IWSG Dec 2020 Inspiration and Wreckage

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

For the last time this year, it’s the First Wednesday of the month when we celebrate IWSG Day, in the form of a blog hop featuring all of the members of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Founded by Alex Cavanaugh and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a place to share the fabulous views and exciting news that occurs along our fascinating writing journeys. Pull up a chair and join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are:   Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre! 

 

‘The most beautiful stories always start with wreckage.” ~ Jack London

If the quote above holds true, we writers have our work cut out for us after the year we’ve had. I predict a large number of epic novels will hit the shelves next year. Yet, 2020 is the last thing I want to write about just now. I don’t even want to think about it.  

Truth is my inspiration bucket, for a time, seemed to have sprung a leak.

Detecting my reluctance to embrace any festivities relating to holidays this year, a dear friend of mine reminded me of how pleasing it is to gaze at the lights on the tree. And that’s all it took to get the spirit of Christmas once again glowing in my heart.  Whew! That was close.

Now I can think about dragging out boxes of ornaments and lights, a golden sleigh for elves and gnomes and other Christmas sprites. Summer dust will soon be gone, replaced with cotton ‘snow,’ and every single power strip will be in use, I know. Red vines hang like crimson fronds within a tiny scene where ribbon candy waterfalls spill in taffy ponds; a shadowboxed delight to share the stage beside the tree we’ll gaze upon each night.

With any luck, I’ll find that elusive treetop star I look for every year ;-) If not, I ran across an enchanting treetop gnome with a green scarf that perfectly matches our ceramic Christmas pickle ornament (whosoever finds it first gets a reward!)

Otherwise, in answer to this month’s question:  Are there months or times of the year when you are more productive with your writing?

I tend to write a lot in January, after the holiday rush. It’s a real good running (writing) start for the year. I like writing during and after rainstorms when rainbows bend and stretch. And sunsets that compel description. Sunrises tend to set the pace for the day and have been known to completely derail any previous plans I might have had before the “big idea” and that first cup of coffee. Good times ;-)

Happy writing and Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

“Christmas is the day that holds all time together,” ~ Alexander Smith

IWSG November 2020

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

It’s Aviation History Month – did you know that bumblebees have been spotted above 18 thousand feet? While my meager talent consists mostly of creating on, rather than with paper, I understand that an American team of two holds the record for Paper Airplane flying distance (226 feet), the record for “time aloft” (27.9 seconds) was set in 2010 by (not surprisingly) the chairman of the Japan Origami Airplane Association ;-)

Is it any wonder that International Stress Awareness Day is celebrated the day after Election Day? No matter, we can choose to celebrate National Candy Day while composing the next 2 – 3 thousand words in honor of National Novel Writing Month!

For the eleventh time this year, it’s the First Wednesday of the month when we celebrate IWSG Day, in the form of a blog hop featuring all of the members of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Founded by Alex Cavanaugh and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a place to share the fabulous views and exciting news that occurs along our fascinating writing journeys. Pull up a chair and join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month’s posting of the IWSG are Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria! 

November 4 question - Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

I love these quotes, don’t you as well?

In answer to the question:

Writers write what often can’t be said without interruption.

In a writer’s world, words are shared as dinner mints; confections crafted with hope and baked with resolve to melt a heart or dip a mind into something uniquely created by the writer – I liken satisfied readers to delighted eaters as the cook, looking on, beams from the kitchen doorway.

Happy writing, everyone. Oh! And, Happy Thanksgiving!

 

IWSG October 2020 You Matter to Me

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

It’s Recovering Coffee (caffeine) Addict Month. Good luck, everybody. I refuse to recover ;-) In fact, in honor of National Coffee with a Cop Day, I may just haunt a couple of coffee shops later on. And here’s a new one (on me, anyway): today is the 11^th annual National You Matter to Me Day…because everyone matters to someone.  I feel like I need to make a few phone calls today ;-)

For the tenth time this year it’s the First Wednesday of the month when we celebrate IWSG Day, in the form of a blog hop featuring all of the members of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Founded by Alex Cavanaugh and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a place to share the awesome views and exciting news that occurs along our fascinating writing journeys. Pull up a chair and join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!

 

Optional question:  When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

“Working Writer” implies the writer is employed, and therefore getting paid for his/her creativity. I can’t think of a better job than that, and it’s a safe bet it’s the crux of every writer’s aspirations. To call writing a hobby is, frankly, insulting.  And, while not every writer needs to be paid in order to eat, every writer does write in order to breathe. It’s natural. If you’re nodding as you read this, you know it’s true ; - )

This was a good question, though I’ve never met a writer who hasn’t already answered it. If only to themselves. At that point, you might also be asking yourself WHY you write. The following is an excerpt from an essay that won first place:

“On the message side of a postcard from Paradise, my missive could not be simply “Wish you were here”, for my propensity for description too often exceeds the boundaries of confined space.

              I find that writing facilitates definition, and provides an unobstructed avenue for communicating thoughts, sharing dreams, and imparting knowledge. To describe the cacophony of tangible senses after a southwest summer rain to the extent that the reader can almost feel the electric humid air, smell the musky scent of creosote or hear residual raindrops plopping on wet earth is to capture the reader’s complete attention - and a compelling reason to write.””

I almost didn’t submit that essay; insecurities and all. But honestly, what scares me more than writing is the thought of not writing. How about you?

If all goes well, the remainder of this year will be challenging, as well as incredibly productive, since I’ve agreed to write 46 short stories by Christmas. What are your plans for the rest of this year?

In the meantime, have you been binging on scary movies? Which one scares you the most?

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

Frozen Crimes and Skyflakes

 

                                            

Hi everyone! Welcome to the Frozen Crimes Blog Hop! In the midst of an endless summer, we in the southwest can hardly remember rain, let alone snow. But we can dream, and here’s a question to get us started:

Whom would you want to be stuck with during a blizzard, and what would you do?

 Because the very thought of freezing fades my well-earned sunspots, I’d definitely need a distraction. Someone whose wit would rivet me in place with laughter as time advanced at warp-speed, whisking us away from the frightening storm in the comically cosmic fashion of Robin Williams as Mork – from Ork. Once his fascination with "Skyflakes" subsided, and he’d taken his unique sitting position on the sofa, I’d curl up by the fire with my copy of the book we’re all talking about today: Frozen Crimes!

Hop around to the other participants to read their answers: Frozen Crimes Blog Hop

   

When disasters strike around every corner, is it possible to have a happily-ever-after?

 

BLURB: Beth and Donovan are expecting their first child. Life couldn’t get any better…until a stalker makes his presence known. This person sends disturbing messages and unsettling items, but it isn’t long before his menacing goes too far.

Hoping for a peaceful Christmas, Donovan takes Beth to Michigan. Days into their trip, a winter storm named Nemesis moves in with the goal of burying the state. Snowdrifts surround their house, and the temperature drops below freezing.

Except, the storm isn’t the only nemesis they must face. Everyone’s lives are at stake—especially that of their unborn child. Will they survive, or will they become a frozen crime?

BUY LINKS: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes

 

EXCERPT:

The crunch of the shovel pounding into the snow and ice filled his ears. It was all he could hear. The rest of the street was silent beneath its wintry blanket. Breathing was difficult with the icy air clogging his lungs. His nose burned. His throat was dry and on fire. But he ignored it, focusing on his task.

Crack, crack, crack.

He jabbed the shovel into a hunk of snow. On the third hit, it shattered into several pieces. He scooped them up and flung them to the side. He surveyed what remained. There was one big ball in the middle of the path that needed to be dealt with next. He moved over to it and struck it. That one impact had it severing in two. He was about to hit it again when something crashed into the back of his head.

Explosions of white light danced over his vision. Pain enveloped his skull.

The shovel slipped from his fingers. Blackness cloaked his mind, coaxing him into its depths.

Beth. Her name was a whisper in his head, as if his thoughts were being sucked into a wormhole.

His legs collapsed under his weight.

Cold. It seeped into him, consuming him. And then his consciousness fled down that same void that ate his thoughts.

 

***HUGE DISASTER CRIMES GIVEAWAY*** 

 

Prizes: 4 eBooks (Disaster Crimes 1-4: Hurricane Crimes, Seismic Crimes, Tsunami Crimes, Flaming Crimes) + Girl Boss Magnets (4), Inflatable Cup Holder (1), Adventure Fuel To-Go Cups (2), Anchor Fashion Scarf (1), Mermaid Nail Clippers (2), Citrus and Sea Salt Scented Candle (1), Snowflake Handmade Bookmark (1), Insulated Cooler Bag (1)

 

Eligibility: International

Number of Winners: One

Giveaway Ends: October 30, 2020 12:00am EST

LINK: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/76132e0221/?

 

 

***FREE EXCLUSIVE EBOOK***

 

 

To get the exclusive prequel to the Disaster Crimes series, sign up for Chrys’ newsletter. By signing up, you agree to receive Chrys Fey’s newsletter. After you confirm subscription, you will receive an email (so check your inbox and spam folder) with directions on where to snag your eBook copy of THE CRIME BEFORE THE STORM.

Click here to sign up and get The Crime Before the Storm FREE!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com

Author Links:

Website / Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon

 

 Happy Reading!

Sapphire Tides and September

Hey, hi!

Here it is the first month of autumn, and the only sign that the season actually intends to arrive this year is the early appearance of migratory Lesser Long-nosed bats.  Having followed the “nectar trail” from Mexico to Arizona, I guess it’s only fitting that they sneak around in the dark, slurping hummingbird feeders till they’re empty, leaving their own trail of nectar on the patio floor in their wake. Interestingly, if we take the hanging feeders down and leave them on the table at night – still in plain sight – the bats won’t touch them. I think it upsets the hummers, though. They’re a bit testy in the mornings if we don’t hang the feeders back up in time for breakfast ;-)

The excessive heat has evidently bothered even the snakes this year, as every other day or so, new skin is shed and left near our front door. While this has unnerved more than one delivery person, I’m wondering where all these naked snakes are hanging out.

In answer to the question I asked in my website blog, my sister brought up a September song I simply can’t get out of my head!  Let’s see if anyone else brings it up.

Sir George Ivan “Van” Morrison will reportedly release three new songs targeting COVID restrictions in the coming weeks. I like his style, and at least he’s not throwing bricks through storefront windows.

Local musician J.D. Loveland has founded Zoom Entertainment Network, which offers an impressive alternative for live concerts with what he calls “Zoomcerts.”

Author Dean Koontz is in the spotlight of late. Not because he’s good, but because he’s so good he might even have predicted our current pandemic in his 1981 novel “The Eyes of Darkness.” While ardent fans, including myself, highly doubt that assertion, I wish I could remember who I lent my copy to so I could read it again.  I read “Devoted” earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

According to Goodreads, I’ve read fifteen books this year, plus two they don’t even know about. I’m sure glad they keep track ;-)

I’ve done something else as well. Something I’ve meant to do, and have hinted at for some time now – what a year it’s been, huh? – Anyway, I figure “Read an Ebook Day” is as good a day as any to announce the release of my latest (YA) book, “Sapphire Tides” Read all about it here if you like.  

If you have a favorite September song, book, or movie - or thoughts on anything I've rambled on about, feel free to share!

IWSG - The Form of Stories

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

You’re just in time for IWSG Day, which occurs the first Wednesday of every month in the form of a blog hop featuring all of the members of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Founded by Alex Cavanaugh and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a place to share the awesome views and exciting news that occurs along our fascinating writing journeys. Pull up a chair and join us!

Our gracious co-hosts this month are:  PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise - Fundy Blue!

Our Optional Question of the Month is:  If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be, and why?  Oh, this is easy. I would love to have Zilpha Keatley Snyder as my partner! From the very first sentence of her book The Velvet Room: “When the tire went flat for the third time that day, it went with a bang.” I was absolutely captivated by the familiar sincerity with which she crafted an atmospheric haven for an overcast life on a black and white page. To this day, I’m inspired by her work.

September is Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month, which is pretty much every day around here ;-) Happy September, everyone!

It’s also Shameless Promotion month! But I’ll save it for another day ;-)

At a time when we’re all looking for something to do besides screen time, movie binging and frequent trips to the fridge – by the way, this gospel singer delightfully nails it -

It’s good to see some of the “old” past times coming back. For instance, knitting, baking, jigsaw puzzles, and board games. And while many creative arts venues are temporarily shuttered, there are a surprising amount of ancient almost-lost arts finding their way back.

Such as Amezeiku – The Japanese art of candy sculpture for which a Takumi (craftsman) has barely five minutes to artfully form (with his fingers) a nearly 200-degree Fahrenheit dollop of candy into the realistic shape of say, a sea turtle, koi, or an octopus – on a stick before the confection hardens. Looks too pretty to eat, don’t you think?

Anyone out there helping out with homeschool?

“If history were told in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten,” ~ Rudyard Kipling

Happy Writing!

 

IWSG August 2020 – Just living is not enough

How is everyone keeping busy these days? I’ve discovered the worst thing about spring cleaning is figuring out what to do with all the stuff you don’t want any more when no one is open to take it. All the boxes and bags everywhere have the dogs convinced we're moving.

Can you believe it’s August already? Whether you’re just passing through, or looking for a comfortable online group in which to share your writing journey, you’ve come to the right place! The Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers resources, tips, timely news, how-to’s, and don’t do’s – all the support we writers can use to make the most of our craft.

We meet on the 1^st Wednesday of every month. Feel free to browse around and mingle. As in the words of IWSG founder and “Cassa Series,” author Alex Cavanaugh, “Your words may be the encouragement someone else needs” Join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for the July 1 posting of the IWSG are:  

Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey!

The optional Question of the Month is:
 August 5 question - Quote: "Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don't write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be."
Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn't planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?

My answer: Yes, and not usually ; -)

It’s International Pirate Month! Do you have a favorite Swashbuckler? Did you know they wore patches not to cover up eyeless sockets, but to always have one eye accustomed to darkness for quick trips below deck?

August is American Adventures Month! I once sold a motorhome in less than ten days with a simple phrase the buyer swore reached out and grabbed him: “See America from the comfort of your living room” Indeed, we saw a lot of it that way. While it might not be as easy an option these days, we still do. Except, these days, the kids and I also travel virtually, picking a different state each time.

Last month we chose Nebraska. Known as “The Tree Planters State,” it is home to America’s largest hand-planted forest.  Kool Aid and the Rueben Sandwich were invented there. We all got a kick out of CARHENGE, Omaha’s close equivalent to Stonehenge, and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium featuring one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests, a coral reef, as well as an indoor desert in a dome (including meerkats!) has been placed on our MSIP (Must See in Person) list!  Anyone out there from Nebraska?

Among several excellent books I read last month was one entitled “Sold on a Monday,” by Kristina McMorris. I must say, the story sticks to your heart as peanut butter does to the roof of your mouth. Simply indelible.

As far as writing, I am brimming with excitement!

See you all sooner than later ; -)

 

“Just living is not enough, one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower,” Hans Christian Andersen

 

IWSG July 2020 - Choices and Changes

Hi there!

Whether you’re just passing through, or looking for a comfortable online group in which to share your writing journey, you’ve come to the right place! The Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers resources, tips, timely news, how-to’s, and don’t do’s – all the support we writers can use to make the most of our craft.

We meet on the 1^st Wednesday of every month. Feel free to browse around and mingle. As in the words of IWSG founder and “Cassa Series,” author Alex Cavanaugh, “Your words may be the encouragement someone else needs” Join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for the July 1 posting of the IWSG are Jenni Enzor, Beth Camp, Liesbet, Tyrean Martinson, and Sandra Cox!

My World:

We had one humdinger of a storm soon after last month’s post. It was one of those sneaky mid-night especially destructive Monsoons complete with window-rattling thunder and lightning bolts roughly the width of Parthenon columns. It was one of those massive electric bolts that started the Bighorn Fire in our beloved Santa Catalina Mountains – in an area just above our house.

Persistent winds whipped a fiery swath through the canyons with a fury that roared over each side of the range in a flaming rage. At times, there were upwards of 900 brave responders battling the blaze that could be seen clear across the city.  Many of the 114k-plus acres that ended up perishing over the course of 25 days hadn’t burned in over 1100 years. The sheer magnitude of displaced wildlife is appalling and beyond tragic.  Authorities are pinning the losses primarily on the invasion.

If this year, such as it’s been, has taught us anything, it’s that invasions come in many forms. The aggression that significantly impeded the Bighorn Fire battle was that of the omnipresent and highly-flammable Buffelgrass, a non-native grass initially peddled as erosion control and livestock forage. This historic fire has drastically changed the landscape, and possibly the entire ecosystem of our mountain range. Going forward, we can only hope that future promoters of lousy experiments aren’t as careless in their duties as desert sentries.

On Writing:

Without giving too much away, I’ll just say that the Bighorn Fire may have radically changed (in a good way!) the ending of a book I plan to release later this year.

As for the book I’d planned to release in July (still do, actually): I was at a point where all the pieces were coming together nicely. I’d even approved a cover. Yet, there remained a pervasive sense of – apathy. Why wasn’t I excited about this? It wasn’t until I showed the cover to a trusted friend who asked, “What’s the book about?” that the reason for my lack of enthusiasm was as plain as the words on the cover. Ugh, that title had to go. It was surprisingly painless and had the same effect as hanging a Suncatcher at my favorite window.

Speaking of titles, I read a startling YA tale called “Tsantas” by C. Lee McKenzie this month. It’s sure to become the next Best Campfire Story – ever!

In answer to the (optional) IWSG Question of the Month:

There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

I’m almost afraid to contemplate the lengths to which the industry, as well as technology, may one day evolve. I’d like to see more emphasis on author talent; rather than affiliations in terms of publishing. I can’t fathom an interest in any mystery a computer might write. I’m quite content to write – and share, as I do with the technology available today.

Happy Writing!

 

See ya soon!