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 February 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: Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!
This
month’s optional question is:
Is there someone who
supported or influenced you that perhaps isn’t around anymore? Anyone you miss?
Yes. My dad readily comes to mind today because he would have had a
birthday yesterday. Facebook is good at reminding us when friends have special
days, even long after they’ve passed away. So in honor of his life and his effect
on mine (never mind the fact that his account remains open), I went ahead and
posted a favorite music video to his page. Never one to shower another with
praise, he instead said things like “I felt I was in that room,” or “I don’t
know which was more pervasive; the tension, or the earthy scent of desert rain
and sandalwood,” I enjoyed writing beneath the glow of his quiet Heartlight. Now,
as I write, I find I still do.
For Library Lover’s Month, I decided to check out some of the
secrets librarians know that we might not. For example, you don’t have to be
100% silent, but phone etiquette is necessary. While they’re aware of their
status as “refuge” for homeless folks, sleeping is prohibited. Libraries across
America have installed “makerspaces” offering 3-D machines, sewing machines,
video-editing stations, and social workers for anyone with nowhere else to go
yet who are too tired to read. Librarians
can, and often do waive the late fee – if you have a convincing reason for
being late. They never know what they’re going to find in a book drop. In
addition to books, they’ve discovered sweaters, letters, keys – and a dozen
donuts! Overall, any librarian will say the best part of the job is being able
to help, whether suggesting an octogenarian’s next read or figuring out what bird
may have lost the feather a five-year-old child found in the parking lot.
When I learned today is designated as “The Record of a
Sneeze” Day (according to brownielocks.com), I had to know more. Aside
from the record number of sneezes in a row, placed at an unbelievable 976 days,
held by a woman from the UK, the story
is commonly known as Fred Ott’s Sneeze. It’s actually the oldest surviving motion
picture with a copyright and was produced by Edison Manufacturing Company in
1894. The 5-second silent black and white film was shot by William K.L. Dickson
and featured Fred Ott (Thomas Edison’s assistant) sneezing after sniffing a
pinch of snuff.
Wishing everyone a month of gorgeous sunrays – Happy writing!
