IWSG: December 2022

 

Welcome to the first Wednesday IWSG blog hop, founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh, and constantly growing and expanding thanks to all the admins. Find the entire list of participants here.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

And this month's optional question:

It's holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?

I used to do a lot of catch up over the holidays when I was teaching full time. After I retired from teaching, I would usually take some break between Christmas and the New Year. Then I started watching my granddaughter full time, and now I'm back to working on the career I love during that time. I love being a writer despite all the set backs.

And since we're here to share, let me tell you about my latest set back. I've had 23 romance novels published by a small press in the last 15 years. After being in business for so long, my beloved publisher is closing. I won't share all the reasons, but I'm grateful for all this pub did for me. Now what shall I do with all those books that are no longer out in the world?

I've already been looking for a publisher who will take on my second fantasy series. The previous publisher who contracted this series also closed its doors. They published the first book and had completed edits on the second. The third and final book has only been edited by one person besides me so it has a way to go. Any suggestions on a publisher who might take on a series where the first book had been published before? 

I know many of you have gone the self-publishing route. But I'd rather not unless I must. Despite the disappointment of losing my publisher, I'm figuring out where to go next. I did take one day to feel sorry for myself, but now I'm over it.

"Every strike brings me closer to the next homerun." Babe Ruth

In the past, my daughter and I always enjoyed watching those corny Christmas love stories that nearly every streaming service has. We laugh at the absurdly expensive apartments and houses some of the main characters have. The women are always super sweet, love Christmas and are usually employed, often self-employed, as bakers, writers, or tea shop owners. The men are always outrageously rich. Don't know why feel so entertained. Maybe we just love 'happily every after' during this joyous season.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was really good. Still am shocked at the price of turkey. I hope you all could afford a feast.

Do you send out Christmas cards. I do but only because so many send cards to us. I try to cut the list every year. And of course, there's the growing cost of postage. Almost done Christmas shopping. Have a few things coming from Amazon.

Any publisher recommendations? Are you working hard at writing over the holidays? Are getting with family and friends over the holidays?

I wish the joy and happiness of the season.

"I cannot change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." Jimmy Dean

IWSG: November 2022

 Whew, it's here already. The first Wednesday of the month and time for writers to share their woes and victories with others in the IWSG blog hop. Thanks to our founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh and all the admins at IWSG, we can share and encourage each other. Find the entire list here.

This month's question: Have I ever participated in NaNo? If not, why not? 

I have not and can't imagine I ever will. It's not my style. I have gone through spurts where I write more than 2K words per day, but I haven't for a while. I wish the best to all who attempt to do so.

I have been writing a little. My publisher has been very supportive during the past two years when my production of new material ground to a halt. I trying to prove her faith in me.

I know some of you love Halloween, but it's far from my favorite. Glad it's over and now I can look forward to fall and then Thanksgiving.

Heads up for this Friday. Enola Holmes 2 is coming to Netflix. The author of the Enola Holmes books is a friend of mine and was one of my greatest inspirations to become a writer. She's a lot of fun on Twitter. Find her here.

My daughter convinced me to watch Dark on Netflix and now I can't stop. Don't tell me what happens. I'm only at the end of season 1. It's so wonderful to have children who share my tastes in shows and books.

"Be happy. It is one way of being wise." Colette

I had my blog birthday since last I posted. Fourteen years and counting. I keep vowing to be more attentive to it, but I keep failing.

I hope those of you in the USA will vote next week. Let your voice be heard.

"Being willing is not enough; we must do." Leonardo da Vinci

Are you participating in NANO? Have you in the past? How long have you been blogging? Are you an Enola Holmes fan?

IWSG: October 2022

 

Fall is upon us and so is the October edition of IWSG. Much thanks to our founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh and all the admin of the Insecure Writers Support Group. Please visit as many of the group as you have time for as we share woes and victories. Find the entire list here.

What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?

High fantasy is my favorite genre and what I like best about it is that the good guys or girls win in the end. The journey to that victory is what makes it fun to read.

What I don't enjoy is 'dark' fantasy where there are no heroes and sometimes the bad guy wins. My daughter recently convinced me to read The Poppy War by RF Kuang. It is great writing, but the characters are all awful. Millions of people died and the series ended with very little hope going forward. Despite fine writing and historical roots of the story ideas, I regret the hours I spent reading the books.

Along the same lines, I'm not sure I can watch another episode of Blood of the Dragon. I find it to be a soap opera of the lives of an awful group of people. I don't care about any of the characters. Sure, the dragons are cool but they are such a small part of the whole mess.

"Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart." Ancient Indian Proverb

The Rings of Power has many likeable characters and lots of mysteries to try and figure out. I'm really enjoying it.

I bought a new laptop finally. I'm still adjusting to the keyboard. I keep missing the shift and delete buttons. I'm just glad I finally have a good battery again. I see some coffee shops in my writing future. I'm trying to get back to writing every day.

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily." Zig Ziglar

Do you have a favorite genre? What is motivating your writing? Ever read The Poppy War?

Druid's Moon by Deniz Bevan

It is my pleasure to welcome author, Deniz Bevan to my blog. Enjoy this short interview and get a peek at her methods and what she is doing to be a successful author.

How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult?

Short answer: Too many!

Lately I’ve been doing National Novel Writing Month each year, so by the end of November I have the Stupid First Draft, the one that’s full of meanderings and wonky plotlines and character discoveries.

If I’m organized, I spend the next few months going through it scene by scene and tightening it up.

If I’m really organized, the next step is to print it and read it on paper.

Then, I need to finish up all the required research and do another edit for word choice and style.

Then it’s time to send it to beta readers!

Which social media platform do you most enjoy using for promotion?

I enjoy writing up my blog the most! Twitter can be fun sometimes, and it’s always interesting to see photos from family and friends on Instagram.

Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?

Don’t be afraid to spill your ideas on paper! It’s true what other authors have said: You can’t edit a blank page!

Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?

Ah, well, I think these are two separate questions. I reread The Lord of the Rings every year; sometimes it leads me to want to write and other times it doesn’t. Some authors, such as Dostoyevsky and Bukowski, make me feel like writing. Other times, it’s beautiful writing like that of Rachel Carson and Nan Shepherd that makes me feel like trying my hand at poetry once more!

Druid’s Moon

By Deniz Bevan

Beauty to his Beast…

Lyne Vanlith, an archaeologist who seeks a logical explanation to any mystery, discovers an ancient Druidic curse on her first dig. When the signs foretold by the curse descend on her, Lyne can’t find a reasonable interpretation.

And that’s even before a Beast rescues her from a monstrous sea-creature. She drops a grateful kiss on the snout of the Beast, who transforms into a man, Frederick Cunnick, Baron of Lansladron. Lyne is meant to be Beauty to his Beast—and break the curse forever.

Now both spellkeeper and monster are targeting Lyne. She must take up her legendary role, to defeat the curse and save Frederick—and herself. Instead of logic, for the first time, Lyne must trust her heart.

Release date – September 20, 2022
$14.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 226 pages
Fantasy – Romance (FIC009090) / Paranormal (FIC009050) / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology (FIC010000)
Print ISBN 9781939844866 / EBook ISBN 9781939844873
$4.99 EBook available in all formats

BIO
A firm believer in burning the candle at both ends, Deniz Bevan is generally writing a new novel while editing another and blogging about her reading and research adventures. Other days, she tries to stay off the web altogether, as she delves into the history, mystery, and romance of her characters’ lives. http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.com/

Links:

Apple - https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1588920227
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HRDWJZ8
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165040276
Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844873
Scribd - https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844873&language=0
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HRDWJZ8
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59360035-druid-s-moon

Thank you, Deniz. I love that writing advice. I've heard it before but I need to hear it again as I currently stare at a blank page. Do you have a favorite social media platform? Are you ready for some beauty and the beast?

First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts

I am so excited to add the latest IWSG anthology to my keeper shelf alongside all the others published by this amazing group. I've asked the writers of these magnificent stories a few questions. Not only will you get to know about them as writers and about their process, but you may also learn something that speaks to you as a writer and a reader. Enjoy!

How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult?

I write a single draft, but it goes through several polishing passes. My favorite stage is the final pass, when I get to sit back and enjoy the finished product.

 

Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?

Find good critique partners and listen to them. Don’t be in a hurry to publish your debut.

 

 - Melissa Maygrove

 

 

 

How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult?

 

ANSWER: As many as it takes, some novels may need more than others, ESPECIALLY, if you are a panster. The first draft is my favorite, creating the characters, plots, and settings; and the most difficult is the final, trying to make it as perfect as possible.

 

Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?

 

ANSWER: Don’t give up no matter how long it takes…it will happen in time. For me, it took over a decade to finally have a story published traditionally.

 

Michael Di Gesu

 

 

 

Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?

Never stop thinking of yourself as a beginning author. Even with tons of experience, you’ll learn much from reading the work of better writers!

 

Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?

The YA titles of my youth like The Hunger Games or Twilight remind me of a time when being an author was a distant dream. Those books inspire me to push toward my goals so my younger self would be proud.

 

- Kim Elliott

 

 

 

Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?

My advice is to just write. It's so easy to get overwhelmed by fears you're doing it wrong or don't know enough but I'm pretty sure every writer, bestseller or newbie, suffers from imposter syndrome, and the only way to finish a book is to put words on the page. 

 

Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?

One book I read over and over is The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak. It's a great example of giving the readers what they want, and it always reminds me to have fun and write what I want to read. 

 

-Sammi Spizziri

 

 

 

Which social media platform do you most enjoy using for promotion?

I love Twitter for promotion simply because of its concise nature. It’s also been a great place for me to connect and interact with other writers (and encourage aspiring ones).

 

Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?

Not a book, but an author. Whenever I’m in a slump (of any kind), Alice Hoffman is the first writer I go to. Her novels are magic.

 

- Katie Klein

 

 

 

How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult? 

I once read that Harper Lee rewrote Chapter One of To Kill a Mockingbird 60 times and I think I can give her a run for her money, especially on my current  WIP. I'm struggling with the beginning even though most of the book has been written.  I don't love the first draft at all, but I do love the editing process.

 

Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?

I never lack inspiration to write, as I draw heavily on my travels which I've documented in diaries. But the novel I re-read every year or so always inspires - Beach Music by Pat Conroy. It has everything I love - descriptive, lively settings (Rome and Maine); current events (terrorism); family feuds (fantastic characterization with underpinning mystery); environmental issues (saving the turtles) ... and more.

 

- Denise Covey

 

How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult? I never preplan. I always start out with an idea, scene, or emotion and write until I can’t go anymore. When I run out of steam, I take a break and then write out an outline or sets of goals for the story and its characters. I always complete a minimum of four drafts and the last is the hardest - knowing for sure if you have everything needed for an enjoyable tale without overdoing it.

 

Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors? Read and write every day. Read a variety of genres, read books on the craft, read blogs of other authors. There is a multitude of information and contradictory advice out there. Weed through and find what works for you. Our minds don’t work the same and we all have different interests and strengths. Be willing to learn and find your own process for success.

 

- Slyvia Ney 

First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

The sweetness of first love…

Could a fiercely independent cop’s heart be stolen by the guy who makes her favorite doughnuts? Will a maid who used deceit to snare a mail-order husband get a dose of her own medicine? Can her handsome neighbor rescue a modern-day “princess” from a tenacious ex-boyfriend? Can two strangers in a rideshare be honest enough to fall in love for real? Can you remember your first love? How about your second? Third? Fourth?

Featuring the talents of Linda Budzinski, Melissa Maygrove, Michael Di Gesu, Sylvia Ney, Katie Klein, Kim Elliott, Templeton Moss, S.E. White, Denise Covey, and Sammi Spizziri. Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will touch your heart and rekindle lost feelings. Prepare to return to that first love…

Release date: September 6, 2022
Print ISBN – 9781939844880, $14.95
eBook ISBN – 9781939844897, $4.99
Romance - Clean & Wholesome (FIC027270) / Contemporary (FIC027020) / Historical (FIC027050)
186 pages, Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh and a Writer’s Digest Top Sites for Writers, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

Links:
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301
iTunes https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts
Scribed - https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love

Any of those answers strike a note for you? Do you have a go-to book that you read over and over again? Why that book?

IWSG: September 2022

 September already though the weather is still like summer. It's time for the monthly bloghop with all the awesome members of the IWSG. Thanks to our founder Alex J. Cavanaugh, and all the amazing admins who make this group so dynamic and helpful. Find the entire list here.

What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why? 

I believe historical fiction would be the worse for me. Too many chances to make a mistake. I admire historical fiction writers. They do so much research. I would be so afraid of getting something incorrect, that I wouldn't be able to tell the story. I've witnessed authors being attacked for a mistake in something like language or food, or any number of things. I do love to read it, so I'm glad other writers tackle it with skill and creativity.

I always dreaded the fall when I was teaching. It was no fun to return to school after a few months off. Since I retired from teaching, I've liked fall so much more. The last few years, I've been busy watching my granddaughter. But this year, she started kindergarten. For the first week, she cried every day as she got on the bus, but she loved being at school. Just that bus in the morning was terrifying for her. She's over it this week, but it wasn't so fun last week.

The Rings of Power have grabbed my attention so I hope it stays that way. Blood of the Dragon has bored me to sleep. None of the characters seem interesting. I don't understand why of all the options for a prequel, they chose to make it about a family of incestuous, unstable, megalomaniacs. I guess so they could have dragons.

Fortunately, I have lots of good books to read. I hope you'll find the time to read the newest IWSG anthology, First Love: The Art of Making Donuts. All the stories are excellent. I have a short interview with the writers right here in about two weeks. Please come back and read it.

I'm writing some but it's slow going. Hope to pick up the pace with the coming darkness of fall and then winter. Doing some shopping for a new computer. Even though I need one, I had setting up a new one. I wish it was as easy as getting a new iPhone.

Next month, I'm attending a one day mini-con in Erie, PA. It is sponsored by a Pennwriters Group. It is always excellent. I was a workshop leader last year, but this year I'm looking forward to sitting in workshops and just enjoying the atmosphere and soaking up expertise. The date is October 8th if you live nearby. Here is the information.

Any genres you would never try to write in? Enjoying any new fare on streaming or TV? Would you like to attend a conference?

IWSG: August 2022

 

It's time once again for the monthly meeting of the IWSG. Thank you to the IWSG admins and our founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, for starting this group where writers can support each other in victory and setbacks. Find the entire list here.

This month's optional question:  When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

I always try to make the story what I want it to be. But in my writing persona, Susan Kelley, where I write romance I do have to follow some reader expectations. In order to be called a romance, a novel must have a HEA, Happily Ever After. If it doesn't have that, it's not a romance. Romance readers expect that and you want them to come back for more.

In my fantasy novels, I also make sure there is a 'hero's journey' which is the expectation. There are endless ways to make that journey interesting. 

I've been putting the hours in at my keyboard and have written thousands of words in the past month. It's nice to be back at it.

I'm enjoying the first full summer in my new townhouse where I don't have to do any outside work in this heat. I can do my daily walk and then enjoy the pool. I feel so pampered. I've read a lot of books and enjoyed numerous jigsaw puzzles during the hours I would have been sweating outside. 

"To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness." Carleton Mitchell

Summer is a busy social month for us. Lots of anniversaries, birthdays, and this year, my daughter's wedding reception and my step-granddaughter's graduation. It's so nice to get together though I've had enough party food and drink for a while.

I feel bad for families with teenagers when they have to grocery shop. I know how much teenagers eat and I'm not sure how they can afford food. My husband and I are old enough that we don't eat large quantities, but it still is a shock each time I shop. Hope you're all doing okay and managing.

Do you write toward trends or what is currently 'in' or do you do your own thing? Are you staying cool in the heat of summer? Have you any TV or book recommendations?

IWSG: July 2022

 Another month has flown by and it's time for the monthly IWSG bloghop. Thank you to the IWSG admins and our founder Alex J. Cavanaugh. Please see the entire list of blog participating on this list.

This month's optional question: If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

LOL. Most of the books I read are set in worlds at war or medieval mysteries or fantasies. I love reading about them, but I don't want to live there! I don't want to live where there is no running water or central air or where women are second-class citizens and die in childbirth very often. I would love to live in a peaceful, futuristic world though that might make a dull book, it would be great to live in. I want to travel through space and see what's out there! I guess I would like to live in Star Trek's world without the conflicts.

"We cannot in one lifetime see all that we would like to see or to learn all that we hunger to know." Loren Eiseley

I would like to thank all of you who read my book, The Keepers of Sulbreth, for the IWSG Goodreads Book Club. I'm so honored to have been featured for this book of my heart.

I'm still writing though not as much as I would like. I'm planning my daughter's wedding reception. She and her wife eloped in May but now we're having a small local gathering. Seems there's always something more that needs doing.

I enjoyed the latest season of The Umbrella Academy. Not my favorite but okay. Stranger Things held my interest though I don't think any season has been as good as the first one. I watched The Terminal List on Prime. Definitely not light fare. I stopped watching The Boys. It seemed like each episode was trying to outdo the previous in grossness.

The warm weather has been great for walking and swimming. I love the heat as long as I can jump in the pool afterward. I've put some traveling plans on hold while I hope for gas prices to regain some sanity. Not entirely hopeful that will happen soon. So, I might spend my summer writing, walking, and swimming. Not too bad.

"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking." Friedrich Nietzsche

Is there a literary world you'd like to live in? Does your mind work creatively while you exercise? Any travel plans? 

IWSG: June 2022

 

Time is jetting past me. Here it is, June already and it's time for the monthly IWSG blog hop. I hope you'll join us for lots of info and sharing of joy and grief of being in the writing field. Thanks to our founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, IWSG is going strong. Find all the blog hop participants here.

This month's question:

When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

Tough to answer. It depends on what the 'tough' part is. Recently, as I whined about in this group, I've been unbelievably busy because I was a coordinator for a writers' conference. The desire to write was here but not the time. The conference was a big success and is finally over so I'm happy to report, that I'm back to writing. 

There have been times when I've been emotionally spent and not able to write, but they've passed. We all have those days, months, and even years. Attending events such as the above-mentioned conference is always good for my motivation. Sometimes, reading a favorite author is what does it. I don't think there is one good answer that works for every writer and in every situation.

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." Marilyn Von Savant

The new season of Stanger Things entertained but parts of it moved really slow. That show is always more interesting when all the characters are together in their fight against the Upside Down. I really like Halo. I never played the video game so I had no expectations. Dr. Strange was okay but nothing exceptional. I found the second season of Picard disappointing. The Boys returns with a new season on Amazon in a few days. That show is so violent and crazy that I can't look away.

I love the heat of summer. I hope you all have a pool to cool off in when the temperatures rise. Having moved into a townhouse, I'm thrilled to not have to worry about the lawn or the flower beds. I have a lovely porch to sit on while I read. I have a few short trips planned for the next few months. Can't wait to get away. (If I can afford the fuel)

What gets you over the hump or back in the game when the muse is hiding from you? Any plans for summer vacations? Do you like the heat? Read or watch anything interesting lately?

"You can't wait for inspiration. Sometimes you have to go after it with a club." Jack London

IWSG: May 2022

 Welcome to the May version of IWSG. Thanks to founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, we meet every month in this blog hop to share hopes, failures, and dreams coming true. Notice my positive wording. Find the list of all participants here.

First my apologies. For the first time ever, I missed posting last month. I've been buried planning the Pennwriters 35th Annual Writers Conference. There is so much to do and endless communications to be dealt with. It will all be over in 10 days or so and I hope I can return to my writing life and reconnect with my friends in the blogosphere. I feel like I haven't done anything for my own writing career for two years now. Time to get back to it.

It's the best of times; it's the worst of times. What are your writer highs (the good times)? And what are your writer lows (the crappy times)?

Crappy times have been the last two years when I've made almost no headway into the two novels I've started. I'm getting back to them very soon. Writer highs? That first contract. The first advance I ever received. The first time I led a workshop at a conference. The few book signings when I sold out of books. There have been a few. But I feel that writerly-high when I'm sitting at my computer and the words flow for page after page. I want to get back there.

"Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement."  W. Clement Stone

I'm loving Halo on Paramount. I'm not a video gamer at all, but I really enjoy the show. Moon Knight doesn't do much for me but it has moments of good entertainment. I'll be watching Star Trek: Strange New Worlds later this week and there are lots of things coming in the next few months. Joe Pickett on /Paramount. I love those books by CJ Box. The Boys coming back to Amazon in June and then The Umbrella Academy later that month.

I will likely get a large pile of books at the conference to read over the summer. I'm looking forward to getting back to swimming in a few weeks though the water will be cold. 

What gets you high on writing? Is spring waking new ideas and plans for you? Is anything good coming your way from the entertainment industry?

IWSG: March 2022

 

Welcome to the monthly blog hop with IWSG. This amazing group keeps going and going. Thank you to all the admins who keep it dynamic and our founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh. Find the entire list of blog participants on this list.

This month's optional question that I usually answer:

Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

Not really. I have been surprised by another writer's take on two different stories I had written. She suggested the science I was using could be misconstrued. Well, I tried to explain science is science but she didn't really care. I didn't debate, though it reminded me that there are lots of opinions from many different people and we'll never all agree.

Onto recent entertainment. Peacemaker was profane and hilarious. No deep thinking needed. I enjoyed Reacher on Prime. Much closer to the book character than the Tom Cruise movies. 1883 on Paramount shredded my heart. I've often wondered when driving through Kansas how those people drove covered wagons over that landscape. The show didn't skip on the brutality of nature, the greed of men, and the inner strength and determination of the settlers. I highly recommend it.

My writing has been nearly zero as I help the conference coordinator for the 35th Annual Pennwriters Conference being held in Lancaster, PA from May 12-15th. There is so much behind the scenes work. I currently have 15 different sticky notes on my desk and four other lists of things to do. It will be worth it to see other writers in-person again.

I hope everyone is safe in this crazy world. I feel very lucky to have a nice home and no huge concerns about my financial situation though if gas and food prices keep going that could change. I wish magic was real and could fix the world. In my only little corner, I can only be as kind as I can and hope it spreads to a few more.

"No one is useless in the world who lightens the burden of another." Charles Dickens

Have any parts of your writing given you pause or second thoughts? Have you watched 1883? Did it break your heart, also? What is keeping you busy?

IWSG: February 2022

 

Hope you're joining me to read all the great posts for this month's IWSG blog hop. As usual, thank you to the founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and all the IWSG admins for doing so much work to keep this group growing and vibrant.  Please check out the entire list of bloggers.

Today's optional question:

Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

Jo Wake, my friend who I never met in person. She beta-read my work and mentored me on use of my Instapot. I still cry a little as I write this. I will never forget her. She loved reading and learning new things. She loved to cook. She's was one tough old-bird. Since I'm fast approaching the old-bird stage, I hope I'll remain as sharp and active as Jo was. I admired her so much and I know many others did also.

"To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever."  Henry Drummond

Another influence for me was my father. He actually died on this date 28 years ago as a relatively young man. He loved to read and was mostly self-educated. He kept a dictionary beside his chair to look up words. His vocabulary was amazing. He dropped out of high school to join the army and fight in WW II. After he retired, he read book after book and turned a bedroom into his library. All non-fiction. I think I caught my love of reading and learning from him.

"The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark."  Thomas Paine

I didn't Jeremy personally, but I have two of his tee-shirts. He was a very creative guy and the world is poorer for his loss. I'm going to check out some more of them.

I've been reading a lot and writing a little. I need to even those out a little. Preparing for the Pennwriters Annual Conference being held in May has been consuming all my screen time. If you ever attend a conference, spare a thought for all the work that went into making it happen and run smoothly.

The Expanse ended its run after six seasons on Prime, but there's still story to tell. I would love for them to have a season to finish all the story told in the books. Peacemaker on HBO Max is hilarious and a little bit obscene. I'm also really enjoying 1883 on Paramount. It's gritty and entertaining.

Have you had someone influence your writing? Have any writing events in your future? Watching anything good?

IWSG: January 2022

 

Welcome to the first IWSG blog hop of 2022. Thanks to founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and the other awesome admins of The Insecure Writer's Support Group, this monthly virtual get-together keeps going and going. Find the list of all the participants here as we share our insecurities and encourage each other.

This month's optional question:

What's the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?

No, I can overcome it. The thing I regret the most is that I didn't begin writing for publication sooner. I wish I could go back and change that, but...  Then again, I've always been a forward-looking person who lets the past go. Can't change it, so keep on going.

One thing I always enjoy about the end of the year and the beginning of the next is the plethora of planners and calendars to choose from. I love them all. I love setting up my new planner with all the important dates throughout the year. The biggest date I've put on there so far is the end of my term as president of Pennwriters, the statewide writers' group I've been part of for over twenty years. (May, 15th, yippee) I've served over seven years on the board and sacrificed my own writing time. It's past time for me to get back to my own writing.

Most of the writers I know are very generous when it comes to helping other writers. The admins of IWSG are perfect examples. I'm happy to have given my time to IWSG in the past as well as Pennwriters and other local groups. I will continue to volunteer but it will be a huge relief to not be one of those responsible for running the whole affair.

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." Booker T. Washington

I intend to revitalize my social media efforts as I find more time for my writing career. I'll have no more excuses for not sitting my butt in the chair and writing.

For 2022, my wishes for you are good health, inspired writing, good books to read, delicious beverages, and no tax surprises. 

I also wish you well on any goals you've set, personal or professional.

I kind of enjoyed the Amazon Wheel of Time first season. As someone who has read the books, I wasn't entirely happy with the changes but I also understand why they made some of them. I am glad anytime a fantasy series manages to snag a series or movie contract. I really enjoyed the second season of the witcher. I liked everyone being on the same timeline and having only a few story arcs to follow. I really love the setup for next season. The latest Spiderman movie was great. Funny as usual but sad overall.

I also tuned into 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone on Paramount +.  As someone who grew up on westerns, it is fun to see a new one on TV. It is rather dark and grim, but I expect real life was pretty harsh and grim in 1883. The Expanse on Prime is winding down with only a few episodes left. I assume they won't cover most of the story told in the last three novels. I'm very interested in how they wrap it up.

I hope you received some gift cards for books or actual books for Christmas. I received both and I already have books picked out.

"Be happy. It is one way of being wise." Colette

What would you change looking back over your writing career? Did you get some books for Christmas? Have any plans for making 2022 great? Any good shows to recommend?