Wednesday, February 1, 2023

FEBRUARY- WINTER BLUES-TRYING TO STAY FOCUSED...AN IWSG POST.


 Good day, All!

Welcome back to another IWSG post!

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 here to sign up!

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!

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. 

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. 

Stay warm, everyone! All the best with your writing endeavors during another winter month.

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

A NEW YEAR! AN IWSG POST...

 

Happy New Year!

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.

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 here to sign up!

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!

May 2023 be the best year for our community, and I wish you great success in your journey. 

HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!! 

Sending you a HUGE virtual hug!






Wednesday, November 2, 2022

NOVEMBER...GIVING THANKS MONTH...AN IWSG POST.


 Happy November, All!

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?

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 site and say HI... or even better yet, join our group! 

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. 

Here are the links if you missed them in my last post...

Links:
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301
iTunes https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts
Scribed - https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love

As a final note, I would like to wish ALL OF YOU a Blessed and Healthy THANKSGIVING!



Tuesday, September 6, 2022

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP ANTHOLOGY IS HERE! NO INSECURITIES THIS MONTH!


 Hi, All!

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!

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 sign up. 

HAPPY IWSG DAY....

Welcome, All

Today I am THRILLED to announce my short story, OLIVER'S GIRL, has been published! YAY!

Blurb:

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? 

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).

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! 













If you would like to visit our blog tour to find out more tidbits about FIRST LOVE, please visit these wonderful bloggers...

TOUR DATES:

 

9/1 – IWSG Anthologies Blog, http://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/

Book blurbs

 

9/5 - Kelly F Barr, https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/

Interview

 

9/6 - Kelly F Barr, https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/

Review

 

9/7 – Diane Burton, http://dianeburton.blogspot.com

Interview

 

9/7 - Cathrina Constantine, http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/

Book feature

 

9/9 - Sandra Cox, https://sandracox.blogspot.com/2022/09/your-weekend-read-first-love-anthology.html

Book feature

 

9/12 - Elizabeth s. Craig, https://elizabethspanncraig.com/blog-3/

Article - Working on an Anthology

 

9/14 – C. Lee McKenzie, https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/

Interview

 

9/16 - Louise M. Barbour, https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/

Review

 

9/19 - Susan Gourley, https://susangourley.blogspot.com/2022/09/first-love-art-of-making-doughnuts.html

Interview





Thank you all for supporting me and the IWSG!




Wednesday, August 17, 2022

A WEP POST...MOONLIGHT SONATA

 

Hi All!

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. 

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 WEP site and read these amazing stories!

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...

Rosemary is meeting her friend, Doris, for a costume party 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-

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.


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. 


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.


“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.


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.”


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.


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?”


A bead of sweat clings to his brow as a grin etches into his square jaw. 


“Well...show her you big palooka.” Doris giggles and smacks him on the back with a senorita’s fan.


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.


Doris fans herself frantically. “What I’d tell you, honey. He’s a real pip.”


A slight pink glow peeks through her powdered face. “I see. I have a date with Superman. Is that all you?”


Now it was his turn to blush.




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.


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.


Marty drags Doris onto to the dance floor. “Bye, we’ll see...”


Cal extends his hand. “Care to dance?” He flashes a smile.


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. 


The chandeliers dim to barely a wisp and a spotlight hits the orchestra leader on stage. 


“Tonight I have the great pleasure to introduce the debut of the world renowned pianist, Liberace.”


Hundreds of raised hands applaud while lips pucker and whistles howl.


“Ladies and gentlemen, LIBER-RACE!”


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. 


A deafening silence filters through the room like a noxious gas.


With the waving of one diamond-studded hand, Liberace casts his spell. From Mozart’s, 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. 


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. 


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.


As the crowds disperse, the original foursome are now two. 


“Where’s Marty?” Doris shrieks. “And what happened to Rosemary?”


“I thought she went to the ladies room with you?”


“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.


“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.


Doris latches onto his arm. “We need to find them.”





As dawn breaks through a driftwood-gray mist on All Hallows day, a body floats in the Chicago river.




I hope you all enjoyed my entry!  Have a great week everyone!

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

GEARING UP TO PUBLICATION...AN INSECURE WRITER"S SUPPORT GROUP POST

 

Hi All, 


Welcome to another IWSG post! Every month we writers get to voice our insecurities and help other writer's with theirs.Thanks to the talents of Alex J. Cavanaugh and the IWSG team.

If you would like to join us, please hop over the Alex's site and sign up.

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. 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.

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. 

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!

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!

Keep cool everyone and have a great rest of summer!



COMING SEPTEMBER 6th.










Wednesday, July 6, 2022

A NEW APPROACH TO HEALTHIER LIVING AND WRITING...AN IWSG POST

 

Hi All!


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. 

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 site and sign up!

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! 

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! 


Well, that is it for this month! Enjoy your summer fun, and I will see you next month. Hugs to you all!