IWSG May 2023

 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 members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable place to share views and literary news from our perspective writing desks as we record our journeys. Check out the May newsletter here

Our awesome co-hosts this month are: Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour! Feel free to hop around and say hello to everyone!

The optional question for this month is: When you’re working on a story, what inspires you?

Depending on the setting of a particular story, I like to have a reminder handy. A walk in the forest, a view of the ocean. Sometimes I sit in the dark on the patio and listen to the sounds of the night. There’s always a dog or two (usually mine) barking in the distance. Crickets are terrific watch-bugs; going silent when an intruder nears. With the exception of javelina herds that stink to high heaven (you don’t have to see them to know they’re near), aroma therapy is always nice. Lavender is my peaceful favorite. Sandalwood goes well with a lot of the stories I write.

I can’t wait to hear what inspires you!

It’s Get Caught Reading month once again. How many have you read so far this year?

In honor of Lumpy Rug Day I’ve started a quick little mystery about how a rug might get lumpy ;-) Care to join me?

Have a wonderful month – call your Mom or send her a smile from your heart.

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                       

Common Places - X

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

X   Xenia Carnegie Library, Ohio  - Attended by everyone who was anyone, the public opening in 1906 was a grand affair brought about by a small group of literary enthusiasts who asked for and obtained a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Library program. As electricity was not yet widely available, construction of the Xenia library included usage of cut-glass material for the second floor so that light from the roof dome would illuminate both floors.  By 1920, additional library branches were added across the county, and a bookmobile was purchased to transport books between them.  A tornado in 1974 caused significant damage to the original building and destroyed thousands of books. Repairs were made on the roof and stained glass dome, but in 1978 the (original) Xenia Carnegie Library was deemed “too small for the growing community” and shuttered as a new and more modern library building was completed downtown. With the honorable persistence of volunteers from the Carnegie Historic district, the original building was entered into the National Registry of Historic Places in 2015.

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” ~ Andrew Carnegie

 

Common Places - W

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

W  The oldest library (1885) in Indiana is still quenching literary thirsts in Evansville while attracting the attention of paranormal enthusiasts nationwide. In fact, ghost cams are set up throughout the Victorian Gothic-style building so that at-home ghost hunters might catch a glimpse of what goes on inside the historic Willard Library.   Considered to be one of the most haunted libraries in the United States, it was “The Grey Lady” who made the Willard library famous. Believed to be the daughter of the library founder, the Grey Lady seems reluctant to leave the building, though it wasn’t left to her in her father’s will. After being featured on “Ghost Hunters,” the library began offering annual tours around Halloween (of course!). On Halloween night of 1999 so many people tried to access the library ghost cams that all internet service to and from Evansville crashed.

“Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see,” ~ Edgar Allen Poe

Common Places - V

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

V   Located right on the square in downtown Baraboo, WI. The Village Booksmith is a booklover’s delight! Pleasantly tucked in a quaint and cozy setting is a veritable cache of new, used, rare, and hard-to-find titles, collectible postcards, board books for kids – and antiques! Comfortable chairs and coffee or tea further enhance the experience as any one of many events take place. Events (check ahead for schedules) include poetry readings, Doomsday, Toast of the Town, Surrealist Night, and music. They do not offer internet sales, but welcome in-person purchases. Contact-less pick-up and local bicycle delivery is available. They are officially closed on Sundays – unless the door is unlocked ;-)

 

“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” ~ J.K. Rowling

Common Places - U

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

U  Highly acclaimed and declared the oldest independent bookstore in Dublin, Books Upstairs (I couldn’t resist!) is just as described; upstairs, in a vintage Georgian building that “feels like a house” as you wander the well-stocked rooms. With an emphasis on humanities, especially Irish literature, poetry, culture, and history, Books Upstairs proudly offers the best in Irish and international literature. There are bargains to be found in the basement. Friendly, dedicated staff members are eager to assist in any way  - even if it’s only to steer you to the narrow staircase that leads to a lovely literary café that serves banana bread and so much more in an authentic tea-time atmosphere. Be advised there is no Wi-Fi or phones allowed because they encourage engaging conversation or tranquil reading.  However, (groan) do check ahead for current hours of operation as they’ve been under strict pandemic restrictions.

“Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Common Places - T

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

T   Title Wave Books in Anchorage, Alaska, is the largest bookstore in Alaska and one of the biggest used bookstores in the country! Inventory changes daily as they buy, sell and trade gently-used books, movies, vinyl LPs, audiobooks, and music CDs. Free events include weekly Writer’s Critique Club meetings, Go Club meetings, Chess and Scrabble game nights, and bi-weekly Children’s Storytime. * Event schedules may vary during the pandemic.

“You’re never alone when you’re reading a book.” Susan Wiggs

Common Places - S

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

S   Modestly self-proclaimed as a “general bookstore,” Skylight Books in the historic Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles is all that and so much more.  Curated literary selections range from fiction and children’s books to California history, social science, art, music, and movies. Their events program is nationally recognized and features prominent touring authors and local favorites and debuts. You can also become a Friend with Benefits member or join the Signed First Edition Club. But, wait! There’s more. They even offer book bouquets for children’s birthdays and a bouquet of poetry books for Poetry Month.

 

“Some books leave us free and some books make us free.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Common Places - Q

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

Q   Self-described as a Giftery, Bookery, and a Chocolaterie, The Queen Bee Bookstore in the tight-knit community of Ogden, Utah supports its local schools and the Treehouse Children’s Museum. In addition to selling consigned wares by local artists and artisans, and hosting author events and chocolate tastings. Yes, you read that right, chocolate tastings!

 

Thought to be the oldest library in the world, al Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morroco first opened in 859 CE as part of a complex comprised of a library, a university, and a Mosque.  Much later, the library was closed for several decades to all but a few scholars and students of the adjacent Qarawiyyin University due to extensive water damage by rain run-off from the roof of the next-door Mosque (also named Qarawiyyin). When renovations began in 2012, an underground canal was built below the floors to assuage the water problem. A new Lab was added to assist in the refurbishment; treat, preserve and digitize a few of the oldest texts - some written on camel skin! Much to the surprise and delight of scholars and workers alike, secret rooms and ancient artifacts were discovered during the lengthy renovation. While restoration efforts continue, one entire wing opened to the public in 2017, featuring an exhibition room and a café.

 

“In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin without even opening them” ~ Mark Twain

Common Places - P

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

P   “Hidden in plain sight,” is how El Pendulo Books, Café and Music of Mexico City has been described. A small arched entrance opens into what one visitor equated to a Hogwarts Library. Featuring books in Spanish and English, from classic to new releases, movies and DVDs, and live music three days a week, El Pendulo is not a quick-stop adventure, it’s an awesome afternoon (or longer) experience – especially since the Café fare isn’t half bad!

 

“The bookstore and the coffeehouse are natural allies, neither has a time limit, slowness is encouraged” ~ Lewis Buzbee

Common Places - M

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

M   The Montague Bookmill is an independent bookstore located inside a converted 1834 grist mill (National Register of Historic places) in the picturesque New England village of Montague, Massachusetts. The charming bookstore’s motto is “Books you don’t need in a place you can’t find” and they claim to have “40 thousand books and one waterfall” Baked goods from the Bookmill’s café are said to be as superior as the views from the bank of the Sawmill River. If, by chance, you’re not yet enchanted, other attractions include fine dining, an art gallery, and a music store.

 

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary” ~ Jim Rohn

Communal Places - B

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

B  Selling gently used books and Craft brews cleverly named after books, the good folks at Books & Brews (Carmel, Indiana) invite us to “disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other” in an atmosphere that encourages positive engagement for scholars, gamers, music lovers – and of course, readers!  Books & Brews accepts any and all donations, and are proud partners with Indy Reads “$3 Books. Every location. Every Day.”  And kids eat for free ;-) Check out their website for a location near you!

Do you have a favorite place to read and converse?

“Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think ‘I’m not going to make it’ but you laugh inside, remembering all the times you’ve felt that way” ~ Charles Bukowski

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!

 

 

 

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 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

 

Writing in the midst

Welcome, all! You’re just in time for the monthly (1^st Wednesday) on-line gathering of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, where you’ll find helpful tips, handy resources, the latest trends in publishing, and a comfortable place for hundreds of writers – just like you and I – to  share our writing journeys!

Feel free to meander and mingle. Our gracious co-hosts this month are:

Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantine!

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a writing rut, or in need of the perfect timesaving writing tool, this month’s IWSG Newsletter  offers invaluable insight and excellent tips for both!

For member news and often funny movie reviews, our founder, Alex Cavanaugh has it all!   

September is “Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month!

And here is our optional question:

If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?

What a stimulating question! Words are already beginning to form and gather like clouds spoiling for a storm in the tranquil sky of a story I’ve yet to write. But where would I write it? There’d have to be windows that open to fragrant views, the sounds of chirping birds spurring every sentence. A bee or two for subtle pause; a harbinger, a hint. And on a gentle breeze the scent of confidence. Or sandalwood. Both would be great ;- )

I wrote my first YA novel, inspired by a crumbling Lighthouse in Mexico. It looked similar to this (also crumbling) lighthouse on England’s Isle of Wight:

In terms of a quiet refuge in which to advance that subconscious first draft into a work in progress, is there anything as compelling as a cozy, nearby treehouse? I’d want mine to look like this:

Ever since I learned that Harlan Ellison wrote at a desk in storefront windows, bravely posting his stories on the glass for passersby to peruse, I’ve wanted to try it as well. Talk about subjects in action!  I rather like the idea of instant – and honest – gratification. Even if sometimes there is rejection. I’d pick a storefront like this (If they’d have me – ha!)

The most important thing, to me, at least, is being comfortable where ever I write; surrounded by familiar sounds and scents, books I love, and tons of inspiring views. For me, there’s just no place like home. Once in a while, I even have an audience ;- )

Where is your ‘happy place’?  What is your favorite writing tool? What are you reading?

Happy Writing!