What's Going On?

Let me start out by saying best of luck to the A to Z Participants. I'm not in on the madness this year, but I know I'll enjoy reading a lot of great posts. And that bring me to the upcoming IWSG monthly posting which will be Wednesday, April 5th. The question is always optional.

Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking and publicity for your writing? What were the results?

So, you can answer that and still share your current insecurity.

Had a great writers' meeting on Saturday. We honored a few of our members. Andrew Grey was honored with a Centennial Award for having 100 books published. He has an amazing work ethic and still manages to be generous with his time to help other writers.

The founding member of our RWA local group, Karen Rose Smith, received all our best wishes in her latest triumph. One of Karen's book's is in production to be a TV movie. We're all so excited for her. We might have a watch party.

Continuing with wonderful things happening at the meeting, we started our first 50/50 challenge of 2017. The way it works is that we all commit to writing at least 50 words for 50 days straight. And of course, most everyone who sits down to write 50 words ends up writing a lot more than that. We report our numbers to the member keeping track every few days. We're permitted to miss a day or two, but most of us try not to miss any. It's perfect timing for me because I'm starting a new novel. I outlined last week and started it yesterday. Wish me luck.

“You can only write by putting words on a paper one at a time.” 
― Sandra Brown

“Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts.”
—Larry L. King, WD

You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page. Jodi Picoult

I'm getting some outside work done. Every year I think I'll get a jump on it. All the rain is making it difficult. Not only does it keep me inside, but it really makes the weeds grow.

I watched the series finale of Grimm last Friday. I wasn't expecting the HEA after the last two seasons have been so dark, but overall, I enjoyed the show. It was never a 'can't miss' for me, but I often caught up to it while I was on the treadmill or the exercise bike.

Do you know any writer friends who have written more books than Andrew? Do you know anyone who has had a book made into a movie? Are you doing the A to Z challenge? Are you an every day writer?

IWSG: June 2016

Welcome to June's edition of the The Insecure Writer's Support Group, first Wednesday post. The wonderful supportive group shares our woes, victories and advice once a month. Started by Alex J. Cavanaugh, our stellar band of writers, listed here, help each other on our journeys to publication.

This month I want to say thank you. Thank you to all the people who volunteer and give their time to help other writers. Ten days ago, I attended the Pennwriters Conference like I do every May. I've been the secretary for Pennwriters, a state-wide writing organization, for almost two years and a member of PW for much longer than that. Until I volunteered to serve as secretary, I had no idea how much work went into making the conference, online classes, mini-conferences, newsletter and social media run smoothly. Hours and hours of work and it's all done by volunteers just to help their fellow writers.

If you've participated in the A to Z Blogging Challenge, you know it's a lot of work. For the amazing people who run it, it's many times over the amount of work for them. And it's all volunteer. Thank you to all of them.

And here we are on IWSG. As a participating member, you only have to post once per month and then have fun visiting. But behind the scenes, a lot of things go on. Facebook, the newsletter, Twitter and don't forget the two anthologies.  All volunteer work. Thank you to my fellow administrators.

This weekend will be the monthly meeting of my local romance writers group. RWA have very strict guidelines for local groups and how the officers are elected. But again, all volunteer. Once again, there is an amazing amount of work going on behind the scenes. Thank you to all those unpaid workers.

The writing community, online and in person, is very generous and supportive. I hope we all remember to pass it on. Volunteer when we can. Help someone starting out as someone at one time
helped you.

On a lighter note, from The Old Farmer's Almanac:
There are about 900,000 poppy seeds in one pound.
One should know everything that one says, but not say everything one knows. (1901)

Do you volunteer in any writing organizations? Have you thanked a volunteer lately?  Do people come to you for advice? Who do you think counted those poppy seeds?

Z: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Zaftig: Having a full, rounded figure. Pleasingly plump.

Zircon is a gem worn for protection and sexual energy. 

Zika Virus has been in the news a lot. It is mostly spread by mosquitoes from one infected person to the next. Until a few months ago, most people hadn't heard of this virus. The devastating birth defects, microcephaly, have rocketed it to the news front lines. There's no vaccination, only prevention by avoiding mosquitoes. The CDC has lots of useful information about it.

So you did it! You made it through the challenge and here we are at Z. I'm taking a needed break tomorrow.

Did anyone ever call you a Zaftig? Do you know anyone who has traveled to areas where they have to worry about the Zika Virus? Did you make it through the challenge?

Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.  Spanish proverb

Y: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Yestreen: Yesterday Evening

Yarrow is an herb found across Asia, North America and Asia. Many believe it will help with digestive disorders, eczema, and female reproduction issues.

Yawning. Everyone knows yawning is contagious and not just in humans. All vertebrate animals yawn. It is the normal response to drowsiness. Some scientists think the contagious part is an evolutionary necessity to keep a group alert for predators. One starts yawning, then the entire group does and wakes up. Physiologically, most believe that yawning not only keeps us alert but does so by cooling the brain.

With only one more letter to go in the Challenge, have you had to yawn a few times? Did you yawn while reading about yawning? Ever have anything with yarrow in? Do you remember what you were doing yestreen?

"Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week." Spanish proverb

X: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Xanthic: Relating to or tending toward yellow.

Xi Jiao is Rhinoceros Horn, a Chinese powder made from the horn of an endangered animal. The rhino is spiraling toward extinction as poachers hunt them for their horns. It's horribly, unbelievable that such a thing happens in our modern world. Chinese herbalists sell this to treat convulsions and other illnesses. Some reports say a Vietnamese buyer might pay as much as $300,000 for a single horn that they believe cures cancer and hangovers.

Xenon is one of the noble gases. It is found in trace amounts in our atmosphere. NASA has developed a Xenon Ion Drive Engine.

Can you think of a way to save the rhinos? How might you use that Xenon Ion Drive? Or can you base your own idea on it? Only two letters to go? Are you keeping up?

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." Confucius

W: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Whiffler: One who clears the way for a procession.

Willow Bark has been used to treat inflammatory conditions since ancient Egypt.

Wormholes are tunnels through the fabric of space time. Some physicists believe this is possible according to Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

Do you believe in wormholes? Ever had willow bark tea? Would you go through a wormhole if we could?

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein

V: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Vulgus: The common people. I don't think the common people gave themselves that name.

Venus Stone is another name for turquoise. Those who believe in the power of gemstones believe wearing turquoise will give you courage, love, luck and health. Can't beat that.

Volcanoes. I could read about volcanoes all day and watch those science shows about them. Super volcanoes are those that if they erupt could destroy the world like Mt. Vesuvius. Here in The States, of course, we have Yellowstone. If Yellowstone goes the best case the world could hope for would be a new ice age though it might wipe out most life as we know it.

Are you a member of the vulgus or do you call the rest of us that? Do you own any turquoise and has it made you lucky? Do volcanoes fascinate you?

"I have seen so many eruptions in the last 20 years that I don't care if I die tomorrow." 
Maurice Krafft (Volcanologist) on the day before he was killed on Unzen Volcano, Japan 1991.

U: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Uxoricide: The murder of a wife by her husband.

True Unicorn Root was used by Native Americans to stimulate digestion and induce menstruation. I believe that means they might have used it to induce miscarriages.

Universal Language is always an interesting conundrum when you write science fiction. Remember how the TV show Firefly had every speaking English and Chinese. Language experts claim the world is close to having a universal language if you mean a language a large percentage of the world understands. The British Empire once covered a large part of the known world so many people knew the language and in modern times, the influence of the USA has spread world wide. The internet, travel and the entertainment industry has helped spread the USA influence. So American English is widely understood across the globe.

Do you think a husband murdering a wife needs a special word for that act? What do you think about the universal language idea? 

“ENGLAND AND AMERICA ARE TWO COUNTRIES SEPARATED BY A COMMON LANGUAGE." George Bernard Shaw

T: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Thaumaturge: A performer of miracles.

Thyme is well-known as a seasoning but some herbal healers think it can treat coughs and headaches.

Tectonic Plates. Do you feel the movement as the land beneath your feet slides around? This is another science subject that can suck you into hours of interesting study. The plates move and cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. I live on the North America Plate which is pretty big but some of the plates are very small. Check the map to see where you live and go to this link to learn more about this very interesting subject.

What plate do you live on? Have you had thyme and what did you have it in? How many different tectonic plates have you stepped upon?

And today, April 23rd, is believed to be the birthday of William Shakespeare though it isn't known for certain.

"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be."
"Brevity is the soul of wit."

William Shakespeare

S: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Sciolist: A person who pretends to be a scholar. An intellectual fake.

Salt is used for purification and protection. If you've ever watched the TV show, Supernatural, you know to always have some salt handy.

Solar Energy. No matter how you feel about this, the facts are that enough sunlight strikes the Earth in one hour to provide all the power the entire planet needs for one year. If humanity were to build a solar farm of 25,000 square miles in the desert area of North Africa, we would need no other energy sources. Wow! See how small that area could be on the map below.

And a little bonus for today. Congrats to Chrys Fey.

Bonus S: SEISMIC CRIMES

Today is the release of Chrys Fey's first novel!

BLURB:

An Internal Affairs Investigator was murdered and his brother, Donovan Goldwyn, was framed. Now Donovan is desperate to prove his innocence. And the one person who can do that is the woman who saved him from a deadly hurricane—Beth Kennedy. From the moment their fates intertwined, passion

consumed him. He wants her in his arms. More, he wants her by his side in his darkest moments.

Beth Kennedy may not know everything about Donovan, but she can’t deny what she feels for him. It’s her love for him that pushes her to do whatever she has to do to help him get justice, including putting herself in a criminal’s crosshairs.

When a tip reveals the killer's location, they travel to California, but then an earthquake of catastrophic proportions separates them. As aftershocks roll the land, Beth and Donovan have to endure dangerous conditions while trying to find their way back to one another. Will they reunite and find the killer, or will they lose everything?

DIGITAL LINKS:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / KOBO / The Wild Rose Press

ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

Why do you think humanity won't work together to make solar energy happen? Do you know a sciolist? Do you keep salt handy to ward off ghosts or only to use on your food? Ready for Chrys' book with lots of aftershocks?

R: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Rubicund: Ruddy as in complexion.

Raspberry is often used as in medicinal syrups to mask bad tastes. Herbalists may use it to ease coughs and respiratory infections.

Einstein's Theory of Relativity was made public in 1905. He theorized that that the acceleration of massive objects should create gravitational waves (ripples in the fabric of space-time). To make all that more exciting, on February 11th, 2016, LIGO heard two black holes colliding and proved that the theory is correct. If you didn't read about it two months ago, read now.

Know any rubicund people. Do you like raspberry flavor? So do you think we're getting closer to creating wormholes to travel to the far side of the universe?

"Time travel used to be thought of as just science fiction, but Einstein's general theory of relativity allows for the possibility that we could warp space-time so much that you could go off in a rocket and return before you set out."
Stephen Hawking

Q: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Quidnunc: Busybody, a gossip.

Quartz is very popular in the use of magic. They are used for protection, healing or increasing magical powers.

Quasars are compact regions in the center of massive galaxies. Usually a quasar surrounds a super massive black hole. They emit radio waves that are studied to learn about the origins of the universe. The word quasar is short for quasi-stellar radio source.

Do you know a quidnunc? Do you own anything made of quartz? What color? Is that twinkling star you see actually a quasar?

Some humor for today.
"When I was born, I was so surprised that I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

P: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Pleonexia: Greed, Covetousness

Papaya is used to flavor candies and ice cream. It's also used to make facial creams and to tenderize meat. 

Pilosism is excessive or abnormal hairiness. This is a real thing and throughout history people with this have appeared in circus side-shows as wolf people. That could really fit into a novel without it even being paranormal in nature.

Every use papaya? What for? Have you heard of pilosism? Can you see how to use it in a novel? I'm pretty sure I saw it on CSI at some time.

"Lust and greed are more gullible than innocence." Mason Cooley

O: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Operose: involving great labor or industrious. (like doing the A to Z!)

Oregano is used as a spice and food preservative and is an antioxidant. In ancient times it was thought to be a remedy for narcotic poisoning.

Origins of Life is a much debated subject that lends itself well to science fiction stories. Did the first life come to Earth from space, accidentally or on purpose, or did life start in some primordial soup in a process called bio-genesis? What it an act of God?  Since there are so many questions about the origin of life, it leaves things wide open for writers of fiction.

What do you use oregano for? Not posing as something else, I hope. Do you find the A to Z challenge operose? Have you read any great stories about the origins of life?

"The cosmos are within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself." Carl Sagan

N: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Nimiety: excess, redundancy.

Nettle was used by Native Americans to ease child delivery. During the Bronze Age it was used in burial shrouds.

Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular level. More than one science fiction movie or show has used this invention and usually not as a good thing. All real science fiction fans remember the replicators on the TV show, Stargate. To get an idea how large a nanometer is, a sheet of newspaper is 100,000 nanometers thick.

I've heard of nettle in tea. Have you ever tried it? Do you find the idea of nanotechnology amazing? Of course, the nanobots haven't started replicating yet. Were you a Stargate fan in the day?

Tomorrow is Sunday, a day of rest for A to Z'ers. Do some catch up or go outside and get some sunlight. I haven't shared any wisdom from The Old Farmer's Almanac for a while so here's one as spring and the weddings associated with it arrive.

A pair of crows seen at a wedding brings good luck to the bride and groom.

M: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Mome: Stupid, doltish person, a blockhead, a fool.

Madder is an herb used to make red dye for cloth.

Mohs Scale is a scientific scale to rank mineral hardness. It goes from the hardest of 10, diamond, to 1, talc, the softest. Human fingernails have a hardness of 2.5 and window glass is 6.5.

What ranking of hardness do you think a mome's head is? Have you heard of madder being used as a natural dye? Have you ever tested a diamond on glass?

"A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer." Bruce Lee

L: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Lippitude: soreness of the eyes.

Lavender as a scent has a calming effect that might help with insomnia or ease migraines. It's commonly used in candles and oils.

Laser Weapons Systems (LAWS) is really interesting. It sounds futuristic but the US Navy ship, USS Ponce, is equipped with this direct energy weapon than can cripple or destroy the motors, weapons and sensors of the enemy. It's very accurate and has been very successful in testing. Compared to conventional naval weapons, it's really cheap and involves no transport or storage like regular ammunition would. Very cool. It sounds like something in science fiction but it's here today.

Do you enjoy the scent of lavender? Have you heard of LAWS? Doesn't it sound futuristic? 

"He who commands the sea has command of everything." Themistocles

K: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Kakistocracy: government by the worst people. And that's all I have to say about that.

Kava is an herb that gives users a feeling of tranquility. They become sociable and euphoric and it is used to treat anxiety and depression.

Kevlar is a registered trademark synthetic material that is used in clothing, helmets and vests as well as more things than I realized. There are other similar products but most of us use the term Kevlar in everyday speech. When writing science fiction, I usually imagine something even more efficient, light and protective than the products we know today.

Are you exercising your right to vote so your country doesn't end up as a kakistocracy? Ever hear of kava?  Can you afford anything on that Kevlar site?  Pretty cool stuff.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Abraham Lincoln

J: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Jactation: boastful display or declaration. (like a football player's touchdown celebration)

Jojoba was used by the Apaches and other southwest tribes to treat external conditions like skin problems and to promote hair growth.

Thomas Jefferson loved science and technology. Some call him the father of science in our country. His interests included paleontology, archaeology and agriculture. Tomorrow is the birthday of our third president.

Does jactation in sports irritate or entertain you? Did you know Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virgina? 

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." Thomas Jefferson

I: A to Z Blogging Challenge

For my 2016 A to Z Challenge, I’m sharing three facts for each letter. The genres I write and love to read are mostly science fiction and high or epic fantasy. In fantasy, there is often magic associated with crystals or metals. They also used herbs both for medicine and for magical spells. Each day I will post a short description of an herb or a mineral you might find in medieval or fantasy writings. For the record, most of the herbal remedies I’ve investigated are not recommended by the FDA. Many are actually poisonous and dangerous. As tribute to my second love, I will post a scientific fact that may deal with physics, biology or health science. And because another name for a writer is wordsmith, each day I’ll share a strange word that I would probably never use in my writing, but that amuse me in some way. So enjoy my trio of quick facts. And don’t forget to visit the IWSG site where we’ll share a writer’s resource for every day of the challenge.

Impavid: Not afraid, fearless

Indigo is used to make a blue dye and has been known to man for hundreds of years. It is also an ancient Chinese medicine used to treat disease.

Interstellar travel is not something humanity has conquered despite the success of the book and film The Martian. When writing space opera or other science fiction taking place in space, the propulsion method needed to make such travel possible needs to be part of your world building. Another trope you could use is the 'ark' idea where generations of people live and die on their journey to the stars.

Are you facing the upcoming tax deadline as an impavid citizen? Do you like the color indigo? How many years do you think it will take before we figure out how to travel to Mars or outside the solar system?

"It is better to deserve without receiving than to receive without deserving." Robert Green Ingersoll