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.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Tonja Drecker, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine!
May 5 question - Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?
We need co-hosts this summer! Leave a comment if you can host June, July, or August. We already have two for June.
Our next anthology is now available!
Dark Matter: Artificial
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
Discover dark matter’s secrets…
What is an AI’s true role? Will bumbling siblings find their way home from deep space? Dark matter is judging us—are we worthy of existence? Would you step through a portal into another reality? Can the discoverer of dark matter uncover its secrets?
Ten authors explore dark matter, unraveling its secrets and revealing its mysterious nature. Featuring the talents of Stephanie Espinoza Villamor, C.D. Gallant-King, Tara Tyler, Mark Alpert, Olga Godim, Steph Wolmarans, Charles Kowalski, Kim Mannix, Elizabeth Mueller, and Deniz Bevan.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a journey across time and space. Prepare for ignition!
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter.
Release date: May 4, 2021
Print ISBN 9781939844828 $14.95
EBook ISBN 9781939844835 $4.99v Science Fiction: Collections & Anthologies / Space Exploration / Genetic Engineering
LINKS: Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes and Nobel, and Goodreads
Our official judges:
Dan Koboldt, author and #SFFpit founder
Lynda R. Young, author
Colleen Oefelein, agent, The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency
Damien Larkin, author
Ion Newcombe, editor and publisher
Julie Gwinn, agent, The Seymour Agency
David Powers King, author
The Seventh Annual IWSG Anthology Contest!
Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 5000-6000
Genre: Sweet Romance
Theme: First Love
Submissions accepted: May 7 - September 1, 2021
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group. You must belong to at least one aspect of the IWSG to enter.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Our official judges:
Author Nancy Gideon
Nancy Gideon is the award-winning bestseller of over 70 romances ranging from historical, Regency, and series contemporary suspense to dark paranormal and horror, with a couple of produced screenplays and non-fiction writing books tossed into the mix. She’s also written under the pseudonyms Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West, and Lauren Giddings.
Agent Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Associates
Caitlin Blasdell has been a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates since 2002 with a focus on commercial fiction. Before becoming an agent, she was a senior editor at HarperCollins Publishers.
Author Susan Gourley
Susan Gourley is traditionally published in fantasy and science fiction romance using the name Susan Kelley. She is currently serving as the President of the Pennwriters writing group renowned for the annual conference.
Author Meka James
Meka James is a writer of adult contemporary and erotic romance. A born and raised Georgia Peach, she still resides in the southern state with her hubby of 16 years and counting. Mom to four kids of the two legged variety, she also has four fur-babies of the canine variety. When not writing or reading, Meka can be found playing The Sims 3, sometimes Sims 4, and making up fun stories to go with the pixelated people whose world she controls.
Agent Melissa Gaines, Victress Literary
Author Jennifer Lane
Jennifer Lane writes sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist. She has published nine novels and two short stories, including Behind the Catcher’s Mask as part of the IWSG Masquerade Anthology.
Agent Rachel Beck, Liza Dawson Associates
Rachel Beck joined Liza Dawson Associates in January 2020 after working at a boutique literary agency for four years. She has been in the publishing industry since 2009 and worked at Harlequin editing romance novels for nearly six years before transitioning her skills to the agent world in order to be an advocate and champion for authors.
Author Loni Townsend
By day, she writes code. By predawn darkness, she writes fantasies. All other times, she writes in her head. People call her peculiar with a twisted sense of fashion, but don't let those understatements fool you. Her behavior is perfectly normal for a squirrel disguised as a human.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Dancing Lemur Press' imprint, Freedom Fox Press, next year in the IWSG anthology. (Please see their site for general submission guidelines.) Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.
This is our seventh anthology contest! In addition to Dark Matter: Artificial, previous titles include Voyagers: The Third Ghost, Masquerade: Oddly Suited, Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime, Hero Lost, The Mysteries of Death and Life, and Parallels: Felix Was Here.
May Movie Preview
Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for April. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
7 –
Wrath of Man
The plot follows H, a cold and mysterious character working at a cash truck company responsible for moving hundreds of millions of dollars around Los Angeles each week.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Josh Hartnett, Rocci Williams
I know it says Guy Ritchie, but it looks like every Jason Statham film ever made…
28 –
A Quiet Place Part II
Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path.
Director: John Krasinski
Stars: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cillian Murphy, Noah Jupe
My quiet place too is in the bathroom with my iPad…but they may not be talking about that.
Picking up Dark Matter? Entering the next IWSG Anthology contest? Any movies strike your fancy this month?
Hi Alex - I marvel at the opportunities authors get with their entries in Dark Matter, as too the next contest - good luck. Our cinemas are still closed - but opening in 2 weeks or so, some are leaving it til the early Autumn. I know many are looking forward to being able to visit and see new films - you too! Cheers for now - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThis anthology sounds rather impressive Alex, Excellent judges, a few I have as followers. Another great ISWG post full of news and revuews and a joy to read.
ReplyDeleteHave a great month.
Yvonne.
Congratulations to all those with stories in Dark Matter.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the anthology authors!
ReplyDeleteI co-hosted a couple months ago but I can co-host again if you’d like!
Congratulations for the new anthology and to the story authors. That cover is amazing, too.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to a movie theater in way too long. Miss the experience.
Teresa
Hi, Alex!
ReplyDeleteThe Dark Matter anthology has definitely captured my interest.
I tried watching another film in which a family faces the threat of creatures that hunt by sound. I couldn't get into it. Perhaps the latest iteration will work for me.
Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Alex!
Congrats to the authors in Dark Matter and best wishes to all of those who enter the next contest. Wrath of Man does sound a bit like a Jason Stathm movie.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the many opportunities IWSG offers to writers of all levels of experience and interests.
ReplyDeleteLynn La Vita @ http://la-vita.us/write/
Alex, I am available to co-host in August. I haven't written a sweet romance and it sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week.
Congrats to everyone in the Dark Matter anthology - so lovely to see names I recognise.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great cover for "Dark Matter"!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about a sequel for "A Quiet Place"...guessing this one will focus on humans being the bad guys.
Yes, I'm going to get Dark Matter and write a sweet romance story about First Love.
ReplyDeleteAs for the movies - I've been hearing a lot about A Quiet Place, I didn't gather that they've made a Part 2. It sounds super creepy but I may just watch it. During the day.
Hmmm. Alex, you have two posts this month? Thought I was crazy, but I just commented on a later post. There was only one comment...which I thought was strange. I am never one of the first commenters, no matter how early I get there!
ReplyDeleteVery excited about Dark Matter, got my copy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting such a great hop.
congrats to all in the Dark Matter Anthology. Always good quality writing and effort.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to movies - The Quiet Place was SO good in a different way - just a neat surprising and quiet experience in the theater - who knew a crowd could stay SO quiet? My fear with QP 2 is it won't have that new theater smell -too much anticipation now, less innovation. We'll shall see (and hear or not hear). Happy May to you
Hilary, long time away. We'll be completely open come June.
ReplyDeleteSarah, thanks!
Shady, maybe a ripoff of the first A Quiet Place?
Cathrina, thanks, and hope you enter a story.
Elizabeth, it looks like it.
Kalpana, please do write one!
Liza, no, just one.
Toi, thanks!
Joanne, it will be a challenge to live up to the first film.
Love the title of the new Anthology! Happy IWSG Day, Alex :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats again to everyone in Dark Matter! And gosh, it's a busy month...on so many fronts.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to everyone who has a story in the new anthology. You've got a great group of judges for the new one too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the contributors in the Dark Matters anthology. It would fun to read for all budding poets. Best wishes Alex!
ReplyDeleteHank
Congratulations to the authors, judges, and publisher for another awesome anthology!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all who are featured in Dark Matter. I look forward to reading each story.
Alex, I can co-host in July or August. Whichever is best for you.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Congrats to Dark Matter authors. A different direction for the next anthology- should be interesting results.
ReplyDeleteSo much anthology goodness. Love the new theme (pun intended)!
ReplyDeleteLots of great authors in Dark Matter - looking forward to reading my copy :)
Congratulations to all the authors. It's exciting to see another anthology. What a great group of writers. Happy IWSG day, Alex.
ReplyDeleteEven though I didn't love the first one, I liked it well enough to look forward to A Quiet Place Part II. :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to be an anthology judge! All that talent. What pressure!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to those authors who made the anthology. Wishing you many sales!
ReplyDeleteToday's Question: "Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?" I think the reader who actually felt the SAME as I did about my book surprised me the most. I really hadn't expected that, either. And I can't lie--it felt...GREAT!
Pat, thanks!
ReplyDeleteNick, very different...
Nancy, no pressure!
Stacy, awesome!
Hi Alex, Dark Matter Anthology looks lovely. Wishing it loads of success.
ReplyDeleteI can be one of the co-hosts for June.
We just watched "The Mitchells vs The Machines" on Netflix. It's one of the best animated family movies I've seen in a long time (and we watch a lot of animated family movies). Hilarious, exciting, fun visual style, and a good message.
ReplyDeleteMy head's spinning with all that IWSG is up to. This is going to be a great year for the group and for writers seeking publication opportunities.
ReplyDeleteIf the movies and the new anthology theme are mixed together (as they are right now in my tired mind), it is going to be an interesting and terrifying anthology :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for IWSG day Whirlwind Publishing
The new anthology contest should open up a slew of new writers.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for A Quite Place 2.
Congratulations to the anthology authors! Sweet romance, huh? I don't think I could write a non-steamy romance if you held a gun to my head. Ah well. As always, thanks for all you do for all of us. Some excellent comments on this month's question!
ReplyDeleteGreat news about both anthologies!
ReplyDeleteHappy May :)
What an excellent op!! I'll have to see if I can come up with a short story by then.
ReplyDeleteSooo excited for Quiet Place 2! Such a great horror flick.
I'll be around all summer if you're still short on cohosts, or anything else, let me know.
Congratulations to the authors in Dark Matter! No movies are grabbing my interest at the moment. Coming off my high of a wonderful road trip. Thanks for all you do for writers, insecure and otherwise!
ReplyDeleteI recently watched Chaos Walking and found the worldbuling fascinating. The storyline was pretty good too, although, there were some gruesome parts. (I'm a dog lover you see.)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I've heard of it. Sounds like a good one. I'll have to check it out.
DeleteCongratulations to the anthology authors! Mmmm...that next anthology sounds like another great read. Thanks for offering such opportunities to IWSG bloggers!
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
Congrats to the anthology authors! Definitely picking up a copy or two. :)
ReplyDeleteYay for the anthology release! Heh, I will definitely not be participating in the next contest. I don't think I could write a sweet romance to save my life.
ReplyDeleteThat's a stellar line-up of judges!
ReplyDeleteI did like A Quiet Place. Not sure that I'd be that up for a sequel, but...
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Congrats on the new release of the IWSG Anthology! Great line-up of judges for the next one. I'd love to join in but, er, sweet romance would be a challenge. More like an impossibility. Someone would wind up dead or something. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Howdy Captain!
ReplyDeleteSeventh anthology contest - sure sounds impressive! Congratulations to the authors of Dark Matter.
I was disappointed by the ending of the first Quiet Place, but I'll probably watch the second one to see what happens next ;-)
I plan to see "Heaven is For Real" (Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly) first chance I get.
Happy May!
Thanks, Rachna!
ReplyDeleteCD, I'll look for it!
Ronel, funny!
Thanks, PK!
Anna, haven't seen that one.
Sarah, I know one writer who could make that happen in a sweet romance.
"it looks like every Jason Statham film ever made" LOL! My thoughts, exactly!
ReplyDeleteI can co-host June or August. Let me know. :-)
Oooo didn't know there was a Quite Place 2?
ReplyDeleteHa! Please do tell. Who could write a dead body into a sweet romance? Is that allowed? ;-) Kidding. Sort of.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize dark matter was so judgy. I'm definitely going to be seeing the new Quiet Place. I never would have imagined the guy from The Office would make such a good horror movie.
ReplyDeleteI've been alternately thrilled/shocked/blindsided by readers comments... which reinforces the need for this group, I guess. Thanks for inventing-and-maintaining it.
ReplyDeleteI will gladly co-host as needed, Nija Captain. I blog as a weekly habit and will be ever insecure - perfect qualifications, me thinks!
Congrats to the anthology authors.
ReplyDeleteHum, looks like slim pickin's for movies this month.
Congrats to all the Dark Matter writers! Love that cover. And the new contest sounds intriguing...will be thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteHappy ISWG!
Congrats to the writers in Dark Matter! Sounds amazing! Thanks for the movie reviews! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi Alex! I might be able to help out in July or August as co-host. Just let me know.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the last time I've gone out to see a movie. All the luck with the Dark Matter anthology. And thank you to the judges for the next romance anthology. Have a beautiful week!
Congratulations to everyone in the Dark Matter anthology! I hope the release is going well :)
ReplyDeleteWhom should I email if one of the co-host blog links seems to be broken for this month? I clicked on it and was very surprised.
Wahoo, love the cover the new anthology. Happy Writing!
ReplyDeleteThe new anthology should get tons of submissions - so many readers and writers love sweet romance - but I doubt I will be one of them. Even when I want to write a romance, it comes out strange. Not my thing at all as a writer. But I do love reading romance. Can't wait to read it, when it is published.
ReplyDeleteNope, those movies won't entice me into the theater. Of course, they're just not my kind of movies. If I'm going to be scared, I'd rather do it at home, in bright sunlight, and be able to stop it at will.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to co-host:)
ReplyDeleteHave a great one.
Lee, thanks!
ReplyDeleteRay, it was supposed to come out a year ago...
Sarah - CD Gallant-King, one of the Dark Matter authors (And he's in two other IWSG anthologies - his story in Masquerade would qualify.)
JE, he's a great actor and director.
PJ, sounds good!
Victoria, thanks!
SE, whose is it? There was an issue with PJ's but I fixed it. (And you can email me.)
Olga, not my thing either!
Sandra, thanks!
I'm looking forward to seeing A Quiet Place Part II. I liked the first one, despite some characters-being-dumb-because-plot moments ;)
ReplyDeleteGot it. I'll check that out. This should be good...
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for the release of this anthology! Yay that it's finally out in the wild. I think this is such an amazing cover, and I love the theme. Great job to everyone involved!
ReplyDeleteYay for the anthology release!
ReplyDeleteI can host in August.
Dark Matter sounds like it has some fascinating as well as creepy stories. I'd like to check out A Quiet Place II. The first one was super and although it seems that sequels have been disappointing these days I'd be willing to take my chances on this one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to those who made it in the anthology! I am looking forward to seeing A Quiet Place Part II. I haven't been to a theater is what seems like forever but, things are opening up so who knows. I may venture out. The first one, was intense, edge of your seat entertainment.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week Alex!
Hey!
ReplyDeleteNow that A to Z is over (deep breath in, exhale slowly... ahh, breathing!), I'm happy to volunteer to cohost for whatever month. August is my birth month, everyone can come have some virtual cake with me. Ha ha. 🎂 But really, whatever help you need, just hit me up.
Added the new anthology to my TBR. Dan Koboldt is awesome. I've known him since we faced off in WriteClub and his 500 words kicked my 500 words' butt. (Rightfully so, his entry was definitely deserving of the win. That was like losing to "Richard Bachman.")
First love romance... hmm... may have to think about that one.
"looks like every Jason Statham film " -- Well that makes me want to see it.
The Chev Chelios character in the Crank movies is my fav of his work.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw comes out this month. Chris Rock jumping into the gory horror genre should be interesting.
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
Hey, Alex,
ReplyDeleteHow's the writing going on your latest story? I bet you have the first draft written already. WOW, another published anthology....how GREAT! Congrats to all the authors! Anthology number seven ... AMAZING!
I hope you and your family are doing well!
The new anthology has an awesome cover. I'll probably submit something to the contest, though I've not decided what my story will be about yet.
ReplyDeleteSweet Romance/First Love ~ Oh Lord, now I'll have to confront my reluctance to write about love and romance ~ LOL! My copy of Dark Matter Artificial still hasn't come. I'm really looking forward to reading all the stories. Congratulations to all the authors. I'm home for the summer, so I can co-host if you need me. July and August would be better, but I could do June. Thanks for all you do, Alex!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the authors in the latest anthology! Things are always hopping at the IWSG! It's incredible how you and your devoted minions manage to find the time to do it all! Thanks for everything, Alex!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Sweet romance, eh? I've been known to write that kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKim, thanks!
ReplyDeleteSteven, I plan to see it.
J Lenni, thanks! Funny Dan's story kicked your butt.
Michael, it's been accepted and will be published next year!
Carrie-Anne, please do.
Louise, it should come soon and thanks!
Pasty, you should definitely enter then.
Hello my friend, it was so much fun scrolling down your blog to discover so many movies! I added The Head and Monster Hunter to our list which has the Quiet Place II and The New Mutants on it already (smile) Sending hugs to you and yours. Katherine
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the DarK Matter authors! The next challenge sounds interesting, time to put on the thinking cap.
ReplyDeleteI just want to know how they kept a newborn quiet all that time? :)
Congratulations to all the authors in “Dark Matter: Artificial“! I have a feeling that the new anthology subject and genre will be a popular one. If only I wrote fiction. :-) Kudos to the IWSG admins, the judges, and Dancing Lemur Press! The covers are always so attractive and professional too. I’ve heard so many nice things about this publishing house (isn’t this your publisher as well, Alex?) and am disappointed they are not interested in memoir. Happy weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading these stories!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, glad you have some new movies to watch.
ReplyDeleteYolanda, very good question!
Liesbet, yes, that is my publisher and they do great covers.
I didn't know there was going to be a part 2 for A Quiet Place. Sounds good.
ReplyDeletethanks for the Dark Matter shout out!
ReplyDeleteand I live for snark, there seems to be less of it these days... or maybe just less people with a sense of humor? haha
happy trails!
Tara Tyler Talks
Congrats on the latest installment of the anthology. One of these days I may just build up the nerve to enter.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on Wednesday.
Congrats on the new anthology!
ReplyDeleteI have been getting into short stories and fiction writing lately and really enjoying it. The reader that surprises me the most is one who is usually negative about everything I do but is really encouraging me to not only pursue my writing but to create a novel. I just need a full plot.
ReplyDeleteI ordered my copy. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks to all the authors.
I'll check out the anthology! Congrats to all the writers!
ReplyDeleteBasically, anything with Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel, and any one else is their genre. It may hard to believe, but I enjoy movies where good guys kill bad guys. Car races and stunts entertain me.
ReplyDeleteFast and Furious 9 is coming out.
Congratulations on the anthology. Woot! I am hoping this latest Jason Statham movie is excellent. They seem to be hit or miss for me. He's had some I'd watch again!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to being a judge. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Dark Matters Anthology sounds exciting and I love the cover. Congrats to the authors involved!
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck to those who submit for the next anthology!
Congrats, Dark Matter authors!
ReplyDeleteThis next IWSG Anthology sounds fun! Good luck to all who enter!
Thanks for dropping by, Alex!
Elizabeth
Lots of talent in the judge lineup.
ReplyDeleteTake special care.
Sorry I missed this post until now, Alex.
ReplyDeleteI hope May, and life in general, is treating you well.
That was the link, yep. I should have known you'd already be on top of it. But I'll remember I can email you if it happens again. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLOL to the iPad comment. No movies tickle my fancy this year. It's end of school year time, final projects, lots of state testing, etc. No time for anything except the kiddos basketball. I quit teaching but my mom got sick and Covid hit so I asked my principal for my job. Thankfully she is amazing and said yes, and I love teaching so much this year. I guess it just depends in large part on the kiddos you get (and how lucky you get in forming relationships with them so they will want to do well on their off days0. :) The contest sounds fun. Good luck to all.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the Dark Matter anthology authors. Wishing them much success.
ReplyDeleteHave a great one, Alex.
Congratulations to all of the Dark Matter authors. What an honor!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I've been wanting to see A Quiet Place II since last year and was really hoping it would come out on HBO Max, but it didn't. Dangit!! I guess I'll wait for it to come out on DVD. I"m guessing it won't be that long.
Elsie
The antho sounds super! Congrats to all authors.
ReplyDelete#100 Hello Alex. I love every movie Jason Statham is in, even the horrible ones. Hope you're doing fine.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Dark Matter folks. Great title. I guess a robots true role is to help humans to answer that question
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all fellow Dark Matter authors!
ReplyDelete