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 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!

Missed Callings

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:

Renee Scattergood, Sadira Stone, Jacqui Murray, Tamara Narayan, and LG Keltner!

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

  

In fact, if not for his thoughtful review, I might not have watched SHAZAM during our first annual 4^th of July Movie Night in the Woods! There were giggles and snickers all around, and judging by the satisfied grins, the special recipe S’Mores were the perfect addition.

Then, it was back to the old summer grind; work for most, joyous play for others, and then there was me, coming to the realization that some callings are better off missed. For instance, thinking at age 4 that I would one day be a school teacher. Granted, the odds are stacked against success during summer break when cellphones and video games are much more appealing. On the bright side, I am a formidable Hall Monitor ;-)

On an even brighter side, I’ve amassed over 8500 words (various projects) and read two books. I’ve missed only one submission deadline, and am looking confidently forward to a few that loom in the near future! 

August 7 question: Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive belated response to a submission you’d forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming? Oh, yes! I love sweet surprises. Tortilla Bandits comes to mind. Unintended endings are as much fun as unplanned beginnings ;-)

But, enough about me. Has your summer been relaxing? Inspiring? How so?

Happy Writing!

 P.S. My computer crashed a week ago. I can't yet upload things like pics and IWSG badges!? sigh.

You Don't Say

Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the January 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: Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!

Season’s Greetings, Everyone!

I had quite the ‘other worldly’ Christmas this year. 

This season, we traveled in hopes of a glimpse of “the white stuff” for Christmas. What began as dainty angel socks dropping softly to the ground gradually turned into a scene that this life-long desert dweller could only describe as (insert emoji) WOW! At one point, someone said “Where’s Lucy?” and we all swallowed hard.

Evidently, friends and family really enjoy the use of emoticons as they often share with me their latest reasons to laugh uproariously – or sigh in disgust. This puts a rather exciting new spin on “Show, don’t tell,” don’t you think?  It’s the way everyone communicates these days, and entirely acceptable - unless you want a publisher to take your work seriously. While there are a handful of editors who use them sparingly, most explain the usage as tools to alleviate “the sting” (ouch!). When pestered for an opinion on the subject, one of my editors replied with a question I doubt I’ll soon forget: “Are you a writer or an illustrator?”

But aren’t those expressive little symbols irresistible? The trouble is that it takes me longer to find just the right one than it does to formulate in writing the thoughts or feelings I want to convey. Do you ever feel that way?

How is your writing journey looking for 2019? Will you begin or finish that project that so absorbs your every thought?

Oh, by the way, Lucy’s dilemma was only temporary. All we had to do was rattle a box of Cheez-its 😉

Happy Writing!