Communal Places - K

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

K  When two writers needed a place to complete their manuscripts, the logical solution for them was to create one - in the form of the King’s English Bookshop. They’ve been “matching books to readers since 1977” and enjoy a strong and beloved presence in their Salt Lake City, UT community. They host numerous events, accept consignments (check guidelines) and remind us that Independent Bookstore Day is April 24^th!

 

“No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting” ~ Mary Wortley Montagu

 

Moon Shadowed

Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the April 2019 online meeting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh and comprised of writing members just like you (and me), featuring writing tips, resources, articles, contests, and IWSG swag! See what we’re all talking about here and join us as we share our writing journeys.

*We meet on the first Wednesday of every month – join us and enjoy!

Visit our gracious Co-hosts, and let them know you’re here:  J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, Patsy Collins, and Chemist Ken!

April is National Poetry Month! 

Did you know the oldest American picture book is still in print? That’s right, and it’s all about cats!  While there are probably millions of newer books in circulation, the point is that good old fashioned print books still beat out E-books every time at story time. As I recall, the turning of a page was as exciting as what might be on the next – before the age of Kindle; which, by the way, is also a term for a group of kittens by the same cat mom ;-)

The optional IWSG question of the month is: “If you could use a wish to help you write one scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be?”  My wish would be to interview a hypnotist, and I think that’s just what I’ll do – thanks for asking!

Best wishes to all who’ve signed up for the 10^th annual April A to Z Challenge! Having participated in a few, I can honestly say it is one of the most exhilarating (as well as rewarding), and all around fun writing exercises, I’ve ever experienced. In fact, I’d planned to sign-up for this year’s challenge, even bragged about it months in advance, before an old antagonist appeared with other plans.

 

See, for over half my life I’ve been followed by a Moonshadow (my way of making light of an often dark situation). In reality, it’s called Epilepsy, which is normally kept in check with medication. If you’ve ever tried to run under water you can understand why (for this challenge, anyway) my participation will consist of reading as many posts as time allows between clarity, work, and pharmaceutically induced inertia ;-) There are still 3 more days to sign up! 

Just so ya know, my theme for this year’s challenge would have been Unique Destinations such as:

C is for…Conshelf and Coober Pedy

Happy Writing, Everyone!

Do you have a favorite poem? Have you written a poem you’d like to share? What is the most unique destination you’ve ever had?

2018 A - Z Challenge - Reflection - Say Cheese!

Let’s be honest, after publishing your final A – Z Challenge post on the morning of April 30, 2018, who didn’t breathe a sigh of relief, dance a little jig, or flash an irresistible grin at your reflection in a mirror? I can’t think of a more enjoyable and satisfying way to sharpen your writing skills than through social engagement, can you?  And who, besides me, is already thinking about next year’s challenge?  Congratulations, Survivors!

Congratulations, as well, to everyone who attempted the challenge but for some reason didn’t finish. The challenge of writing every day can seem formidable; given life’s propensity for interference at times, but all it takes is a toe in the water to decide you want to get your feet wet. Next thing you know, you’ll be swimming!

My theme this year was Things We Appreciate, but in reflection, I’m compelled to mention the people behind the concept:  Arlee Bird (founder and blogger extraordinaire), as well as congenial and gifted assistants such as John Holton and J Lenni Dorner who do so much to make this annual event such a success!  

For anyone who may be harshly judging themselves by the number of visitors and/or comments they receive, I offer this (loosely) coined phrase by Ben Jonson (playwright and poet) “Happiness consists not in the multitude of friends but in a few well chosen.”  And while the Challenge has ended, the blogs (and bloggers!) remain – go visiting!

Personally, I find the timing of the A to Z Challenge to be an added bonus as nature provides an incentive in springtime inspiration to keep on blogging, keep on writing, don’t you? Were your fingers restless when it was over? Good! We’ll be seeing you around, then ;-)

In closing, I’ll share a fun fact I learned while camping with kids one year - Wintergreen Lifesavers visibly spark in the dark…but so does any hard (sugar) candy when crunched ;-)

Happy Trails this summer!

2018 A - Z Challenge - Z

Z     Things We Appreciate

Did you know that the hole in the pull of a Zipper is to enable the attachment of string (a small nut pick works well too) for better leverage when dealing with a stubborn track? From its inception in 1851, an incredible amount of time and several design and name changes took place before the novel idea was fully embraced. It wasn’t until 1925 when B.F. Goodrich Company used the “Separable fastener” on a line of boots they called “Zipper Boots” (in reference to the sound it made) that the name and product finally stuck (grin).

In fact, George G. Blaisdell liked the phonetics of the name Zipper enough to use a modernized version of it when he patented the Zippo Lighter in 1932. Inspired by an Austrian lighter which required the use of two hands on a breezy northeastern evening, Blaisdell began producing a more manageable (requiring only one hand), improved wind resistant, and much classier model that in 86 years has certainly stood the test of time. The iconic lighter has appeared in as many as 2000 films (as character props), and the company continues to ship over 12 million lighters a year.

For the purpose of transporting goods, food, supplies – and even ammunition, across vast areas such as Australia’s Outback and China’s many mountains and rivers, people have used Ziplines or some derivative of; such as for Chimneysweeps and Steeplejacks, since at least the 1700’s.  H. G. Wells mentioned an inclined strong in his 1897 book “Invisible Man.” Scientists found them indispensable in the study for forest canopies (before drones, I suppose). These days, Ziplines are a fast growing vacation attraction. I’ve had the opportunity to try it myself, twice. The first time, a nearby mini-pig race seemed much more appealing, especially when one little racer ran right off the track and into the crowd of spectators! The second occasion, which I also declined, was located in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Fremont Street where I found the sights and sounds of the street so astonishing I was effectively glued in place as the Zip-liners swooshed overhead.  Would you, or have you tried it?

It seems the time is right to plant some Zinnias and find my Zen with a little ZachBrown in the background.

Any thoughts? Can you add to the list of things we appreciate that begin with the letter V?