Wednesday, July 1, 2020

IWSG: July 2020 Version

It can't be half way through 2020, though lots of people can't wait for the year to be over. Just when we think things can only get better, there's another smack in the face. At least we have the IWSG friends to suffer, cheer, and empathize with all our woes and worries. Thanks to founder Alex J. Cavanaugh and his team, we have this amazing group. Find everyone on this list.

This month's optional question:
 There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

It would be nice if technology could stop book pirates, though I doubt that's possible. I expect to see some of the big industry publishers suffering as they stubbornly refuse to keep up with changes. I hope that small presses and indie-published writers will find more ways to meet readers and get in bookstores and libraries.

Things I'm still missing as our state crawls toward reopening: (none of them as important as people's health)

The library is open for ordering and curbside pickup. That's nice but it doesn't give me the chance to browse for some new authors. I think next week we'll be able to go in. I also miss taking my granddaughter to their programs and to play in the children's section.

I do miss coffee with my friends and a chance to hang out at Panera or Starbucks while we catch up. Though some of those places are open, we haven't tried to dining out yet.

I am so tired of watching the same things over and over again on TV or not being able to find anything to watch. I did just start watching The Boys on Amazon. I don't know why I put it off. It's not my favorite. It's horrifying and actually probably how super beings would really act if they existed. They wouldn't be Steve Rogers.

And who bought all the jigsaw puzzles? I'm a puzzle nut, the bigger and more difficult, the better. They're gone! How dare all those amateurs buy my puzzles? LOL  I figured bikes and puzzles will be huge items at upcoming yardsales.

That's enough whining for now except for one more thing. Still waiting to get into my hairdresser. My hair hasn't been this long for more than decade.

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln


Writing is going well though not as fast as I'd like. Don't judge me, Jo!

What do you see coming for the writing industry? Have you dined out recently? Did you buy my jigsaw puzzles? Any thing you're really, really missing during shut down?










36 comments:

nashvillecats2 said...

What I'm missing during Lockdown is (a) going out, (b) speaking face to face with people and living a normal life.
I am trying to finish a book I started to write last year but seems to have writer's block since this virus came on the scene.
Hope you are safe and well.
Yvonne.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I did buy some puzzles! LOL Our favorite, White Mountain Puzzles, finally got more in stock.

We've eaten out twice and it was wonderful both times.

Liza said...

I miss getting to the library. Not only for the book selection, but for the ability to sit down and read...or write. It was always good for a change of four walls. These days they are definitely closing in on me! I did get my hair cut though, and when I look in the mirror feel a little like my old (or newly revised) self.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad you're writing me too. Curbside pickup at the library is not great, but at least we can start getting books there. I'm going to schedule my first pickup this week.

Pat Hatt said...

I don't think I came that far to get your puzzles, but may have gotten a few lol Yep. Sure nothing much to watch these days. Never got into The Boys yet.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tried to watch The Boys and just couldn't get into it.
I really miss going to the movies.

mshatch said...

I did not buy your jigsaw puzzles though now that you mention it...

Have you seen The Expanse? I very much enjoyed the first season.

Chrys Fey said...

A way to stop book pirates would be groundbreaking!

M.J. Fifield said...

It would really be nice to stop book pirating.

I actually went into the library for the first time in months. I didn't stay to browse—just ran in to pick up some holds. But I haven't been anywhere else that wasn't absolutely essential. Considering how Florida's numbers are, I don't see that changing any time soon.

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I am glad your writing is going well. I too am ready to move forward but at the moment it looks as if a vaccine has to be discovered first before I can fly home to the USA to see my family. Here they have said that the USA is not safe to fly to.
All the best.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

betty said...

Our library hasn't opened yet except for curbside pickup. I bet your granddaughter is missing story time. We have virtual story times but I can't imagine that being the same.

I did notice jigsaw puzzles were sold out here as well as board games. That's kind of neat if you think about it that people are looking for other ways to stay busy other than technology :)

I need a haircut too. Our places have been opened for a month but the weekends tend to get busy with this and that so haven't ventured out to do that yet. Soon though because its starting to bug me with the hair on my neck :)

betty

J E Oneil said...

2020 is going by at top speed, and yet seems to be taking forever. I can only tremble in fear at the thought of what the rest of the year will bring.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I miss my library, too. I took my parents to a restaurant where we could eat outside for my mom's birthday. It worked. It was weird, and everyone wore masks except at our individual tables, but it was still fun. My mom may be buying your puzzles. :)

cleemckenzie said...

I loved everything you mentioned in this post. I often wonder how much those pirates have made from my labor. Almost all of my books are on pirate sites, but no amount of complaining has brought them down.

I have a jigsaw puzzle on my game table that's taking forever to put together. I usually plow through these, but this one's a bear.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I think a lot of people are having trouble writing. I miss talking to people in person too.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I like White Mountain too. The Toy and Game store where I used to buy them went out of business.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I was planning on writing at the library while my granddaughter is in preschool this fall. Now I don't know if either will be open for me to do so.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I've done two pickups so far. At least I got some new books to read.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I didn't expect to like The Boys. It's pretty brutal. You better now have my puzzles.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I thought of you with the movie thing. One of my sons is like you. He seems to see every new release. I get my reviews from you and him.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

LOL. I rewatched all four seasons of the Expanse since March. I really like it. The second season is probably my favorite.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That sounds like me. I think the bookstore was the only place I went that wasn't a food store. I hope the library allows us in next week.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I don't know if it's safe to fly anywhere. The numbers are so confusing and news reports sketchy. Stay safe.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That is true about puzzles and games. It's nice that families are doing those kind of things together. Too many of us are spending too much time staring at screens.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That's right. We were always the cool kids.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I know. The first half has been a nightmare that doesn't end.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I talked with my husband about eating outside at one of our favorite restaurants, but it's been so hot! So it was your mom?!!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Oh, I love those tough puzzles. I have a sister I exchange puzzles with. We try to stump each other with a tough one as birthday gifts.

dolorah said...

I just found two big boxes of puzzles in my storage. I'll share, lol.

I have more fears regarding publishing than hopes.

Michelle Wallace said...

I miss popping in for coffee at the local spots... and my hair has never been as bad as it is now. *sigh*

Jo said...

I wouldn't dream of judging you Sue, but I am chomping at the bit for your new book. I do jigsaw puzzles online. That way I don't have to turn over the pieces nor find all the edges myself. I do a small one every day.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I miss a lot of things, but none more than going inside the library. I've been taking advantage of curbside pickup since it opened up, but nothing beats browsing.

Beth Camp said...

I agree with you that nothing (well, almost nothing) that I'm missing is as important as people's health. But I am missing those simple activities, like going out to dinner once in a while, having coffee with my daughter, meeting writing friends to hack over that current chapter, or even going grocery shopping. My life is simpler now, and once I accept these limits, I am at peace. Don't miss haircuts at all as I'm a do-it-myself. Saves a lot of agony over too-short bangs. Really miss the library. Ours is now open for drop-off and curbside pickup, but we may be facing these limits for a while to come. Sharing good reads helps -- as does OverDrive at the library. My favorite just now: connecting with other writers in new ways. Hope you find your puzzles. May the coming month be good to you!

Diane Burton said...

I'm so glad our governor was as strict as she was from the get-go. Hopefully, we won't be going backward like many states are now. As soon as hair salons opened, I got my hair cut. Yay! Their safety procedures are as good as our doctor's. Not as good as the dentist, though. Wow. Wish I didn't know that...1st filling in 10+ years. I could've waited another 10. lol It entailed getting a new crown, too. Expensive. Finally got to see the grandkids in person instead of FaceTime. Our writers' group and local book group are still meeting via Zoom. Better than nothing. We've found new ways to get together. Nothing replaces face-to-face, but I'd rather stay healthy. Hubs does puzzles. He has a 9,000 piece one that he's never going to finish. Want to come over and help him? lol Have a great month and happy 4th of July.

messymimi said...

Isn't it a strange world right now. If it had been a sci-fi story written 10 years ago, i think no one would have believed it possible.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - I must say I've enjoyed the brain space ... and I've started to get things cleared out - makes me feel easier! However - I hope books will never die out ... and we can always turn a page ... and you'll get that chance soon with your granddaughters ... well done on the walking - I must do more! All the best and stay safe ... Hilary