The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It’s a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.
Every month there’s an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they’re struggling with what to say.
This month’s question is:
Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Connor said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?
Check out how people have answered this month’s question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list HERE. You can see how I answered this question below.
So why do I write humorous cozy mysteries (and now rom-coms)? Cause I have all these silly ideas in my head that make me giggle. And if I don’t get them down on paper, I worry that my head might explode. Which would be gross. But an interesting way to die . . . an exploding head caused by an overabundance of silly ideas.
Hmm. Better jot that idea down in one of my notebooks.
Can you tell I write murder mysteries? I’m always looking for new and novel ways to kill people. I’ll have to figure out a way to work this whole exploding head thing into my next book.
One of the tricky things about trying to write funny books is that we don’t all have the same sense of humor. When you write a book and put it out there in the world {which is incredibly scary, by the way}, it’s also a chance to find like-minded people. Folks who get tickled by the same things you do. Like-minded goofballs. When they send you emails, leave blog comments, or message you on Facebook to tell you that your book made them laugh, it’s almost better than chocolate.
Almost, people, almost. We all know there’s nothing better than chocolate. Except kittens. I think we can all agree on that.
That’s great that your writing makes you giggle. I smiled when I read that you are always looking for new ways to kill people for your mysteries. And yes, chocolate and kittens are awesome.
Yay for someone else who things chocolate and kittens are awesome!
You definitely need to work the exploding head into a story! Off screen, of course, or it wouldn’t be a cozy.
Sounds like a challenge – can I make an exploding head cozy? Hmm….
Hi,
it takes a lot to write a humorous story that is engaging and delightful to read.
I like to read a story that makes me laugh.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Humor sure isn’t easy to write and I’m sure I have way more misses than hits when I try to do it.
Your books definitely make me laugh! BTW, I love those awesome new covers, and congratulations on your latest book! I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I didn’t include it on my post today, but maybe you’d like to do an interview or a guest post in the next few months? Send me an e-mail at tyreantigger (at) gmail (dot) com if you would like to do that.
Glad you like the new covers. I’m experimenting with them for the ebooks to see how they do. If they seem to work, then I’ll recover the paperbacks too.
Thanks for the offer to be on your blog – I’ll be in touch 🙂
I wish the ideas in my head made me giggle instead of wanting to run away screaming. And, of course, there’s nowhere to run away to, because wherever I go, my head comes with me. Unless it exploded. 🙂
That is the problem with heads, isn’t it – they follow you everywhere 🙂
Ah yes, humor is one of those good-for-everyone medicines. I have a bit of a twisted sense of humor myself. Many of my critique group members don’t seem to appreciate it… 🙂
I do love a twisted sense of humor!
You know I love your books and they make me laugh. I find the like sense of humor angle interesting since although I love your sense of humor ther are many things I find funny that you don’t. I wonder if there are categories of different types of sense of humor.
Keep on giggling to yourself and keep on writing it down!
Thanks so much, Duwan! Sounds like a research project for you looking into humor categories 🙂
Love those covers! Eye-catching. Yes, your books bring out the giggles in me. We need some humor these days. Really appreciate the lighthearted tales you tell. I voting for chocolate all the way. They’re easy. Kitties are not–litter box changing, hairballs, climbing on everything.See? But dang they are sweet like chocolate.
JQ Rose
I fall into your goofball category – always enjoy your books!!
Great covers!!
Love the updates on your covers. I’m a bit dismayed to realized I’m about 3 books behind, though! Congrats on keeping up the output, even while you are enjoying the trailer life!
Oh, and your sense of humor definitely tickles me!
Great answer, i read to discover and learn, and laugh. Lots of laughing.
It’s great to hear from you, by the way.
Yes. I Love your sense of humor and catchy titles .
And of course chocolate and cats !❤️
Keep it up girl !
I totally disagree! Chocolate is waaaay better than kittens. 🙂 Ok… only on holidays and every other Tuesday. Otherwise, kittens rule!
But all kidding aside, I can’t wait to see how you work that exploding head into your stories. Maybe metaphorically? Like, “Yo, dude, you blew my mind…”
I know nothing about writing humor, as you can probably see. But I make a great audience. Ask my husband, I laugh at him all the time!
You found your audience in me. I love to giggle and your stories do that to me. A perfectly good reason for writing. Keep it up. No exploding heads around me, please.
Lovely post, Ellen! You are funny! I love it. I’m sure my sense of humor is very different from most people. I often like a sarcastic twist or dry British humor. Yet, I love your ideas and the way you express yourself in all your blog posts and books.