IWSG January 2024 Loose Ends - New Beginnings

 

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 as we record our journeys. Check out the January newsletter here.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 1 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Natalie Aguirre, and me, diedre Knight!

 Today’s entirely optional question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub, or do you only follow back other authors?

 

Good question. And one I’d gladly answer had I ever heard of BookBub before today’s optional query. I’ll add doing some research into BookBub to my list of New Year goals. I do know that I haven’t followed back a reader for years, and that was with a promise to let them know when I wrote the sequel to a book that about a dozen good-natured folks read and reviewed (mostly favorably!). I’ve yet to write the sequel, yet, being the operative word. This year does not look promising, but who knows?

I try to keep resolutions, plans, pledges, promises, vows – goals by any other name, to a manageable minimum so as to keep headaches to a dull roar and regrets out of the equation. That’s why I tie up loose ends first. However, the current condition of my desk suggests there’s been a struggle. I wonder who won.

The best thing about sharing your goals is giving others fuel, ammo with which to shame or coax you into completing a successful tying up of loose ends –OR- the warmth of a smile, a nod of confidence, a hug of courage that keeps your muse on the path of creativity – rather than traipsing off into Dorothy’s poppies. Support is everything. Support is something I think should be on everyone’s list to seek or provide.

Last year was, all in all, a good year in terms of writing. I have faith that this year will be even better. I even managed to read 41 books, most of which my daughter had made into miniatures that fit into a glass Christmas bulb…sometimes Christmas makes my eyes water.

 

I’m off to see how your year is getting started!

Happy writing, Happy New Year, 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!

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 - J

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

J   The national landmark located at 425 Avenue of the Americas, now known as the Jefferson Market Library, carries more than just stories within. Having once housed (only) female prisoners in an adjacent section that is now a garden, and later, a courthouse before becoming the iconic bequest to public literacy it is today, the building itself was the subject of chronicles whispered. The atmospheric essence of this edifice, alone, is enough to entice readers in, while the remarkable architecture, complete with Victorian Gothic embellishments such as decorative gables, pinnacles, and towering stained-glass windows, seems to attest to claims of other-worldly presences. For example, nighttime shadows are reportedly seen around the intricately redesigned clock tower - formerly a fire lookout tower (circa 1833). A phantom woman waves from the balcony above the expansive courtroom (now the adult reading room) and fleeting visages of ghosts have occurred in the garden.  

 

Jefferson Market Library, Greenwich Village, NY

Anyone up for an adventure – and a good book?

 

“The library is inhabited by creatures that come out of the pages at night” ~ Isabel Allende

Communal Places - I

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

I.  Now located on West Lovers Lane in Dallas, Texas, Interabang Books takes its unique name from the symbol that combines the question mark and the exclamation point. Owner Nancy Perot knows a bit about what those symbols represent, as well as the value of perseverance having the original bookshop, which opened in 2017, destroyed by a tornado in 2019, followed by the recent pandemic. Nonetheless, the store once again thrives in its new location, offering hand-picked selections of books and gifts for adults and kids. Events include Children’s Book of the Month subscriptions, in-person book signings, online author, publisher, and bookseller chats, videos, and personalized reading recommendations. They’ve temporarily discontinued the consignment program, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

If anyone knows how to create an Interabang symbol on a computer, do tell ;-)

 

“If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Communal Places - F

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

F  Faulkner House Books – Pirate Alley, New Orleans

This charming bookstore in the heart of the French Quarter is located on the ground floor of the home where William Faulkner lived while completing his first novel in 1925. *Masks and Contact Tracing required

 

Do you own any books by William Faulkner?

“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore” ~ William Faulkner

Communal Places - E

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

E   The Eclipse Bookstore in Bellingham, Wa, is a veritable oasis for book lovers.  Two stories of unique books, used and rare, are carefully shelved - floor to ceiling - while low stacks on polished floors patiently await perusal and purchase or a more visible place on a shelf once one becomes available. Soft music complements the atmosphere from the ground-floor view of Bellingham Bay to welcoming reading nooks down below. Leave your cares and your timepiece in the car; the visit may take a while. But it will be well worth it!

 

 

What is the title of the oldest book you own?

 

“Books to the Ceiling. Books to the sky. My pile of books is a mile high. How I love them! How I need them! I’ll have a long beard by the time I read them.” ~ Arnold Lobel

Communal Places - D

 

Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts

D.  A rolling cart (for purchases) and an overnight bag (ha!) might be in order for a visit to the Dickson Street Bookshop in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The sheer volume of used and out-of-print books is a staggering delight for any reader. Setting aside ample time for browsing is highly recommended! The Doomsday Coffee & Roasterie is one of several nearby restaurants and is only a two-minute drive away.

 

Do you like to work or read in Coffee shop settings?

 

“There is no Frigate like a book to take us lands away” ~ Emily Dickinson