Welcome, all you bloggers who keep on blogging away every first Wednesday for the IWSG blog hop. Thanks as usual to our founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and all the admins who keep this group vibrant and so very useful. And most of all, thanks to all of you for being supportive and positive through all the ups and downs of this business we call writing. Find all the participants here.
The monthly optional question:
What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?
Well, not as many as I used to do. I love to bake, but my children are all grown and living on their own. Baking would be too much temptation for me and my husband. I still do a little with my granddaughter. I love baking bread and haven't done it for years. I also love crocheting and crossstitch, but I've been having some trouble with arthritis in my thumbs. Probably products of a misspent youth playing various sports. Probably the most creative thing I do besides writing now is planning and producing writing conferences. It takes a lot of organization, hours of work designing the schedule, and tons of patience dealing with instructors and attendees. I've been spending my walking time pondering a theme for the 2026 Conference. Our 2025 Conference theme is Thrills, Chills, and Quills. Our keynotes write thrillers that are quite chilling.
I'm doing a live-reading from one of my books at an event this coming Sunday. I haven't done one of these before. I'm not shy about speaking in public, but reading from my own work is giving me some qualms.
I think I complained about the rain in my last month's post. I'm not complaining, but we're on day 31 of having had no measurable rainfall. I'm quite happy living in a desert, but I know we need some rain if we expect the bulbs to come up again next spring.
I'm 85K into my latest WIP. I hoped to type The End by Christmas but I'm not sure I'll make it. It's been fun finally working on a new book and being excited about it.
I've been showing my age in what TV I've been enjoying. I'm really into Matlock and Elsbeth. Both star older women who are very clever. Yep, I love those old ladies outsmarting everyone.
It's true, I've become one of those grumpy older women. Penelope Wilton
No matter who you voted for in the election, you have to be as happy as me to have your phone stop blowing up everyday. I live in PA, so it's been really irritating.
- “Every election is determined by the people who show up.” — Larry J. Sabato
- I hope those of you who live in the USA have a great Thanksgiving planned. I'm still having the entire family at my house. It's nice that everyone can make it this year. I wish you a peaceful gathering and lots of leftovers for the weekend.
- What are some of your creative outlets? Are your holiday plans coming together? Did you ever do a live reading? Did you enjoy it?
12 comments:
I love to bake too, but because I also love to eat what I bake, I keep that on the back burner. My frustration for the last few months has been political television ads for a neighboring state. Ad after ad for candidates for which we can't vote. Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving with your family.
My mom loved to crosstitch and she's tried to make me do it. I've never got enjoy myself with it though. Wishing you all the best for the live-reading!
I like baking too, but it's too tempting living alone to have cookies around. I'm looking forward to baking for the holidays when I can give the cookies away. I like Matlock too and need to give Elsbeth another try.
I've only done live readings on podcasts and such. I suppose not quite the same, but nerveracking enough. Not sure how I'd handle a live audience! You'll do great though - I'm sure advice like "deep breaths" and "centring" comes into play. I'm not familiar with the shows you mention, but they made me think of the British show Vera. Not sure if you could watch it over there, but I'm sure you'd enjoy it.
Good luck with that live reading!
And excellent on the new book! It's so much more fun when you're excited about the story. :)
Oh my! I've been watching old sitcoms, too! I think we're escaping?
https://substack.com/home/post/p-150486288
May you reach the end before Christmas arrives.
I love baking our bread. We don't buy store bread anymore.
Conference planning is a ton of work. Happy planning!
Organizing evets take a lot of creativity--and that's a pretty cool outlet! Good luck and has fun at your live-reading.
You can do it! Knock them dead this weekend.
Sorry, I thought I visited on Wednesday!
We had only one small rainfall in October. Very dry here as well.
Good luck with the reading!
Baking is out for me for the same reason as you, my Sweetie and I don't need the calories.
Meanwhile, holidays will be food ordered and taken over to Grandma and Grandpa's house, warmed and served there. It's all we can do these days.
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