Prodacle Son Returns to blogging...

 Hi all! 

I know it has been AGES since I last posted. But today, by chance, I happen to click on my blog planning to pay a visit to a few old friends. As we all know, things are a lot easier than one thinks. I was kicked out of my blog and it took me several hours to reclaim it. Ugh! But, not that I have, I hope to spend some time this week catching up with some of  you.

It is AMAZING how much time has passed. Looking over the last time I posted during IWSG Wednesday it has been quite some time.

As many of us are quite aware, life has been challenging, crazy, and so unpredictable, it is no wonder time escapes us. Time is so precious and there is so little of it as we get older. So today, I decided to slow things down and take a bit of time for me. Time to contemplate life a bit. I've been currently at a crossroads for a while, wanting to move on and start yet another life. Most of you know me for many years, and have seen me move quite frequently looking for my next home and adventure. That's all and well when we are younger and can do this. Now, I find myself a senior. I am GAGGING at the mere thought of turning sixty-five just a month ago. At this time honored age, we think of our limited time left on this amazing earth. One wishes for a peaceful, beautiful, and stress-free life. HA!!!! Only in the movies folks... LOL 

Those of you who have reached the so-called "Golden years," know what it really is all about. Health issues, financial issues, and family issues, and the WORLD issues haunt every generation. All of these issues, far from giving us that euphoric existence. So, here we are. What to do? Play Ostrich by putting our heads in the ground... 

That is NOT me, and it is not any one of us who are creative beings. We need to see beauty where we can and if we don't, we must create it, even if it is in our own minds. We take so much time in crafting our beautiful words, painting our beautiful pictures, and playing our beautiful music. It is what we have been doing our whole lives. We know nothing else. 

We have been privileged and fortunate to reach this age. We deserve some peace of mind during these troubling times. And, on occasion, we are treated/rewarded to some life-changing events...events that keep us pusing forward to the next great adventure.

I was so fortunate to be able to spend my birthday month around so much natural, cultural, and architectural beauty, that I returned with new-found hope, creativity, and spiritual energy. I had longed to spend my sixty-fifth birthday in a place so many writers and book lovers can only dream of...OXFORD...yes, I was amongst the literary giants, stunning libraries, and incredible buildings that is Oxford. But before my special day came to being, I had traveled started in London, for an exciting week of centuries of British pageantry and history. Then, I traveled all over Scotland from the magnificent Highlands and the Isle of Skye, to the incredible sights and sounds of Glasgow, to the stunning gardens, and cobbled winding streets of Edinburgh. A magnificent journey. But, I had one other place I had to explore. A medieval city, one many know about, but very few have the opportunity to actually visit: York, England. There, I learned so much about centuries old customs, art, architecture, ghost stories, bloody wars, and everything humanly possible. It was magical in it's never-ending history. A place I will never forget.

I returned home with a crammed brain and over 2200 pics in my iPhone. If one can't be inspired by that, than one must sink their heads in the ground. Now, it's time to organize all my thoughts, dreams, and aspirations, to finalize my next home. I've always dreamed of living in Europe and I believe that is where I will end up, at least part time. I felt whole there amongst the history of the UK and it's people. Once my home sells, I will be on the move again, and I hope and pray that my remaining years on this earth will be filled with light, beauty, art, and a freedom I have never experienced. That is what I wish for all of you who have made it this far.

Sending all of you big hugs and I hope to touch base with you soon. Take care my dear, old friends.

One of my favorite pics in Scotland...

BEATUFIUL AUTUMN....AN IWSG POST...

HAPPY AUTUMN EVERYONE!

Today, I am somewhat off the grid after having minor hernia surgery...Doing well, but much needed healing time is necessary.

Wishing you all a WONDERFUL OCTOBER and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

See you next week!

 

TWELVE AMAZING YEARS!...AN IWSG POST...

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IWSG!!!!

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.

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. 

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. 

THANK YOU, ALEX for creating the IWSG and keeping us all together. You and the many people involved deserve to be congratulated and APPRECIATED! 

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 site.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IWSG...may have many, MANY, MANY MORE!

SUMMER IS FULL SWING...CHANGE...WE MUST BE READY FOR IT...A IWSG POST

 

Hi ALL,

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 site.

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. 

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. 

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.

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!

Keep safe all and enjoy the rest of your Summer... See you in September!

GOING WITH THE FLOW...AN IWSG POST.

 Happy May Everyone!

Welcome to another IWSG post. Sorry that I am a day early. LOL I thought it was Wednesday,

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!

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.

See you all next month. I'd love to hear about new and exciting plans to reclaim your life.

WITH THE MELTING SNOW SPRING EMERGES... A IWSG POST

Happy Spring Everyone!

Welcome 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 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.

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.

I wish all of you a HAPPY SPRING and for tons of inspiration in the forthcoming months. 

Sending you all a VIRTUAL hug to start off this season on a positive note... 

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.

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!

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!

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

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

Thank you all for supporting me and the IWSG!

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!

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.

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!

NO INSECURITIES THIS MONTH...A QUICK IWSG POST...

 Hi All,

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 sign up. 

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.

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...

WHEN IS IT TIME TO DO A COMPLETE REWRITE? AN IWSG POST...

 Hi All,

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 site to sign up.

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. 

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.

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. 

Have a wonderful month, everyone!

APOLOGIES.... SORRY FOR POSTING LATE... AN IWSG POST...

 

Hi All,

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.

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 site to sign up. 

I would also like to CONGRATULATE Alex on his newest book, Casa Dark. All the best Alex! I know it will be a hit!

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.

SO KEEP WRITING, even if you don't feel you are getting anywhere with it. Your time will come.

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.

HAPPY SPRING!!!