IWSG December 2021 Time Thieves

 Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We’re glad you’re here! 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 author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) 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. Check out the December newsletter here.  Perusing the many tips and resources offered here is definitely worthwhile and highly rewarding, so pull up a comfy chair, or better yet -  join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month's posting of the IWSG are: 

 PJ Colando, Diane Burton, Louise – Fundy Blue, Natalie Aguirre, and Jacqui Murray!

This month’s optional question is:

In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?

As to stress, deadlines run a close second to distractions for me. When it comes to distractions, I have only myself to blame—especially of late, having entered a radio contest where three correct song titles could win a sweet canary yellow 1923 Model T-Bucket roadster. Right. I need that. Doesn’t everybody?

Would winning a hot rod delight me? Absolutely! Could I then chase down the pesky thieves of time spent writing? Not likely.  Can I even drive a 5-speed? Well, no. So why don’t I buckle down and finish my current WIP? Finishing would more than delight me; it would tickle me half to death! Yet, here I am…procrastinating. What I need is a commitment device. Maybe I need a deadline, a change in routine, or a stopwatch.

A recent study found that extended deadlines practically encourage dawdling while shorter deadlines require shorter response times. I have to admit that’s true. This fall, I’ve written three short stories, each with a one-week deadline, while completing only a single chapter of my WIP. I’ll sure be delighted when it’s finished ;-)

Are there any scriptwriters out there? Writers, authors, this is for you as well: According to a rather convincing article at Marie-Claire.com, Hollywood Loves Books !!

Can you imagine an ice skating rink in the desert? I sure couldn’t before news of a ‘Pop-up Rink,’ courtesy of city officials, was announced. I was skeptical, though I knew it had been done (once) before. But we’ve just had the second warmest November on record, so sure enough, when the generator went out on what was to be opening day, the ice melted! They refroze the rink once the temperature dipped below 80, but I still wonder whatever happened to sunset hayrides.

And, because the weather is so pleasant here, I’m going outside – without the radio ;-)

Merry Christmas, everyone! See you back here next year.

 

Commitment is the glue that bonds you to your goals

 

IWSG November 2021 - Anticipation

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We’re glad you’re here! 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 author 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. One such piece of exciting news is Natalie Aguirre, spot-lighter extraordinaire, being featured on our IWSG Member Spotlight page! Check it out, and you’ll see why she is so very deserving of the honorable mention.  Perusing the many tips and resources offered here is definitely worthwhile and highly rewarding, so pull up a comfy chair, or better yet -  join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month's posting of the IWSG are: 

 Kim Lajevardi, Victoria Marie Lees, Joylene Nowell Butler, Erika Beebe, and Lee Lowery!

This month’s optional question is:

What is harder to do: coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?

I love coming up with book titles! The problem lies on the wordless page when you haven’t the faintest idea of a storyline for said title. Meanwhile, the pen in your hand hovers aimlessly; the curser blinks with the anticipation of a dog’s tail: “C’mon, lady. How about a treat? One sentence. A word, perhaps? Just one. Please?”

Thankfully, that doesn’t happen often.

If you’re writing a blurb, it’s all over but the shouting. The selling that is. And that’s where the fun begins. Think of it as a 200-word (or less) ad campaign, sort of a travel-size synopsis – for the reader, this time. You’ve already convinced the editor, the publisher. With the pressure off, you can think of your work with a satisfied smile, and when you do, you'll write your blurb that way too. Short, and enticing. I like that. One day I’ll be better at it :-)

Until again, be well and write happy.  

  

October 2021 - The Words I Wear Out

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

Happy October! It's the First Wednesday of the month, the day 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. So pull up a chair and join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month's posting of the IWSG are: 

Jemima Pett, J Lenni Dorner, Cathrina Constantine, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard!

In observance of American Libraries Day, I didn't have to look very far for one with a sizeable distinction:

McAllen, Texas, is the home of the largest single-story library in the United States! Since 2011 a former Walmart Big Box store has served as headquarters for McAllen's (3-branch) Library System. It features a computer lab, a café, a spacious auditorium –and even a used book store - in addition to 376,310 system-wide items and books for use or sale.

If on your way to an interview you suddenly feel unprepared, you can always duck into the New York Public Library and borrow just the right necktie or briefcase to complement your professional ensemble.

There are roughly 116,867 public and academic libraries across America today. There are more public libraries than Starbucks (can you believe it?) in the country, nearly 100% of which offer free computer access and WiFi.

"The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library" ~ Albert Einstein

One of my personal favorite offerings for Random Acts of Poetry Day:

"Only lovers
see the fall
a signal end to endings
a gruffish gesture alerting
those who will not be alarmed
that we begin to stop
in order to begin
again."  ~ Maya Angelou

As to this month's IWSG optional question: In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?

You may recall I was once a Swing Singer before I learned to write. Through trials and many errors (grin), I learned from a young age the power of words, the reactions they could elicit. What I realized in writing is an opportunity to influence those reactions with carefully chosen words. That being said, I don't draw lines, but I do make decisions, much like choosing an outfit for a special occasion. Do I want to entertain or compel? Regale or repel? Desired reactions determine which words I choose to wear out in public (or on paper). I don't always hit the mark ;-)

Does anyone else feel this way? Have you ever been surprised by reactions to something you've written?

Happy Writing!

IWSG Sept. Defining Passion

 Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

Happy September! 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. So pull up a chair and join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month's posting of the IWSG are: 

Rebecca Douglass, T. Powell Coltrin @Journaling Woman, Natalie Aguirre, Karen Lynn, and C. Lee McKenzie!

This month’s optional question is:

How do you define success as a writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published? Making a certain amount of income from your writing?

I have to admit, having that first short story (Tortilla Bandits) published was an undeniable thrill! But I also love the unmistakable sense of achievement you feel when you write the last sentence—the ending line of the story you needed to tell.

Here’s another writer’s view of the craft:

"It is my rather subversive opinion that a writer's feelings of anonymity-obscurity are the second most valuable property on loan to him during his working years." ~ J. D. Salinger

It may have been his father (a Kosher cheese trader) insisting that he enter or at least acquaint himself with the meat-processing industry that prompted Jerry, the name he called himself since age 13, to become a vegetarian.

An average student with above-average intelligence, Jerry continued school with a flair for writing and an aptitude for acting. But, with the exception of a few short stories published in Story magazine, neither seemed a viable option.

After upwards of sixty rejections, a story called “A Slight Rebellion off Madison” was accepted and slated for publication by The New Yorker in late 1941, which unfortunately coincided with the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story was subsequently shelved indefinitely. Jerry was understandably devastated and consequently drafted.

He kept his journals on his person at all times, and while his intelligence earned him prestige in the war, it made little difference to his girl back home as she ran off with Charlie Chaplin. However, his position afforded the unexpected pleasure of meeting renowned war correspondent Ernest Hemingway, an influential writer for whom Jerry held the highest regard.

By all accounts, the war had changed him. But fate had even bigger changes in store as “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger was published in 1951. Reviews were mixed and sensational. People either loved or hated the book. Nonetheless, within two months after publication, the book had been reprinted eight times and remained on the New York Times Bestseller list for 30 weeks. Yet, paradoxically, as the book’s notability grew, Salinger himself was gradually withdrawing from public view.

Growing ever more reclusive, Salinger bought an expansive yet secluded plot of land in Cornish, New Hampshire. His closest neighbor and perhaps last close friend was semi-retired Federal Judge Learned Hand who freely offered inspirational insight.

“The spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded,” ~ Learned Hand 1944

 

Happy Writing, and take care, everyone.

IWSG August - Motivation

 Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

For the eighth 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. So pull up a chair and join us!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month's posting of the IWSG are: 

PK Hrezo, Cathrina Constantine, PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox!

How was your July?

We recently completed a few long over-due renovations in our Great room, which (naturally) includes the kitchen, the water and ice dispenser, and everyone's favorite – the pantry. As a result, we were temporarily banished, each from our own comfort zones, as workers diligently strived for expedience while still providing expertise. At the same time, we suffered mild cases of separation anxiety.

Basically exiled, as I was in my office, I expected to get a lot done. For the most part, I did. But when it came to writing, distractions were plentiful. What was going on in the Great room? Would they ever be finished? Have we ever had a monsoon such as this? In fact, we've actually surpassed the all-time record for rainfall during July - in only a few short weeks! Storms can be so thrilling.

At last, I found myself with ample time to write, only one story to finish, and no motivation to do so. How could this happen? When all else fails, I read.

Because I've often wondered if anyone besides me ever has trouble finding time to write, I read with great interest about O. Henry (pseudonym). He was an American short story writer whose troubles eventually earned him time in prison, where he had nothing else to do but write.

While I wouldn't want, much less need, that kind of incentive, it worked out well for William Sydney Porter (real name), whose career took flight behind bars and successfully soared well beyond those confines.

Porter used several pen names, and not only during his incarceration. He felt it was prudent in case no one liked his work. Or perhaps living among the willows for nearly a year had made him cautious. Interestingly, it was Porter who coined the term banana republic in a story he wrote after hiding out in Honduras during the infamous banana wars in 1896.

Not unlike his eventful life, Porter's witty stories typically have surprise endings. But, the biggest surprise was yet to come: While four administrations (since Porter died in 1910) have considered a posthumous pardon for the prolific writer of everyman stories, it has never been granted.

But that's not to say he hasn't been or isn't to this day acknowledged.

The prestigious "O Henry Award" is an annual prize given to outstanding short stories. There's even an annual spoken word competition that takes place in Porter's hometown called the O. Henry Pun-off in tribute to his love of language. In addition, a museum, schools, a street, and even a postage stamp are named in his honor.

"O Henry's Full House" is a 1952 film highlighting five of his most popular vignettes. I have to agree with fans (SPOILER ALERT!), "The Cop and the Anthem" has one of the most ironic endings!

Porter's last words are said to have been, "Turn up the lights. I don't want to go home in the dark."

The optional IWSG question this month is: What is your favorite writing craft book?

I own a total of thirteen books on the craft of writing. I've read them all at least twice and will likely reread one or all one day, depending on my needs or insecurities. But, because you asked and I simply can't choose a favorite, I plucked from my collection one that seems the most dog-eared: "Bird By Bird" by Anne Lamott. 

Now, I have a question. Does a pardon even matter once you've served your time?

Happy writing!

IWSG July 2021 Suncatchers and Fireballs

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We’re glad you’re here. For the seventh 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, Victoria Marie Lees, and Louise – Fundy Blue!

This week begins “Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days” There may be a few more participants than normal this year. For the time being, I envy those who live near water ;-)

It’s “World Watercolor Month” Do you have a favorite artist? Besides Van Gogh, John Singer Sargent is a favorite of mine. Especially The Loggia, Vizcaya 1917. I can imagine a cool breeze wafting across the terrace as waning rays of daylight are captured in a suncatcher.

A couple of weeks ago, I counted over thirty ongoing wildfires in my state as daily temperatures inched ever closer to record highs with no rain in sight. I couldn’t help but wonder how all those tent-city dwellers across town were keeping cool. Not a good time to invite so many visitors, if you ask me.

Since it’s Tell the Truth Day, I will. We were anxious to make good on plans to get out of the sweltering heat for a while. Monsoon, years overdue, refreshing, and typically thrilling, arrived three days before we left. Wouldn’t you just know it?   It seemed a bit of it followed us, as it rained or remained overcast, here in the woods, clear through the 4^th of July. Just when I think nature has fully astonished me, it tosses something new my way. For example, that fireball that zipped along a utility line and hit a house down the way - without setting the forest on fire.  That was yesterday. Today, cable and internet are intermittent so I hope I can get this post out on time tomorrow.

Of late I’ve been doing my best to curb excessive usage of the word “just” as in simply, merely, or barely. Can you tell? I had no idea how often I use the word.

This month, the IWSG optional question asks what would make a writer stop writing. The very thought of such a thing makes my heart stop long enough to ponder the possibility of writing from the great beyond. Now that could be fun :-)

As time is of the essence this morning, I’ll leave you with one (more) burning question: How would you describe a radish to someone who’s never heard of such a thing?

Happy Writing!

A Dog And The Rooster's Missing Page

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

We’re glad you’re here. For the sixth 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: 

 J Lenni Dorner, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, Lee Lowery, and Rachna Chhabria!

Most adages come from something experienced; “Out of the pan and into the fire”, “Birds of a feather…” For John Steinbeck “The dog ate it” was all too true when his faithful Irish setter became upset at being left alone too long and ate the entire first draft half of “Of Mice and Men” Steinbeck, who reportedly thought his dog may have been “acting critically” then spent the next two months amicably rewriting his work.

Would it matter if any or all of your work was published posthumously? It matters a great deal to some, it seems, when it comes to Steinbeck’s long-buried werewolf novel “Murder at Full Moon” Written under a pseudonym and originally rejected in 1930, the novel was all but forgotten until recently when a couple of literary academics petitioned Steinbeck’s estate for its release and were met with opposition from literary agents close to the family. The, uh, “Jury is still out” on the issue.

I can’t imagine too many scenarios more frustrating than a missing page, can you? Thankfully, my only experience has been realizing the exact page I needed had been torn out of a public phonebook. Just last week I actually groaned with dismay when an old rerun of M.A.S.H. showed the entire unit sharing one copy of an engrossing book called “The Rooster Crowed at Midnight” only to discover the last page, the one where the culprit is finally revealed, is missing! I easily understood the anguished consternation that ensued. One outraged member of the camp was even promised a trip to Fatlip, Arizona. Fatlip, Arizona?  Whoa. No need to get personal.

I mean, I gasped. I sat straighter in my chair. Was there really a town called Fatlip in Arizona? I had to know. That, my friends, is what I did for over an hour instead of working on my manuscript. Shameful, isn’t it? Except, I realized something. In all the time I’ve spent on this manuscript which revolves around activity going on nine miles up a mountain, I’ve never named the town below. Now I wonder if I even need to. Your thoughts?

Happy Writing!

Blogging A to Z - Reflection

 

Congratulations, Blogging A to Z survivors!

By mid-March, I had a complete alphabetical list of “Common (Communal) Places” you might find readers, all of which I planned to visit (virtually) for this 2021 Blogging A to Z Challenge. This was going to be easy – and so much fun, I thought. During the last week of March, I was already writing posts – well ahead of the game. Until the letter G. 

Upon returning to a website I’d checked out weeks earlier, I discovered that in this perfectly turbulent era, the bookshop was (now) “CLOSED INDEFINITELY” Uh oh. In order to recommend these places, they ought to be accessible, open to the public, or still in business at the very least. I had some further investigating to do. 

I made a ton of phone calls, many of them delightfully memorable. One such call was me saying, “Hi! You’re open!” to which came the sleepy reply, “Let me get my pants on, and we will be,” Aren’t those Mom and Pop shops the best?  I paid more attention to time zones after that ;-)

All in all, I had a blast! The Scavenger Hunt (a fabulous idea!) was also fun. I hope this is offered next year – no, how about from here on out! That way, I can concentrate on finding more than eight items ;-)  Less Beaten Paths, Crackerberries, The Other Side, Weekends in Maine, and What a Journey had the items I found. Often, the blogs I read were so good I forgot to notice if they contained a hidden treasure.  I can’t wait to read where all the rest were hidden.

Big hugs and many thanks to Arlee Bird, founder of this sensational challenge, and J Lenni, Captain of the challenge, for checking in on me!  This was by far the least expensive shopping spree I’ve ever been on, but I did pick up a t-shirt ;-)

Happy blogging, everyone!

 

IWSG May - Switching Gears for Flat Tires

 

Welcome readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!

For the fifth 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: 

 Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Tonja Drecker, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine! 

I know I say this every year, but that's because it bears repeating – It's National Get Caught Reading Month! I'm reading my 14^th book (so far) this year.  What are you reading?

Before long, I'll get back to writing again. Unlike my previous work, I'm writing as a Planner rather than a Panster. But here's the thing; I wrote the first seven or eight chapters as a panster. But that was before life (never to be outdone) lobbed tiny hardballs of hardships and sudden halleluiahs.  Oh yes, and COVID. It's relatively easy to get back to reading after a distraction or two. Distractions while writing had the effect of letting the air out of my tires.

Now that kids are, for the most part, back in school, distractions are fewer. Switching to planning as part of my Plan B was just what I needed to get rolling again ;-)  By the way, May is Homeschool awareness Month, though I'm fairly certain few are unaware.

Have you ever switched gears?

On this day in 1816, a poem by an as yet unknown writer was published in a local weekly paper. The sonnet and those that followed fueled deep admiration for the young romantic lyric poet whose reputation continued to grow long after his early demise. His first publication could easily be my favorite:

"To Solitude" by John Keats

This month's IWSG optional question is:  
Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?

Since I write with no expectations, I'm pretty much always surprised ;-)

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

"Usually, the triumph of my day is, you know, everyone making it to the potty." ~ Julia Roberts

 

Common Places - Z

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

Z   In the late 80s, two brothers decided to create a store they’d want to shop in. The two purchased a turn-of-the-century building in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and spent a year renovating what would become the first home of Zandbroz Variety.  It opened as a bookstore featuring a coffee bar, a soda fountain, and a delightful assortment of all things writerly and creative. The Sioux Falls store was so well received, a second Zandbroz location opened in Fargo, North Dakota just a couple of years later. In addition to new, used, and classic books, both locations offer homemade caramel, stationery, pens, reading glasses, cookbooks, coloring books, candles, cards, jewelry, Story Hours for children, and author book-signings. *The Sioux Falls location offers amazing window displays. Both stores offer a wide variety of highly unique gifts, antiques, and collectibles.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota

 

“We read to know we are not alone.” ~ C.S. Lewis

 

Common Places - Y

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

Y   The architecture alone is enough to invoke a gasp of awe. Perched on four corner piers, the six-story windowless building appears to hover just above ground level. Walls of translucent marble provide subdued yet sufficient light for viewing while assuring the preservation of the precious documents contained within. And that’s only the beginning.

As the second-largest academic library in North America, Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Library goes to unimaginable lengths to protect its treasured books. It is not only under constant video surveillance; in the case of a fire, you have 30 seconds to evacuate before a lethal fire-suppressing gas floods the area. Any other threat to the priceless collection will cause the glass and metal cube structure they are encased in to drop into an underground vault which sucks all the oxygen from the air as it descends.  I’m not sure I could bring myself to touch anything, but what a magical place!

 

   “Walking the stacks in a library, running your fingers across the spines, it’s hard not to feel the presence of sleeping spirits.” ~ Robin Sloan