tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10021130892971352102024-03-05T03:50:54.851-06:00... MICHAEL DI GESU ... ... ... In Time ... ...Creativity is a terrible thing to waste.<p></p>
Although creative writing is important to all who seek this blog, I would also like to share with you other creative outlets such as art, design, and music. Without them, there would be no inspiration for our writing.Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.comBlogger639125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-22649787050829363462023-10-03T10:04:00.001-05:002023-10-03T10:04:24.765-05:00BEATUFIUL AUTUMN....AN IWSG POST...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqliwcmBpULTG_bx1dtHw6eUN0CvSu-2bavZWAiiBzXlAJqAohymrmzPvDfwcxXac3nG8jVMLDkBiKtK6gI6GRDMGGwwn_NVoCugk876w7IZCiTuj3tVSspvE0kXIoZ4QThlo437zmL2BlRp1iBwT1642QQPt5B8PhjmXme6SNqwXTnj11Burw2WszMK0/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqliwcmBpULTG_bx1dtHw6eUN0CvSu-2bavZWAiiBzXlAJqAohymrmzPvDfwcxXac3nG8jVMLDkBiKtK6gI6GRDMGGwwn_NVoCugk876w7IZCiTuj3tVSspvE0kXIoZ4QThlo437zmL2BlRp1iBwT1642QQPt5B8PhjmXme6SNqwXTnj11Burw2WszMK0/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>HAPPY AUTUMN EVERYONE!<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Today, I am somewhat off the grid after having minor hernia surgery...Doing well, but much needed healing time is necessary.</p><p>Wishing you all a WONDERFUL OCTOBER and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! </p><p>See you next week!</p><p> </p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-50765569658210098652023-09-06T06:00:00.001-05:002023-09-06T06:00:00.151-05:00TWELVE AMAZING YEARS!...AN IWSG POST...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-2xoPelgS0Ql0BvsefCfrd_vqh6fQk6BBJoMFnFh9Cvd-pIoroquxzjIAtcD5HDa-vdE-bYSyiqhWWLunrKTYVnO0CIsSePjgils4x1m8iMRgIEgeBZmm_dm1YKs5vFozDKNgq73Eu1t1-Om6I98YHP5eKYlnrBYhGYLYnEhT_QgAwUEWftQnfCV7c8/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-2xoPelgS0Ql0BvsefCfrd_vqh6fQk6BBJoMFnFh9Cvd-pIoroquxzjIAtcD5HDa-vdE-bYSyiqhWWLunrKTYVnO0CIsSePjgils4x1m8iMRgIEgeBZmm_dm1YKs5vFozDKNgq73Eu1t1-Om6I98YHP5eKYlnrBYhGYLYnEhT_QgAwUEWftQnfCV7c8/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY IWSG!!!!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you believe it has been TWELVE years since our first posting of the IWSG? Each year flies quicker than the one before, but here we are again for another first Wednesday of the month.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I would like to thank Alex and the whole IWSG staff for the incredible work they do throughout each and every month. The IWSG keeps us all updated with news in the writing world as well as so many helpful articles to keep our writing journeys on the straight and arrow. I know it has for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This month's question certainly does hit a home run. I have been here since the beginning. Twelve years ago, I was heavily involved with blogging and keeping up with EVERYONE, especially Alex. So, I read about it on his blog the first day he posted about it. Nowadays, I connect through blogging along with FB, and the site formally known as Twitter. IWSG has helped me in immeasurable ways, the first being, my first publication. Last year, to this day, my first short story was published by Dancing Lemur Press in the IWSG Anthology. Through the IWSG I connected with amazing writers, agents, and publishers. I have learned so much about writing and amazing information given to me by the group members as well as the IWSG site. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU, ALEX for creating the IWSG and keeping us all together. You and the many people involved deserve to be congratulated and APPRECIATED! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For any of you who haven't joined already and would like to join our group, please click on the link and sign up on Alex's <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">site.</a></span></p><p>HAPPY BIRTHDAY IWSG...may have many, MANY, MANY MORE!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-18477578214805219892023-08-02T08:01:00.000-05:002023-08-02T08:01:11.130-05:00SUMMER IS FULL SWING...CHANGE...WE MUST BE READY FOR IT...A IWSG POST<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj56IG4XQ1hxM8r1LVrMtVpOLG8iLiPAJOey0y9xGRyuyUGKA_4dGg-8w45OJpExS1RpxxS6fNCosZVjC6yNsj2cr4ZRVF6txN1eYnq0LY-bfZEjQwItgsC7naE1QmTnDLpnzbMPdpFW1Y3TvzIrKharhuR3Kv0RBsjxoHQXprEd-qAEIltRt-vcnJ_U/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj56IG4XQ1hxM8r1LVrMtVpOLG8iLiPAJOey0y9xGRyuyUGKA_4dGg-8w45OJpExS1RpxxS6fNCosZVjC6yNsj2cr4ZRVF6txN1eYnq0LY-bfZEjQwItgsC7naE1QmTnDLpnzbMPdpFW1Y3TvzIrKharhuR3Kv0RBsjxoHQXprEd-qAEIltRt-vcnJ_U/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi ALL,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I know it has been a while, but life always seems to throw yet another unwanted punch. But, before we get into that, I would like to thank Alex and the whole IWSG staff for all the amazing work they do throughout each and every month. The IWSG keeps us all updated with news in the writing world as well as so many helpful articles to keep our writing journeys on the straight and arrow. If you'd like to join our group, please click on the link and sign up on Alex's <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">site.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you believe it is already AUGUST? This year has swept by like a gale-force wind. I hope you all have been enjoying all your fun summer activities. For me, gardening has been a joy and the flowers have certainly appreciated all the sun that has been shining on my property...almost too much. lol But, with regular watering, I managed to keep the gardens flourishing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My topic this month is CHANGE, and are we really ready for it. Many of us are getting older and our bodies are certainly changing at a rapid speed. A few of our wonderful writer friends are battling to survive the ravages of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. I totally understand many of you are cringing at the thought, BUT SADLY, it is a part of our lives and it seems we will never have a real cure. I, myself had two parents fight cancer and I had a small bout of it a few years back with skin cancer. I also lost a very treasured writer friend to it, Melissa Bradley...I miss you every day! All we can do now is stay focused and fight back HARD! Aging is NOT for the faint at heart. For the past several months, I have been experiencing somewhat common issues that many men my age experience. My condition has worsened, and I will need surgery in the very near future... Thankfully, it is NOT terminal, but something that needs to be addressed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since my condition, I have had to postpone the incredible trip I had planned to Scotland. So the many days I toiled over booking flights, hotels, train tickets, tours, etc. had to be canceled. Sigh. Change. We never know what is coming next. But, sometimes these changes are not always bad. Yes, I had to cancel everything, but happily only for three months. As most of you may recall, I ADORE the Christmas holidays and have always dreamed of spending Christmas in Europe...well, now is my chance, I will be spending almost three weeks in December traveling through Scotland's main cities and the Highlands! Imagine how magical this will be! As an avid HARRY POTTER FAN, I will get to experience all the incredible sights of Edinburgh JK Rowling has written about during the most magical season of all! It took me DAYS to rebook everything and thankfully I will be able to go at this time. But, as we know, things may change again, and I will be ready to fight back if I must.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So my advice to all of you today is even if things change for the worse, we can come back strong and face whatever challenges we have left. We all know how difficult our writer's journeys have been for MANY if not ALL of us, but as long as we face what's ahead, we will make it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep safe all and enjoy the rest of your Summer... See you in September!</span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-44125730230557667752023-05-02T08:12:00.000-05:002023-05-02T08:12:21.533-05:00GOING WITH THE FLOW...AN IWSG POST.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmC10EbLsKAOCaRu58uNxkNRecGUpVoWcYgzGjWfrwdcJlY8GYR1CnDW0j8q5wPUcBglzcoXxbhynMDRkakx3xWqV6ujBd-5yw3cpm5qXSS-h8vsLF9Jlamb87mlq3ZkNhw1gCyVbphCW9kpRRLlQ_ipRox-FDgKxIUmtkMVgISS7psUZY6-9Xfjx/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmC10EbLsKAOCaRu58uNxkNRecGUpVoWcYgzGjWfrwdcJlY8GYR1CnDW0j8q5wPUcBglzcoXxbhynMDRkakx3xWqV6ujBd-5yw3cpm5qXSS-h8vsLF9Jlamb87mlq3ZkNhw1gCyVbphCW9kpRRLlQ_ipRox-FDgKxIUmtkMVgISS7psUZY6-9Xfjx/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Happy May Everyone!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to another IWSG post. Sorry that I am a day early. LOL I thought it was Wednesday,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Thanks to the creator, Alex, and all of his remarkable and giving staff, we are here the first Wednesday of each month to help each other through our insecurities and, frankly, our writing and sometimes personal lives. If you want to join the group, please visit </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">here</a><span> to sign up!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">We are now entering our FIFTH month of 2023...can you believe it? Wasn't Christmas just a few short days ago? With another birthday over, I can't help thinking life is passing us by at such an alarming rate. Remember when summers seemed forever and you thought the school year would never end? For me, those days are LONG gone. Playing catch-up is a daily event. There truly are NOT ENOUGH hours in the day. As adults, we have little spare time for ourselves. Isn't it time to reclaim some time for us? That is what I have been thinking about this past month. Time for some "Me time." Life is not always about our jobs, family, and even writing. How can we become better writers if we are stressed out with all of life's dramas? So, for the rest of the year, I decided to do things that make me happy: spending more time outdoors and communing with nature; traveling to foreign lands (I'm going to Scotland for the first time in September!), and most importantly, continuing to get more healthy with better eating habits and exercise. With Covid and the threat of other airborne diseases, I have reclused into another person. It is time to reclaim my former self. Through these acts, I am certain it will filter into my future writing projects. Going with the flow of life, and experiencing new sights and sounds, will trigger my imagination! It may do the same for you. How many times have you put off that long weekend escape? Or, spending the day at the beach with a good book? Allow yourself to truly relax and let go of all your tensions and insecurities. Why not, act like a kid again and run through a glistening field of flowers...the possibilities are endless. With warmer weather here or on the way, it is time to leave the house and breathe in some much-needed fresh air. That is what I wish for you for at least this spring season.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">See you all next month. I'd love to hear about new and exciting plans to reclaim your life.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-27701705228777351162023-04-05T11:09:00.003-05:002023-04-05T11:09:58.537-05:00WITH THE MELTING SNOW SPRING EMERGES... A IWSG POST<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqnipix86jhuAca0vqU2Y6HRkoZZT3vE8zBFunlJEBCg-2GxY49ax_o2810qfiKtuHXc_s0dxNkOt68dNK_zYtPzA6chfDxHCb6VNesXnlKopTmEjMF59tfADKwLwpGu4XYDIEpSfOwjmXoS9N4CAKJhdy-UWBHBjP3HQv4FvYXbzOKlKs0TaTQS3/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqnipix86jhuAca0vqU2Y6HRkoZZT3vE8zBFunlJEBCg-2GxY49ax_o2810qfiKtuHXc_s0dxNkOt68dNK_zYtPzA6chfDxHCb6VNesXnlKopTmEjMF59tfADKwLwpGu4XYDIEpSfOwjmXoS9N4CAKJhdy-UWBHBjP3HQv4FvYXbzOKlKs0TaTQS3/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Spring Everyone!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to another IWSG post.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to the creator, Alex, and all of his remarkable and giving staff, we are here the first Wednesday of each month to help each other through our insecurities and, frankly, our writing and sometimes personal lives. If you want to join the group, please visit </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">here</a><span style="font-size: large;"> to sign up!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I certainly don't know where the time is going. It's already April and the spring flowers are starting to bud. The Midwest is so pretty in the spring, especially after a frigid and snowy winter. Funny, usually after the most horrid winters, the spring flowers are glorious. With the renewal of nature, my insecurities certainly begin to vanish, with new hope in life and so much to motivate me to write. As I mentioned in my post from February, I seem to recluse and settle in winter with very few things to inspire after the holidays. That is why I love spring so much. I have a few new projects buzzing around in my head. But first, I need to clean up the old foliage so the new growth can really flourish. With temps still cold at night, in about another week I will be able to start working on my grounds which ALWAYS helps motivate me. There is something about communing with nature...we all need to do so. It is part of life. If you feel blocked or stuck, GO OUTSIDE and absorb all the wonders of spring. Birds are chirping like mad nesting and waiting for the arrival of their newborns. Trees are budding, and the earth is slowly turning from brown to green.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This year is full of new adventures for me, and I can't wait to share them all with you. More on that later, but for now I'll be focusing on my new ideas, and getting them written down. I am truly looking forward to doing it, especially after such a LONG writing absence.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I wish all of you a HAPPY SPRING and for tons of inspiration in the forthcoming months. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sending you all a VIRTUAL hug to start off this season on a positive note... </span></p><p></p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-83627386747384808252023-02-01T08:10:00.001-06:002023-02-01T08:10:17.049-06:00FEBRUARY- WINTER BLUES-TRYING TO STAY FOCUSED...AN IWSG POST.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI7692KqldfJy2YXj5--PQi1NUX9YGwaBPABzhTmU3ZwP0YVTw-AXficvnHNirJi2VLwfvzKkLuxcvc7oN4uNHG1z1j0GM8x_YXV81uG0Hhclfh7UGyxhyaytSHaf9ZFODWGrvC9N3wpnz7WENtsVJLtpaJguvv7nPQY42Y4FmN5Osw7ZqxnK0Mwl/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI7692KqldfJy2YXj5--PQi1NUX9YGwaBPABzhTmU3ZwP0YVTw-AXficvnHNirJi2VLwfvzKkLuxcvc7oN4uNHG1z1j0GM8x_YXV81uG0Hhclfh7UGyxhyaytSHaf9ZFODWGrvC9N3wpnz7WENtsVJLtpaJguvv7nPQY42Y4FmN5Osw7ZqxnK0Mwl/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Good day, All!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome back to another IWSG post!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to the creator, Alex, and all of his remarkable and giving staff, we are here the first Wednesday of each month to help each other through our insecurities and, frankly, our writing and sometimes personal lives. If you want to join the group, please visit </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">here</a><span style="font-size: large;"> to sign up!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I hope it was successful for those who "pitched" during the IWSG Twitter pitch! In the past years, I had several requests, but alas, this year, none. But that is okay. At least I tried, and that is what is most important. It is a great opportunity for writers from all levels, and here's a CHEER for all the agents, publishers, writers, and IWSG staff!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but for some odd reason, I have a harder time focusing in the freezing winter months. The gloomy, sunless days zap my creativity and focus. I have "attempted" several times to revisit my Noir and FINALLY finish it. What do you do to regain your focus when winter hits? I find it frustrating. When the sun is out, and I am able to clear my head with a brisk walk around town or through the park, the ideas flow, and I race back home to write. Now, after bundling up in FOUR layers, gloves, and a hat, just taking my dog around the block is torment. I miss my daily walks. So, for now, I am playing upbeat music, catching up on some winter home projects, and pushing myself an hour or so to focus on writing. I would appreciate any advice. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Luckily, I leave for sunny Florida at the end of the month. I will bask in the warmth for a month before returning to the cold, damp, and possibly more snow. I am grateful for my time, but I can't help thinking about the early spring. I am hoping for early foliage to POP, especially after the winter we are having here so far. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stay warm, everyone! All the best with your writing endeavors during another winter month.</span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-74748418649602327542023-01-04T12:30:00.006-06:002023-02-01T07:53:18.210-06:00A NEW YEAR! AN IWSG POST...<p> </p><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy New Year!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLtXNBZR6LinQgh4EYZ_VdrGc8CLQteh-00YZRdIvZ2BDBBOAtOtEPBsxNgs1k8oDvVigsLBbd4LPTu8dRM2N-2P3CtOlHDk2CC2tx7M6dpCxQexLGusTrj-P9mrJsFHBsF_g8e6onG-fYewfpntHEC9E0vd-pf73y9cy_LH9BJwMm0V1w9wlaYDz/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLtXNBZR6LinQgh4EYZ_VdrGc8CLQteh-00YZRdIvZ2BDBBOAtOtEPBsxNgs1k8oDvVigsLBbd4LPTu8dRM2N-2P3CtOlHDk2CC2tx7M6dpCxQexLGusTrj-P9mrJsFHBsF_g8e6onG-fYewfpntHEC9E0vd-pf73y9cy_LH9BJwMm0V1w9wlaYDz/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't even fathom the thought that another year has started. What happened to 2022? Talk about a year passing by in the blink of an eye.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It's the first IWSG post of the year! Thanks to the creator, Alex, and all of his remarkable and giving staff, we are here the first Wednesday of each month to help each other through our insecurities and, frankly, our writing and sometimes personal lives. If you want to join the group, please visit <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">here</a> to sign up!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, 2022 has certainly had its ups and downs, but we all survived. Hoping and praying that 2023 brings us all good health and prosperity. Isn't that all we really need? I am not talking about VAST wealth, just enough to survive comfortably without having to struggle so much to make ends meet. With the rise of prices and inflation, it's a wonder we can afford to pay for housing and EAT. Grocery prices are THROUGH THE ROOF. But that is not what I want to focus on today. I always like to focus on the positive. We are entering a new year and must focus on the good. We live in a beautiful world if we just open our eyes to see it clearly. Put all our petty differences aside and focus on the beauty. If I have any insecurities about anything, it's about how the world is changing and, sadly, not for the good. We can all do our part to support each other and be there for all our successes and for the rocky writing journey many of us are on. I have had many obstacles along the way, BUT I am so lucky to have this wonderful writing community be there for me through the rough times. So, I want to THANK YOU!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">May 2023 be the best year for our community, and I wish you great success in your journey. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sending you a HUGE virtual hug!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-28725479146354758892022-11-02T08:44:00.000-05:002022-11-02T08:44:00.974-05:00NOVEMBER...GIVING THANKS MONTH...AN IWSG POST.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQukR_esJ-E_YM-bA1he01DPltRqZgmfP9GI0jNjYACyu5LWpc90vj_SxTJMPPTBE6_iGtMonLtYcLCk5h_H6Pu8xA0xPecPWUqlTUPx0LcVLRv2Ew8gZGfHpL-s9GfD7jOBVQSMAsaHt6SycCcSapsEMmk0T1biDzZEFg2CqGneDlyvIomPZH6cu/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQukR_esJ-E_YM-bA1he01DPltRqZgmfP9GI0jNjYACyu5LWpc90vj_SxTJMPPTBE6_iGtMonLtYcLCk5h_H6Pu8xA0xPecPWUqlTUPx0LcVLRv2Ew8gZGfHpL-s9GfD7jOBVQSMAsaHt6SycCcSapsEMmk0T1biDzZEFg2CqGneDlyvIomPZH6cu/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Happy November, All!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you believe it's November? Where has this year gone? During this time of year, I like to contemplate giving thanks for all my blessings. We all have so much to be thankful for in our lives. It doesn't have to be monumental, either. Family, friends, a roof over our heads, food on the table...our health. And most of all, no anxiety for now. How wonderful is that?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am also thankful for this group. The support given by Alex and the IWSG team is truly amazing. I am so grateful for all the years this team has been together and how much great work they have done. Supporting all of us and publishing the yearly Anthology is time-consuming for the team. So here is a SPECIAL THANKS to all of the ISWG Team! Please drop by Alex's <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">site</a> and say HI... or even better yet, join our group! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I would also like to mention the group's publisher, Dancing Lemur Press. L. Diane Wolfe is a wonderful role model and supporter of many authors. I worked with her during the latest IWSG Anthology. This was my first published work, and having Diane guide me through the process helped my anxiety about my first publishcation immensely. Thank you, Diane! If you haven't read Anthology yet, please do! There are some wonderful FIRST Love stories to enjoy. I was honored to be chosen along with nine other esteemed authors. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are the links if you missed them in my last post...</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">Links:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">Amazon </span><a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFirst-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook%2Fdp%2FB09QH3Z28P%2F&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=Kg5Wy6oeqsyz-071GDdP5j3N_4s%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/</a><br style="caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">Barnes & Noble </span><a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%2Fw%2Ffirst-love-insecure-writers-support-group%2F1140884369%3Fean%3D2940165751301&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=JY_lUvKzRpGyyX8r3Tws7K3fb5U%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301</a><br style="caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">iTunes </span><a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fx%2Fid1605240999&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=7KSgan_Ozur3mKcXtOFNLnuPwWs%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999</a><br style="caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">Kobo </span><a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kobo.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Febook%2Ffirst-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=IF85ePAdmHGONxkCzodnXdee9WM%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts</a><br style="caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">Scribed - </span><a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3D9781939844897%26language%3D0&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=gKiQ5mHbiQYXu6a0U7AUf6zAJWM%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0</a><br style="caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(185, 185, 185); color: #b9b9b9; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">Goodreads </span><a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F60198262-first-love&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=JhvFccuAItPK_CoR4EKWhtnT0QM%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love</a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As a final note, I would like to wish ALL OF YOU a Blessed and Healthy THANKSGIVING!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-64192522225748530252022-09-06T06:00:00.003-05:002022-09-07T07:51:29.792-05:00INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP ANTHOLOGY IS HERE! NO INSECURITIES THIS MONTH!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDkbjp7Ojlj-9-xb1zW77gv-gUN62jSCrJPRGTZeuiZx_3X2FW8meWulYuVUsJekSYg_FBqy0hH1UNjCkK2EscZ7M9v03NBzAg8RftsVAgdDekGoaeDr9MkS49otI86LwlsTbxb4v68tfrdMEEoVbky1URKbo4MPe8hjlwAI8WOix7SBcE0X-wFrl/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDkbjp7Ojlj-9-xb1zW77gv-gUN62jSCrJPRGTZeuiZx_3X2FW8meWulYuVUsJekSYg_FBqy0hH1UNjCkK2EscZ7M9v03NBzAg8RftsVAgdDekGoaeDr9MkS49otI86LwlsTbxb4v68tfrdMEEoVbky1URKbo4MPe8hjlwAI8WOix7SBcE0X-wFrl/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, All!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It is the first Wed of the month, and it's time for another IWSG post. Since I posted about the anthology yesterday, I don't have any insecurities because I am too THRILLED to be published! After twelve years of writing, it finally happened. So, NEVER give up on your writing dreams!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and the whole IWSG team, we are given many opportunities to learn, grow, and publish. If you want to join the group, please pop over to Alex's site to <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">sign up.</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">HAPPY IWSG DAY....</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeeZ5L7SuMAyd2ir9Sy6Gazc-d2PK2CB9LrSFxNMhqGWm-5lGzcKSEww5Y_ltHW5LrZM4Lp1--Juw_ENGxdTcFcx8LFLzhn-hiG5IWK_oqcMYHD_iwVgpwZ9f99dPzrfhv-tl3xzt-hqggwSgsPAw4UfyN0pmbVJWMaFtKpRlShAfpTei1H0_sGlm/s320/First%20Love%20The%20Art%20of%20Making%20Doughnuts.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="211" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeeZ5L7SuMAyd2ir9Sy6Gazc-d2PK2CB9LrSFxNMhqGWm-5lGzcKSEww5Y_ltHW5LrZM4Lp1--Juw_ENGxdTcFcx8LFLzhn-hiG5IWK_oqcMYHD_iwVgpwZ9f99dPzrfhv-tl3xzt-hqggwSgsPAw4UfyN0pmbVJWMaFtKpRlShAfpTei1H0_sGlm/w282-h408/First%20Love%20The%20Art%20of%20Making%20Doughnuts.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome, All</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today I am THRILLED to announce my short story, OLIVER'S GIRL, has been published! YAY!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 18px;">Blurb:</div><div style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 18px;">In his youth, Oliver fell in love with his dream girl. Sixty years pass, and he has a lifetime of memories without her. With the help of his great-granddaughter, will Oliver find his lost love and start again? </div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">FIRST LOVE -The Art of Making Doughnuts is a charming collection of first love stories written by nine AMAZING writers and myself. A collection by authors you may know... Denise Covey ( Marmalade Sunset), Melissa Maygrove (My Heart Approves ), Linda Budzinski (The Art of Making Doughnuts), Katie Klein (How to Save a Princess), Templeton Moss (My First Love(s)), Sammi Spiziri (The Real Thing), Silvia Ney (Paper Faces), Kim Elliott (Clyde and Coalesce), and SE White (The Castle of Ohno).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I am honored to have been chosen for this fine Anthology. There is nothing like a true "First Love" story to jolt your memory of YOUR first love. This Anthology will put a smile on your face and warm your heart! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCvTQVfKTlDwB-ML7mzin0Z2z3M6lmMd_Daqcs8Ykh0qJ0CF5CSIPk_kYw2msQOmEEGUpppgUaPPOXqxZxciUSJGce2BRBSmMxPmzihs0wUJPlU-nmJK8lDrTxjWbBDR-dJG5D_nijSh-Pa6qp4Q3O_UOs_E8hI3ojdQxBwXfr1CXev18ZuQfhqpU/s1186/Unknown.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1186" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCvTQVfKTlDwB-ML7mzin0Z2z3M6lmMd_Daqcs8Ykh0qJ0CF5CSIPk_kYw2msQOmEEGUpppgUaPPOXqxZxciUSJGce2BRBSmMxPmzihs0wUJPlU-nmJK8lDrTxjWbBDR-dJG5D_nijSh-Pa6qp4Q3O_UOs_E8hI3ojdQxBwXfr1CXev18ZuQfhqpU/w557-h230/Unknown.jpeg" width="557" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to visit our blog tour to find out more tidbits about FIRST LOVE, please visit these wonderful bloggers...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">TOUR DATES:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/1 – IWSG Anthologies Blog, <a href="http://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;">http://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Book blurbs</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/5 - Kelly F Barr, <a href="https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interview</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/6 - Kelly F Barr, <a href="https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Review</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/7 – Diane Burton, <a href="http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">http://dianeburton.blogspot.com</span></b></a><span style="color: #888888;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interview</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/7 - Cathrina Constantine, <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;">http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Book feature</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/9 - Sandra Cox, <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com/2022/09/your-weekend-read-first-love-anthology.html" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">https://sandracox.blogspot.com/2022/09/your-weekend-read-first-love-anthology.html</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Book feature</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/12 - Elizabeth s. Craig, <a href="https://elizabethspanncraig.com/blog-3/" style="color: #0563c1;">https://elizabethspanncraig.com/blog-3/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Article - Working on an Anthology</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/14 – C. Lee McKenzie, <a href="https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/" style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interview</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/16 - Louise M. Barbour, <a href="https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;">https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Review</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">9/19 - Susan Gourley, <a href="https://susangourley.blogspot.com/2022/09/first-love-art-of-making-doughnuts.html" style="color: #0563c1;">https://susangourley.blogspot.com/2022/09/first-love-art-of-making-doughnuts.html</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interview</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div id="text-text-section-11" style="font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text-section section-content" role="presentation" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="section-text-area section-content-cell" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 22px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="color: inherit; font-family: "Lucida Bright", "DejaVu Serif", "Bitstream Vera Serif", "Liberation Serif", Georgia, serif; line-height: 1.618em; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Links:<br />Amazon <a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFirst-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook%2Fdp%2FB09QH3Z28P%2F&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=Kg5Wy6oeqsyz-071GDdP5j3N_4s%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca;">https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/</a><br />Barnes & Noble <a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%2Fw%2Ffirst-love-insecure-writers-support-group%2F1140884369%3Fean%3D2940165751301&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=JY_lUvKzRpGyyX8r3Tws7K3fb5U%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca;">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301</a><br />iTunes <a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fx%2Fid1605240999&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=7KSgan_Ozur3mKcXtOFNLnuPwWs%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca;">https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999</a><br />Kobo <a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kobo.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Febook%2Ffirst-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=IF85ePAdmHGONxkCzodnXdee9WM%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca;">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts</a><br />Scribed - <a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3D9781939844897%26language%3D0&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=gKiQ5mHbiQYXu6a0U7AUf6zAJWM%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca;">https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0</a><br />Goodreads <a href="https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=63172f4150ed02628b037b14&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F60198262-first-love&w=5479f2c9e4b030244ba1acba&l=en-US&s=JhvFccuAItPK_CoR4EKWhtnT0QM%3D" rel="nofollow" style="color: #5705ca;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love</a></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div id="image-image-section-below-12" style="font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><table bgcolor="transparent" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="image-section below-layout section-content" role="presentation" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody></tbody></table></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you all for supporting me and the IWSG!</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-23292708999012046182022-08-17T11:28:00.011-05:002022-08-17T20:46:46.454-05:00A WEP POST...MOONLIGHT SONATA<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv6swg5gP-8PvtwNYPOvYiZVoXvHEg2nJlxOlzdmRcIepzySo4DtGfcJgtri6dkuAacIV4tq7Y64NwtmQ69Sl78nGXnImqnBuWsEH2KkHhN5Wyfo5KhibmL2-_Tz__99ljx9G8MS4TzfUGwbCbC3o5Q0TOJfz_YZ2ONkZk2jvEtHTETJvDSuBvbnW/s320/moonlight%20sonata%20august.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv6swg5gP-8PvtwNYPOvYiZVoXvHEg2nJlxOlzdmRcIepzySo4DtGfcJgtri6dkuAacIV4tq7Y64NwtmQ69Sl78nGXnImqnBuWsEH2KkHhN5Wyfo5KhibmL2-_Tz__99ljx9G8MS4TzfUGwbCbC3o5Q0TOJfz_YZ2ONkZk2jvEtHTETJvDSuBvbnW/s320/moonlight%20sonata%20august.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well it certainly has been a while since I have written for a WEP challenge. This month's challenge is Moonlight Sonata. Somehow, this image and song spoke to me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">First, I would like to thank all the lovely ladies at the WEP for allowing writers to create something magical with their amazing prompts! The quality of writing is above and beyond. I seriously do not know how they can pick a winner. Please drop by the <a href="https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/">WEP site a</a>nd read these amazing stories!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For my entry today, I am submitting an excerpt from a Noir story that I had started writing many moons ago. "Moonlight Sonata" to me evokes atmosphere, sensuality, and passion. Let met take you back to 1940's Chicago...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rosemary is meeting her friend, Doris, for a costume party </span><span style="font-size: medium;">at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago. Doris is setting her up on a blind date with a friend of her gangster boyfriend. Rosemary is leery, she doesn't like Marty, but Doris assures Rosemary that her date, Cal, is a detective and a real gent. It's a typical cold and windy night in Chicago... AS-</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A sterling mist swirls like autumn leaves, shading the full moon on this All Hallows Eve. Only a single beam of light weaves through the chilly veils and settles on the swinging fringe of an unsuspecting flapper’s dress: the ever present wind, catches each and every delicate strand.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">She stops in front of a brilliant marquee; hundreds of lit spheres floating in golden bronze. A masterpiece of mirrored images reflect Chicago’s finest citizens as they enter into the Palmer House.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After adjusting the feathered headband, she wraps herself in a bubblegum-pink faux mink, steps behind a masked Cleopatra escorted by a bandy-legged Marc Antony, and slips into the lobby.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Over here, honey.” Doris’ nasal voice rends through the din like a foghorn on a stormy New England night. She glances down from the top of a polished marble staircase centered with a blood-red Persian runner. The ceiling reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel, and appliquéd with hundreds of inlaid gilt medallions, frames Doris as she waves a lacy, gloved hand to the approaching flapper.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The man standing next to her, suited up in navy pin-stripes and spats, extends his arm. “I’m Marty. Glad you could make it tonight, toots. Doris was right, you’re a livin doll.” He wraps his arm around her waist and ushers her toward a tall, strapping man. “This is Cal Cavanaugh...your escort.” He glares at Cal. “Well say something to the dame, you boob.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cal’s throat constricts and he swallows hard. As he bends slightly a cowlick brakes free from his greased, raven hair and covers the right side of his horn-rimmed glasses. “A pleasure,” he says low.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A penciled brow raises and she licks her ruby, bee-stung lips. “How do you do.” Her eyes rake over his broad physique. “I don’t understand your costume. Am I missing something?”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A bead of sweat clings to his brow as a grin etches into his square jaw.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Well...show her you big palooka.” Doris giggles and smacks him on the back with a senorita’s fan.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">He raises thick fingers and unfastens a tight collar and three buttons. Sapphire blue and a red S encased in a yellow triangle strain across his chiseled, muscular chest.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doris fans herself frantically. “What I’d tell you, honey. He’s a real pip.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A slight pink glow peeks through her powdered face. “I see. I have a date with Superman. Is that all you?”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Now it was his turn to blush.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The gangster, the flamenco dancer, the flapper, and Superman climb the alabaster stairs flanked by blank onyx illuminated figures. Open etched glass paneled doors graciously invite the quartet into the Empire room. A heavily encrusted gilt medallion holds center stage on the elaborate ceiling as rainbows of faceted light dance from dozens of draped crystals onto the polished hardwood floor.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Glenn Miller’s Moonlight Serenade touches every romantic as hundreds of masked couples sway like coconut palms on Havana’s sugary white beaches. A silence passes and the orchestra engulfs the room with In the Mood.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Marty drags Doris onto to the dance floor. “Bye, we’ll see...”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cal extends his hand. “Care to dance?” He flashes a smile.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">She folds into his arms and the music sweeps them into a sea of glittery gowns, cloaks, masked strangers, and mysterious creatures of the night.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The chandeliers dim to barely a wisp and a spotlight hits the orchestra leader on stage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Tonight I have the great pleasure to introduce the debut of the world renowned pianist, Liberace.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hundreds of raised hands applaud while lips pucker and whistles howl.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Ladies and gentlemen, LIBER-RACE!”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sporting a beaded black tie and tails, he steps on stage holding a lit twelve taper candelabra and places it on the high-glossed Steinway.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A deafening silence filters through the room like a noxious gas.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With the waving of one diamond-studded hand, Liberace casts his spell. From Mozart’s,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Magic Flute, to Casablanca's, As Time Goes By. Each new melody blends seamlessly into the next. Pin-pricked eyes dart across the keyboard and never miss a single note.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Liberace begins to play Beethoven’s, Moonlight Sonata. Within its ominous tones, a girl screams, breaking the magic spell. She struggles behind a marble pillar as the final fringe of a flapper’s costume disappears into the shadows.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Chandeliers ignite. Faces unmask, revealing dropped jaws, glazed eyes, and vacant expressions. Bodies are paralyzed. Silence louder than Hitler’s Blitzkrieg jolts the once euphoric atmosphere.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As the crowds disperse, the original foursome are now two.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Where’s Marty?” Doris shrieks. “And what happened to Rosemary?”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“I thought she went to the ladies room with you?”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Oh, no ... I didn’t wait.” Tears explode from Doris’s black-lined eyes. “What could’ve happened to her?” She stares up at Cal with a tear stained face. “You don’t think?” she whispered.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“Marty do such a thing? I’ve know him my whole life. I know he could be a goon sometimes...but this?” Cal shakes his head and stands on tip toe as his gaze sweeps over the crowd.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doris latches onto his arm. “We need to find them.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As dawn breaks through a driftwood-gray mist on All Hallows day, a body floats in the Chicago river.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you all enjoyed my entry! Have a great week everyone!</span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-35994318431186451652022-08-03T06:30:00.001-05:002022-08-03T06:30:00.213-05:00GEARING UP TO PUBLICATION...AN INSECURE WRITER"S SUPPORT GROUP POST<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tvyy9fT4Jr1S1ne4W_6vVIFrsn2R6pySB_jsZ5jxWVyCs1aHamc_Yy7Hf3vbiXDUX0wAzP0owSmAna81Z0skr2FnwB7buJ59m9zA2gpsSttXbPHIPyhMb1WQAlvmCOotX7vQRk_C_afiEOxQWCeRYYAnxUjhhqPQJweYtse6rplgG5rf7mHbPQ9v/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tvyy9fT4Jr1S1ne4W_6vVIFrsn2R6pySB_jsZ5jxWVyCs1aHamc_Yy7Hf3vbiXDUX0wAzP0owSmAna81Z0skr2FnwB7buJ59m9zA2gpsSttXbPHIPyhMb1WQAlvmCOotX7vQRk_C_afiEOxQWCeRYYAnxUjhhqPQJweYtse6rplgG5rf7mHbPQ9v/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to another IWSG post! Every month we writers get to voice our insecurities and help other writer's with theirs.</span><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to the talents of Alex J. Cavanaugh and the IWSG team.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to join us, please hop over the Alex's site and <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">sign up.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I first found out my story was chosen for this year's IWSG Anthology, it was way back in the beginning of the year. So, I had very little time to stress over it...but now, that is another story. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">With only one month away to my first short story publication, I am stressing. I have so many hopes for, FIRST LOVE- THE ART OF MAKING DOUGHNUTS, which is why I am anxious. I guess because I want the readers to love it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is an honor to be part of this publication with nine other extraordinary writers, and the publisher, Dancing Lemur Press, is amazing. The wonderful input from the publisher during the editing process and up until now, has truly helped calm my anxieties. So, why am I anxious. I guess all writer's experience this with upcoming publication. But, this is my first, so I am even more so. Even though I have been writing for well over a decade, I still feel like a novice writer starting out on my journey. This is my first "baby" going out into the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thankfully, with all of your support, I know I have nothing to worry about. Our community is AMAZING, and I am grateful to be apart of it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, until next month, I will try to keep positive and not worry. I hope you will ALL ENJOY the wonderful stories about first love!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep cool everyone and have a great rest of summer!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-S8QE30yjrUwttHUal8N8Gm0-WpO7UX4xNeeIa3yLwhOcdigiw-i_Kakxy3nPcD_tZOFs7HHcdN22Hm9k579XvMGYXxk4AI4xqJTUS55z8fXj3QVWZbqIk1TRz7gMqIRWdrrnvQPpOB4oDCv6_XSUAIPL7jJ5E_c77QFj3pkkyGoQT7297Scs0gD/s320/First%20Love%20The%20Art%20of%20Making%20Doughnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="211" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-S8QE30yjrUwttHUal8N8Gm0-WpO7UX4xNeeIa3yLwhOcdigiw-i_Kakxy3nPcD_tZOFs7HHcdN22Hm9k579XvMGYXxk4AI4xqJTUS55z8fXj3QVWZbqIk1TRz7gMqIRWdrrnvQPpOB4oDCv6_XSUAIPL7jJ5E_c77QFj3pkkyGoQT7297Scs0gD/w323-h449/First%20Love%20The%20Art%20of%20Making%20Doughnuts.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">COMING SEPTEMBER 6th.</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-43382073804227283332022-07-06T10:38:00.000-05:002022-07-06T10:38:00.764-05:00A NEW APPROACH TO HEALTHIER LIVING AND WRITING...AN IWSG POST<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ldw-WsY67gUv7Ivwq5hoB5c1TV1PlMnWujB26L3uG2UmOxCn2kTjzUvLlWxX9VjSldKy-u4cUTHr_MvdMcQmP0U9TaSd_QNKLR6Az_DyPm3hwaP5IqhOc-VIw3NapM8in0xRZBI9HyYpVT3z5y7moOVMtnN1fR7p1Fq7cvhoQ_NLq8eRvFQtaqjR/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ldw-WsY67gUv7Ivwq5hoB5c1TV1PlMnWujB26L3uG2UmOxCn2kTjzUvLlWxX9VjSldKy-u4cUTHr_MvdMcQmP0U9TaSd_QNKLR6Az_DyPm3hwaP5IqhOc-VIw3NapM8in0xRZBI9HyYpVT3z5y7moOVMtnN1fR7p1Fq7cvhoQ_NLq8eRvFQtaqjR/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope everyone had a festive fourth of July. Living in a historic town tends to take this holiday VERY seriously. Fireworks ablaze, parades, and a riverboat parade, too. Lots of fun for all, but I kind of hibernated because my pup hates the noise, and being such a good pet parent, I stayed with him to keep him calm. We retreated into our lower level until it got quiet around 11pm. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't believe another month flew by, and we are now ready for this month's IWSG post! Once again thanks to Alex and the AMAZING IWSG team for giving us the opportunity to voice our writing insecurities and offer advice to our colleagues who need it. If you would like to join, hop over to Alex's <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">site </a>and sign up!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This month, I have put writing on the back burner to concentrate on finishing up my gardens. I am almost there! But, it has given me the time to do a lot of thinking about future projects and where I would like to go next on my writing journey. This time taught me that it's OK to take time off from writing to do other things. It brings us a fresh perspective. So DON'T beat yourself up if you decide to take off a month or two to do something else you enjoy. It will only make you happier in the long run AND it may lead to a fantastic new idea! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Another tip I would like to share with you about taking time off is to work on getting healthier. Many of us over the cold winter has put on extra weight and may have become lethargic. Also, with COVID, I had gained a ton over the past few years. At the beginning of July, I decided to do something about it. GET OFF the couch and get outside and walk again. I also started intermittent fasting. For those of you who are not familiar with this eating plan, it is basically very easy. You pick an eating window of about 8-10 hours depending on how much weight you want to lose. I started with 8, and now I am down to a seven-hour window. In a month I dropped almost twenty pounds! I eat almost everything I want, so it really doesn't feel like dieting and depriving myself of CHOCOLATE. LOL. It truly isn't as difficult as you think. It is AMAZING how clear-headed I have become. I stay more focused, and I feel so much better. Staying focused is a GREAT feature of fasting. Imagine how much writing you can do when you stop focusing on food. The first few days can be a challenge, but after the first week, the food cravings stop and you really can feel so much better. I have thought of several new writing projects this past week. I am also brisk walking an hour a day. The best time to do this is at the end of your fast because the last hour or so can be difficult, especially if you have a family who is eating in front of you while you are fasting. Luckily, I don't have that problem. Try it for a few weeks and see how you feel! You will have only POSITIVE side effects from this program. One of mine... I cut out one of my blood pressure meds. YAY! </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, that is it for this month! Enjoy your summer fun, and I will see you next month. Hugs to you all!</span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-27923394331063771122022-06-02T14:21:00.002-05:002022-06-02T14:21:32.869-05:00NO INSECURITIES THIS MONTH...A QUICK IWSG POST...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVIzc_8X5a0zeIdz-qVWq_BCbZvvDZyQ0SiIE4MGHB5wlc7b3G1Ppc6Atci7P6gOXrAyJf0xkDd5B0LuAWSs2zljVh_-jpnWLz9TV_3wFSa4DzCqkRBc76_kO-t402Ko3olt1hS80QHwP443_uAqcnfGeVieX2TswPXS6K4mdnmZhlzNvfrVzMwvc/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVIzc_8X5a0zeIdz-qVWq_BCbZvvDZyQ0SiIE4MGHB5wlc7b3G1Ppc6Atci7P6gOXrAyJf0xkDd5B0LuAWSs2zljVh_-jpnWLz9TV_3wFSa4DzCqkRBc76_kO-t402Ko3olt1hS80QHwP443_uAqcnfGeVieX2TswPXS6K4mdnmZhlzNvfrVzMwvc/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to another IWSG post. Once again we are privileged to write about our writing insecurities and ask and give advice to those who are in need, thanks to Alex and his amazing hosts. If you would like to join our group, please pop over to Alex's blog and <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">sign up.</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Spring is upon us and I can't help noticing all the signs of rebirth. The trees and flowers are blossoming everywhere and the birds and bees are chirping and buzzing throughout my property. It has been a busy month for me working on my gardens and enjoying all the benefits of spring and the warmer weather. I haven't had much time to write, but I have thought about many things during my time in the great outdoors. It made me realize that we should all commune with nature from time to time. It clears our heads and brings joy to our hearts. It is the perfect way to sweep away your writing insecurities and take back the parts of your soul that have been craving some peace and solitude. Even if it is only for a few short minutes, stroll around your yard, or take a walk to a nearby park and open your eyes and heart to the wonders of nature. It truly is food for your soul.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I would to share with you some pics of my garden to inspire you to commune with nature. Have a wonderful month everyone, and take good care of yourselves...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yRbns5ok25aSDXquQ9L8tIvY_DUkMhe9WupvcjpRjPqJOSDtB6eFERa_EU4XiD26cHDb5GTWh8TEmjrnpkghYxzAHiNVmVCndN2eXSoyXkzMFUVsV4JcWVOA40us-MtJlj1TDPvvOn7__fXBC7cq2Nm1ZPs6rARd6UEBrfTMlhjC4IcYCL5IeQ1A/s4032/IMG_9834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yRbns5ok25aSDXquQ9L8tIvY_DUkMhe9WupvcjpRjPqJOSDtB6eFERa_EU4XiD26cHDb5GTWh8TEmjrnpkghYxzAHiNVmVCndN2eXSoyXkzMFUVsV4JcWVOA40us-MtJlj1TDPvvOn7__fXBC7cq2Nm1ZPs6rARd6UEBrfTMlhjC4IcYCL5IeQ1A/w346-h486/IMG_9834.jpeg" width="346" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmieuONCiqIBXHxClXdCAmxL5dERgLIWF-Toqmkw3dU4-iriV5N5kpfJiN-8kgMGSoimv5W3UXsuwY-w8xMNcqYYy2llgGXIAQ8HSA1WJvXzywJ386Nm-vYoqVhYpC0QcD4G5ocjb3EuLyk-ZlHKQn305Iu001mfP43478A_qBD4IDuknLsvYt93uI/s4032/IMG_9847.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmieuONCiqIBXHxClXdCAmxL5dERgLIWF-Toqmkw3dU4-iriV5N5kpfJiN-8kgMGSoimv5W3UXsuwY-w8xMNcqYYy2llgGXIAQ8HSA1WJvXzywJ386Nm-vYoqVhYpC0QcD4G5ocjb3EuLyk-ZlHKQn305Iu001mfP43478A_qBD4IDuknLsvYt93uI/w346-h235/IMG_9847.jpeg" width="346" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvxuu7gVNax41vpp-SnplIRxF6eyCWcaXMPGOR9xTRXEFt3Y_HyEsVD2iNi3DhQE4shY12iQe5g--fAz9hs5SYkoQrBvOUQj_geRiSL9B0tolpuiH5IB_XMTZy-KvY8dAALugsYkpdQ_SeCIyPb9dQZhyFQ0tYgdKJpo8C9aontDtOzBb5e3xgFW1/s4032/IMG_9774.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvxuu7gVNax41vpp-SnplIRxF6eyCWcaXMPGOR9xTRXEFt3Y_HyEsVD2iNi3DhQE4shY12iQe5g--fAz9hs5SYkoQrBvOUQj_geRiSL9B0tolpuiH5IB_XMTZy-KvY8dAALugsYkpdQ_SeCIyPb9dQZhyFQ0tYgdKJpo8C9aontDtOzBb5e3xgFW1/w340-h424/IMG_9774.jpeg" width="340" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9joYL52KviqDlRYL4wxNj5oiZRC3XmV53MOZzxPnpDEwcYatYbVtAjcI0O8LKhEK8S1nHtVRVAjO1TUaP_3ig-ttLO2_D9DsKuE0fkuxeQ25Qq8klcQWS83lI3rSUOmqwf8uEfviP_93OKzo3GoGCFWrynE86QKmocjFwsVl_ADBnzpu0n-b7tCKN/s4032/IMG_9862.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9joYL52KviqDlRYL4wxNj5oiZRC3XmV53MOZzxPnpDEwcYatYbVtAjcI0O8LKhEK8S1nHtVRVAjO1TUaP_3ig-ttLO2_D9DsKuE0fkuxeQ25Qq8klcQWS83lI3rSUOmqwf8uEfviP_93OKzo3GoGCFWrynE86QKmocjFwsVl_ADBnzpu0n-b7tCKN/w344-h422/IMG_9862.jpeg" width="344" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv9l9rTvBwRdiWVFbHI9B-ziqK4YXBENd_QlfmNRl_fJFoOMiZPQWH706Q1Bl9rOgFqXmpsHZ3-JBpt73VTspOxysAn6uruyAe8QE2kFieNy14qT5mF-fswBviCSP-_s48bf4rQGuwTqp5jqDchePmKKz0gbjMg82zJW9wLzNIxBj9R18955h6ajZ/s4032/IMG_9753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv9l9rTvBwRdiWVFbHI9B-ziqK4YXBENd_QlfmNRl_fJFoOMiZPQWH706Q1Bl9rOgFqXmpsHZ3-JBpt73VTspOxysAn6uruyAe8QE2kFieNy14qT5mF-fswBviCSP-_s48bf4rQGuwTqp5jqDchePmKKz0gbjMg82zJW9wLzNIxBj9R18955h6ajZ/w339-h433/IMG_9753.jpeg" width="339" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-40498694077620380482022-05-04T06:00:00.001-05:002022-05-04T06:00:00.214-05:00WHEN IS IT TIME TO DO A COMPLETE REWRITE? AN IWSG POST...<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNLppmzaEwHTLCzU5tYRF0BDJTt5d6yRG-6Er-HcA0cimslBFn1YsWArgB00bpb9KkHHXpjshvZwXHiA2E3L-_FV2YzT0AdTbMZ4HXV2PxfKBzrzWw3mdyxPgoIXIA9vUmXD2Xk5JFKPW2IaSMnolH7ayx2fwDDx-FKw7xwunYOEt92tfmDfOchWs/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNLppmzaEwHTLCzU5tYRF0BDJTt5d6yRG-6Er-HcA0cimslBFn1YsWArgB00bpb9KkHHXpjshvZwXHiA2E3L-_FV2YzT0AdTbMZ4HXV2PxfKBzrzWw3mdyxPgoIXIA9vUmXD2Xk5JFKPW2IaSMnolH7ayx2fwDDx-FKw7xwunYOEt92tfmDfOchWs/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to another IWSG post! As we all know, we meet on the first Wednesday of every month. If you would like to join us, please visit Alex's <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">site</a> to sign up.</span><p></p><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, I would like to discuss a problem I have been anxious about for a while, when is it time to do a complete rewrite of your novel? For over three years, I worked on my novel and have been querying it for about a year now. This is the FIRST time, I have was not asked for a partial or full from any agent. I sent out at least 50 queries. I know it is more difficult now, but not to get ONE request. it doesn't sound right to me. I know it is not the subject matter, so there must be something wrong in the story. Originally I wrote this as a memoir and had sent it to a top editor in NYC. She made several suggestions and I was almost finished when the person I am writing about decided she wanted changes. MAJOR changes. I did the best I could, cutting the parts she wanted out. I queried again, and nothing. I don't want to CAN the project because I still believe in it. So, now I am deciding if it needs a COMPLETE overhaul. I can do a complete rewrite cutting out the daughter completely and concentrating solely on the subject. It would be a much more fun and LIGHT piece with no internal issues from the narrator. I would have to write it in the third person instead of the first. So, a lot of work would need to be done. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Should I do it or scrap the project? In all honesty, I would like to cut ties with this person completely. If I go forward, I would still have to work with her and share the profits. I just HATE having to throw away three-plus years of writing. It is a tough call, and I would appreciate any advice.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">On the plus side of this month, an article I wrote for the IWSG blog will be featured on May 9th...I hope you will drop by the blog and read it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Have a wonderful month, everyone!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-34048790440313458612022-04-07T12:14:00.004-05:002022-04-07T12:14:43.111-05:00APOLOGIES.... SORRY FOR POSTING LATE... AN IWSG POST...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiY80C3wsmh2j1ilwp72tqr3PSeCgDiQC-QFNGVO3-48CSCLeiQ8OQ4vpZGv-YdmWPdWcSq7gZHGInE8VZc1FD4II4e5odMKsOzz7HbyQAF3CKbczjC4AGgQ8CImjqSnJ9VEPZ4A8glyi1y0mZmt59kmsyTUYuL4PowGlDt0MfcL5MYo0NBlYZrDV/s273/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiY80C3wsmh2j1ilwp72tqr3PSeCgDiQC-QFNGVO3-48CSCLeiQ8OQ4vpZGv-YdmWPdWcSq7gZHGInE8VZc1FD4II4e5odMKsOzz7HbyQAF3CKbczjC4AGgQ8CImjqSnJ9VEPZ4A8glyi1y0mZmt59kmsyTUYuL4PowGlDt0MfcL5MYo0NBlYZrDV/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am so sorry for spacing the time...again! Yesterday, I was getting my house ready for my friends visiting from South America! ALL six of them! So, I am sure you can understand my spacing to post.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This group is an important part of all our lives because we get a chance to voice our insecurities once a month, thanks to Alex! The advice and support are truly amazing. If you haven't joined yet, PLEASE visit Alex's <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">site</a> to sign up. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I would also like to CONGRATULATE Alex on his newest book, Casa Dark. All the best Alex! I know it will be a hit!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For this month, my only real insecurities were getting accomplished my many tasks within my home. Thankfully, I did and my guests are comfortable and happy. We have discussed my writing and I was happy to tell them that my short story was selected for the new IWSG Anthology! I can not wait until September when it will be published. I was also THRILLED to have our first review be so positive. The reader enjoyed the anthology and actually mentioned my story as one of her favorites! A writer can not ask for more than that. So this month I feel truly blessed. I am also in the process of submitting a few more short stories...we shall see. We all know that rejections are a part of our lives, but we also know, that if we DON'T submit, we will never have a chance to have our works read. And, isn't that why we all write in the first place? It is very important for writers to get their work seen. No matter how long it takes. It took me over a decade to finally have one of my works published, so don't ever give up. I don't regret any of that time because I learned to hone my craft. A writer must write in order to improve their writing. Sometimes it takes years. We all write at our pace and with each new story, we learn so much.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">SO KEEP WRITING, even if you don't feel you are getting anywhere with it. Your time will come.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, everyone, April is certainly coming in with tons of wind and rain. I am looking forward to a lovely spring BURSTING with spring flowers. It seems to be taking a bit longer this year, but I know it is worth the wait.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">HAPPY SPRING!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-64847001698297629712022-03-03T06:16:00.002-06:002022-03-03T06:16:46.968-06:00SORRY... AN IWSG LATE POST...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqOBwFvF-6yD0rEMhFnOeRLwOPqCuqyPy4V28V8sHvLYAPtyUCbX2JSnWSziTCHv17TKOMsftyL9zDVgdZ30QBEaspVYqS2j3olttfyG0z7uuw-RVluZbQFJj9tB7XlDgTKD1UtLwUjhM9NWcAcgCSsvn6r3w-GQtGxIbIiEGEqLoz-WNOBAG-vJoA=s273" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqOBwFvF-6yD0rEMhFnOeRLwOPqCuqyPy4V28V8sHvLYAPtyUCbX2JSnWSziTCHv17TKOMsftyL9zDVgdZ30QBEaspVYqS2j3olttfyG0z7uuw-RVluZbQFJj9tB7XlDgTKD1UtLwUjhM9NWcAcgCSsvn6r3w-GQtGxIbIiEGEqLoz-WNOBAG-vJoA" width="273" /></a></div>Hi All,<p></p><p>Arrived in Florida on Sunday and totally spaced it was Wednesday yesterday; I actually thought it was Tuesday all day. Sigh.</p><p>I hope everyone is well and I hope Spring has "sprung" in your neck of the woods!</p><p>Nothing much to say except that I am THRILLED to be out of the frozen tundra of the north, and I intend to THOROUGHLY enjoy the beautiful weather in Florida.</p><p>Take care everyone and I will see you all next month!</p><p>HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S Day and Early Sring!!!!</p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-16341734356321580012022-02-02T06:00:00.001-06:002022-02-02T06:00:00.206-06:00WINTER TEMPS AS UNPREDICTABLE AS OUR LIVES...AN IWSG POST.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOIl6RCONTYjb5xOp2WIe26Ot8IjSW5_89R1bxpMRk1lsiI8fJ7qsP04f-cWXG7ipUOlH8fRwSW1u36dCfaczOz3fwol9cpVpxDRhj5xP-it043BpfN6gx4w2mNDwfhaJGQDs9Ir6xL_HsE_tAWH7-f-tyG6my1DfL0pYaekThMbbw-RIN51M9_IJR=s273" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOIl6RCONTYjb5xOp2WIe26Ot8IjSW5_89R1bxpMRk1lsiI8fJ7qsP04f-cWXG7ipUOlH8fRwSW1u36dCfaczOz3fwol9cpVpxDRhj5xP-it043BpfN6gx4w2mNDwfhaJGQDs9Ir6xL_HsE_tAWH7-f-tyG6my1DfL0pYaekThMbbw-RIN51M9_IJR" width="273" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, ALL</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to another IWSG post. I almost always forget to post when the first Wednesday of the month is so close to the beginning. I just can't believe it's February already. Winter is certainly surging like mad all over the world. Snow in the Greek Islands? Unheard of, yet it happened!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, this winter, we also lost one of the most caring and gifted bloggers, Jeremy Hawkins. I didn't know him well, but I knew him for over a decade through his comments on others' blogs and occasionally on mine. I know he will be tremendously missed by our community. Please take a moment and say a prayer in his memory...</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As you know, we get to vent on the first Wednesday of the month, thanks to Alex and the IWSG team. If you would like to join our group, please pop over to Alex's site and <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">sign up. </a>Who knows, you may get some great advice or help another stressed-out writer with a problem.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A few unexpected things happened this past month. I was fortunate enough to have a query and chapter request from a YA agent during the IWSG Twitter pitch. I was thrilled, of course, but now the waiting begins... So, I decided to start pitching to magazines to use my time wisely. A first for me. I spent a whole day preparing the pitch and added the proper links to my work for samples. I felt confident because the article I was pitching was for the home section of a woman's magazine. Who better than an interior designer for over twenty-five years, right? Well, it didn't take long to get a response... ANOTHER rejection. In this case, I was honestly surprised it was rejected.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We are not talking about a novel; we are talking about an article. So, fellow authors, it is a tough sell even in this venue. Honestly, I feel like chucking the whole writing thing at times like this. TWELVE years I have been pounding away at it. THANKFULLY, I did have some fantastic news before the holidays that my short story, OLIVER'S GIRL, was chosen for the IWSG Anthology. This news is keeping me going. I know rejections suck big time, but we still need to keep at it. SO don't give up. I don't plan to any time soon. I promised myself to keep plugging away this year with query after query and pitch after pitch. My goal is to have five of my stories accepted this year. It may be unrealistic, but I am aiming for that. With short stories and magazine articles, it may be attainable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To aid me in my quest, I bought Shannon Lawrence's THE BUSINESS OF SHORT STORIES... (You can read about it in my previous post). It is a concise and helpful guide on writing and marketing your short stories. I have read through half of the book already, and once I finish, I will put her suggestions to work. Thanks, Shannon!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, that is all from me this month. I wish you all a warmer winter and an EARLY spring. Take care and stay safe and healthy...</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-84952529367225263952022-01-14T06:00:00.001-06:002022-01-14T06:00:00.277-06:00A NEW RELEASE by SHANNON LAWRENCE! THE BUSINESS OF SHORT STORIES ... <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOlFxrONuM1wq3yK1dkNwo1XabY3Geu9PQDDUm8cFFDTzLBMA9uF8dW6Iag2UFoV0h9S79_D8dcMDY-x4IoDUrSI92nQp3_ibln4pIzpPYd1BeVOLzQSud_nbX8JCGMC01MJyM4ulTcwsaEnX9PT6QAQ40fQprRBkFHz6NavjKbK1mLETdH8jui1m0=s3600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOlFxrONuM1wq3yK1dkNwo1XabY3Geu9PQDDUm8cFFDTzLBMA9uF8dW6Iag2UFoV0h9S79_D8dcMDY-x4IoDUrSI92nQp3_ibln4pIzpPYd1BeVOLzQSud_nbX8JCGMC01MJyM4ulTcwsaEnX9PT6QAQ40fQprRBkFHz6NavjKbK1mLETdH8jui1m0=s320" width="213" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">Hi All,</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">Today, I am thrilled to announce Shannon Lawrence's forthcoming book, THE BUSINESS OF SHORT STORIES...</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Blurb: </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Whether you're looking to add short stories to your repertoire as a solo pursuit or in addition to novel writing, </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The Business of Short Stories</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> covers every aspect from writing to marketing. Learn the dynamics of short story writing, where to focus your editing efforts, how and where to submit, how to handle acceptances and rejections, what to do with reprints, and how to market yourself and your stories online and in person. The information in </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The Business of Short Stories</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> has been distilled from over a decade of short story publishing experience so you don't have to learn the hard way. You'll find information on submission formatting, cover letters, querying a collection, sending proposals to writing events, how to create a website, SEO, social media, and so much more. This is an invaluable resource for short story writer</span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"There's never been a better time to get into short stories!" </span></p><p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I couldn't agree more, that is why I preordered my copy. For those of you, who like me, is finding it hard to get your novel published, why not start with short stories and build up your writing experience and portfolio. Often, agents and publishers ask for writing </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">credentials and if you have a few short stories published, it may help...it certainly couldn't hurt. I can't wait until the end of the month to start my short story journey. Why not start yours as well? 2022 is forecasted to be an excellent publishing year. Now is the time to get your stories out to the readers who will enjoy them.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17);">Here is more information about Shannon and her collected works.</span></span></p><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Author Bio: Shannon Lawrence has made a career of short stories, with over a decade of experience and more than fifty short stories published in magazines and anthologies. In addition, she's released three horror short story collections with a mix of new and previously published stories. Her true crime podcast Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem is going into its third season. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Book: </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The Business of Short Stories: Writing, Submitting, Publishing, and Marketing</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Author: Shannon Lawrence</span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">ISBN: 978-1-7320314-5-6</span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Format/Price: Print ($13.99) and e-book ($3.99)</span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Release Date: February 1, 2022</span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Pre-order E-book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFSTJ2V" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFSTJ2V</a></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">(**Note: Shannon is waiting on the pre-order for the paperback, and will send that out when she receives it)</span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The book will also be available after the release date from Ingram, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other sites.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Shannon's website and social media:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Website:</span><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <a href="http://www.thewarriormuse.com/" target="_blank">www.thewarriormuse.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Facebook:</span><span style="color: #0f1111;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thewarriormuse" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/thewarriormuse</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/thewarriormuse" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/thewarriormuse</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewarriormuse/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thewarriormuse/</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">BookBub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-lawrence" target="_blank">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-lawrence</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/shannondkl" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/shannondkl</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shannon-Lawrence/e/B00TDKPOAO" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Shannon-Lawrence/e/B00TDKPOAO</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Podcast Website: <a href="http://www.mysteriesmonstersmayhem.com/" target="_blank">www.mysteriesmonstersmayhem.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLUE_Jzs7dExN_vE3IWvHq9LtFVNhYT3iqzXNatFsQuDl24VWuxDplLFxoo2-Sedc-eLz7kenDiQoenLWeha6YRXX5OEm5yAgsjscLG9xTrqAlf2f1qgI2ZE4QpfHDwRWoL0K-gNOV_9Zc7MiZy4Ju1hk44ZeOsClSJ_QzP_b-AlSrg7czFQNH8Dk4=s5472" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLUE_Jzs7dExN_vE3IWvHq9LtFVNhYT3iqzXNatFsQuDl24VWuxDplLFxoo2-Sedc-eLz7kenDiQoenLWeha6YRXX5OEm5yAgsjscLG9xTrqAlf2f1qgI2ZE4QpfHDwRWoL0K-gNOV_9Zc7MiZy4Ju1hk44ZeOsClSJ_QzP_b-AlSrg7czFQNH8Dk4=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-70551004486835619092022-01-05T06:30:00.001-06:002022-01-05T06:30:00.246-06:00A GREAT WAY TO START THE NEW YEAR... AN IWSG POST<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFIGVa2OJlM6bcPrTN5MdS51CzJ-klTCBB9H9q3Dviz8VhDXC3H-0xeAOygPZ0HreC5ihygD0sFg18vbOZR3QoC4TAr7IOuEKbQ4BvzyAJ-f54ONqb63N5xB-0uFbnRefxoXD2d7QFaOM4fRuf5Vmo9nHBHDopO6eWcw5zKUj0WRg5tFGUkUA8PSF7=s273" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFIGVa2OJlM6bcPrTN5MdS51CzJ-klTCBB9H9q3Dviz8VhDXC3H-0xeAOygPZ0HreC5ihygD0sFg18vbOZR3QoC4TAr7IOuEKbQ4BvzyAJ-f54ONqb63N5xB-0uFbnRefxoXD2d7QFaOM4fRuf5Vmo9nHBHDopO6eWcw5zKUj0WRg5tFGUkUA8PSF7" width="273" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">First, I would like to wish everyone a HAPPY, HEALTHY, and PROSPEROUS new year! is incredible how quickly 2021 passed us. I know it has been a long year for many, but even though it was a trying year, we managed to get through it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and the illustrious IWSG team, we were able to vent our anxieties all through this troubling year. Please sign up at Alex's <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">site </a>if you would like to join us.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">During the closing months of 2021, I decided to write an essay and a few short stories to submit into various venues...well, I am DELIGHTED to say that my first published work will be featured in the IWSG-FIRST LOVE ANTHOLOGY! My story,<i> Oliver's Girl</i>, was selected! It has been a very long journey for me to publication, and I am honored to have my story chosen. This is my first step, and I hope an pray this is the begining of many more to come. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I plan to submit a pitch for the IWSG Twitter Pitch on January 26th. Mark that day if you have a polished and completed work to pitch! You never know, your pitch may be picked! I have queried my latest WIP with no luck, so this is my last "pitch." So many of my collegues have selfpublished and have been very successful. Perhaps it is time for me to do the same. The publishing world has changed dramatically since I started to write over ten years ago and the forcast for this year is very positive. With Covid still amongst us, many people have turned to reading. I have certainly read more. There was an amazing article that I read on Anne R. Allen's blog about the 2022 publishing forecast. It was very insightful and a must read. Here is the <a href="https://annerallen.com">link</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, my friends, thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful January. Stay warm and safe.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">HAPPY IWSG DAY!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-44703981643996549092021-12-17T20:49:00.000-06:002021-12-17T20:49:01.068-06:00HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY WONDERFUL BLOGGER FRIENDS!....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF4nD_7fiUXkKcaNZDUFn2dkywh2MUgXZ0jfVFnpRZnL01lS5gJyOsxKeJdnR__puebNQLIU-3D1iwnuhpjLdYsued6PCIUqbgCJVNbkUOeZXQUGDyGYHlxtSzAGa3601Tt6OLOkWwZQiTQfAyo6CKD4RL1x4X_dE7Sb7GMCXsj54zTACiZrFzVQ7X=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF4nD_7fiUXkKcaNZDUFn2dkywh2MUgXZ0jfVFnpRZnL01lS5gJyOsxKeJdnR__puebNQLIU-3D1iwnuhpjLdYsued6PCIUqbgCJVNbkUOeZXQUGDyGYHlxtSzAGa3601Tt6OLOkWwZQiTQfAyo6CKD4RL1x4X_dE7Sb7GMCXsj54zTACiZrFzVQ7X=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Hello All!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you believe it? Christmas Eve is only ONE week away! I decided to go ALL out this year. This is the first time in decades I have all my Christmas decorations in ONE place. I perused all my dozens of plastic bins in all sizes along with countless boxes, and I have to admit, I was OVERWHELMED. Lol</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But, after calming down and opening them up one at a time, I managed to separate them into decorations for each level (I have three levels in my home). I decided right from the beginning that I would put up three trees: one nine-foot in the entry (shown in the first pic), Another fuller, nine-foot tree for the living room, and a third, seven-foot pencil tree for the lower level. I started to take down my Thanksgiving decorations and pack them away the day after Thanksgiving. I have quite a lot of Fall decorations so it took me the whole day. Saturday, I began to open bins and bring down decorations for the table surfaces and fireplace. I thought it would be easier to do it this way than bring down the bins two flights from the attic and then lug the empty bins back up-they are still heavy even empty. Sadly, at some point, I had to bring down at least twenty of them: the ones that held the tree ornaments. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">By mid-week, I set up the trees. I usually don't put up my tree until December 15th, but since I had three of them to do, I had to start earlier. The Lower Level tree was a snap; it only took about four hours to do. I have a lovely brick </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxWwhFV5Y-svUjaqpo1Tn-xLh4NH13OvH3PpkCShveRFyRvA2UfJwH3j0_qzEEZ--2aGwEEy9t5EYCDN1yMCb0X80BzY4daEymxTbUuf-Y0OeC7zjhNwDX1iYkTLWl6ZUR-rUCkjSvJR2hIkOLvNct7m9uuAXd1klVSWE4XTJ4U0EWo3xbvUiqwY6L=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxWwhFV5Y-svUjaqpo1Tn-xLh4NH13OvH3PpkCShveRFyRvA2UfJwH3j0_qzEEZ--2aGwEEy9t5EYCDN1yMCb0X80BzY4daEymxTbUuf-Y0OeC7zjhNwDX1iYkTLWl6ZUR-rUCkjSvJR2hIkOLvNct7m9uuAXd1klVSWE4XTJ4U0EWo3xbvUiqwY6L=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">wall the tree nestled into rather nicely. I decorated the remaining LL, which consists of the rest of this room, a dining area, a staircase, bathroom, and bedroom. Yes, I put a bit of Christmas in every room. But I will spare you the complete tour...it's a fourteen room house, plus a very large front porch (also decorated to the nines!). This will be my personal space for when I open up as a Bed and Breakfast in late spring.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As we return to the main level, the second large tree hold court in the living room. It has over 500 ornaments. Yes, you are reading correctly, lol. My whole life is represented on this tree. From my first ornaments given to me as a toddler, to my vast traveling, and finally purchasing a few new ones every year. In my teens, I made many ornaments with beads, pearls, and sequins on satin Christmas balls...remember those? They were so IN back in the early to mid-'70s. I pricked myself thousands of times on those damn straight pins. But, they lasted for forty-five years. EEK! Am I really that old? DON'T ANSWER THAT. Lol</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMhzduUu0qv4c74rPO0FjJqspZmY0wUJ49WCeGQtmbD6mqvyIs5tZRKmXVeFErj-gXU-rX4UxpPNfQO0YhReetCtrFJUBvrDD4V8D_-k_-kDywlGywcmd0BqKckyvJIKPiJZy8HMNu4Eo4czp4jY7thwxGnMYBWRJtguiPQvI0RiDehfAatgjJO7jj=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMhzduUu0qv4c74rPO0FjJqspZmY0wUJ49WCeGQtmbD6mqvyIs5tZRKmXVeFErj-gXU-rX4UxpPNfQO0YhReetCtrFJUBvrDD4V8D_-k_-kDywlGywcmd0BqKckyvJIKPiJZy8HMNu4Eo4czp4jY7thwxGnMYBWRJtguiPQvI0RiDehfAatgjJO7jj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This was a tricky shot to take. I wanted to get both tree into the picture. I managed, thankfully! The only thing missing is the roaring fire. Since this is a wood stove, the flames are not wonderful, but the warmth and the flickers of light does enchant one when having a brandy on a cold night...like this one.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The next pic is a different angle of the living room. You can see the dining room to the left of the fireplace in the first LR pic. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs0D3vVbcyGGzMnDOR3E5TQ0qVPBYCbterpnEyByqlTpUbnPyAKem-QwEkILryFQc1lkNg2IoPW-Gu7xSlV2jWTRHIJRBtaCYf223nf4wisj45aQVg0zI5lRe6sfD5IVdDZxxptayOCDKa7YQ21_seV2JjZ73nmxqc6oVrsrI54hT0biD2hp4SlD3o=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs0D3vVbcyGGzMnDOR3E5TQ0qVPBYCbterpnEyByqlTpUbnPyAKem-QwEkILryFQc1lkNg2IoPW-Gu7xSlV2jWTRHIJRBtaCYf223nf4wisj45aQVg0zI5lRe6sfD5IVdDZxxptayOCDKa7YQ21_seV2JjZ73nmxqc6oVrsrI54hT0biD2hp4SlD3o=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The one feature I love about this room are the front diamond-pained windows. A hundred plus years ago, craftsman took the time to cut each pane individually. That is a LOT of work especially since they are encased in wood lattice, not lead: much harder to do. The previous owners painted them white. ACK! After Christmas, I plan to restore them back to the original walnut stain which encases them.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRIVBm8Pg749xze8rU89jym_cc1fFF4O2ykBCzXM7Yax3IaPaLp3VfbVCggUqQqKqMHGnD8BDIoKQFxzdY9eTFRNv1XqIah1SFCMhnIfxiNA6rwC-WZFsiks2g3dzJC3VDGhVicZhRu-aUYJBvHEiihLmdp8jEdhmlobES3971eBxtE0LGz56nf5dF=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRIVBm8Pg749xze8rU89jym_cc1fFF4O2ykBCzXM7Yax3IaPaLp3VfbVCggUqQqKqMHGnD8BDIoKQFxzdY9eTFRNv1XqIah1SFCMhnIfxiNA6rwC-WZFsiks2g3dzJC3VDGhVicZhRu-aUYJBvHEiihLmdp8jEdhmlobES3971eBxtE0LGz56nf5dF=s320" width="240" /></a></div>This next pic is a closeup of the tree. As you can see ornaments galore! I also have dozens of glass icicles. They really make this tree sparkle! There is just one more room that I would to <span style="font-size: large;"> share with you, the dining room. What is so nice about early twentieth century homes, they all had large dining rooms to sit and enjoy meals with the family and friends. Sadly, because of Covid, there hasn't been much use of it, but I do like to have a meal in there when I want a change of view from the kitchen island, where I normally dine. This room is the exact same size as the living room with paneled pocket door separating the two. I gather, that in the ninteen teens, the most like had a made or kitchen staff, as the family would "go through" into the living room, the maid would shut the doors and clean off the table. My, have things changed. I would kill to have someone clean for me and do the dishes. One thing I honestly do not like to do. I'm sure many of you agree! So, without further ado, here is the formal dining room. Up until a month ago, I had bare windows with only shades. It was time to hang up the silk drapes I made in 2004 for my Parisian-styled vintage condo in Chicago. It was an extemely elegant room. I even hung the same crystal chandelier in this massive room (15x25 feet). The room is much larger than it </span><span style="font-size: large;">looks here. There is a large buffet on the right-hand side of the room.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrswNrEkRqBRl_AiLEcK3Ra3NQlaQup4tTf82sql4_NYw4eTXafYxRdgE2TXflDicQOnAxcG-siuzOlSDzPDZ9V9CnMHGzc8HBhDlMes3fvVVvvPKLXDYjXWY-lRykN1FPmK6hOndBWamJXUJDBcBFe6KfMUOM8Up5mfYNaVb7fZC432Wqb0TPgDiP=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrswNrEkRqBRl_AiLEcK3Ra3NQlaQup4tTf82sql4_NYw4eTXafYxRdgE2TXflDicQOnAxcG-siuzOlSDzPDZ9V9CnMHGzc8HBhDlMes3fvVVvvPKLXDYjXWY-lRykN1FPmK6hOndBWamJXUJDBcBFe6KfMUOM8Up5mfYNaVb7fZC432Wqb0TPgDiP=w379-h284" width="379" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have the nativity on the buffet. You will see it in the next pic. I love this nativity because it is made of papier mache'. The details are incredible. I also used rafia for the straw and have wool lambs. It is a large set. The standing kings and Joseph are about fourteen inches. I kept this room more simple with just Santa and two reindeer on the table with candlesticks and lladro geese. A few poinsiettas on the top of the clock add some much need festive color.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWRQp4M0A2R93jlLOyzpUW_AQlPtjUVbSS6iHnmsO4Hl8a6DQDu3CbznfBzHp_49h-rtV5Yk9B-TRC11e6K0OirNJZcTdPKsfW47E8zTBu2N4Iyr3XVmE4cLDKI0mNfQMnVwo9XIsESniq_e-19Q74sJnwkUdU2rBKRx01Lny-OprOpdtQ43t6YYv0=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWRQp4M0A2R93jlLOyzpUW_AQlPtjUVbSS6iHnmsO4Hl8a6DQDu3CbznfBzHp_49h-rtV5Yk9B-TRC11e6K0OirNJZcTdPKsfW47E8zTBu2N4Iyr3XVmE4cLDKI0mNfQMnVwo9XIsESniq_e-19Q74sJnwkUdU2rBKRx01Lny-OprOpdtQ43t6YYv0=s320" width="240" /></a></div>The chandlier was my mother's. I have been cleaning it since she bought it in 1970. A long and funny story. Let's just say, Mom had to have it and it cost a weeks salary, in those days, that was INSANE. It has so many wonderful memories of my mom and family spending countless holidays and family dinners under that chandelier. I can't wait until we all could enjoy our lives again. I love to entertain and it truly saddens me that I can not entertain for this holiday season. I bought this house at the end of 2019... just as Covid began to show its ugly head.<p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, my dear friends, I hope you enjoyed my Christmas house. The final picture is the front of the house all lit up for a festive holiday season.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I would like to wish you all a HAPPY, HEALTHY, and PROSPEROUS holiday season and New Year! Keep safe my friends. You are always in my thoughts and prayers! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sending you all a great BIG virtual hug!!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p></div>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-79754720343164285822021-12-01T06:00:00.038-06:002021-12-02T08:34:55.262-06:00DECEMBER...A MAGICAL MONTH INDEED! AN IWSG POST... AND ... NARCISSUS- A WEP ENTRY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtcSkR8DFW32OXghZ3gOr2a64VXDG5IYwZJKgSTMu79mU89g-H8PskBoX8BWPQskiDdi7ZYvUKuxX55gt0hebfRdGvddtf2NdQfZcJ1OTLqIQ6td00dTjy3w0jfELTGimBcpnBYfS_Pk/s273/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtcSkR8DFW32OXghZ3gOr2a64VXDG5IYwZJKgSTMu79mU89g-H8PskBoX8BWPQskiDdi7ZYvUKuxX55gt0hebfRdGvddtf2NdQfZcJ1OTLqIQ6td00dTjy3w0jfELTGimBcpnBYfS_Pk/s0/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy December, Everyone!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Once again, it is time for another IWSG post! I am so happy to remember it is so early this month. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and the IWSG team for their loyalty and many hours of helping others with their writing and their insecurities. If you would like to join our group, please visit <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">here.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I just LOVE this time of year. One can smell and feel the magic in the air around us. Many of us are frosted in a winter wonderland while others are in sub-tropical weather decorating palm trees into candy canes! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So far we in NW IL are snow-free with beautiful autumn weather. Perfect for decorating the exterior of our homes without freezing to death. At least, that is my plan for this weekend. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The holiday season is also a time to gather with family and close friends. Sadly, this year with a new variant of Covid many people will be apart from their loved ones. But, don't despair, we can still have gatherings via Skype and Facetime. It is certainly not as good, but you can still bake together, have a drink, and celebrate with one another.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I know many get anxious over the holidays because they can't find or afford the right gifts. The holiday isn't about going bankrupt or stressing out, it is a time for LOVE. One thing we did learn from this dreaded disease is that we must appreciate what we have and the special people in our lives. So put on your favorite holiday music, BAKE up some scrumptious goodies, sit by the fire, if you have one, if not, bath your home in candlelight. It's amazing how a few candles create such a soothing and beautiful ambiance. Perhaps, create a new holiday favorite drink... Mix ANYTHING with a bit of rum, cherries, cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon. It doesn't take much to feel the magic. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When I was in Colorado last week, I found this absolutely LOVELY bookstore. Yes, they still exist! I found the most charming items inside. Since I don't have children, I never had a copy of "Twas The Night Before Christmas." I found the most beautifully illustrated copy and treated myself to it. I can think of no other story to relax us into such a festive season. I just may read it to my fur baby, Hamlet ... Why not? I could start a new tradition!. I am sure there are many pet parents who may enjoy reading to their beloved fur children... I found in my experience reading out loud does have a major calming effect. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I would also like to take this time to wish every one of you a Happy, HEALTHY, and Prosperous Holiday season. Enjoy your quiet time and be a peace. We all deserve peace after such a turbulent year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sending healing and warm hugs to you all~</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/christmas/glitter-happy-holidays-smiley-emoticon.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="57" data-original-width="135" height="129" src="http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/christmas/glitter-happy-holidays-smiley-emoticon.gif" width="285" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">And now, the final entry to this year's WEP entry of how Art inspires us... Please visit the others stories at the <a href="https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com">WEP website!</a></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_a7U1iLPcN8eWQxzCB3vEH5xKBFlEVJWKCZnfYHKLc_FpzHnhczwqL7MKtjpDd5mxiDqwLUkE0AfeljGahTAWft6CnvE4NSOEIjzWN8QhAk_TDGoB_uSzS6R813sxpkK3ZeaP96gtwGx/s320/Badge_Ridderhof_Green7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_a7U1iLPcN8eWQxzCB3vEH5xKBFlEVJWKCZnfYHKLc_FpzHnhczwqL7MKtjpDd5mxiDqwLUkE0AfeljGahTAWft6CnvE4NSOEIjzWN8QhAk_TDGoB_uSzS6R813sxpkK3ZeaP96gtwGx/s320/Badge_Ridderhof_Green7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></blockquote><div><p style="color: #99195e; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Tagline: Beauty is literally in the eye of the beholder...</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">In a forest glen, a sun-kissed waterfall twinkles and cascades over jagged rocks into a tranquil sapphire pool. Twin nymphs and several fairies glide along the surface, dancing to an unheard song. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">A flaxen-haired youth approaches and smiles a smile so captivating; the sisters stare at the handsome stranger. With each one of his steps the fairies sigh and beckon to him.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Curious, the flawless, blue-eyed naiads and several sparkling winged fairies edge the mirror-like pond. They flirt for the young man’s attention as he heads toward them. In a voice that can charm a spider into giving up flies, he introduces himself and asks about the exquisite beauty before him. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">“I have never laid eyes on such a heart-stopping scene.”</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Swooning, the mystical ladies are awestruck. He meanders around the water’s edge, kneels, and gazes into pond. The stillness of the clear, blue water reflects every breathtaking detail.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Mesmerized, he stares into the liquid mirror. His breath escapes him. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">“Could this exquisite image be of me?” he whispers. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">The fairies zip over to him and tug at his hair, sleeves, and back. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Ignoring them, he continues staring into his turquoise eyes framed by long, thick lashes. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Hissing buzzes in his ears followed by assaults to his face. He swats his hand, making contact with several fairies who hit the ground hard. The others pick up the injured and fly away. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Hungry and thirsty, he reaches into his canvas bag and takes out food and drink. Nourished, he stretches out and falls asleep.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Hours later, the luminous water nymphs return. They place beside him a goblet made of etched gold filled with sweet nectar. Clasping hands, they sink into the crystalline depths of the pond.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">The warmth of the morning sun awakens the youth. Stretching, he sits up and notices the goblet. “How thoughtful.” He raises the cup. “To this enchanting place.” He takes a deep sip and an unnatural compulsion to view his image overwhelms him...</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">After three days of admiring his reflection, he passes. The fairies gather around him, tears flowing from their eyes. They sprinkle his body with glittering opalescent dust as the nymphs rise from the water, singing, their lyrical voices chanting their sorrow. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">A light breeze caresses the youth’s body and he dissolves into the earth in silence. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">The fairies gather as a burst of bright light and long spikes of emerald shoot from the ground. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Between each spear, a delicate stem rises. A pearl-like bud forms and blossoms into the first Narcissus. Thousands more yellow and white trumpets announce their arrival and blanket the edge of the pond. A subtle scent perfumes the air as the fairies take flight.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">The twins emerge and pick several blooms gently placing them in their hair. Once more, they begin to dance to an unheard song and the fairies follow suit…</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">All is tranquil forevermore.</span></span></p><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-70957100540784601272021-11-05T22:35:00.002-05:002021-11-05T22:35:51.963-05:00TOTALLY SPACED IWSG ON WEDNESDAY....<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3li_EpkRPxy-qzH9WzcZLuK1_THSHUFudlG68saVsszdZ05Clv5DQmEwd5a5RytGBwv7LWYv3tYnbAdCOQCd3G3E_wthMQyuc8yZPlgVdoMKgA8MNvUHBfDZzg5UmzkZGd4LVEl-qqac/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3li_EpkRPxy-qzH9WzcZLuK1_THSHUFudlG68saVsszdZ05Clv5DQmEwd5a5RytGBwv7LWYv3tYnbAdCOQCd3G3E_wthMQyuc8yZPlgVdoMKgA8MNvUHBfDZzg5UmzkZGd4LVEl-qqac/" width="244" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, All</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am so sorry I spaced posting on Wednesday. Getting ready to leave town soon and I just didn't realize the date. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely Fall weather. I know many are doing NaNo this month and I wish you ALL the best with your writing. No time to think about insecurities, just keep writing!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Wishing you all a SAFE and MEANINGFUL Thanksgiving! I know I am grateful and thankful for so much despite the trials and tribulations of our pandemic lives.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sending you all virtual hugs! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay safe and see you next month.</span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-50534219153133770122021-10-24T14:46:00.001-05:002021-10-24T14:46:37.540-05:00THE SCREAM'S CONCLUSION ... A WEP ENTRY AND POST.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwqJKUPwDRmjlU1c8ZkhTc3d54_Aafikd3ctktMoAAGCEc5RGPy1qft-udckjERSGpotJIV2IzyO2lxbeGhcMMxmSbIIsOnDILcjd6yiNj_WT_oMo4hfsfp3yDL7HNhEY_sTYpAUBvfm/s320/20+Denises+The+Scream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="320" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwqJKUPwDRmjlU1c8ZkhTc3d54_Aafikd3ctktMoAAGCEc5RGPy1qft-udckjERSGpotJIV2IzyO2lxbeGhcMMxmSbIIsOnDILcjd6yiNj_WT_oMo4hfsfp3yDL7HNhEY_sTYpAUBvfm/s0/20+Denises+The+Scream.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Hi All,<p></p><p><br /></p><p>AS promised, here is the conclusion from my SCREAM entry for the WEP. </p><p>We left off as Kimmie is mysteriously pushed through a tattered curtain...</p><p><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then, a dusty wind swirled around me as if conjured up by some strange dark force; it swept me through the curtain, my silent scream following.</span></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">A bright flame blinded me. Someone grabbed me by the arm and pulled me onto a shaky wooden bridge. Human sweat, burnt incense, and animal feces assaulted my nose. I tried to catch my breath and choked.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I lost my footing—the broad man, robed in white, vise-gripped my arm and stopped me from falling. His face hid within a hood. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I mustered up as much saliva in my mouth as I could and swallowed hard. After sucking in a much-needed breath, I cried out, “Who are you? And where’s my mother!”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">He remained silent.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As my eyes adjusted, pinpoints of flames darted through what looked like a skeletal wooded area. The chants grew louder as the drums beat out a harsh rhythm. I had no idea what was happening. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">My silent guide loosened his grip and shuffled me off the bridge. Shrieks from a group of women, dancing in a tight circle around a tree, sent shivers throughout my body. I trembled with each step. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As we drew nearer, I saw him: the voodoo priest. He was about twenty feet away from me. He scattered handfuls of a light golden powder around the tree’s base and then drew something in the powder with his witch doctor’s stick. From his other hand, he poured a honey-colored liquid around the powder’s edge and muttered some strange incantation. I pulled my gaze away from him and searched for my mother and Antoine through a sea of dozens of white-clad Haitians. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Was that her? A small group of disciples chanted and danced around a large seated person holding some squirming animal. Their bodies shifted, and I was able to see the face of the woman.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;">“Mommy!” I shrieked. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The grip on my arm tightened. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Everything was a blur of white, swirling within the orange flames of the torches and gray shadows. The voodoo priest maneuvered through his disciples as if floating between them. The pounding drums beat a quick, sporadic rhythm. He stopped in front of my mother and held out his arms. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Mommy jerked into a kneeling position. Her face twisted in horror as her trembling hands held up a baby white goat. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The voodoo priest called out in guttural tones, as he withdrew a large machete from under his robe. In one swift movement, he slit the goat’s throat. Blood gushed, spraying Mommy and himself with fresh blood. The chants turned into an eerie singing, and it grew louder as the disciples stepped closer to him. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">He first smeared the goat’s blood on Mommy’s head. She tried to recoil, but the disciple behind pushed her forward. He slapped more blood on her face and shoulders. I stared in shock. Never had I seen my mother so terrified. There was no color left in her face, only the fresh blood that glistened from the torchlight. She fell to her knees as her tears mingled with the blood. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I tried to run, but the hooded man kept me pinned in place. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Antione was nowhere in sight. Mommy was alone and helpless. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I struggled to break free. We began to move slowly in the direction of the voodoo priest. Was I to be defiled with the goat’s blood, too? My stomach roiled.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">One-by-one, the disciples stepped over Mommy, waiting for their turn for the sacrificial blood. Their sing-songy chant continued as if she wasn’t in front of them. She didn’t move. Fear surged through me as I had never felt. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I went limp. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The hooded man dragged me further toward the ceremony. My throat constricted.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">We stopped next to a small tree where he released me and withdrew a corded rope from within the folds of his robe. Not one word crossed his lips. He reached out both his hands, fists together. The gesture clearly stated for me to do the same. I tried to run, but he was too fast. He caught and tied me to the tree. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">We locked eyes, and I screamed. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">But not even I could hear it. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I tried to break free, but the binding was too tight. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The hooded man headed toward the ritual, parting the disciples as he walked up to the sacrificial site. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">He stood between my mother and the voodoo priest, then dropped his hood. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The High Priest froze.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The man flipped the hood back over his head. He bent slightly, stretched out his muscular arms, and pulled Mommy to her feet. She looked up into his face. Her stunned expression dissolved; as she parted her lips, one word escaped them, but I couldn’t hear it.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">He nodded, then guided her in my direction. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Mommy! Mommy! Are you all right?” I held my breath.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Her head jerked, and she saw me. For the first time in what seemed like hours, she smiled.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">She raced to the back of the tree and untied me. “Kimmie. Let’s get out of here!”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">We followed the hooded man back down the side of the voodoo priest’s house and made it to the street. After rushing down three or four side streets, we stopped in front of a large black limo. I recognized it at once.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Get in quickly,” Zaxai said as he unlocked the doors.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">***</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The next morning, Zaxai drove us to the airport. No one spoke. Which kind of surprised me. I didn’t want to push Zaxai. He did save our lives, but I still had some unanswered questions. How did he know I’d be coming out from behind that curtain? Why did the voodoo priest fear him so? What was Uncle Sid’s involvement with all of this? And, the most important one of all, whatever happened to Antoine? We never did see him again. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I guess some mysteries are best unsolved—especially the whereabouts of a certain waiter named Antoine. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">One would think Mommy’s fascination with the occult would have ended here. No such luck. This was just the beginning…</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Well, I hope you enjoyed the exciting conclusion!!! If you are just stopping by today, please advance to the post above to read the first segment.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;">If you haven't guessed, Zaxai, is Mommy Kay's uncle chauffer and righthand man. He saved them from THE VOODOO KING...</p></span></span></div>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-4295365135326374362021-10-21T18:23:00.007-05:002021-10-22T22:11:16.830-05:00THE SCREAM.... A WEP ENTRY! MOMMY KAY STRIKES AGAIN....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwqJKUPwDRmjlU1c8ZkhTc3d54_Aafikd3ctktMoAAGCEc5RGPy1qft-udckjERSGpotJIV2IzyO2lxbeGhcMMxmSbIIsOnDILcjd6yiNj_WT_oMo4hfsfp3yDL7HNhEY_sTYpAUBvfm/s320/20+Denises+The+Scream.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="320" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwqJKUPwDRmjlU1c8ZkhTc3d54_Aafikd3ctktMoAAGCEc5RGPy1qft-udckjERSGpotJIV2IzyO2lxbeGhcMMxmSbIIsOnDILcjd6yiNj_WT_oMo4hfsfp3yDL7HNhEY_sTYpAUBvfm/s0/20+Denises+The+Scream.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Hi All,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It is time for another WEP challenge! Woot! The ladies at the WEP are amazing hosting these challenges throughout the year...my hat's off to you all! This October's theme is THE SCREAM!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>So appropriate, don't you think?</span><br /><span>There are some incredible entries this month, so I do hope you plan to visit the other authors at the WEP <a href="http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/">site</a>, who put their talents to the test. You will not be disappointed.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>My entry is an excerpt from my current work in progress MOMMY KAY. If you recall, I had submitted an early snippet a few years back from this memoir for the ROADS LESS TRAVELED prompt and won! If you have the time and would like to familiarize yourself with more of Mommy Kay here is the <a href="https://writing-art-and-design.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-road-less-traveled-challenge-but.html">link</a>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Before you read my entry, I'd like to give you a bit of backstory. Mommy Kay and her daughter, Kim are visiting the impoverished Island of Haiti in the early 70s, the week after the Dictator, "Papa Doc" Duvalier died and his son was newly sworn in as President for Life. </span><br /><br /><span>During their visit to Haiti, Kim mainly stayed inside the hotel. Mommy Kay would be gone for hours at a time. She was up to something, and Kim knew what it was. Mommy Kay had a new obsession. She wanted to experience a Haitian Voodoo ritual. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I hope you enjoy this little teaser at 997 words.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The now, fifteen-year-old Kimmie tells the story...she didn't want any part of this trip, but Mommy ALWAYS got her way. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Helplessness wasn’t an emotion familiar to me. For the first time in my life, Mommy wasn’t there. The walls in our suite seemed to press in on me from all four sides. The next few hours dragged as if carrying them on my back. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The door slammed. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Kimmie,” Mommy called out.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A moment later she entered my room, wearing what looked liked white bedsheets. A turban covered her head.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Put this on.” She dropped a bundle of the same white sheeting onto the bed. “We must blend in.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I slipped on clothing and wrapped up my head in a similar turban.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Fantastic. You’re so tan—you’ll pass for a native.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I wish I can say the same about you— you’re as white as that sheeting. You’ll never blend in.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Oh, stop worrying and try to have a good time.” </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mommy stepped over to the dresser and stuffed a wad of cash inside her bra. “Antoine should be here soon.” </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“The sun is sinking fast. When do we leave?”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“As soon as it’s dark, around six o’clock. He’s meeting us at the back of the hotel by the kitchen entrance.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mommy paced a few minutes, then glanced out the window. “It’s time.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My heart skipped a beat.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The hotel seemed eerily quiet. We met no one on the elevators, or at the back entrance.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Antoine was waiting for us in a beat-up jalopy. “Welcome my friends, ” he said with a slight quiver.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mommy sat next to him in the front seat, and I slid into the back. Next to me was a large bottle of rum and a box of Cuban cigars. Antoine accelerated and off we went into the night. The twitchy manner in which he drove didn’t help the situation. Sweat beaded on my face.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Where exactly are we going, Antoine?” I asked after a long pause of silence.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Porte au Prince.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I figured that. Where exactly?”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He didn’t answer.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We drove on the main road and arrived downtown. The stench from the garbage in the streets barely masked the musky smell of human sweat and the lingering of cooked food. Several people sat on the sidewalks outside their front doors; their haughty expressions watched us as we drove by. We turned up a side street. At the top of the hill, we stopped abruptly. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“We get out here,” Antoine whispered.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Kimmie, bring the rum and cigars. They’re presents for the High Priest.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My shaky hands gathered them up, and I exited the car. Antoine and Mommy stopped, facing a peeling red door.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“We go in here.” Antoine turned the handle.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He entered.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mommy followed with her head lowered. I wondered what she was feeling. She moved normally; however, my legs shook as I stepped inside the dimly lit room. Flickering candles from a ceiling chandelier created dark shadows that performed a savage dance on the rough stained walls. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hundreds of scattered bones, entrails, and piles of white feathers littered the floor. A pungent smell of years of decay, Cajun incense, and dried blood loomed heavily in the air.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I dug my fingers into Mommy’s fleshy arm. “Are you sure about this?” I whispered and pointed to a glistening section of a fragmented wall. “That looks like fresh blood.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Yes, I see it.” She shrugged away her arm.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Antoine moved a few paces ahead of us.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“It’s time.” He pointed his finger up. “Follow me.” </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Unidentified things squelched under our feet as we made our way toward a staircase at the back of the room. Antoine disappeared in a sea of creaks as he ascended. Mommy followed, squeezing between the walls of the narrow entrance. It was my turn now. I sucked in a deep breath and held it. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thump, thump, thump, pounded inside of my head as I climbed each of the rickety stairs. My heart threatened to tear away from my chest. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mommy’s breathing increased as we turned up the next flight. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then the next.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As we confronted the final flight, she stopped, clutching her heaving chest. “I-I need to catch my breath—go—a-head, Kim-mie.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“No way.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Go—”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Antoine stared down at us. “We must not keep him waiting.” His voice cracked.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I stepped over Mommy and continued climbing. My legs grew heavy as if hundred-pound weights were attached to them. Mommy’s stomping feet and raspy breaths kept up with my slower pace.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the top, hundreds of candles flickered in the room. Beams of moonlight filtered through the five large open windows. A soft chanting and a distant drumbeat played, as a two-story shadow appeared across a fraying, sheer drape.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mommy stepped into the room, panting.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“He is in our presence. Keep silent until he addresses you,” Antoine whispered.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A massive figure stepped out of the shadows. Yellow light glinted off a jewel-encrusted medallion and rows of heavy gold chains. His frame cloaked in black robes stood rigid, and on top of his head sat an elaborate plumed headdress.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The whites of his eyes shone through midnight blue-black skin. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I know what you seek. Leave your offerings.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I couldn’t move. His terrifying presence nailed me to the floor. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Antoine pried the rum and cigars from my fingers and bowed, placing the offerings at his feet.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A split second later, he disappeared.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“We must follow him,” Antoine said, as he took hold of Mommy’s arm and dragged her through the drape.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was convinced Antoine planned to have us sacrificed. And me, still a virgin. How appropriate. The beating drums grew louder and more sporadic. Or was it my heart? I wasn’t quite sure.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Come, Kimmieeeee!” Mommy’s voice echoed through the rising of the heretic chants.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I willed myself to move. My left foot slid a few inches, followed by my body. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then, a dusty wind swirled around me as if conjured up by some strange dark force. It swept me through the curtain, my silent scream following.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tagline: A tied-up Kimmie awaits her fate, as drums keep beating while her captor approaches a tear-stained Mommy, preparing a sacrifice for the Voodoo King.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you enjoyed this teaser. For all of you LEFT hanging, I will post the remainder of the scene in a few days after the link closes... That is the least I can do. Have a Wonderful Weekend everyone!</span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 27px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 27px;"><br /></div>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-44751866891709093832021-10-06T10:23:00.000-05:002021-10-06T10:23:12.060-05:00A NEW SEASON WITH NEW HOPES... AN IWSG POST...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdkgea3Lo6SV_NN62EWppKOofhJE5rqD90-Kbt8P2r2SRHZj9lv0jCQnVftYzZgBMQmrQO_-H4nH_OufFnHQ8t85h23uWbjfA7HQvccXvNoCxSBnBTqN_p6zyD8kUrDu83RXUZ6oj83g/s273/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="273" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdkgea3Lo6SV_NN62EWppKOofhJE5rqD90-Kbt8P2r2SRHZj9lv0jCQnVftYzZgBMQmrQO_-H4nH_OufFnHQ8t85h23uWbjfA7HQvccXvNoCxSBnBTqN_p6zyD8kUrDu83RXUZ6oj83g/s0/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi All!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It's October! Yay! Fall is starting and the leaves are turning. It is my favorite time of year. The temps drop to a comfortable level, and I am back outside walking again. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Once again, thanks to the INCREDIBLE IWSG team and the founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh If you aren't a member yet, please hop over to Alex's sign-up sheet </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html">here</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have learned so much this past year about patience and keeping a positive attitude. Many times it wasn't an easy task, but with each day, I kept reading and writing between house projects. NOW, the exterior of my house is FINALLY complete and I have spent the past three weeks querying like a madman. This is a taxing chore for every writer. Each query must be adjusted to fit the needs of the agent. I found myself spending time writing a synopsis (we all know how much fun that is, HA!), doing a table of contents for one agent (Odd), and rewriting my bio several times. I have sent out about twenty query's for my current story and sadly I have received about eight rejections so far. I have also been querying my second novel as well, and have received two rejections so far. Will I give up? Hardly. Those of you who know me, know, I NEVER GIVE UP. lol But, we all get down and depressed during this process. I certainly do, and it takes every ounce of energy for me to continue. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have also written two entries for the IWSG anthology and entered a personal essay into the Writer's Digest contest. So, I have pulled myself out of a two-year slump. I have high hopes for this fall, although the pandemic has taken its toll on me and on so many people I know. I am finally leaving my house for a vacation next month after almost two years of seclusion. The Colorado Rockies should be amazing next month with a dusting of snow, and I am so looking forward to exploring them. A writer must "air" out their brains with new sights, sounds, and smells. Coming back, I know I'll be refreshed and ready to continue my quest.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My advice to all this season is to sweep away all the old cobwebs and reacquaint yourself with mother earth. So much of our earth is changing and being a part of that change will help us evolve with the changing times we are all experiencing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Please keep safe my friends and may this new season bring you new hope. Sending all of you a virtual hug!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.com35