Wednesday, May 1, 2024

IWSG: May 2024


 It's difficult to believe it's 2024 and soon to be summer. I do love the hot weather nearly as much as I love IWSG. Please share all you insecurities with the participants on this list and my usual thanks and appreciation to the IWSG admins and our founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


This month's optional question: How do you deal with distractions when you are writing? Do they derail you?


I tend to write late at night after most distractions are already in bed. This is a holdover from my years teaching when the only time I had to myself was usually between 9PM and midnight. It's still my most productive time.

In the meantime, I'm about 40K into the new novel. The ideas are coming too fast and I can't keep up. It's fun to be there again.

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." Maya Angelou

Only two weeks until the Pennwriters Annual Conference. Can't wait. I'll share any writing tidbits I pick up with you next month. For the first time in years, the bookseller will be selling some of my books at the conference book sale. Hoping to gain some new fans.

We're lucky to have Hank Phillippi Ryan as our keynote. Her books are great and she's a tremendous speaker.  Our other keynote, Timons Esaias, has been an instructor in a MFA for creative writing program for years. He's published many poems and short stories in speculative fiction magazines. I've attended his workshops numerous times in the past. He's a winner and very entertaining.

I'm looking forward to watching Shardlake on Hulu starting today. I've been a fan of those books for years and I do love historical thrillers and mysteries. In the meantime, I've been watching Beacon 23 on Amazon. I read that book a long time ago, and I don't remember at all how the story spools out.

Keeping busy with the warmer weather with walking, jogging, and riding bike. I feel strong but I haven't really lost any weight. Sigh...

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, 'I'm possible!'" Audrey Hepburn

Are you easily distracted when writing? Do you usually write at a certain time of day? Have you a favorite writer you'd like to hear as an inspirational speaker?


10 comments:

H. R. Sinclair said...

I am easily distracted. Ho hum... I can't wait to hear tidbits next month!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Awesome the ideas are flowing!
Still watching 3 Body Problem but I've finished off the other series I was watching.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Love that Maya Angelou quote!

Hope you have a great time at the conference! And fingers crossed your books sell out.... :)

Fundy Blue said...

Happy IWSG Day, Susan! I love the Maya and Audrey quotes. Good luck and enjoy the Pennwriters Annual Conference!

Liza said...

You are a late night writer and I'm an early morning writer. Whatever works. Enjoy the conference.

TWW said...

Oh my, I know what you mean, I'm editing my Enhanced novel today and got an idea for another one, so I opened a document, wrote that down, and went back to editing.
Good for you getting your book on sale at the conference, I'll be saving your blog.

Señorida Anastasia said...

I used to write at night as well. But it's summer vacations for me so I write during mornings. It's amazing that you reached 40k. I'm on that number after 6 months. It's actually my first time. Have a nice day:)

Natalie Aguirre said...

I admire you for being able to write late at night. I'm always fighting to stay awake then. I tend to write in mid-afternoon while I'm eating lunch.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

LOVE the quotes from Maya Angelou and Audrey Hepburn. Very insightful! It's great to keep active. Weight is tough to shed. I know it is for me. Enjoy your upcoming conference. Lucky you to be attending.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - I can't do late at night, never could - now I can't even do early mornings! Good luck with unravelling your creative ideas for your story. The PAConference - just enjoy and good luck there.

Interesting about Shardlake - I noticed today that CJ Sansom has died and so was reading up about him ... I haven't read any of his books - but I've noted them over the years. Beacon 23 sounds interesting - not one I've come across.

Good luck with the weight loss etc ... at least with the exercise you're toning your muscles.

If something doesn't work ... I take a walk, or change and do something else completely - cheers and all the best - Hilary