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:
Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?
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. Instead of answering the questions, I’ve got a writing update for you, PLUS I’m sharing Jennifer Lane’s fabulous new release – Rivals.
Writing Update
March was a busy month in writing land!
I finished up book #6 in my Mollie McGhie cozy mystery series – Overboard on the Ocean. It’s now with the editor and I’m hoping to release it in late April. This is the last full-length book in the series so there was a bit to wrap up in terms of Mollie and Scooter’s overall character arcs, as well as their quest to get their boat ready to sail off into the sunset. Of course, there’s a dead body or two as well! The final book in the series will be a fun Christmas novella. I gotta say, it’s bittersweet getting ready to say goodbye to Mollie . . . although, you never know, she could show up again in a spin-off series.
By the way, if you want to pre-order a copy of Overboard on the Ocean, you can find it at your favorite retailer HERE. If you’re interested in an ARC, let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email at ellenjacobsonauthor@gmail.com.
Toward the end of March, I started working on a new romantic comedy, Smitten with Candy Canes. This is a Christmas novella set in Santa’s Village, Finland. I’m teaming up with some amazing ladies to release it as part of a sweet romantic comedy collection which will be headed your way in July. Naturally, I’m insecure about whether my story will be as funny or swoonworthy as theirs are since they’re all pretty seasoned romance writers.
Anthologies are a fantastic way to connect with fellow writers and to find new readers. In fact, my first publication was as part of an IWSG anthology – Hero Lost. I’m really looking forward to reading the newest IWSG anthology – Dark Matter – which is coming out in May.
I’ll share more details with you about Smitten with Candy Canes and the sweet romantic comedy collection next month, but if you can’t wait, you can always pre-order a copy now for only 99c at Apple Books, Barnes & Noble or Kobo HERE. 100% of pre-order profits will be donated to Pets for the Elderly, an amazing cause which connects shelter animals with seniors. (Note: the collection will be available on Amazon at a later date.)
Also, if you can help out with spreading the word about the romcom collection on your social media, blog, newsletter etc., that would be awesome! Let me know in the comments or shoot me an email at ellenjacobsonauthor@gmail.com.
Rivals by Jennifer Lane
If you’re a romance reader, you’ll want to check out Rivals by Jennifer Lane. Having gone to graduate school at a Big Ten university, I was instantly intrigued by the premise – an enemies-to-lovers romance between two coaches from rival schools. Learning what goes on behind the scenes in college sports programs was fascinating and watching Jeremy and Lauren’s relationship unfold tugged at my heartstrings. Find out more about Rivals below. You can also read my review on Goodreads.
Blurb
“I embrace my rival. But only to strangle him.”
~Jean Racine
After landing her dream job as head volleyball coach at Ohio State University, Lauren Chase’s career has become a nightmare. Her only hope of saving her job is to recruit a star player to her team. Too bad the player’s twin has signed a football scholarship for OSU’s chief rival, Michigan. And too bad Michigan coach, Jeremy Trent, sends sparks through Lauren every time they cross paths. But no way will she pursue an attraction to a man who represents the university she hates.
Jeremy detests his boss, and he hopes that signing the nation’s #1 recruit is the ticket he needs to become a head coach himself one day. Lauren Chase is already a head coach, and Jeremy has to admit that she intrigues the hell out of him. He wants to know why her performance has tanked after winning a national championship. He wants to see beneath Lauren’s fast pace and dirty mouth. But he can’t get with a Buckeye, right?
Maybe rivals don’t have to remain enemies. Maybe they can learn to appreciate their opponent’s strengths. And, if they’re lucky—if they excel at the game—maybe rivals can bring out the very best in each other.
Read in Kindle Unlimited or grab your copy at: Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (CA) | Amazon (AU)
About Jennifer Lane
Psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane invites you to her world of sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist!
Jen fell in love with sports at a young age and competed in swimming and volleyball in college. She went on to become the Honda Award Winner for Division III Athlete of the Year. She still gets high from the smell of chlorine and the satisfaction of smashing a beautiful volleyball set.
Jen’s latest novel is Rivals, a romance between coaches from rival universities. Her Blocked trilogy also explores the transformation from hate to love. Particularly in this time of division, Jen’s favorite theme is finding common ground.
A romantic suspense trilogy (The Conduct Series) and a psychological thriller (Twin Sacrifice) complete Jen’s collection of stories. She calls Ohio home and shares writing space with her two trusted feline collaborators: Tuxedo and Tessa.
Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time, she likes to exercise and visit her amazing sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.
Connect with Jennifer at: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram
What about you? How was your March? What are you looking forward to in April?
Congrats on finishing the last book in your series. That’s a big accomplishment. I’d be glad to shout out your story in the anthology in my Follower News. Email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com.
Thanks so much offering to share the anthology in your Follower News. Will send the details closer to the release 🙂
I’ve got Rivals waiting on my phone for me! Looking forward to it.
Wrapping up a series has got to be tough emotionally. Mollie and Scooter must feel like part of the family by now. I’m looking forward to your next books – love them. If you still need ARC readers, I’d love to help out.
They do feel like family! Thanks so much for the ARC offer. Sending you an email 🙂
Hi,
Congrats on having your book in the hands of the Editor. I know it was a major task and I believe you’ll miss the characters. Maybe, they’ll come back.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I think they may very well return in some shape or form. Mollie can’t take the backstage for very long. 🙂
Congratulations to you, Ellen! Yes, you had a story in Hero Lost.
Congratulations to Jennifer.
The IWSG anthology was a great way for me to get my start!
Very exciting about your new book and the Christmas collaboration! That must be so much fun to write for the holiday and do it with others. I look forward to hearing more about this project and seeing the results.
It’s a great group of ladies to work with 🙂
Wow, what a busy time. Congratulations on completing Overboard on the Ocean. The editing process is always interesting. Closing one door always opens another. I wonder what’s next?
My website links are broken. You can read my post here:
http://la-vita.us/write/
My comment link broken. Please email any comment to:
sv.lavita-at-gmailcom
Just read your post, Lynn. The issue with the website sounds so frustrating! Hand in there.
Congratulations on finishing your series and all that you are doing! Wow.
Thanks, Tyrean!
Congrats on the upcoming publication. I just have to say Buckeye and Wolverine romance!!! I used to live in Ohio and … I don’t know. They both sound like fun series. Have a great April.
I grew up in Ohio so it was fun to read from that perspective.
Congratulations on on sending your book to your editor! And oh my gosh…Smitten with Candy Canes. That has to be just about the cutest title. I can’t wait to hear more.
Congratulations to Jennifer on her new release!
Thanks Chrys – glad you like the title 🙂
I’m looking forward to getting out of Florida in April. Not that Florida is all that bad – and the weather is amazing right now – but I fear we will end up roasting in our metal box if we stay much longer waiting for doctors’ appointments.
Congrats on one more Mollie McGhie book. I love all the characters you have created and would say I’m going to miss Mollie, Scooter, Mrs. Moto and the gang but you know they live on in chapter one of my Mollie McGhie fan fiction. And hopefully they will continue to do so if I ever put chapter two down on paper.
Hope all is well with you and Scott and life is giving you lots of good inspiration.
The fans of your fan fiction are anxiously awaiting Chapter 2!
Congrats on all your success. Busy woman.
For me April has been pretty rough, but I’m hoping it will improve with time. Good news like yours helps a lot. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
I’m sorry to hear things haven’t been going well. Hope things get better for your soon.
I love how you’re rocking the publishing world. That’s amazing! Grats on getting so much done!
Thanks so much, Loni!
Congrats on your productivity! Smitten with Candy Canes sounds adorable!!
And congrats to Jennifer on her new release. Rival sports teams are a real thing, and this sounds like a lot of fun – a modern day Romeo and Juliet, without all that depressing dying in the end. 🙂
You are just one amazing writing machine.
Congrats to Jennifer!
You’re a great writer and I know you can hold your own in the romance anthology! Also, I can help with your new release via Twitter. Just let me know.
Thanks so much for the offer to help and the encouragement, Gwen! you’re the best 🙂
Well done with your series! Hope it sells well….
Thanks for visiting my blog, too 🙂
Jemima
Thanks, Jemima. As for sales of the series, I’m always thrilled by the fact that someone other than my friends and family has bought one of my books 🙂
Congrats on finishing the series. A huge accomplishment.
It will be a strange feeling once it is finally completed 🙂
Ellen! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review, as well as featuring my book on your IWSG post–it means a lot to me!
I’m with Duwan that you’ve built a wonderful world with fun characters in the Mollie McGhie series. I’m happy to spread the word on my blog. I’m also impressed by your writing speed! And how inspiring that you have another universe to play with in your new series.
I really enjoyed Rivals and I’m sure others will love it too!
Love how you highlighted so many great things going on!
And I’d be happy to help you spread the word on any of your books.
and thanks for visiting me =)
Thanks for the offer to help – much appreciated!
Congrats to Jennifer, and to you Ellen for all the new projects! Very exciting.
Thanks, Yvonne 🙂
Congratulations for the book. It’s a huge accomplishment to wrap up an entire series. Good luck!
It will be a good feeling to have it done and dusted once that Christmas novella is published. 🙂
You’ve been so busy! Good luck with all of it, and with whatever you decide to work on next.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Mimi! It means a lot to me 🙂
I can’t believe you’re up to book #6 already! That’s so great!
Congrats on finishing your book/series. Awesome. Onto comedy next. Great! Jennifer Lane’s book looks intriguing.
Jen’s book is great – definitely worth checking out 🙂
I can’t believe you’re up to book #6 already! A huge congrats 🙂
I’m surprised that I’m at book #6 too! Where did the time go?
Congratulations on finishing the series, that’s amazing!
Thanks for the introduction to Jennifer Lane and her work.
Jen is a great writer – glad I could “introduce” you to her!
Congratulations on finishing the next book, how exciting!
Thanks so much!
I love romantic comedies…guess ’cause I’m writing one. I betMollie will rise again somewhere, somehow. And Buckeyes vs Wolverines? What a great premise.
Yay for romantic comedies! I’d love to hear more about yours. 🙂
Congrats on wrapping up the last book in your series.
It’s already book #6? Wow! Very exciting!
Some days, it’s hard to believe I’m already at book #6. It seems like just yesterday that I published book #1 🙂
Somehow I got kicked out- probably operator error. In any case, thanks for stopping by my blog. Pre-ordered my copy of Overboard on the Ocean. Congrats on completing the series. I’d be happy to help spread the word about your romcom series. I’m hoping to read the third in the series this month or next. Thanks for sharing Rivals. It sounds like an intense story.
Rivals is a really great read! Thanks so much for your support with my books. You are such a sweet lady 🙂
Congratulations Ellen! I pre-ordered Rivals, hearing about it through IWSG. So many great books by this community!
Rivals is great – I think you’ll really enjoy it 🙂
I have mixed feelings about the next Mollie book. Happy it’s coming soon. But sad that it will be the end. I love Mollie & Scooter. Looking forward to the anthology. Let me know what I can do to help. Same with Overboard. I love guest bloggers.
Thanks so much for your kind offer of support. Sending you an email 🙂
Bravo, Ellen, for finishing the last novel in your series. Way to go! And Rivals sounds truly intriguing, Jennifer. All the luck with these new releases, ladies! Have a beautiful day!
Thanks so much for popping by, Victoria!
Wow, Ellen, you are on a roll! Congrats on the completion of two new stories! The covers are awesome. I’ve seen Jen around the blogosphere lately. “Rivals” sounds like a fun read. Hope you’re staying cool enough over there. 🙂
You were there when I first started writing Overboard on the Ocean – must be your magic touch and inspiration 🙂