tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565284295716445282024-03-18T22:46:54.343-04:00Susan SaysSusan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.comBlogger1174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-25158010958221968082024-03-06T05:00:00.005-05:002024-03-06T05:00:00.139-05:00IWSG: March 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hivUWUMKJmlMklKC2Pw1nTEgef8iM6vBZJliMs2UPDFgbYNNjycEULruyyOZFGmHJ-HnTOJULTwRZolUizfPb_hn691OrPoPg36_vyB1WMCM664XJpdYphAkEYmOW-3FUc6jnNaB3qILUPuF_lUHayPdUAOxNoqFgHWglDtm32O-90g_F1fxaUdv9xk/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hivUWUMKJmlMklKC2Pw1nTEgef8iM6vBZJliMs2UPDFgbYNNjycEULruyyOZFGmHJ-HnTOJULTwRZolUizfPb_hn691OrPoPg36_vyB1WMCM664XJpdYphAkEYmOW-3FUc6jnNaB3qILUPuF_lUHayPdUAOxNoqFgHWglDtm32O-90g_F1fxaUdv9xk/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> It's warm, rainy, and March. Welcome to another blog hop of <b><i><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></i></b>. Please check out the entire list of <b><i><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">participants here</a></i></b>. Thank you to our founder, <b><i><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh </a></i></b>and to all the admins who provide a safe place for writers of all genres and all levels of experience.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This month's optional question:</span></p><p><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?</span></i></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Excellent topic. I can't wait to read everyone's opinion and experiences. I have not used AI for any of my writing stuff. I think it's a slippery slope. I know some writers who are touting it, and I think they are sliding down that slope. AI can already duplicate your physical voice and with training, can duplicate writing styles. Some AI companies have already been sued for using writers' work to train their AI. We all like to think that nothing can replace human creativity, but I think that belief underestimates AI's possibilities. I fear AI's impact on the writing world. </span></span></p><p>And let's not get started on SKYNET. LOL</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibexbAErFwldlgPrSLJS4txAxOpPsCGgNlj_RxIfB22pkRvfhwAm4iSJC3RLHHsIny0JLzIaDXWU_XT9BylfCfSfs9dN4HP9SbIQZ0CXGvD-f4UJ8dmFIkV6RqaozTL1IqSp5KAsywC9OMhH7owQ4IeBLLHkHML0PJWfX17ABcv3xUPymRq0GiEXilCKk/s4167/SusanGourley-300dpi-3125x4167%20(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4167" data-original-width="3125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibexbAErFwldlgPrSLJS4txAxOpPsCGgNlj_RxIfB22pkRvfhwAm4iSJC3RLHHsIny0JLzIaDXWU_XT9BylfCfSfs9dN4HP9SbIQZ0CXGvD-f4UJ8dmFIkV6RqaozTL1IqSp5KAsywC9OMhH7owQ4IeBLLHkHML0PJWfX17ABcv3xUPymRq0GiEXilCKk/w150-h200/SusanGourley-300dpi-3125x4167%20(8).jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />My own writing is going pretty good. New stuff is getting done, though slower than I'd wish. Old stuff is getting editing and new covers. I'm almost done with that for the immediate future. I'll have my two completed fantasy series available on Amazon very soon. <i>Book #3 in The Futhark Chronicles</i>,<b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Mountain-Futhark-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B008Z5UBO2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1P48WYBQKMZY0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aqTUXIcJZFVZSG4fv7AEbA.rhnd421tyrom8g3-uyrxI-ZmZhPyXRqgfjFUladJzog&dib_tag=se&keywords=Beneath+the+Mountain+by+Susan+Gourley&qid=1709593693&s=digital-text&sprefix=beneath+the+mountain+by+susan+gourley%2Cdigital-text%2C113&sr=1-1" target="_blank"> Beneath the Mountain</a></i></b>, is now available on Amazon.<p></p><p>I'm feeling good about exercising. With the warmer weather, I'm off the elliptical and back on the road with my old-lady jog.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm really disappointed in Netflix. They canceled two shows I enjoyed, <i>Shadow and Bone</i> and <i>The Brothers Sun</i>. At least a few network shows I follow are back on, but I'm not really exited about any of them except <i>Will Trent</i>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgYdPxMDJ9ywA_VQILXpn0udkhrcPBifN2J7wnUWVDXlhX0nOQe-9960D-vJzPT3vahtwcp1qAf7Os_LBZxtgEFHA2uic9aTN0tG7KyynzF_uQzd7SoIi557K5234-aXaSS4IGaLesLIVGDGg8LO35XI8-alMS4eKRb6oM6v1pRlu3XLB87SOBIYQCOY/s279/pw%20logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="279" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgYdPxMDJ9ywA_VQILXpn0udkhrcPBifN2J7wnUWVDXlhX0nOQe-9960D-vJzPT3vahtwcp1qAf7Os_LBZxtgEFHA2uic9aTN0tG7KyynzF_uQzd7SoIi557K5234-aXaSS4IGaLesLIVGDGg8LO35XI8-alMS4eKRb6oM6v1pRlu3XLB87SOBIYQCOY/s1600/pw%20logo.png" width="279" /></a></div><br />I'm busy organizing the registration for the<b><i><a href="https://pennwriters.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=522048&module_id=378066" target="_blank"> 37th Annual Pennwriters Conference </a></i></b>being held in Lancaster this year. I'm so excited to meet in person, <b><i><a href="https://www.spunkonastick.net/" target="_blank">L. Diane Wolfe</a></i></b>, who will be attending, leading workshops and taking pitches from attendees. She's making a long drive and we appreciated it.<p></p><p>Do you think you're read anything written by AI? Do you attend in-person writing conferences or workshops? Any shows you love get cancelled lately? </p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-71628532524311607452024-02-07T05:30:00.001-05:002024-02-07T05:30:00.132-05:00IWSG: February 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ay6xTpNVf1akG_PXKo9ewceDkV6nUxcyMz2W2JbamHBYZSlnUfJK4KN5GJMPeeYIYj2DyUhBeIUdA2eRW-N_K8sxeBPjf3kRt7PjDopy5pcfzh8enKsjUMovJMWsS_KEZQKIpgeVn3loAkHa-QGmZLl58us2PeqXHD_VGJ4vDkdHL39kW4PZMiP4ckc/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ay6xTpNVf1akG_PXKo9ewceDkV6nUxcyMz2W2JbamHBYZSlnUfJK4KN5GJMPeeYIYj2DyUhBeIUdA2eRW-N_K8sxeBPjf3kRt7PjDopy5pcfzh8enKsjUMovJMWsS_KEZQKIpgeVn3loAkHa-QGmZLl58us2PeqXHD_VGJ4vDkdHL39kW4PZMiP4ckc/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Here we are for this month's <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a></b> blog hop. Big thank you to the admins of <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b> and our founder, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>. Please stop by and share your highs and lows in this crazy writing life. And stop by to visit as many of the<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> blogs on the participant list </a></b>as you can.<div><br /></div><div>Before answering this month's question, if you have a minute stop by my <b><a href="https://susangourley.blogspot.com/2023/12/in-darkness-alien-guest-post-with-l.html" target="_blank">guest post featuring L. Diane Wolfe</a></b> as she talks about her favorite 'alien' themed movies and announces her newest release, <i>In Darkness: The Alien</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane</a></b> is so talented. She writes fiction and nonfiction, runs her own publishing company, and attends <br />many events and conferences. And does them all very successfully. I'm very excited to announce that L. Diane Wolfe will be a guest publisher at the <b><a href="https://pennwriters.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=522048&module_id=378066" target="_blank">2024 Annual Pennwriters Conference</a></b> being held in May in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After being online friends for years, I'll get to meet Diane in person. You can too. Find out more about <b><a href="https://pennwriters.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=522048&module_id=378066" target="_blank">the conference here</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pennwriters.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=522048&module_id=378066" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt2cKxPr2vvRZ0PYYWKzMqAmYi0HrlQ9PGix3eZqQUCb8YrdHaq23Ub6wXr3IOznwnyDwQbhQgyvENdrg-rM-BqI0p2H_SHNshx080HprhFYKRdqysKFnfPmItOgv0-wKMYIU2YHTe5Ox53bPEqm2RojKcXRhOXAJ_fcS7TNm1Mc8NsPrJm9Gb0FEck4/s279/pw%20logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="279" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt2cKxPr2vvRZ0PYYWKzMqAmYi0HrlQ9PGix3eZqQUCb8YrdHaq23Ub6wXr3IOznwnyDwQbhQgyvENdrg-rM-BqI0p2H_SHNshx080HprhFYKRdqysKFnfPmItOgv0-wKMYIU2YHTe5Ox53bPEqm2RojKcXRhOXAJ_fcS7TNm1Mc8NsPrJm9Gb0FEck4/w200-h54/pw%20logo.png" width="200" /></a></div></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>This month's optional question: <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books?</i></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't put my finger on any one thing. If I go to an author's website, I want to hear about their books or I've followed a link because they're sharing some writing advice. I don't even mind if their newsletter invite pops up. I don't see many author websites that turn me off so I'm interested to read the other posts on this subject.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My writing is going okay. I'm still spending time each day on getting my books back out into the world. I have more than 30 books previously published by small presses that I now have my rights back to that <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYA8RSwtiyF4f6ccGCQ2AoEJ8KGOAGMXEZ6C2zqow_qxgU-2AiJBFwLF8YNdc8Hg3dYUUM3nnBmZEQksRSAsgfcvDbrGzv-NRX7HFGEVKN0jwHu6QJ3_8TXLvuVHqTshQEDMr5kOkaZbEQoRvSd96_JNX4TmacrPdqML-svNaDCT44D0QsrrhtV8hEgo/s4167/SusanGourley-300dpi-3125x4167%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4167" data-original-width="3125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYA8RSwtiyF4f6ccGCQ2AoEJ8KGOAGMXEZ6C2zqow_qxgU-2AiJBFwLF8YNdc8Hg3dYUUM3nnBmZEQksRSAsgfcvDbrGzv-NRX7HFGEVKN0jwHu6QJ3_8TXLvuVHqTshQEDMr5kOkaZbEQoRvSd96_JNX4TmacrPdqML-svNaDCT44D0QsrrhtV8hEgo/w150-h200/SusanGourley-300dpi-3125x4167%20(4).jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />I'm re-editing and publishing myself. I'm trying to do one per month and have managed that so far. My latest re-emergence novel is my first fantasy novel ever published. <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keepers-Sulbreth-Futhark-Chronicles-Book/dp/B0CTKPVS9K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IJ4MZ0L5SRGW&keywords=the+keepers+of+subrath+by+susan+gourley&qid=1707161807&sprefix=the+keepers+of+sulbreth+by+susan+gourley%2Caps%2C379&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Keepers of Sulbreth</a></i></b> is the first book in <i>The Futhark Chronicles</i>. Books 2, 3, & 4 will be forthcoming. I admit, I like the cover I designed better than the one my previous publisher created.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so eager for spring, but I know it's a long way off. In good news, I think sometime within the next week or so, TV networks are finally getting some new shows on the air. I loved Will Trent last season and I'm looking forward to season 2 of Halo. Did you watch The Brothers Sun on Netflix. Highly recommend.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you're staying warm, and if you're in California, dry and safe. Seems that some kind of dangerous weather somewhere all the time.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have a favorite alien movie? Do you have pet peeves about author websites? How is your writing going?</span></span></div><div><br /></div>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-50236684790178005992024-02-05T05:30:00.001-05:002024-02-05T05:30:00.137-05:00In Darkness: The Alien, Guest Post with L. Diane Wolfe<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>It is my pleasure to once again have L. Diane Wolfe as my guest. She writes such interesting posts. Please welcome her and read about her newest release.</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Greetings to Susan’s fans and followers!</i><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u></u> <u></u></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Since my latest release, In Darkness: The Alien, deals with extraterrestrials, she asked me to name a top five on both sides of coin. (Friendly/evil aliens.)</i><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Friendly</u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The obvious – <i>ET.</i> But how about:<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Arrival</i> – Starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, this film revealed gentle aliens who only wanted to help man.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Iron Giant</i> – Voiced by Vin Diesel, the title creature is a gentle giant, befriending a boy who wants to protect him from the government.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVQTZ_W-jQiROC6OYSL4L6oUVLNXwV5rViIcJGwRQ-NFH-pIHdK7MkaBJAfo6MQdhsXu6ahZ6dZJ45thbZc3CENq3Yr_Os5EPeaVbTmXdtfLUuEEzs4mLf_uY7oofyVn3OnflN9YGh2rgi5obXXuAl9yDL3AhFNb-c2xAG5IyobSieAwqcN38LyMaD-Y/s280/Starman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="180" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVQTZ_W-jQiROC6OYSL4L6oUVLNXwV5rViIcJGwRQ-NFH-pIHdK7MkaBJAfo6MQdhsXu6ahZ6dZJ45thbZc3CENq3Yr_Os5EPeaVbTmXdtfLUuEEzs4mLf_uY7oofyVn3OnflN9YGh2rgi5obXXuAl9yDL3AhFNb-c2xAG5IyobSieAwqcN38LyMaD-Y/w129-h200/Starman.jpg" width="129" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><u></u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Starman</i> – Starring Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen, this is a very sweet movie about an alien stranded on earth who takes on the appearance of a woman’s deceased husband.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cocoon </i>– Staring Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn, the aliens here have only returned to revive and bring back their brethren who were left behind years ago.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Close Encounters of the Third Kind </i>– Starring Richard Dreyfuss, these aliens are also benign despite abductions over the years, and its special effects hold up even 46 years later.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Evil</u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The obvious – <i>War of the Worlds</i>. But how about:<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Aliens</i> – Starring Sigourney Weaver, the aliens on this planet only want to propagate and destroy. It’s a wild ride as the humans struggle to outwit and defeat them.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Puppet Masters </i>– Starring Donald Sutherland, these alien invaders attach to humans to control and conquer them.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A Quiet Place </i>– Starring Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, the danger of predator aliens who can hear any sound is intense and scary.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJALbDwxy8ZLb4WiWpSilzBLujL6557ayP6IFGIN9bLxquCX9QgUUXpWauqVUDL5K2Kzp1GDDXMmCg13HtTJ9qQrorttOOc-HDwhqVzrWhYA2I9l08DbUdyaCFOqLu_ZHDGIp5VMwH-cps8NfrTIyLqPPVY3vBPVS5UQbGohI3kTYR1YwaSgrOYIHWfA/s267/Signs-2002-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="180" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJALbDwxy8ZLb4WiWpSilzBLujL6557ayP6IFGIN9bLxquCX9QgUUXpWauqVUDL5K2Kzp1GDDXMmCg13HtTJ9qQrorttOOc-HDwhqVzrWhYA2I9l08DbUdyaCFOqLu_ZHDGIp5VMwH-cps8NfrTIyLqPPVY3vBPVS5UQbGohI3kTYR1YwaSgrOYIHWfA/w135-h200/Signs-2002-poster.jpg" width="135" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><u></u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Signs</i> – Starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix, it’s one man’s fight for the survival of his family against alien invaders.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Thing</i> – Starring Kurt Russell, this intense take on the novella Who Goes There, set in the artic, gives us an alien who only wants to assimilate and conquer.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those are my tops picks. What are yours?<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a name="m_2021023576081653933__Hlk128487551"><b>In Darkness: The Alien<br />By L. Diane Wolfe<br /><br /></b></a>Souls shrouded in darkness…<b><br /><br /></b>Abducted from her research station, Liz’s life is flung into chaos. Sold into servanthood for her knowledge of planetary mining to a race called the Stren, she discovers her problems go far deeper. She is to marry her alien master, Krist, after enduring a procedure designed to eradicate her emotions.<br /><br />Desperate, Liz persuades the Stren to grant her the duration of a short voyage to change his perception of emotions. But how can she convince someone lacking feelings of their value? Is there a means of accessing the emotional side of Krist before it’s too late?<br /><br />Release date – February 6, 2024</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK89ouE2kGKqYll1pt4rZ0RY6zApYp1GVF4NiZtho7c4E8VQoQ0ZL3PQReEEc-sfHI7mqZKzBu9D56Pp0aYzcaWbHYtNZCLXD81J-uXHJESfg_tNHS6Cr_tdMSBskMa6iiTtTDZhOLhsJpMG4oV2OP4VJmulfp416DGY_WU6_tzQC3eYt5aUmn67OVYNo/s1096/InDarknessTheAlien-LDianeWolfe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK89ouE2kGKqYll1pt4rZ0RY6zApYp1GVF4NiZtho7c4E8VQoQ0ZL3PQReEEc-sfHI7mqZKzBu9D56Pp0aYzcaWbHYtNZCLXD81J-uXHJESfg_tNHS6Cr_tdMSBskMa6iiTtTDZhOLhsJpMG4oV2OP4VJmulfp416DGY_WU6_tzQC3eYt5aUmn67OVYNo/w131-h200/InDarknessTheAlien-LDianeWolfe.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw35q8sEFZywIq3Herlwm6-m" href="http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.dancinglemurpress.com</a><br /><a name="m_2021023576081653933__Hlk128487580">Romance-Science Fiction / Science Fiction-Alien Contact / Romance-Paranormal</a><br /><a name="m_2021023576081653933__Hlk128487795">eBook ISBN 97819398449</a>72 $3.99</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkkcAt1iy0dKOdQarLn-NxuVgXUll8xO2_TPbvwP5tZ_WMN_w8Est_yxiMITyJYh_rbO2GDSYugw22oRboknOaQi8Tj7ZPb36SvkGPsK6vj5nTMKfEp3aSU4QNIf-L2diAjjlnRBIP83PdanYtNo-C7_GaCYevQ9bx_KT4m67YK-ANUINnjTXGF035_U/s1200/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20Promo%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1200" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkkcAt1iy0dKOdQarLn-NxuVgXUll8xO2_TPbvwP5tZ_WMN_w8Est_yxiMITyJYh_rbO2GDSYugw22oRboknOaQi8Tj7ZPb36SvkGPsK6vj5nTMKfEp3aSU4QNIf-L2diAjjlnRBIP83PdanYtNo-C7_GaCYevQ9bx_KT4m67YK-ANUINnjTXGF035_U/w200-h186/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20Promo%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s an editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.<br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.spunkonastick.net/&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw0XN3LwWZPMXOt3ipP08OQE" href="http://www.spunkonastick.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.spunkonastick.net/</a> - Spunk On A Stick<br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw0oQU-FPgSX7CuI92xMQqIK" href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips<br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw3aGyEsUBIf7yEzfv9jCivk" href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>insecurewriterssupportgroup.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> - Insecure Writer’s Support Group<br /><br />Links:<br />Amazon - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6QVWB2K&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw3yDxxt9tMsi2Z67rn6i15c" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6QVWB2K" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>B0C6QVWB2K</a><br />iTunes - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6449979850&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw2_KDhJwva7mE1NdRy3_J7b" href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6449979850" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://books.apple.com/us/<wbr></wbr>book/x/id6449979850</a><span class="m_2021023576081653933MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration-line: underline;">Le</span><br />Barnes & Noble - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940166065681&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw3hLd3Ao5hw1PcA95omN1Uu" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940166065681" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.barnesandnoble.<wbr></wbr>com/s/2940166065681</a><br />Kobo - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query%3D9781939844972&source=gmail&ust=1704046068950000&usg=AOvVaw2LQhDjInZUpDfgnXRBjkce" href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844972" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://store.kobobooks.com/<wbr></wbr>en-us/Search?Query=<wbr></wbr>9781939844972</a><br />Everand - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.everand.com/search?query%3D9781939844972&source=gmail&ust=1704046068951000&usg=AOvVaw0wOB0XDOU5p0wH9mdUDjHY" href="https://www.everand.com/search?query=9781939844972" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.everand.com/<wbr></wbr>search?query=9781939844972</a><u></u><u></u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gardners - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.gardners.com/Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?Keyword%3D9781939844972&source=gmail&ust=1704046068951000&usg=AOvVaw0tp3zlK7vco-gkLvM5L1kD" href="https://www.gardners.com/Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?Keyword=9781939844972" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.gardners.com/<wbr></wbr>Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?<wbr></wbr>Keyword=9781939844972</a><br />Goodreads - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171026121-in-darkness&source=gmail&ust=1704046068951000&usg=AOvVaw3Y_jRZ23Rul_hk1OnUnOyk" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171026121-in-darkness" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/<wbr></wbr>book/show/171026121-in-<wbr></wbr>darkness</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Do you love aliens as much as I do? Do you prefer friendly or evil aliens? Have you checked out Diane's earlier books in this series?</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-70668153329969472142024-01-03T05:00:00.063-05:002024-01-03T05:00:00.143-05:00IWSG: January 2024!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6KiEYQDhSbBR7I4nUFBqVXbxnB38y_rXbeJL4AnKyM0YSui5Y5NHuDxGhx7fQT33p32DqnaOnDeoqaaCoCVZXh24U2c0iYWi4QJcTniI85nAAu__PbQSu_bk1hVp-Rr-UjoRtHgf9i9zXQtHdk8oI9r6GTHwwc7AEzbElQTsATICnZEuqGlFCzZpsbg/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6KiEYQDhSbBR7I4nUFBqVXbxnB38y_rXbeJL4AnKyM0YSui5Y5NHuDxGhx7fQT33p32DqnaOnDeoqaaCoCVZXh24U2c0iYWi4QJcTniI85nAAu__PbQSu_bk1hVp-Rr-UjoRtHgf9i9zXQtHdk8oI9r6GTHwwc7AEzbElQTsATICnZEuqGlFCzZpsbg/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> It can't be 2024, yet here it is. There's a great way to start the year and that's with <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b>. Thanks to the admins and our founder <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, we can all share our insecurities for another year. Please find more bloggers participating in <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">this blog hop here</a></b>.<p></p><p>I am going to skip the optional question this month and talk about other things today.</p><p>I've said many times that I don't set goals, but I do make plans and right long to-do lists. Writing this post was on my most recent list. Other things on there for January of 2024:</p><p>1. Reach out to more reviewers and review sites for The Morbunda Trilogy.</p><p>2. Update my Goodreads page and other social media.</p><p>3. Continue work on my newest WIP. (No title yet even though I'm almost 30K in)</p><p>4. Write more reviews for my writer friends.</p><p>5. Help Pennwriters open registration for the Annual Writers Conference being held in May.</p><p>6. Begin editing on another of the book series I've recovered my rights for so I can self-published it.</p><p>That's enough for January. In the last three months of 2023, I managed to self-publish 3 books, write that 30K, attend a mini-con and set up a book signing for February. </p><p><i>"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."</i> Thomas Jefferson</p><p>The holidays were joyful and filled with family and friends. Too much food, but that's what the treadmill and stepper is for. Later this week, I'm heading out to meet a friend at an indie bookstore/cafe. I hope you find time to support those local bookshops and keep them running.</p><p>I enter 2024 with more optimism than I felt a year ago about my writing. I wish I could make enough on my books to dent the inflation that is hurting my pocket.</p><p><i>"If you can dream it, you can achieve it."</i> Zig Ziglar</p><p>I wish you all a happy and healthy 2024. </p><p>Are you making goals and plans for 2024? Are you feeling optimistic this January? Did you accomplish what you want in 2023? Do you have a favorite indie bookstore?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-11757567812958938732023-12-06T05:00:00.001-05:002023-12-06T05:00:00.137-05:00IWSG: December 2023<p>Welcome to the <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b> blog hop. Thanks to all the admins of IWSG and our founder, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b> for keeping this group so dynamic and amazing. It just gets better and better. Check out all the participants on <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">this list</a></b>. Share your insecurities and let us lift each other up.</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This month's optional question:</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book reviews do you review for the Reader or the Author? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?</i></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For me, it's always about what I liked about the book and the writing. I admit to never leaving negative reviews though I might mention something that I didn't like. If I couldn't finish a book or hated something about it, I just don't review it. As a writer, I know how discouraging negative reviews can be and they do help one grow as a writer, but I just can't do it to a fellow author.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been hard at work getting the second book in <i>The Morbunda Trilogy, <b>War Dragon</b>,</i> ready to be released. I'm pleased to say it is as of a few days ago. I'm spending this month doing the same with the third and final book in the series. Doing some painful final edits right now.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going into the holiday season being extremely thankful for all I have. A nice house, a steady income, a wonderful, mostly healthy family, and many friends. I have time to do the things I enjoy and am blessed to find joy in many things so I'm never bored. My grown-up Christmas wish is that everyone, or at least more people, could have what I have.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives."</i> John F. Kennedy</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been working out on my elliptical watching some oldies but goodies like Grimm, Fringe, and the first season of Halo. Most of my entertainment hours are spend reading and doing my most recent jigsaw puzzle.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the meantime, here's some information about <i><b>War Dragon.</b></i></span></span></p><p><b style="font-style: italic; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic; text-indent: 0in;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcho3QSCIe25RMtyXl65mtv2ikCX22Svz9Ygf_TxZRUTBG4W3dWKyOj02stryT7wLo77Tq1y7_zvd8Z3CKrRFr5P3dKO7SGClDpSjPP8eIn7xZxvWMOo_YjTmv1z1AQ6n1iUTqAUIVio0hbEifebfPz-R5r3aS2p8kuGcxXm4vWsjWzKYSguiQtKSczt4/s4167/SusanGourley-300dpi-3125x4167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4167" data-original-width="3125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcho3QSCIe25RMtyXl65mtv2ikCX22Svz9Ygf_TxZRUTBG4W3dWKyOj02stryT7wLo77Tq1y7_zvd8Z3CKrRFr5P3dKO7SGClDpSjPP8eIn7xZxvWMOo_YjTmv1z1AQ6n1iUTqAUIVio0hbEifebfPz-R5r3aS2p8kuGcxXm4vWsjWzKYSguiQtKSczt4/s320/SusanGourley-300dpi-3125x4167.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></b></div><b style="font-style: italic; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br />Battles
have been fought. But now it’s war as only a dragon can fight one.</i></b><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;">The
invading army rises from winter’s lull and pushes south. Little stands in the
way of the fanatics.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Lady Lyla
Logan journeys south to seek help from the great cities beyond the desert even
as she grapples with the powerful magic roiling inside her.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Kerik and
Lord Donal Logan lead their few allies and attack the fringes of the Bellamite
horde with ambushes and sabotage.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;">All the
embattled allies face their own fragilities and fears as war rolls over the
land and anyone in its path. The freedom of mankind rest on them as they gather
the last of their strengths and hopes.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Available through <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/War-Dragon-Morbunda-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B0CNB29NYL/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1701641563&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Morbunda-Saga-Susan-Gourley/dp/B0CNT5XC8X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1701641563&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon Paperback</a></b>.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">Do you do many book reviews? Are you looking forward to the holiday season? Do you notice I got through an entire post without complaining about the cold?</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b></b></i></span></span><p></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-37579931893261103862023-11-01T05:00:00.001-04:002023-11-01T05:00:00.140-04:00IWSG: November 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5iIlLYqeTMzxYiPG73iZsf0f8gkQn1miTu16RztS5iTcZok39p8WiXc2k6b1TyYzZGH31FWrWkp5AjpjCp1zLr8aEviQuKbD9j1H_yN49RJM3KiPswMdiDNFnTvug9Hk_guQmKaSi4ncouh1SjOJCsUf98nQi1VYfqjrn24KESgKP-zUpytP6x7kDq0/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5iIlLYqeTMzxYiPG73iZsf0f8gkQn1miTu16RztS5iTcZok39p8WiXc2k6b1TyYzZGH31FWrWkp5AjpjCp1zLr8aEviQuKbD9j1H_yN49RJM3KiPswMdiDNFnTvug9Hk_guQmKaSi4ncouh1SjOJCsUf98nQi1VYfqjrn24KESgKP-zUpytP6x7kDq0/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Whew, November already. Thanks to all the admins at <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b> and our founder, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, we're still going strong with our monthly supportive blog hop. Please find <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">the entire list of participants</a></b> here.<p></p><p>This month's optional question:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?</span></i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have never participated in NaNo and likely never will. It's not how I write, with that hurried urgency to just get words on the page. I admire those who do and will cheer them on. I know many writers have written successful novels during NaNo. I won't be one of them.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am working on new writing and getting work done of the books I received my rights back from the publishers who previously held them. Not all the books were published before I took back the rights, but most of them have already been through multiple rounds of edits.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGonFBhQ5ZQOi9AihNOxmZr-GcjDvQrCUYVviGQc0fSPF8-iInu-8gjNdR4HntoBviGamJ0QwDEYobI4ZowV3K4rc-hUFS5TRiAHrMBv9mqceQ_5DBhaRB7abRmwu2zrRGyXo4IgXtMD1iAKNICopLcqR-tYbQQfoB22t138f4BHJIWbeI8Jx5nhnOnt0/s425/First%20Dragon%20ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGonFBhQ5ZQOi9AihNOxmZr-GcjDvQrCUYVviGQc0fSPF8-iInu-8gjNdR4HntoBviGamJ0QwDEYobI4ZowV3K4rc-hUFS5TRiAHrMBv9mqceQ_5DBhaRB7abRmwu2zrRGyXo4IgXtMD1iAKNICopLcqR-tYbQQfoB22t138f4BHJIWbeI8Jx5nhnOnt0/s320/First%20Dragon%20ebook.jpg" width="201" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />My big news is that with the help of others, I've re-released <b><i>First Dragon</i></b>, Book One of The Morbunda Trilogy. </span><p></p><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><i><b>Birthed
in fire. Bound by family.</b><br /><b>
A fast-paced tale of a war smoldering for centuries and waiting for a spark to
burn down the fragile peace. </b>The foundling, Kerik, learns his true nature as war rolls over the land of Morbunda. Everyone he cares about is in danger and only he has the power to keep them safe. But can one dragon stand against an entire invading army?</i></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">Find First Dragon on Amazon in <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Dragon-Morbunda-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B0CKSJMWXN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M2E3ST68TASI&keywords=first+dragon+by+susan+gourley&qid=1698614669&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C84&sr=1-1" target="_blank">ebook</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Dragon-Morbunda-Susan-Gourley/dp/B0CKR9JSXG/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1698614669&sr=1-1" target="_blank">print</a></b>.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">I'm busy doing final line edits on the second book, War Dragon. And still working on my new stuff which is a change for me. Usually, I tend to only work on one project at a time.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">Not that there's anything to distract me on TV. This week I'm going to try <i>Bodies</i> on Netflix. Nothing else interests me right now. But I've kicked my workouts into a higher gear and am back to jogging after almost two years of walking only. I'm <i>sooooo</i> slow, but it still feels good and I've lost some weight. I hope I can keep it going as cold weather creeps in to ruin my days.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">I hope those of you in the USA have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. The family all comes to my house so I'll be busy and exhausted but also surrounded by love and fun. Everyone gets along and there's never drama. I wish that all for you also.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">Are you doing NaNo? Are you dreading the cold like I am? Having Thanksgiving at your house?<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><p></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-91853038338028016582023-10-04T05:00:00.001-04:002023-10-04T05:00:00.153-04:00IWSG: October 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUiFSuaxm1GPOCqZKaJCtzltyEl4MXD3Q5Mbmu9va7kcasJ4PoP2lmQISWXa5QBCN_SbaqA_uzIW0Czi1-XIF8OOc6ii5NzGWbVpxRfiJVzU09sBgw-2_32kMjuR6rzmrfiYelo2XlRrVEIyItBoimhXM91ATYDDJDPp2oyN0dZUkuIIAMet152phhO4/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUiFSuaxm1GPOCqZKaJCtzltyEl4MXD3Q5Mbmu9va7kcasJ4PoP2lmQISWXa5QBCN_SbaqA_uzIW0Czi1-XIF8OOc6ii5NzGWbVpxRfiJVzU09sBgw-2_32kMjuR6rzmrfiYelo2XlRrVEIyItBoimhXM91ATYDDJDPp2oyN0dZUkuIIAMet152phhO4/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Here we are again. Time for the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> blog hop. Thanks to founder, <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a>, and all the admins of this amazing group. Please share your woes and victories so we can support you and celebrate you. Find the entire list of<a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> participants here</a>.<p></p><p>This month's optional question:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?</i></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think AI is the biggest threat to writers there is, and it's only going to get smarter. The Hollywood strike really alerted us to their concerns. If I'm correct in what I know, AI could read a few books you've written and then create a new book using your voice. Not that anyone would want to do that to me, but I think big-name writers need to be aware. It's already been done for music. Soon art? I hope that humanity continues to want human-created content and art, but I fear the point will come when machine generated material will replace so much. A disclaimer here, I'm not even close to an expert on what AI can do, but I'm not sure anyone else is either.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do know a few fiction writers who have embraced it. I don't understand how they think it improves their work. My family jokes about the coming of Skynet of Terminator fame, but I'm starting to wonder if reality is getting closer to fiction.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But as usual, I just keep on going and doing my thing. I wrote about 10K in my newest work this past month, and I almost have my re-releases ready on Amazon. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few entertainment things have given me an hour or two of mindlessness. The second season of the <i>Wheel of Time</i> is underway. I try to appreciate it for what it is and not compare it too much to the books. I find it 'okay.' The second season of <i>Loki</i> starts tomorrow. I'll probably watch it. I started to watch two new shows, <i>Irrational and Found</i>. Not sold but I'll tune in a few more times.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to a one day conference in Erie later this month. I'm excited about it.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This month marks my blogging anniversary. I started this blog in 2008 so I've been here a long time. I'm not as active as I used to be but I still enjoy keeping up with all my blogging friends. I would love to have you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sgourleyauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SusanKelley" target="_blank">Twitter</a> also.</span></span></p><p>Are you embracing AI or wearing a foil cap? Getting any writing done? How long have you been blogging?</p><p><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-60489860746483867172023-09-11T05:00:00.001-04:002023-09-11T05:00:00.148-04:00In Darkness: The Werewolf<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>I'm so pleased to welcome L. Diane Wolfe to my blog for a guest post in celebration of the next installment of her In Darkness series, The Werewolf. Most of us know something about Werewolf legends, but how did it all start? Diane is here to tell you.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>How the Werewolf Legend Began</u><u></u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The werewolf legend dates back at least 2000 years. Maybe even more.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Greek mythology. A king called Lycaon served Zeus a dish of his slaughtered son, and as punishment, Zeus transformed Lycaon into a wolf and killed his fifty sons. (Probably where the term “lycan” comes from.) There is also a man called Damarchus who was turned into a wolf after eating the entrails of a human child sacrificed to Zeus. These men were both of Arcadia and there are several other instances of Arcadians being turned into wolves.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Virgil’s poetic work <i>Eclogues</i>, a man named Moeris uses herbs and poisons to turn himself into a wolf. In Gaius’ <i>The Satyricon</i>, Niceros tells the story of a friend who turned into a wolf. Early Christian authors also mentioned men turning into wolves.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Medieval Europe saw a widespread belief in werewolves. They were mentioned in law codes, religious writings & teachings, and many forms of literature. The word werewolf is German but never appears in medieval German poems or prose. The persistence of werewolf tales continued longest in Scandanavia, including berserkers who wore the skins of wolves.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In more modern times, there were numerous werewolf novels in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century. The legend gained widespread appeal through movies such as The Wolf Man. It continued with films such as An American Werewolf in London and The Howling. Even in games the myth was represented, with Dungeons & Dragons featuring a lycanthrope, a humanoid shapeshifter.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The werewolf legend has been with us for centuries and it doesn’t appear our fascination with shapeshifters will wane anytime soon. Not so long as the full moon continues to appear…<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICwd9SlZEQ5cwraCq5sQzH4ljiaRkIbXEGSZnzHL6WlYgeIukrkXdKOFGXuflh-PrahsnIYKskjdzdp-mgtlWlweTiHG-yM5-s374yV6fivndbGgYRz9djs00xPF_I3YrCtWg0s4tDhxxzP36lNriWLJ4LV7asgSLTeqzocdJvQ2RxsqJ8zQmB6ptGLI/s702/InDarkness%20The%20Werewolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="468" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICwd9SlZEQ5cwraCq5sQzH4ljiaRkIbXEGSZnzHL6WlYgeIukrkXdKOFGXuflh-PrahsnIYKskjdzdp-mgtlWlweTiHG-yM5-s374yV6fivndbGgYRz9djs00xPF_I3YrCtWg0s4tDhxxzP36lNriWLJ4LV7asgSLTeqzocdJvQ2RxsqJ8zQmB6ptGLI/w133-h200/InDarkness%20The%20Werewolf.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> <u></u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In Darkness: The Werewolf</b><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By L. Diane Wolfe<br /><br /><i>Souls shrouded in darkness…<br /><br />On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive.<br /><br />Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf legend is challenged by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges?</i><br /><br />Release date – Sept. 5, 2023<br />Romance/Paranormal/Shifter, Romance/Paranormal, Fantasy/Paranormal<br />$3.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844927<br /><br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSXVDB_FFFaRsfxWAyUJhyzn_xUd2PAKsnPSqWQM-m1SdXO7LDFd-p9JwKOfq06H8CHbZhWYEqbGTejPeJAEokiTyCStQQMn455uYd13U0DkA4lsYYHhPGn6lGDt_lwMtbuaD_UBnus9wkFMAb8eA2GNLHILaUlWIFhP4Yc58Iuoib8Dh7yNJQE8Ad-Y/s360/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20Promo%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="360" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSXVDB_FFFaRsfxWAyUJhyzn_xUd2PAKsnPSqWQM-m1SdXO7LDFd-p9JwKOfq06H8CHbZhWYEqbGTejPeJAEokiTyCStQQMn455uYd13U0DkA4lsYYHhPGn6lGDt_lwMtbuaD_UBnus9wkFMAb8eA2GNLHILaUlWIFhP4Yc58Iuoib8Dh7yNJQE8Ad-Y/w200-h197/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20Promo%203.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.<br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.spunkonastick.net/&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw0UtkS-0U-tax_0EzImf0Uw" href="http://www.spunkonastick.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.spunkonastick.net/</a> - Spunk On A Stick<br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw1lyU4DOXrEgH0-zonwDzN-" href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a> - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips<br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw2u-BViGKRVUuKX8gPsUP6e" href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>insecurewriterssupportgroup.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> - Insecure Writer’s Support Group<br /><br />Links:<u></u><u></u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazon - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRR4VLN7/&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw2Rw4OkvpHCj0f5vbtL1jgH" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRR4VLN7/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>B0BRR4VLN7/</a><br />iTunes - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6445310855&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw1kSkr-Qob47wl4cilpoM9I" href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6445310855" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://books.apple.com/us/<wbr></wbr>book/x/id6445310855</a><br />Barnes & Noble - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165994548&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw3dzgnkuUasb1Bu9zGzU0-i" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165994548" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.barnesandnoble.<wbr></wbr>com/s/2940165994548</a><br />Kobo - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query%3D9781939844927&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw37M4UDmzd9m85s2ry3f5U3" href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844927" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://store.kobobooks.com/<wbr></wbr>en-us/Search?Query=<wbr></wbr>9781939844927</a><br />Scribed - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.scribd.com/search?query%3D9781939844927%26language%3D0&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw2FknatWpaxlbGpSWhE7EgT" href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844927&language=0" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.scribd.com/search?<wbr></wbr>query=9781939844927&language=0</a><br />Goodreads - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75711711-in-darkness&source=gmail&ust=1693937662280000&usg=AOvVaw3LChLF7GNO_L2zDL-OBJWs" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75711711-in-darkness" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/<wbr></wbr>book/show/75711711-in-darkness</a><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Did you know where werewolf legends came from? Do you have a favorite werewolf tale? Do you like your werewolf as the good guy or the bad guy?</i></span></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-92150895030604882502023-09-06T05:30:00.001-04:002023-09-06T05:30:00.132-04:00IWSG: September 2023 and Happy Anniversary<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxf3XZ4pNqlRwbH6Gf5UiX_JOzuImsZbPCP88ZbE1H949n22OxxFYyiqHHzm3RHpPFCQ0y9jty6U5uptgn_W66LC5sA8K-Lx76tGf88QpRX9Z_OQc9AbZpmf3uQBhBomCNxkOu_vA61QIj9Jy6UmyzmxomTaaZ1--HHF0O3q_1ndqxnVFKU0YAqrnbI0/s932/12%20anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxf3XZ4pNqlRwbH6Gf5UiX_JOzuImsZbPCP88ZbE1H949n22OxxFYyiqHHzm3RHpPFCQ0y9jty6U5uptgn_W66LC5sA8K-Lx76tGf88QpRX9Z_OQc9AbZpmf3uQBhBomCNxkOu_vA61QIj9Jy6UmyzmxomTaaZ1--HHF0O3q_1ndqxnVFKU0YAqrnbI0/w200-h197/12%20anniversary.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> It can't be time for <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b> already, but here we are on the first Wednesday of the month to share our woes, victories, and knowledge. As always, a special thanks to our founder. <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, and all the other admins for keeping the group amazing. Find all the participants<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> on this list</a></b>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">A special shout out to this week's co-hosts:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">J Lenni Dorner <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1693935797517000&usg=AOvVaw23Ur3B6hrx_RChLAKLWOas" href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://jlennidorner.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Sonia Dogra <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://soniadogra.com/&source=gmail&ust=1693935797517000&usg=AOvVaw0cfKZnEJcyAaws498alZ4y" href="https://soniadogra.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://soniadogra.com/</a></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pat Garcia <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/&source=gmail&ust=1693935797517000&usg=AOvVaw1iFf4eOklEyVUGslYwfdx8" href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>patgarciaandeverythingmustchan<wbr></wbr>ge.com/</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1693935797517000&usg=AOvVaw19raWMv0c86UZHMqNsBRKI" href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://thefauxfountainpen.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meka James <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://authormekajames.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1693935797517000&usg=AOvVaw0oEvZp3YqTRcfxq5uYYznt" href="https://authormekajames.wordpress.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://authormekajames.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And thanks to all the IWSG members who have cohosted in the past. You help it happen.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And have a cupcake today to celebrate the 12th anniversary to IWSG! The time went so fast and it gets better with age, like all of us.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream."</i> C.S. Lewis</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was one of the early admins for the IWSG blog hop and have been here since Alex started the group. More people were blogging 12 years ago and I met so many wonderful people. Many were writers but some were not. The the time, I was blogging a lot, usually at least 3 times per week. I don't know how I found the time, but it was fun. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">During those early years, I hosted many of my fellow bloggers when they had new releases and they reciprocated. Still doing that for any of my fellow authors who'd like to guest post. I learned about things like Twitter pitches and saw the beginnings of those great anthologies IWSG has created to showcase some of the awesome writers in this group. I own all those anthologies in print and they grace my keeper shelf.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;">I think it is so important for a writer to find their tribe, a group who understands what it is like to work, struggle, and grow in this difficult business. I love in-person writing groups, but they're difficult to find. And during the Covid shutdowns, they were nonexistent. But IWSG kept going strong and helped me stay at my writing. I hope they've helped you in some way.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i>"The best is yet to be."</i> Robert Browning</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;">How has <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b> helped you? Do you belong to other groups? How long have you been part of IWSG?</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-74581380203942115672023-08-02T05:00:00.001-04:002023-08-02T05:00:00.148-04:00IWSG: August 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMh9V2WQaG1BiPD_hFYlGEwHuM5kQMu2IrC3KYRZ6tgGEwWq6nccV4nDsnX_IQ2cn8aRzO3P_jJxc_fWx2KTy68MN3qe1avblSVfIokyVgs-C2vJGaE5iJWzXLzdEUHwrrMnmp6siJm4DE52LLf_p9lid_9ufbjjcJ4rcUnod4-xy8gVhPaC0UfOqmY0/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMh9V2WQaG1BiPD_hFYlGEwHuM5kQMu2IrC3KYRZ6tgGEwWq6nccV4nDsnX_IQ2cn8aRzO3P_jJxc_fWx2KTy68MN3qe1avblSVfIokyVgs-C2vJGaE5iJWzXLzdEUHwrrMnmp6siJm4DE52LLf_p9lid_9ufbjjcJ4rcUnod4-xy8gVhPaC0UfOqmY0/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Welcome to the monthly blog hop, <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b>, and led by our creator, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>. Join the entire group of<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> bloggers on this lis</a></b>t as we share and our successes and give support to other writers.<p></p><p>If you haven't read this<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2023/07/inspiring-advice-from-iwsg-experts.html" target="_blank"> IWSG inspirational post</a></b>, I hope you'll take a few minutes and check it out. Would love to see your own comments after reading it.</p><p>This month's optional question:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?</span></i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know if conflicted is the correct word. I have changed or deleted scenes or characters because I wasn't sure I represented them correctly. I have cut ties with a fellow writer who thought science could be interpreted as something offensive. Science is science, or at least my degree claims it is. I hope my writing never hurts anyone, but in today's world, it seems everything hurts or offends someone.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been getting a lot of writing done in the last month. Not my fastest work ever, but I feel more enthusiastic about than any of my more recent projects.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started an online class sponsored by Pennwriters. I've shared how my romance publisher closed their doors and returned all my rights to me. And I have the rights back to my high fantasy series also. The class is to guide writers like me through the self-publishing process. I've never wanted to self-publish but I have no other options at this point. I will continue to work on my new stuff while I try to figure this all out.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summer has flown by, and I'm not looking forward to cooler weather though the recent heat was a bit much even for me. I hope you all were safe and cool enough.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">No much new to watch anywhere and with the strike, there's not going to be much new for months. Time to re-watch some old favorites. Now I'll have no excuse not to be writing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Do you believe you are easily offended? Have you read anything recently where you felt the writer should have removed that part? Has the heat been too much for you? Have you ever taken an online class?</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-48611874804010945612023-07-05T05:00:00.001-04:002023-07-05T05:00:00.140-04:00IWSG: July 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXpWnDQpFZMKIipCrXjcBRC6tRxTJvocxb1OHXYrcAmhE43HJ1uq78uu3Vz-1_3M9Fp7hfaPOFbsbMkpagWlSNWi6o8nnNrBIemkRnUpJJXouMTGdiqhcEp9VC7sNbrMwOQ83UcPGMRzpRqQ-EhAk-0vseVNiF4kOU0Cx-3yw_86biHgn1Dh5tRIGhTs/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXpWnDQpFZMKIipCrXjcBRC6tRxTJvocxb1OHXYrcAmhE43HJ1uq78uu3Vz-1_3M9Fp7hfaPOFbsbMkpagWlSNWi6o8nnNrBIemkRnUpJJXouMTGdiqhcEp9VC7sNbrMwOQ83UcPGMRzpRqQ-EhAk-0vseVNiF4kOU0Cx-3yw_86biHgn1Dh5tRIGhTs/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Half way through the year already. Time for the monthly<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"> IWSG</a></b> blog hop. Thanks to <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b> and the awesome group of admins, we meet through our blogs the first Wednesday of every month to share victories, set backs, ideas, helpful wisdom, and most of all support to writers everywhere. Find the entire <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">list of participants right here</a></b>.<p></p><p>This month's optional question:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where do your ideas for your writing predominantly come from?</span></i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think writers often are asked this question. I can't wait to read all the answers. For me, I don't really know. They usually start with a character for me and then I build a world and story around them. Start small and expand the idea into a novel or multiple novels.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn."</i> Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summer is rolling along. I do love the heat compared to the cold. I've been riding my bike more than walking for exercise. I can really feel the work for my thighs than I can when I walk. I'm trying bigger and more hills every day. I'm doing pretty good for an old lady. I have some biking goals.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Like is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving."</i> Albert Einstein</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the last few months, I have added so many books to my shelves, all waiting to be read. I went to two local library book sales, a new independent book store, Barnes and Noble, another independent store, the Pennwriters Annual conference where I always pick up a load of books, and then a trip to 2nd & Charles filled up the last inch of space left in my office. It's tough to sit down to my own writing when I have so many good books calling my name.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good thing I have so many books and my latest 3,000K puzzle to entertain me since there is nothing to watch on TV. I'm thinking of watching Narcos. I've also been playing a few docu-drama series on Netflix and Prime in the background while I'm doing other things. I think I've become too picky.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you live anywhere near Erie, PA, Pennwriters is hosting a one day mini-con in October. Registration is open, but more details are being added every day. I've attended this event in the past and it's very professional and a great time for writers at every point in their careers. <b><a href="https://pennwriters.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=522048&item_id=2013889" target="_blank">Here is the link.</a></b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How big is your TBR pile? Do your creative ideas pop into your head? How are you exercising in the heat? (Unless you live where it's winter now) How is your writing coming along?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-45895278901466382012023-06-07T05:00:00.012-04:002023-06-07T05:00:00.141-04:00IWSG: June 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmldCbXkcFC7730cUASHRbUfJ_xuPnxrEe37oisF5gO3Jkn_-XPcFpuiQe1s1Wz0ka-8TaNDpoQjAP7XszyGhatF2gFLGzEjcuAKRqEqnFO70hrGpGDc2SgoWXDnBIuNdT9jTQPgUbPh6QNxHiWufQXi-iK0qfXwEjS23B-j6KNDSD_3Ep6YiNBwT/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmldCbXkcFC7730cUASHRbUfJ_xuPnxrEe37oisF5gO3Jkn_-XPcFpuiQe1s1Wz0ka-8TaNDpoQjAP7XszyGhatF2gFLGzEjcuAKRqEqnFO70hrGpGDc2SgoWXDnBIuNdT9jTQPgUbPh6QNxHiWufQXi-iK0qfXwEjS23B-j6KNDSD_3Ep6YiNBwT/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Difficult to believe it is June already. Time for another first Wednesday <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a></b>. Thanks to our found,<b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"> Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, and all the IWSG admins, we can share our woes, victories, expertise, and ask questions. Find the <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">entire list here</a></b>.<p></p><p>This month's optional question:</p><p><i>If you ever stopped writing, what would you replace it with?</i></p><p>Though I hope many years pass before I even consider stopping, I have so many things I love doing besides writing. Reading. So many books and so little time. Cross-stitch. I have two projects started and many more I would like to do. My beloved jigsaw puzzles. Just finished a 4,000 piece and have two 5,000 and one 6,000 waiting my attention. I'm into my new bicycle and pickle-ball. I have sisters in three different states I want to spend time with. So much to do and so little time. When do I find time to write?</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2e475d; font-size: 18px;"><i>"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."</i> </span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e475d; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">-Abraham Lincoln</span></span></p><p>Looking forward to a new season of <i>Jack Ryan</i> on Prime and <i>The Witcher</i> on Netflix. And <i>Justified</i> is making a short comeback. At least some good things to watch in June.</p><p>Coming up on two years in our condo and I love it more everyday. The upkeep is so easy and no grass to mow. Not that it is growing much with our current lack of rain. Lots of places to walk, bike, and a pool to swim in that I don't have to take care of.</p><p>Had a great writers conference last month in Pittsburgh, PA. Great keynote speakers and so much goodwill and talent surrounding every workshop and activity.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f2a53;"><i>“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”</i></span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f2a53;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f2a53;">― Aesop</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f2a53;">What keeps you busy day to day? What are you looking forward to in June?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f2a53;"><br /></span></span></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-39209155193897702872023-05-03T05:30:00.001-04:002023-05-03T05:30:00.133-04:00IWSG: May 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3un3GfUjmxNuiSqIvJ5k1I2M2luMhWycpS74rOq6TUxxWHzIRvmvJ1z0WPodsMOckuoVWkDjCQLOKMLeyjqhXijXBjCTb6AR00LJ34TIbTutlacEA6eomQ7PZPzyNbgqXFp-oaaVj0A12Qi3cVjPMwsB36OoOP8qjIZT09cwpzcGR8EiOZjQcZz42/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3un3GfUjmxNuiSqIvJ5k1I2M2luMhWycpS74rOq6TUxxWHzIRvmvJ1z0WPodsMOckuoVWkDjCQLOKMLeyjqhXijXBjCTb6AR00LJ34TIbTutlacEA6eomQ7PZPzyNbgqXFp-oaaVj0A12Qi3cVjPMwsB36OoOP8qjIZT09cwpzcGR8EiOZjQcZz42/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />I can't believe I missed last month. I believe it was the only time I've missed. I'm not sure why I'm busier ever when I'm 'retired.'<p></p><p>But welcome to my post for<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"> IWSG</a></b>. Thank you to <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b> and all the admins for the this amazing group. Find the entire<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> list of blog posts here</a></b>.</p><p>This month's optional question: <span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>When you are working on a story, what inspires you?</i></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm inspired by lots of things. Reading a good book. Hearing about one of my writer friend's success. Sometimes watching a good show or movie. Visiting a bookstore or library. Attending a conference or any writing event such as a book signing. With all that inspiration, you would think I would get more writing done each day.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been getting some writing done. About 6K words in April. Still, slower than I'd like. And I have a conference coming up in about two weeks that will inspire me further. Had some work done of our home so that was disruptive and distracting and a few more events coming in May that will slow me down. I'm already collecting my excuses so they're ready to go. Hopefully, June will bring some peace and quiet at the old homestead.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home."</i> Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So little to watch on TV. I have enjoyed <i>Will Trent </i>in its debut season. <i>The Last of Us</i> was good considering I am completely ignorant about the video game it was based on. I'm going to watch Amazon's newest <i>The Citadel</i> but I haven't started it yet. <i>The Mandalorian</i> was disappointing but I have hope for next season.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope the spring season is filling you all with warmth and inspiration. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What inspires you? Are you getting some writing done? What is your biggest distraction?</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-53061874380627901962023-03-01T05:30:00.001-05:002023-03-01T05:30:00.265-05:00IWSG: March 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LZ58zFazNwDZ1CmP5_4dsZHb_QYorK9Gdnsnj_0aDC7efMhpu6f-D3E7thfWee2urxayOFMhiudMrfk3Yisi7sC0qgnM4DHf5rNdLCR9R6lFlx1p_1QdVQ9B-n9V2__prlRiaI_s-oWB-n-fRkVSteQefP6MHZHCEl0GyxqLD1xcw2_5xJO8mkeZ/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LZ58zFazNwDZ1CmP5_4dsZHb_QYorK9Gdnsnj_0aDC7efMhpu6f-D3E7thfWee2urxayOFMhiudMrfk3Yisi7sC0qgnM4DHf5rNdLCR9R6lFlx1p_1QdVQ9B-n9V2__prlRiaI_s-oWB-n-fRkVSteQefP6MHZHCEl0GyxqLD1xcw2_5xJO8mkeZ/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Time once again for the monthly blog hop. Thanks to <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b> and his intrepid admin team, <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">the IWSG</a></b> is rolling along helping and supporting writers at all stages of their writing careers. Find the entire list of participants in this month's<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> blog hop here</a></b>.<p></p><p>This month's optional question:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?</i></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;" /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have admired many plot twists but the most recent one that comes to mind is by Sarah J. Maas. In the cliffhanger at the end of Book #2 of her Crescent City fantasy series, she linked the series to one of her earlier series. It gave me shivers of delight and envy. Can't wait for the next book!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm nearly finished with edits on the fantasy series I've decided to self-publish. Waiting for my cover art for the first book. In the meantime, I'm also outlining my next three book series. Just a bare skeleton at this time, but it's getting some flesh on it. I'm pretty excited about it.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I dwell in possibility."</i> Emily Dickinson</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been enjoy the new ABC show <i>Will Trent</i>. I read the books by Karin Slaughter. Fortunately, the show isn't as dark as the novels. I'm looking forward to the return of the Mandalorian and a second season of <i>Shadow and Bone</i>. I've found <i>The Last of Us</i> entertaining though it is rather brutal. Went to see the new Antman movie. It was okay...</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope we see some more spring-teasing weather. I'm tired of chilly rain, clouds, and artic breezes. I know many of you live in locations with much more to complain about.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUcDRe0Fcb2QT7didirPaBmNqJZRY_Uk8SrPvNnxTiKFKaTCdS8ZDafjE9GC52nQBr8jYb5dh6VVfPbSkMG0dRDXxbPG_FR1VyNGFZe6DdXaLr7A8nYE3dGX0Nhhc14elpvsdDjFOgSwBvbmLjBSIggEXFbJ2clDbuvXyqPAEUDd_RC-EWTus3xSU/s279/pw%20logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="279" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUcDRe0Fcb2QT7didirPaBmNqJZRY_Uk8SrPvNnxTiKFKaTCdS8ZDafjE9GC52nQBr8jYb5dh6VVfPbSkMG0dRDXxbPG_FR1VyNGFZe6DdXaLr7A8nYE3dGX0Nhhc14elpvsdDjFOgSwBvbmLjBSIggEXFbJ2clDbuvXyqPAEUDd_RC-EWTus3xSU/w200-h54/pw%20logo.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />I'm also busy handling online registration for the <a href="https://pennwriters.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=522048&module_id=553339" target="_blank">36th Annual Pennwriters Conference</a> being held in Pittsburgh this year on the third weekend in May. Check it out if you're in the area. We have lots of great workshops and numerous agents and editors eager to hear your pitches. No matter how long I've been writing, I always learn useful things at the conference. Hope even one of you can join us.<p></p><p><i>"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."</i> Aristotle</p><p>Have you suffered or maybe enjoyed some writerly envy? Yeah or Nay on any of the entertainment I mentioned? Are you ready for spring?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-6994091667116011212023-02-01T05:30:00.001-05:002023-02-01T05:30:00.231-05:00IWSG: February 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNSmKPzYxzDynApJUjQycAjswAnBrBzQKSXOs7-6jR_095Bb9j01Rx1KVVsroWfVFUVcknO3FLYylP01bYvaC6_F1a3-YUYz-zt7hwxfQFSEAxHZLOEK5pqCVJarwQJWzGMY4-XCoaQPGO3-dBwHOQ4Ky1aNdnlfFkNq4XPiv0g9aajIULRAD4ObZ/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNSmKPzYxzDynApJUjQycAjswAnBrBzQKSXOs7-6jR_095Bb9j01Rx1KVVsroWfVFUVcknO3FLYylP01bYvaC6_F1a3-YUYz-zt7hwxfQFSEAxHZLOEK5pqCVJarwQJWzGMY4-XCoaQPGO3-dBwHOQ4Ky1aNdnlfFkNq4XPiv0g9aajIULRAD4ObZ/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />We're here already. Thank you to all the admins of the <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b> and our founder <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b> for this amazing group of writers. Hope you're here to share woes and victories. <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">Find the list of participants here</a></b>.<p></p><p>This month's optional question:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover?</i></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you read my last post, you know the small press I've been with for around 15 years closed their doors at the end of 2022. Suddenly, I have 28 homeless books that had already been published. I also had a three book epic fantasy series that had been contracted by another publisher who closed their doors a few years ago. I wasn't sure what to do.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hate designing covers but I found a person to partner with me. We've started to get some of my work back on the market. And now I have full control over my covers though I'm always open to the recommendations of my partners. My previous publisher was very good about asking for my thoughts and then trying to bring my stories to life with a great cover. No complaints.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's great to be back to writing though I'm mostly editing right now. I feel really good about it all. I'm also keeping busy helping set up the registration for the 2023 Annual Pennwriters Conference that will be held in Pittsburgh in May this year. I'll let you know when registration is open.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been so busy and it's wonderful. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Either you run the day or the day runs you."</i> Jim Rohn</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been enjoying the new show, Will Trent, based on the book series by Karin Slaughter. The show isn't near as dark as the novels which I like. The Last of Us is holding my interest also. Otherwise, not much happening. Give me some recommendations, please.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel like I'm in the best place as far as my writing that I have been for a while. I hope it is the same for you.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."</i> Henry David Thoreau</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you get a say in your covers? Do you have a favorite style of cover or least favorite? Are you following or living your dream?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></blockquote>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-12265960621239211342023-01-04T05:00:00.003-05:002023-01-04T05:00:00.252-05:00IWSG: January 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr8B2IfSrgu--G7ymszflfgyyvavqoZgnIncMJyVlv1juMsWhED6QGFdbc3tGrdGHoiwzJCm_wkwNyCqfC8QDMh9OwVxM4VMbZxYLJsyG__qE1fgsFwWv3Yd4hJbM8XI7n83SJ5eSp1hnSeyjKEitpi4FmI_ya-exjTkQJGBCtiMw9l9DH-FdSGfj/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr8B2IfSrgu--G7ymszflfgyyvavqoZgnIncMJyVlv1juMsWhED6QGFdbc3tGrdGHoiwzJCm_wkwNyCqfC8QDMh9OwVxM4VMbZxYLJsyG__qE1fgsFwWv3Yd4hJbM8XI7n83SJ5eSp1hnSeyjKEitpi4FmI_ya-exjTkQJGBCtiMw9l9DH-FdSGfj/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Can we believe it's 2023? Not quite but welcome to the first blog hop post for <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a></b> for this year. Thanks to the IWSG admins for keeping us going and to our founder, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, for bringing us together in the first place. Find the entire list of<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> participants on this page</a></b>.<p></p><p>I'm skipping this month's question and putting to page some thoughts going into a new year. As many of you know, my publisher closed their doors at the end of 2022. That's more than 20 published books that are now homeless. Enough to crush my motivation. But...</p><p>I have found some things to inspire me.</p><p>1. Seeing colleagues having new books coming out. Some are writers I've known for years and have spent time at writers conferences networking together. I love seeing them succeed and it makes me work harder.</p><p>2. Reading the various newsletters that come my way from a variety of sources. Some are writing groups like this one and some are from individual authors. I learn so much and also witness the writing successes of the other members.</p><p>3. Finding a new author, or new-to-me, that I fall in love with. There have been a few recently, but one fantasy writer I'll point out is <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kel-Kade/author/B019ZTQ5IM?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">Kel Kade</a></b>. Kel's first serious was self-published and her second series was picked up by TOR.</p><p>4. Helping set up registration for <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pw2023" target="_blank">the Pennwriters Conference </a></b>coming to Pittsburgh, PA in May of this year. I love spending the weekend with other writers.</p><p>5. Receiving an invite from a successful local author to join <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeclubpa" target="_blank">her FB group</a></b>. If you attended last year's Pennwriters Conference, you know Misty Simon. A gifted writer of mysteries who brings a lot of laughter and joy to those she interacts with.</p><p>Those are a few things to keep me going on this writing path with all its hills and valley. Things to remind me to work harder. What keeps you going?</p><p><i>"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile." </i>Roger Staubach</p><p><i>"Hope is a waking dream."</i> Aristotle</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-16782111600577522462022-12-07T05:00:00.001-05:002022-12-07T05:00:00.242-05:00IWSG: December 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qglvEpz1HLEtZiMSvJy24_Fv6ezil8vj2A4tt8nn7xf-knwjuEi8Du7mgot09a7fZSsPqAMZ6YVhTQhRfN3G8Wne5V1oXyvmZ-tgSgiS9tpma5R3mUJEkY9aNjyoj97xBWZjqqTRYex_Dpp6WSWmcV2RC9V_BBd-gSWV6DuQaK9b-Ca-YYyPM6Al/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qglvEpz1HLEtZiMSvJy24_Fv6ezil8vj2A4tt8nn7xf-knwjuEi8Du7mgot09a7fZSsPqAMZ6YVhTQhRfN3G8Wne5V1oXyvmZ-tgSgiS9tpma5R3mUJEkY9aNjyoj97xBWZjqqTRYex_Dpp6WSWmcV2RC9V_BBd-gSWV6DuQaK9b-Ca-YYyPM6Al/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Welcome to the first Wednesday<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"> IWSG</a></b> blog hop, founded by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh,</a></b> and constantly growing and expanding thanks to all the admins. Find the <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">entire list of participants here</a></b>.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white;">Purpose:</strong><span style="background-color: white;"> 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!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">And this month's optional question:</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It's holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?</i></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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? </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Every strike brings me closer to the next homerun."</i> Babe Ruth</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Any publisher recommendations? Are you working hard at writing over the holidays? Are getting with family and friends over the holidays?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">I wish the joy and happiness of the season.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I cannot change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."</i> Jimmy Dean</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-32617575005475246192022-11-02T05:00:00.001-04:002022-11-02T05:00:00.223-04:00IWSG: November 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ5taTJRuufyAhfLrIRaCoAVsaiZOI-v6fHKIQ1VaXgVKli_cP5uQwsJYvSWf3UGKE27qNRprhDUbkag9WjQhOQcZ-xhwlDi2aEB2xEygGpJ4ErBVaTcxzc5MzQFGqrZUqH_uB12E919etd7-Xdg8rVHlmL4AAVVkxrm501ALt51M5JkqCw6y6J9g/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ5taTJRuufyAhfLrIRaCoAVsaiZOI-v6fHKIQ1VaXgVKli_cP5uQwsJYvSWf3UGKE27qNRprhDUbkag9WjQhOQcZ-xhwlDi2aEB2xEygGpJ4ErBVaTcxzc5MzQFGqrZUqH_uB12E919etd7-Xdg8rVHlmL4AAVVkxrm501ALt51M5JkqCw6y6J9g/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> 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<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"> IWSG blog hop</a></b>. Thanks to our founder,<b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"> Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b> and all the admins at IWSG, we can share and encourage each other. <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">Find the entire list here.</a></b><p></p><p>This month's question: <i>Have I ever participated in NaNo? If not, why not? </i></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Heads up for this Friday. <i>Enola Holmes 2</i> 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 <a href="https://twitter.com/NancySpringer" target="_blank">Twitter. Find her here</a>.</p><p>My daughter convinced me to watch <i>Dark</i> 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.</p><p><i>"Be happy. It is one way of being wise."</i> Colette</p><p>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.</p><p>I hope those of you in the USA will vote next week. Let your voice be heard.</p><p><i>"Being willing is not enough; we must do."</i> Leonardo da Vinci</p><p>Are you participating in NANO? Have you in the past? How long have you been blogging? Are you an Enola Holmes fan?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-81840971715714911302022-10-05T05:30:00.001-04:002022-10-05T05:30:00.222-04:00IWSG: October 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWopygTezfHzzqM53lyIat2tPJTM1gn3GwyJnWm4WYCVe27qlqOPv4Y4GxF6Id7z_UmniXNQ_r7fpJikUb0BLAFS_P77gypk3jS83_muiHWuadLne7NUSbwxEnaj42oGdR5Z2e-E14jxvtgn_PCVKn3B0lTvwTKH2wXfMfkgsOzn6fKc4o8t7PODK/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWopygTezfHzzqM53lyIat2tPJTM1gn3GwyJnWm4WYCVe27qlqOPv4Y4GxF6Id7z_UmniXNQ_r7fpJikUb0BLAFS_P77gypk3jS83_muiHWuadLne7NUSbwxEnaj42oGdR5Z2e-E14jxvtgn_PCVKn3B0lTvwTKH2wXfMfkgsOzn6fKc4o8t7PODK/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Fall is upon us and so is the October edition of IWSG. Much thanks to our founder, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b> and all the admin of the <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a></b>. Please visit as many of the group as you have time for as we share woes and victories. Find <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">the entire list here</a></b>.<p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?</span></i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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<i> The Poppy War</i> 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.</span></span></p><p>Along the same lines, I'm not sure I can watch another episode of <i>Blood of the Dragon</i>. 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.</p><p><i>"Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart."</i> Ancient Indian Proverb</p><p><i>The Rings of Power</i> has many likeable characters and lots of mysteries to try and figure out. I'm really enjoying it.</p><p>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.</p><p><i>"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily." </i>Zig Ziglar</p><p>Do you have a favorite genre? What is motivating your writing? Ever read The Poppy War?</p><p><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-60672019081394375052022-09-26T05:30:00.001-04:002022-09-26T05:30:00.216-04:00Druid's Moon by Deniz Bevan<p><span style="color: #500050;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></span></span></p><p><i style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;">H</span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;">o</span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;">w many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult?</span></b></span></i></p><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Short answer: Too many!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I’m organized, I spend the next few months going through it scene by scene and tightening it up.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I’m really organized, the next step is to print it and read it on paper.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, I need to finish up all the required research and do another edit for word choice and style.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it’s time to send it to beta readers!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Which social media platform do you most enjoy using for promotion?</b></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?</b></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?</b></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ah, well, I think these are two separate questions. I reread <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> 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!</span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18yejweiMr6KIbWqkEtIXL08eVtCgSNkUsfZCXFbgBzX6cNCaIHT1xmf_8Qsg1CwSCJh1B7cghIfnnheef10Y80FimHzcBA9cRmadquMW4_fqZyxNql3UnosWr1kDIc5WbZJvEVAFL-Ma6DB_mEQDth5IuV_813MLbPit6yLXTkCN-x0174C7HMw5/s654/Druids%20Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="432" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18yejweiMr6KIbWqkEtIXL08eVtCgSNkUsfZCXFbgBzX6cNCaIHT1xmf_8Qsg1CwSCJh1B7cghIfnnheef10Y80FimHzcBA9cRmadquMW4_fqZyxNql3UnosWr1kDIc5WbZJvEVAFL-Ma6DB_mEQDth5IuV_813MLbPit6yLXTkCN-x0174C7HMw5/w132-h200/Druids%20Moon.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br />Druid’s Moon</b></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">By Deniz Bevan</b></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /><i>Beauty to his Beast…</i><br /><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">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.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">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.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br />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.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Release date – September 20, 2022<br />$14.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 226 pages<br />Fantasy – Romance (FIC009090) / Paranormal (FIC009050) / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology (FIC010000)<br />Print ISBN 9781939844866 / EBook ISBN 9781939844873<br />$4.99 EBook available in all formats</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /><b><u>BIO</u></b><br /><a name="m_-6022239784448365584__Hlk84153902">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.</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw2-iPg-t3uKcAVXpbj40Gmi" href="http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://thegirdleofmelian.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u>Links:</u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u><br /></u></b>Apple - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1588920227&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw3rTz-CTIYFuD7zjPO0iwhh" href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1588920227" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://books.apple.com/us/<wbr></wbr>book/x/id1588920227</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Amazon - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HRDWJZ8&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw2wviOpsvaY35CqpUN3CEN8" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HRDWJZ8" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>B09HRDWJZ8</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Barnes & Noble - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165040276&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw2YXeRVXIPjlnyytF-CxyzV" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165040276" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.barnesandnoble.<wbr></wbr>com/s/2940165040276</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Kobo - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query%3D9781939844873&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw1zDiihRLFwSaN2vgWdvnkl" href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844873" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://store.kobobooks.com/<wbr></wbr>en-us/Search?Query=<wbr></wbr>9781939844873</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Scribd - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.scribd.com/search?query%3D9781939844873%26language%3D0&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw3xAGW8sJviUduMollqfqYC" href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844873&language=0" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.scribd.com/search?<wbr></wbr>query=9781939844873&language=0</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Amazon UK - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HRDWJZ8&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw3vKkOW3hh7A643QkUWzjzC" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HRDWJZ8" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/<wbr></wbr>B09HRDWJZ8</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br />Goodreads - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59360035-druid-s-moon&source=gmail&ust=1662598480941000&usg=AOvVaw1-aSZWQkutykdO2PTya1io" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59360035-druid-s-moon" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/<wbr></wbr>book/show/59360035-druid-s-<wbr></wbr>moon</a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div>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?</div>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-50060947600130124182022-09-19T05:30:00.004-04:002022-09-19T05:30:00.207-04:00First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i>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!</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Find good critique partners and listen to them. Don’t be in a hurry to publish your debut.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> - Melissa Maygrove</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Michael Di Gesu</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The YA titles of my youth like <i>The Hunger Games</i> or <i>Twilight</i> 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.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- Kim Elliott</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>-Sammi Spizziri</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #101214;">Which social media platform do you most enjoy using for promotion?</span></i><span style="color: #101214;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #101214;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #101214;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #101214;">Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?</span></i><span style="color: #101214;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #101214;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- Katie Klein</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult? </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have a book that you can read over and over again and especially when you need the inspiration to write?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>- Denise Covey</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;">How many drafts do you write for each novel and which do you find the most enjoyable and the most difficult? </span></i><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;">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.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;">Can you give one piece of advice for beginning authors? </span></i><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; color: black;">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.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">- Slyvia Ney</span> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><a name="m_-1218121948391059224__Hlk93043630" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u></u></i></b></span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq_3X1JOltiARi_hwfgn6JWT58QEvPrwM2I09n8R4Loyerq6mj5dUT0TFiVeq8tV2XEsRy64PzjuTbOPcdesw3iM8BpwUyca3QjWLS_JhNCP2xp3KbXMVUqH69G3Pm0PHlnf1JnwUhF5N2HAR_2Ti_zqoIjVmxneC3mQ_Ps3Jsd7_C_Z-pRqSOlEL/s1300/First%20Love%20-%20The%20Art%20of%20Making%20Doughnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="859" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq_3X1JOltiARi_hwfgn6JWT58QEvPrwM2I09n8R4Loyerq6mj5dUT0TFiVeq8tV2XEsRy64PzjuTbOPcdesw3iM8BpwUyca3QjWLS_JhNCP2xp3KbXMVUqH69G3Pm0PHlnf1JnwUhF5N2HAR_2Ti_zqoIjVmxneC3mQ_Ps3Jsd7_C_Z-pRqSOlEL/w132-h200/First%20Love%20-%20The%20Art%20of%20Making%20Doughnuts.jpg" width="132" /></a></u></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u><br />First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts</u></i></b></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u>An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology<br /><br /></u></i></b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><i><u>The sweetness of first love…</u></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /><br />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?<br /><br />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…<br /><br />Release date: September 6, 2022<br />Print ISBN – 9781939844880, $14.95<br />eBook ISBN – 9781939844897, $4.99<br />Romance - Clean & Wholesome (FIC027270) / Contemporary (FIC027020) / Historical (FIC027050)<br />186 pages, Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.<br /><br />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.<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/&source=gmail&ust=1660271747266000&usg=AOvVaw2A-7duS7dXvKybxFt2fF0q" href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>insecurewriterssupportgroup.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /><br />Links:<br />Amazon </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/&source=gmail&ust=1660271747266000&usg=AOvVaw0Km-Z0TGgWu8pHHICSWc9N" href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/First-<wbr></wbr>Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-<wbr></wbr>ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br />Barnes & Noble </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean%3D2940165751301&source=gmail&ust=1660271747266000&usg=AOvVaw3HmqWFNl0fHU-G7CTueoGj" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.barnesandnoble.<wbr></wbr>com/w/first-love-insecure-<wbr></wbr>writers-support-group/<wbr></wbr>1140884369?ean=2940165751301</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">iTunes </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999&source=gmail&ust=1660271747266000&usg=AOvVaw2jMJGs11kPxfSTQO2dxV4d" href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://books.apple.com/us/<wbr></wbr>book/x/id1605240999</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br />Kobo </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts&source=gmail&ust=1660271747266000&usg=AOvVaw1ez50sBoq-a4rxiEkYCcrT" href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/<wbr></wbr>ebook/first-love-the-art-of-<wbr></wbr>making-doughnuts</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br />Scribed - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.scribd.com/search?query%3D9781939844897%26language%3D0&source=gmail&ust=1660271747266000&usg=AOvVaw29FpyKCtqYbeA1SXOUHxPM" href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.scribd.com/search?<wbr></wbr>query=9781939844897&language=0</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br />Goodreads </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love&source=gmail&ust=1660271747266000&usg=AOvVaw0KLQzy1ibFRrQIJgjTOUeS" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/<wbr></wbr>book/show/60198262-first-love</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>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?</i></span></div>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-46142538833362434342022-09-07T05:00:00.001-04:002022-09-07T05:00:00.240-04:00IWSG: September 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHuEBJzP1oXfZ11CgOeCMnJ3UCXgd1OjjtIVRI26s0dfpVZKluIouDiezlUIGNAToqFLnyKALC167348V47meso0lb0_ZdmvhloIWFR54_N0uNEOicO_wCpEs3zGPb5ynkVr7poci6Kemebaf58jXFG2SEGLG7Lxb1YEKOt3ecrhtkneYKpGoX_dI/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHuEBJzP1oXfZ11CgOeCMnJ3UCXgd1OjjtIVRI26s0dfpVZKluIouDiezlUIGNAToqFLnyKALC167348V47meso0lb0_ZdmvhloIWFR54_N0uNEOicO_wCpEs3zGPb5ynkVr7poci6Kemebaf58jXFG2SEGLG7Lxb1YEKOt3ecrhtkneYKpGoX_dI/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> September already though the weather is still like summer. It's time for the monthly bloghop with all the awesome members of<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"> the IWSG</a></b>. Thanks to our founder<b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"> Alex J. Cavanaugh,</a></b> and all the amazing admins who make this group so dynamic and helpful. Find<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"> the entire list here</a></b>.<p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why? </span></i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The Rings of Power</i></b> have grabbed my attention so I hope it stays that way. <b><i>Blood of the Dragon</i></b> 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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4RIfKDECy-72M0-Vo0Usxkl1CAk8oy3IS97U466CuBn-9g_SE6tJa7-6LfuPmGy9IrRylAWkpyewRHP4XTV2Zw792Z_uucaeeDx0RkHrEWaJd-Obrq5OI8H3SDZBQLMEfuDjih5M5CdR1nNyY26eCBoFX7o-uZBkbgwxgbGjEvpqN4UOwnORUEg1/s400/anthol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4RIfKDECy-72M0-Vo0Usxkl1CAk8oy3IS97U466CuBn-9g_SE6tJa7-6LfuPmGy9IrRylAWkpyewRHP4XTV2Zw792Z_uucaeeDx0RkHrEWaJd-Obrq5OI8H3SDZBQLMEfuDjih5M5CdR1nNyY26eCBoFX7o-uZBkbgwxgbGjEvpqN4UOwnORUEg1/w132-h200/anthol.jpg" width="132" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Fortunately, I have lots of good books to read. I hope you'll find the time to read the newest IWSG anthology, <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/" target="_blank">First Love: The Art of Making Donuts</a></i></b>. 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.</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.<b><a href="https://www.pennwriters.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=522048&item_id=1759401&event_date_id=255" target="_blank"> Here is the information</a></b>.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Any genres you would never try to write in? Enjoying any new fare on streaming or TV? Would you like to attend a conference?</span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></blockquote>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-58823587935041551032022-08-03T05:30:00.010-04:002022-08-03T05:30:00.220-04:00IWSG: August 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mXardGoOQERtAD9YjCGSfV0WFiiLJM5gUjG7k2duDWttrrSGePxwvlZPY9t30BYA0MvsSxtcBxZ2oTP70X5aTEJhVty_GsIeJkSoO5W_PQX7fH3smrzFLfqsOYyRKF602BKwEqjCAhzjawu7xEkpizInLv2bTQy-DYBTGs3j_eYmijJ9r_sRip1O/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mXardGoOQERtAD9YjCGSfV0WFiiLJM5gUjG7k2duDWttrrSGePxwvlZPY9t30BYA0MvsSxtcBxZ2oTP70X5aTEJhVty_GsIeJkSoO5W_PQX7fH3smrzFLfqsOYyRKF602BKwEqjCAhzjawu7xEkpizInLv2bTQy-DYBTGs3j_eYmijJ9r_sRip1O/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />It's time once again for the monthly meeting of the<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/"> IWSG</a></b>. Thank you to the IWSG admins and our founder, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, for starting this group where writers can support each other in victory and setbacks. Find the <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html">entire list here</a></b>.<p></p><p>This month's optional question: <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> 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></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my fantasy novels, I also make sure there is a<i> 'hero's journey'</i> which is the expectation. There are endless ways to make that journey interesting. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness."</i> Carleton Mitchell</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-43711131813810570962022-07-06T05:30:00.001-04:002022-07-06T05:30:00.221-04:00IWSG: July 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUMDcFtJYD0kRyRKpJ4nJ8kIloiOHlDsTROYzRV2Vx32GUgrd15Od3OdrNzHE-H_giSRKxPKPCAxZQObZgBwl25UpfGc_kVgqE8FtF6la-BAdkw4qzyEPqr1bFv5b5nmRX6j1Q3TvoQHTCHngfAW1dE1iLHOKmOOphY3MfFoNb1Wd8qsTwh0WLWlT/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUMDcFtJYD0kRyRKpJ4nJ8kIloiOHlDsTROYzRV2Vx32GUgrd15Od3OdrNzHE-H_giSRKxPKPCAxZQObZgBwl25UpfGc_kVgqE8FtF6la-BAdkw4qzyEPqr1bFv5b5nmRX6j1Q3TvoQHTCHngfAW1dE1iLHOKmOOphY3MfFoNb1Wd8qsTwh0WLWlT/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> Another month has flown by and it's time for the monthly <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG </a></b>bloghop. Thank you to the IWSG admins and our founder <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>. Please see <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">the entire list </a></b>of blog participating on this list.<p></p><p>This month's optional question: <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?</i></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"We cannot in one lifetime see all that we would like to see or to learn all that we hunger to know."</i> Loren Eiseley</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzpayKhKCs1h3YSYOAFI12ujb131XjQ99QS2ppc1wFqH7FwKLYmdvKiSCXeiOmbqxcPSyCQlRyZ3rMaip_-TanHgArz9ys2lPdI2ccIb4I1xXSQLwMaLYZ37H6dSveqNidV4qKM3cuLY-xF8RrVyfGoMg8C7r0CquC48i8V_vK0U99EDKL444zAwS/s500/Keepers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzpayKhKCs1h3YSYOAFI12ujb131XjQ99QS2ppc1wFqH7FwKLYmdvKiSCXeiOmbqxcPSyCQlRyZ3rMaip_-TanHgArz9ys2lPdI2ccIb4I1xXSQLwMaLYZ37H6dSveqNidV4qKM3cuLY-xF8RrVyfGoMg8C7r0CquC48i8V_vK0U99EDKL444zAwS/w121-h200/Keepers.jpg" width="121" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I would like to thank all of you who read my book, <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Futhark-Chronicles-Book-One-Sulbreth-ebook/dp/B017A5I036/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T3FR8SX0W55G&keywords=The+Keepers+of+Sulbreth&qid=1657065766&sprefix=the+keepers+of+sulbreth%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Keepers of Sulbreth</a></i></b>, for the IWSG Goodreads Book Club. I'm so honored to have been featured for this book of my heart.</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoyed the latest season of <i>The Umbrella Academy</i>. Not my favorite but okay. <i>Stranger Things</i> held my interest though I don't think any season has been as good as the first one. I watched<i> The Terminal List </i>on Prime. Definitely not light fare. I stopped watching <i>The Boys</i>. It seemed like each episode was trying to outdo the previous in grossness.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking."</i> Friedrich Nietzsche</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is there a literary world you'd like to live in? Does your mind work creatively while you exercise? Any travel plans? </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556528429571644528.post-21641702527870973822022-06-01T05:00:00.011-04:002022-06-01T05:00:00.223-04:00IWSG: June 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy72pVqLjHWy8vvMI-x2KJVDykiTZgJyEViBB0ImQT0ggf-RUjXcIEMKlHLNa7ynfJIR8w0DilziGUEsKgfI0f2DIqvaLWNSDhRb5-5g7T-nY3hwvN7axFuUgIc0eSfOqds2_UFsBvc0bw13v4YuOgKKwm6MTrQqpsfWPYmXhUOga4Zn3dKkA3bmIq/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy72pVqLjHWy8vvMI-x2KJVDykiTZgJyEViBB0ImQT0ggf-RUjXcIEMKlHLNa7ynfJIR8w0DilziGUEsKgfI0f2DIqvaLWNSDhRb5-5g7T-nY3hwvN7axFuUgIc0eSfOqds2_UFsBvc0bw13v4YuOgKKwm6MTrQqpsfWPYmXhUOga4Zn3dKkA3bmIq/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Time is jetting past me. Here it is, June already and it's time for the monthly<b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"> IWSG blog hop</a></b>. 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, <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, IWSG is going strong. Find all the <b><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">blog hop participants here</a></b>.<p></p><p>This month's question:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">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?</span></i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." </i>Marilyn Von Savant</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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)</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"You can't wait for inspiration. Sometimes you have to go after it with a club."</i> Jack London</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></blockquote>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.com15