anything, follows

Ash-Matic said...

I agree with the chap above me.

Writers are storytellers. We were the guys who people gathered around, by the fire. We told tales by word of mouth. Stories were forgotten in morning hangovers, or taken and twisted and mutated by other storytellers.

Entertain us first. Everything else is secondary.

RaveAir said...

2. Crash Test Dummies
It was very annoying to me...

3. The theme of Beverly Hills cop :) Harold Faltermeyer

The others are great mistery to me.

Enid Wilson said...

Fun and escape are what I need right now. So it's good.

The Spinster’s Vow

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Thanks for your visit and comment on my Insecure Writer's Group, I guess I will never understand why people "Follow" and never vist again. One person told me it was because I wrote all poetry and people don't like that what I need is variety on my blog. Alex, I am what I am as the song goes, I'm not into short stories and writing books. There is a Daniel song called"Am I wasting My Time?" which spring to mind.

Have a good day.
Yvonne.

Kezra said...

ISWG is such a brilliant idea - glad I found you guys at such an early stage of our writing... I look forward to next month already!

Unknown said...

During the 80's I lived above a night club which was open until 4am most nights, so the eighties music drives me crazy!!!
I try to pretend that a lot of it didin't exist!

Alex your books are an enjoyable read, you needn't stress over them being a literay masterpiece!

From all your blogging friends whom you are surrounded with you must realise that you and your work have become popular!

Anonymous said...

How did you know everyone of my insecurities?

Catherine Stine said...

Many authors share your insecurities! A book can have lyrical words and be a bore. A book can have deep messages and be too preachy. If my novels entertain, I'll be thrilled. You seem to be saying the same thing in different words.

Author A.O. Peart said...

So many of us share your insecurities, but I would say this - not all books that win awards are remembered a hundred years from now either. You are a great writer, blogger, friend, you inspire a whole lot of people, bring them together and, I think, you write from your heart. That is a huge list of accomplishments. Keep rocking, Alex.

Ann said...

My insecurities are very much like yours. I am not very good with descriptions. I have a tendency to skip over long drawn out descriptive when I read; I suppose that must be why. Of course unlike you I have yet to publish...so adds to my angst.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck-
1 Men Without Hats
2 Gary Numan
3 The Blockheads?
4 Dead or Alive
5 Modern English
How'd I do? Sorry I didn't see this sooner!

Thanks, Lee!

Michael, all you can control is what you do to promote it. Thanks for participating!

Thanks, Jeremy and Ash.

Yvonne, then you don't worry about those people!

Kezra, thanks for being a part of it!

CM, at least somebody likes it - that's what matters.

Pat, I'm a Ninja - we know everything...

Thanks, Catherine and Angela!

Ann, well there are a lot of us that skip those, so guess we'll both be all right.