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 January 7 posting of the IWSG are Shannon Lawrence, Olga Godim, Jean Davis, and Jacqui Murray!
January 7 question - Is there anything in your writing plans for 2026 that you are going to do that you couldn't get done in 2025?
Maybe develop a desire to write again?
Some of you are distressed when the writing bug leaves you. Afraid you are burned out. Worried stories will never return.
Writing does not define you. You may think it does, but it doesn’t. What defines you is your character, what you stand for, what you believe in.
So, stop and think about that.
While I would like to write again, it’s not imperative. It’s not life-altering. I have other creative things in life that rate higher. (Like music.)
So, give yourself a break. Maybe you need a break. Maybe your interests have changed. Regardless, it’s okay!
And we need co-hosts for February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6! If you can help out any of those days, leave a comment or send me an email.
Reviews
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Same basic story – Terrans are harvesting Pandora’s resources unchecked while hunting down Jake and his family. (And if there are more movies, there really needs to be a new plot.) What makes it work though is the scope, the effects, and the characters.
Worth it to see it in 3D as the effects are jaw dropping and it’s one of the biggest spectacle movies you will ever see. Cameron knows how to make an epic movie and continues to up the ante with each one.
Jake’s family – and Spider – are what really makes the movie memorable. The film begins a short time after the second one ends, throwing the characters into situations and decisions rippling from the previous film. I'd also like to note that the Ash tribe leader is actually quite sexy for an alien!
It’s long (3:17) but if you enjoyed the first two, you will greatly enjoy this one. Recommended!
Stranger Things: Season Five
While there are those grousing that half the characters didn’t die in the end (what is wrong with people – would they want half of their friends and family to die?) make no mistake the fifth and final season is as excellent as the others. Many revelations, some new characters, dozens of twists, and excellent effects add up to one great season. The show also sets an exhausting pace sometimes as it piles on problem after problem.
An excellent ending to a great show! Highly recommended!
Frankenstein
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, you just know it’s going to be stylish and good.
It’s visually amazing. The director knows how bring a setting to life.
It was also a bit gorier than I anticipated. It presented a few surprising twists and turns as well.
Ultimately though, it couldn’t escape the shadow of a story told many, many times.
Still recommended if you are a fan of either the director or the story!
January Movie Preview
Here are the theatrical releases for January. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
9 –
Greenland 2: Migration
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
Stars: Morena Baccarin, Gerard Butler, Sophie Thompson
The surviving Garrity family must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the decimated frozen wasteland of Europe to find a new home.
Stupid people making bad decisions. Slowly. Take two!
16 –
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Director: Nia DaCosta
Stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Emma Laird
As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal's gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.
Probably better than Fifty Shades of Grey: The Bone Temple.
23 –
Return to Silent Hill
Director: Christophe Gans
Stars: Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Robert Strange
When a man receives a mysterious letter from his lost love, he is drawn to Silent Hill, a once familiar town now consumed by darkness.
That place is terrifying. Why do people keep going back? Someone needs to put up a warning sign or something…
Mercy
Director: Timur Bekmambeto
Stars: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Michael C. Mahon
In the near future, a detective (Chris Pratt) stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced A.I. Judge (Rebecca Ferguson) he once championed, before it determines his fate.
Exact same ‘I didn’t kill my wife!’ plot as a hundred other movies. Only with AI…
What are you going to do differently this year? Can you co-host the IWSG? Seen either movie or fan of the show? And do any of January’s movies spark your interest?
43 comments:
I can't believe that I'm the first to comment. It's never happened before. I totally agree with what you said about writing and that it's okay if you don't have the desire to write anymore. I'm like you and am focused on other creative avenues that mean more to me now. I'm glad to co-host whatever months you need me to.
I started the last season of Stranger Things, but haven't watched the new episodes. You're inspiring me to finish the series.
I'm making my way through the final series of Stranger Things and enjoying it so far. :)
I've been curious about watching Frankenstein. I'll give it a go, despite the gore.
That is a great attitude to where you stand in your writing life. Nothing can be forced and it's not the be all and end all.
I really enjoyed the Stranger Things ending. I only heard about any online reaction second hand after the fact. Luckily I don't pore over any such things for any shows or movies.
I loved the final season of Stranger Things. I thought it ended hopeful.
Good point. My problem is that I love writing so much I get depressed when life keeps me from it.
I can co-host in April.
I agree that it's okay to take a break from writing! I need to see Stranger Things. I enjoy the Avatar movies, but three+ hours makes me pause.
Yeah, that is fine if you don't write. Can go have fun or do other things you enjoy.
Season 5 was the worst season in my opinion. Still not awful. But it had so many darn plot holes, or just let's not talk about that, and sooooooo much exposition. It turned into The Walking Dead. 15 mins of action and then 3 hours of walking and talking. Just shut up and run already lol
You make excellent points about writing. No one thing defines us.
I'm interested in the Frankenstein movie.
Happy New Year! Thanks for the movie reviews and previews. I'm not interested in the new movies but I've been wanting to watch Frankenstein, but need to find the right time, when I'm not eating.
Happy New Year! I like your attitude about writing. Don’t place so much stress on yourself otherwise you may stall what you are stressed about doing. I’m just trying to feel better. I got pneumonia before Christmas and, even though, that’s gone, I feel icky. I stayed home yesterday but feel the same today. I can’t think ahead except wanting to put the Christmas stuff away. That’s what I would like.
I saw the first Avatar movie and, although the special effects were amazing, the plot was simple like a serial western from the 50s but in reverse. Indians good, U. S. Bad.
The other films are not on my radar but I would like to see Stranger things one day.
Happy New Year! I think I'll skip the movies and series for this month and stick to reading :-) I can co-host whenever you need.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day An Author’s Goals for 2026
Happy New Year, Alex!
I really liked the first couple of seasons of Stranger Things, but it fell apart for me after that and I stopped watching. And I'm not sure I can take another 28 Day/Years later movie after not caring for the last one.
Love your comment. Thanks for reminding us, "Writing does not define you." Wishing you a new year creativity and deep satisfaction.
Natalie, you're first! And I will contact you about co-hosting.
Nick, good thing.
Melissa, thanks!
Jennifer, we just couldn't wait, but watching it at home means you pause.
Toi, definitely not when eating!
Birgit, hope you feel better soon.
Ronel, thanks.
I was pretty meh about the first Avatar so enjoyed your review, turned off by Stranger Things (glad to read your thoughts but they didn't change my mind),--and another Frankenstein? Hmm... Considering there aren't a lot of good movies out there, might give it a chance.
I got to see the new Avatar movie with the kids. I liked it a lot, especially the developments between Jake's family and Spider.
I get depressed when I don't have a creative outlet. It doesn't always have to be writing (although I love writing best), but I really want to get back into writing music again and I have other things I like to do as well. So when I need a break from writing, that's what I try to focus on.
Take care and have a great new year!
You make a good point. I love writing, but it does not define my worth or my identity. I may say I am a writer, but first, I am a child of God because God loves each of us and wants that relationship with each of us. And then, I'm a wife, a mom, a friend, an aunt, and more. But if we write, but then we have another area that draws us like moth to flame, then that's what we go to do next. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alex. Happy music making!
Thank you for what you said about writing. I've made "writer" a core part of my identity, so when I don't write, I feel like a fraud. I need to work on that.
I loved what you said about writing not being your identity. Sometimes you can get so caught up in it that you forget that. It's just one part of you and you're right, it will come back. I'm speaking from experience of taking lots of breaks along the way.
I can cohost for May!
Enjoyed Stranger Things. I originally thought that there should have been more deaths, too, but then realized that it's okay it ended the way it did. It was still a pretty bittersweet ending, with themes of growing up and moving on. And there's no way in hell the guys on the roof are getting together again...
"What defines you is your character, what you stand for, what you believe in." Thank you for this perfect reminder. Alex, I can host in May. Happy New Year.
My 12-year-old nephews keep on me about Stranger Things. I haven't even seen season one yet. I'll get on that. Eventually.
"What defines you is your character, what you stand for, what you believe in." Such a powerful statement, Alex. And so important. I'm glad that music is a creative passion for you. Music connects us around the world more than anything I can think of.
To thine own self be true, as the saying goes.We each have to find our own happiness and what feeds our soul. None of the movies or series struck a cord with me, especially the one where people trudge across a decimated wasteland.
Agree 100%. If I didn't enjoy the process, there would be no reason to write. Thanks for the continued help with the enjoyment, Alex!
I'd be happy to co-host, Alex.
That a powerful idea. May we all find the things that make us joyous and fulfilled, whether or not that includes writing. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Thanks for your openness about not feeling a failure for not writing much, though I don't have regrets for conquering my major health issue of several years. Now I can return to my creative self - and will!
I'll co-host whenever you want/need to keep this worthy endeavor and resource for writers - happy to help!
My problem with not-writing is: the stories are still there, in my head. I just can't force myself to sit at my laptop and start typing them.
We saw Fire & Ash on Christmas Day. It was long and went to a very dark place. I was ready to walk out, but I stayed long enough that it resolved itself, but man.
Howdy Captain! I like how you asked "What will you do differently?" For one thing, I won't try so hard to write when my heart isn't in it. I owe myself a little credit for knowing when to say "Uncle". I can't write happy if I'm not. But even endings sometimes make good beginnings. Ah, music. where would we be without it? Thanks for everything, and Happy New Year!
I don't know what to do with myself now that Stranger Things is done. Tried to find similar shows to watch to fill that hole. Might give The Society or Dead Boy Detectives a try.
There's nothing in January that caught my interest. But saw the Avengers: Doomsday trailers and can't wait for December. Sigh, wish it was December already
Music is still my main interest, but the writing is still there as well. Now I just got apply myself to one or both.
I've just not been able to really get into the Avatar franchise. I have the first movie on blu-ray and have watched it once. Not too inspired to watch again or see any of the follow-ups.
Lee
I hope you go get the desire to write back, but I'm glad that you see that it doesn't define you. I don't know if I think it totally defines me, but I also know that I don't have anything else (aside from hiking) that absorbs me so much or gives me as much purpose. I worry about lack of purpose with my early retirement.
I want to watch Greenland 2, I watched the first one and liked it.
I totally forgot to post on my blog today!! Happy New Year Alex. I did watch and enjoyed Stranger Things from beginning to end.
Also, I can host in April if that helps.
Renee, hope you get back to writing music again! What do you lay?
Tyrean, amen!
Jenni, thanks!
CD, I agree.
Liza, thanks!
Lee, thanks for coming along for the ride.
Sandra, thanks!
PJ, appreciate that!
Donna, it was intense.
Lidy, I know! We are also watching Fallout.
Rebecca, I am trying to form my own plan for that as well.
Cathrina, no worries! And thanks.
I really like what you said about writing. I keep thinking I'll kick in again, but I maintain my blog to keep my toe in the water. Perhaps I'll emerge once again. I love your snark.
Greenland - let's just keep it Danish, please.
Stranger Things5 is excellent and it's been fun watching the "kids" become adults. Very scary to me - we only watch one episode at a time. Heart pounding.
Happy New Year and all the best, Alex.
You're right. Writing does not define you, or me, or any of us. I think the muse has returned to me, and I'm anticipating a much more productive 2026, but that is a very good reminder for me going forward.
Breaks are good for the soul. Sometimes we need to step away and recharge and if we get back to what we did before, yay. If not, something new and exciting will likely pop up. If we keep doing only the same hobbies and interests, it's hard to grow, learn, and explore and that's kinda the whole point of this life thing. :)
I would like to have more time for the creative ventures I enjoy. My job isn't going well. Perhaps I'll be fired this year, so I'll be able to blog more and play the piano more. I haven't seen those movies and have never watched Stranger Things. Perhaps I'll give it a chance.
Love,
Janie
Your snarky description of Mercy just made me think, "It was the one-armed man!"
Glad to hear the finale of Stranger Things lives up to the rest of it. I haven't had a chance to watch yet (signed up for 6 month of Apple TV, so catching up on all the shows I've never seen).
Your post feels terribly applicable to my post about burnout! I do feel better when I'm writing, but I'm trying not to pressure myself too much.
Post a Comment