Welcome back to another posting of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG). If you haven’t already clicked on the image above and gotten whisked away for a virtual tour, what are you waiting for? This month I’m one of the co-hosts along with several wonderful other writers. Give their blogs a visit. Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguirre, Olga Godim, Michelle Wallace, and Louise – Fundy Blue!
September 7 question – What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?
That’s an easy one. I’m not a romance writer. Could I tackle small romance elements that are secondary? Yes. But in terms of it being the focus of the story, I’m not your girl. It’s just not of interest to me. I get all squeamish if the book I’m reading begins to focus on a romantic relationship for too long, and I honestly will skip pages if I can. It’s just not my jam. So, I leave it to the talented writers out that who love romance and who write it passionately. That’s what the readers deserve. Now that I’ve been serious for several consecutive minutes, it’s time for some fun. Or, more precisely, some fun news.
This first story needs only two words to express what I felt when I saw it: um … what?
In science news today, I have a gift for all my writer friends. Demon ducks. Do with it what you will. I heart science!
I leave you with a song. Enjoy and I’ll see you in seven.
kimlajevardi 
Emotional support Ali ? He sounds great. No Komodo dragons though… Best friend had a beloved cockerel, truly imprinted on her – boy chicks not wanted, some became reptile food. He wasn’t allowed on the school bus, but would meet her after school. Romance ? Only if totally unromantic, might be classed as a couples ‘adventure
I could get on board with a non-romance couples’ adventure.
WaPo ran a story recently about another emotional support alligator (also named Wally), and it made my whole week. I’d love an alligator buddy, but since I live in Arizona, maybe I should go for a Gila monster instead 🙂
Thanks for sharing the song – I hadn’t heard it, and it’s great.
There are two of them? 😮
Must be, because in the story I read, the owner was an older guy.
Wow!
I don’t mind reading romance, but I just can’t write it.
Definitely with you in writing romance.
Demon Ducks! I love it. Thanks for co-hosting this month – I’ve been away on holiday, so only just back to comments 🙂
I hope you had a great time. Thanks for dropping by!
OMG. A support gator. Never saw that one coming:)
That’s what I thought when I saw it.
Yeah, I’m no good with romance either. It surprises me, though, how many people say romance. It seems like a popular genre with a lot of writers in it, yet most of the posts I visited have named romance as the answer to the question.
I think the people who are comfortable with it are very comfortable, and the rest of us are intimidated as heck.
I had the same answer as you. I’m not a romance writer.
Yeah, some have that desire and some don’t. I guess we’re both the latter. Thanks for stopping by!
I am okay with writing bits of romance to enhance my character if needed, but I can’t write it as a genre in itself. Not my cup of tea! Thank you for co-hosting, Kim 😀
I agree with the bits if needed. Thanks for dropping by!
Thanks for co-hosting this month. It’s a crazy world out there. People get comfort where they can, I guess. Thanks for the song.
It is definitely a crazy world. Thanks for stopping by!
Emotional support alligator? LOL! Good song. Seems like many writers here aren’t romance fans. 🙂
Or are intimidated by writing something intimate. It can be difficult because it hits closer to home.
I struggle with writing romance, too, but I keep trying bits of it.
Struggling but trying to improve is very admirable. Keep at it!
I really could use a demon duck, preferably as my emotional support animal. But I suppose an alligator would do. Biting the ankles of my enemies, along with strangers who are acting a bit annoying, absolutely counts as emotional support. Thanks so much for co-hosting this month!
I would pay to see either your demon duck or bites alligator. 😂
I enjoy reading romance, and there are romance elements in a lot of my work, but I don’t quite see myself tackling a straight-up romance either. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
It’s good there are so many options that none of us has to write in a genre we aren’t passionate about.
I’m with you on writing romance, Kim! I enjoy reading it sometimes, especially great books like the “Outlander Series.” And I so enjoyed your fun news links. An alligator as an emotional support animal ~ Ah, no, give me a sweet dog for support please. And the Demon Bird post was fascinating. Made sense too. Have a good one!
I’d take a dog, too. Thanks for stopping by!
A support-alligator? The things people do for attention. Romance can be a good condiment for a great story. It’s just not my kind of meal 😉
Enjoyed the video, and powerful song. Thanks for co-hosting!
The condiment analogy is great! Thanks for stopping by.
Demon ducks! I needed that today. I can’t do the happily ever after of the romance genre, so I’m trying my hand at the love story genre, instead. A touch of sadness at the end can be much more realistic. We’ll see how it goes.
Good luck!
What! A pet alligator???? Like we need more drama? I think I’d rather try to write romance than pet an alligator. Really funny — as are those demon ducks. Congrats on making a commitment to posting weekly and for this month’s hosting. I agree with you that all writing has some element of romance, even if the main character is in love with the quest. I also appreciate Charity’s comment about the heroine’s journey . . . something new to look up. Have a great writing month!
Thanks for stopping by!
Say wha-a-a-t? That’s my 2 words for the alligator story. I’d love to meet this family! sheesh…maybe not. Great video–love the dramatic setting. Romance is hard to write. Don’t feel bad. I can’t write dark scenes. Thanks for co-hosting!!
I do better with dark than steamy. Thanks for stopping by!
What an interesting collection of information that caught your attention. Each of them really is intriguing!
Glad you liked them. Thanks for stopping by!
An alligator – really? That story made me smile.
I love reading romance, but writing it is another matter. I tried once. My single romance novella is doing well on wattpad (69K readers at last count), but I can’t force myself to write a sequel, even though I want to. My writing tends towards speculative fiction. The less reality the better.
I love speculative! Thanks for stopping by!
You have to write what you’re passionate about.
Demon ducks. Never heard of them!
Agreed! I hadn’t heard of them until I saw the article. So wild!
I’m finding myself in a lot of good company regarding writing romance. It’s something I’ve never been able to write convincingly.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
But those who can write it sell very well.
I’m too dark for happy endings. My intimate scenes are cringy at best. Kudos to those who can pull off Romance. Thank you for co-hosting!
Thanks for dropping by!
I like romantic elements in books, but writing a true romance novel, I don’t think I’d entertain that notion.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Thanks for dropping by!
Hi,
Not everyone can write romance and that is a good thing.
Thank you for co-hosting.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thanks for stopping by!
I couldn’t write romance either, but then I’m not romantic. The thought makes me gag. And yes, the song is beautiful. Thanks for co-hosting, Kim.
I get you. Thanks for stopping by!
That alligator will be emotional support right up until he eats her.
I’m not doing romance either.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
True on the alligator. My pleasure, Alex!
I remember when I thought I’d never write romance, but then I did. Of course, my style of romance drifts slightly toward women’s fiction and I don’t write intimate scenes. Actually, now that I’ve learned about the heroine’s journey (instead of the hero’s journey) I think that’s what I’m really doing. It’s still weird to write a contemporary style more than my science fiction though.
Thanks for sharing the fun news and song!
I love the Heroine’s Journey! Did you read Gail Carriger’s book?
I did and loved it. I love the whole idea of we can be stronger, do this together, and all come out better in the end feel of the heroine’s journey.
Agreed!