tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25021761614561439142024-03-16T03:08:00.048-04:00Tara Tyler TalksPutting life into perspective and writing about it.Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.comBlogger1274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-22495101824366305452024-03-06T06:00:00.001-05:002024-03-06T06:00:00.157-05:00Things are looking up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mLpqVVaSQoqzZlMHrw70LFyzoa6TSx7T3dbH9jmLKHb07teM6NaYG29-1iOHA1LJzxBdjyHlFhJ30hRxh3PwK3BeXPAFAyVhWBQGX_nAPanWjlyBqpRs9Crltw17EgtAct4erjRc2TqNA-2qUUCXM782kmVMYT3CJNOMhoiDeTM-mOb4Qi1_nwIb-T-p/s526/fall%20down%20get%20up%20bear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="526" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mLpqVVaSQoqzZlMHrw70LFyzoa6TSx7T3dbH9jmLKHb07teM6NaYG29-1iOHA1LJzxBdjyHlFhJ30hRxh3PwK3BeXPAFAyVhWBQGX_nAPanWjlyBqpRs9Crltw17EgtAct4erjRc2TqNA-2qUUCXM782kmVMYT3CJNOMhoiDeTM-mOb4Qi1_nwIb-T-p/w200-h190/fall%20down%20get%20up%20bear.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What goes down must come up, right? <br /><div>In January I was down, but in February, I bounced back! Here we are in March for the <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a>--we'll see how it goes, but I'll keep looking on the bright side. And I really enjoyed getting around last month to see what you all recommended people post on their websites--great advice, thanks!<div><br /></div><div>Though I haven't been writing, I was able to publish CONDUCTION into <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Conduction-Travel-Novel-Tara-Tyler-ebook/dp/B0CVG3BGYF/" target="_blank">e-book</a> format. CHECK!</div><div><br /></div><div>And we started our <span style="font-size: large;">Writers' Chat</span> back up. CHECK! </div><div>It's so great to talk to other writers from all over and relate with and get advice from each other. If you're interested in getting a reminder email for the next chat (Tue 2/19), drop me a note in the comments. All are welcome!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I also put out a <a href="https://mailchi.mp/d031aca246fd/fall-has-arrived-with-cool-news-6165087?e=[UNIQID]" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> - better late than never. CHECK!</div><div>Sign up in the side-bar for my writing & puppy updates. I obviously don't bug people that often, but it helps me keep going so I have news to write about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to my writing? Well, I'm in a little slump. I have my old stand-bys ready to go (Pop Travel #5 MAGNETRON and a Space Princess novella) But these are not going to get me a publisher, which I feel I should try to do. I need something new and shiny. I want to try a true mystery thriller, but I can't force it. I considered a romantic thriller, but again, nothing is sparking for me. My comfortable and familiar characters are calling to me and their stories are beckoning... I will give the new stuff a little more time, but then I'll get back to my regulars--they're so easy and so much fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>And what can I do for you? I'm looking to help my writer friends with promotion or shout outs. Let me know if you have something coming up for this blog or the IWSG Anthologies. Guest posts about writing also welcome.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope March sparks for you!</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://giphy.com/embed/49S1OcnMB7PgwG1aTJ" width="280"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/happy-new-year-years-eve-goldenfreckles-49S1OcnMB7PgwG1aTJ">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-5511600545601436492024-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:002024-02-06T06:00:00.137-05:00What is your Purpose here?<div class="tenor-gif-embed" data-aspect-ratio="2.0915" data-postid="22551489" data-share-method="host" data-width="100%"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/davy-jones-what-is-your-purpose-here-potc-gif-22551489">Davy Jones What Is Your Purpose Here GIF</a>from <a href="https://tenor.com/search/davy+jones-gifs">Davy Jones GIFs</a></div> <script async="" src="https://tenor.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
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<br /></div><div>For this month's IWSG post, I have a little testimonial...</div><div><br /></div>I've been wondering about it lately. Doesn't everyone have a purpose? In this world, people can influence each other by their words, actions, appearance, and even slight glances; and all of these things are judged with a myriad of interpretations...<div><br /></div><div>I always have good intentions. But sometimes my joking is taken the wrong way. I acknowledge my faults and besides my snarkiness, one of the worst is being quick to judge. I've been aware of it for many years. Though I've tried and am still trying to be better, I've lost friendships over it and wish I wasn't this way. I try very hard to be friendly and see the good in everyone. I try to encourage and uplift as often as I can. But I have many down days. And those are the times my guard falters and the gates holding me back release unintended thoughts, for which I am quick to apologize. But despite of all the good, positive kindnesses, it seems the harsh words are remembered most. This vicious cycle makes me doubt myself and my purpose.</div><div><br /></div><div>I never thought I'd be a writer. Then, I was led down that path. I was happy and hopeful that I was supposed to reach masses and become a positive influence. Now, I've been stalled for a few years. Bills, my hectic job, and other responsibilities have made it almost impossible to dedicate much time to not only writing, but marketing and going to events. Without a publisher, it's all on me. Even though I just published a new book, it took more than twice as long to get it done, and I haven't spread much word about it--though I'm very thankful for those in my small circle who've helped! Then I see another animated movie with many common elements of a screenplay I submitted to a contest and made it to the semi-finals in. Is the world trying to tell me something? I'm wondering if my purpose is on another path.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so thankful for you all. Sometimes my writer friends are all that keep me going. I won't give up on writing completely. Maybe I just need to take my time and put less pressure on myself to produce. We can only do what we can do, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope I didn't bring you down -- January seemed to be an especially dreary month that lingered on forever! You know writing things down is cathartic, especially when other writers can relate. That's what the IWSG is for. Thanks for listening!</div><div><br /></div><div>And in the spirit of venting, chatting about life & writing, I'm going to re-boot our Writer's Chat.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>WRITER'S CHAT</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>on Discord</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1ST & 3RD TUES EACH MONTH</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>STARTING FEB 6 @ 7:30 PM EST</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know if you're interested in receiving REMINDERS & the LINK by sending me an email - to TaraTylerTalks on gmail. It's been a while and we need to catch up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLZ_aTfeO-5_wijou7z69VzpKIJo8C868JVHBdJD4fNlp_K9h93xyR_jRYwKvTiCb_TRhSq85eYJBln96YjJeug1FiIUWxA7EfZt4PEwlvohqKhvc8cJtKrSgk6D4m1caS25IuqYlN0yYAL9fTVjVTmIKvah3SF-pOtRoTR4LTQCVWzPjjr3mnYzNYg1F/s522/City%20of%20Bones%20by%20SE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="348" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLZ_aTfeO-5_wijou7z69VzpKIJo8C868JVHBdJD4fNlp_K9h93xyR_jRYwKvTiCb_TRhSq85eYJBln96YjJeug1FiIUWxA7EfZt4PEwlvohqKhvc8cJtKrSgk6D4m1caS25IuqYlN0yYAL9fTVjVTmIKvah3SF-pOtRoTR4LTQCVWzPjjr3mnYzNYg1F/w133-h200/City%20of%20Bones%20by%20SE.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>PS - I love supporting other writers. Sherry Ellis had a recent release of the 4th book in her Bubba & Squirt MG adventure series--this time they explore Paris in an exciting search for their dad! Here's a link to it and my review: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bubba-Squirts-Bones-Sherry-Ellis-ebook/dp/B0C2QDR1WZ" target="_blank">CITY OF BONES by Sherry Ellis</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's hang in there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dzgkDCYsv5w0n-Ev6kwNIQSyJ5gEsJ24rrcB-BtUgo7E3l9fcy88Capt_FI7hfA1K9NECOx6JxEuelQfnCG_n_I8rHRGwXYYocCO-Vtof9Euc3m2IIoF16x0aV_zVYefr5KWN3qKOG34cX_dDXcu9WFLEyCSorN670muZTRIcV3uCkT36_oM2HyTo5Wa/s498/we're%20in%20this%20together.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="498" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dzgkDCYsv5w0n-Ev6kwNIQSyJ5gEsJ24rrcB-BtUgo7E3l9fcy88Capt_FI7hfA1K9NECOx6JxEuelQfnCG_n_I8rHRGwXYYocCO-Vtof9Euc3m2IIoF16x0aV_zVYefr5KWN3qKOG34cX_dDXcu9WFLEyCSorN670muZTRIcV3uCkT36_oM2HyTo5Wa/s320/we're%20in%20this%20together.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-68319364087769831832024-01-03T06:00:00.018-05:002024-01-03T06:00:00.136-05:00The Story is Yours in 2024!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKXSX6wGQHztig-DupEENnMbTH2Xzhrb98g6gUXgx23NigUYVd-JOLo5c1V_LDzwb6VjJGyfOAtYs4EfSQO7j-7V7Gon0aB9Fw83_a0fQ0uLuY9vif9bXXe0kTKXENcExFzr1W_Yx1Kv4ZV72rK1NT_LxkWzQUd88lwdi4OfVdKjjHcop8w6SmG43feoa/s2048/C%20&%20H%20new%20year%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKXSX6wGQHztig-DupEENnMbTH2Xzhrb98g6gUXgx23NigUYVd-JOLo5c1V_LDzwb6VjJGyfOAtYs4EfSQO7j-7V7Gon0aB9Fw83_a0fQ0uLuY9vif9bXXe0kTKXENcExFzr1W_Yx1Kv4ZV72rK1NT_LxkWzQUd88lwdi4OfVdKjjHcop8w6SmG43feoa/w320-h200/C%20&%20H%20new%20year%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Calling all writers! Time to celebrate your story!</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Though it's cliché to make resolutions as we ring in the new year...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And usually those resolutions are the same as the year before...</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Then those promises are soon cast aside by the return of every day drudgeries...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlo7JzwObf3qms3aAxfo9bSUi3CTYFTsj9nKeopP8tFHZsAv87c11g3EowbF2FjJFC3Lzw6hBxKMo_1TnKoRG3z3B8LVUmOxmMPNZWsJV34gQTAZhNq5_ZM795G9cRHdhvmF0QED6lKNG2-QAzj5LfQRWiSwvBRPSYveTnrdue_dzgAOndhSOAAOVZKki/s572/C%20&%20H%20new%20year%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="572" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlo7JzwObf3qms3aAxfo9bSUi3CTYFTsj9nKeopP8tFHZsAv87c11g3EowbF2FjJFC3Lzw6hBxKMo_1TnKoRG3z3B8LVUmOxmMPNZWsJV34gQTAZhNq5_ZM795G9cRHdhvmF0QED6lKNG2-QAzj5LfQRWiSwvBRPSYveTnrdue_dzgAOndhSOAAOVZKki/w200-h151/C%20&%20H%20new%20year%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div>But I won't give up... I say: Try, try again!</div><div><br /></div><div>And what better time to start than on the first IWSG post for 2024. To be successful, we need daily reminders of our Resolutions. I want to think about health improvements, writing goals, and being a better person in general every day. And this year, I plan to do that by using <b><span style="font-size: large;">positive daily reminders</span></b>. I'm also happy that my puppies need less attention, getting me back to a more normal schedule. Here are my goals:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I've been sharing inspirations with my homeroom students for years, encouraging them to have more self-confidence, kindness for others, and a broader perspective. This is a positive boost for me too!</li><li>For a healthier lifestyle, I've used a Food Diary App which I really like, until it becomes tiresome and time consuming to enter all the foods and activities... But I'm going to try, try again!</li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGnEK48vFHqyMz5Uq_8uzZuT3EAAeCTSWApIn10RmscsPcayVjmuxpwxc0WL1DcMmq9s-ez7CVOFneXWWzyTv_5th4qROW6OvPzzygmCCs-RRzjG2nSwfj7PGVOTB0CdgjdISGKm2HYGnbUYc16dxANpiL2EtBVy8IDhK50eB5jRSY_CIoieH3V9kOJTN/s2560/Conduction%20cover.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGnEK48vFHqyMz5Uq_8uzZuT3EAAeCTSWApIn10RmscsPcayVjmuxpwxc0WL1DcMmq9s-ez7CVOFneXWWzyTv_5th4qROW6OvPzzygmCCs-RRzjG2nSwfj7PGVOTB0CdgjdISGKm2HYGnbUYc16dxANpiL2EtBVy8IDhK50eB5jRSY_CIoieH3V9kOJTN/w125-h200/Conduction%20cover.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>What I always need help with is carving out time to write--plus all the other fun and not-so-fun parts of publishing. Making a list helps me get started:</li><ul><li>I want to re-start the Writer's Chat.</li><li>I need to publish the e-book of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Conduction-Travel-novel-Tara-Tyler/dp/B0CNXLVR5C" target="_blank"><b>CONDUCTION</b></a>--not to mention the million things that along with it (but that's another list -- check off <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14w4_KpHcojwBPvqDbMtHVmYX--1rnx-C/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank"><b>book trailer</b></a>, still perfecting, but here's the prelim)</li><li>and I have a bunch more stories waiting to be written!</li></ul><li>So, I need a plan to find time to dedicate to writing, et al, and stick to it! I'm sure I'll figure something out like leave myself sticky notes, annoying phone reminders, or reward myself for getting things done.</li></ul><div>What's your story? Are you writing? Got any advice for making time to get things done? I hope you accomplished everything you wanted to in 2023, and will accomplish more in 2024!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>PS - Don't forget to stop by <a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="text-align: center;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="text-align: center;"> & </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://christinerainswrit.wixsite.com/home/blog" style="text-align: center;">Christine Rains</a><span style="text-align: center;"> my helpful cohorts promoting CONDUCTION! </span>All you folks in the <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> keep me going!</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Happy New Year!</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://giphy.com/embed/dAwYqafF33LTW" width="280"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/snow-calvin-and-hobbes-dAwYqafF33LTW">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-82252754300929970322023-12-06T06:00:00.005-05:002024-01-01T09:47:40.688-05:00CONDUCTION Release Party!After a long road of trials, tribulations, and personal re-evaluation, I finally published it...<div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONDUCTION is here!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-B3tDa9mxWvhiBxDJDEQTUQAl-x7pY0auPNpz1s9NDTYoAdYAAGZNi1cbP50862pH88miD0YgAauVoWTe4IXTa4vN60TxsvxcEi2rxX1_CRBQOPKuShv0TRwoLvOIqsjPZ_7gcPFPA83yIkfvYYl8hvQhwfNASZwelNJaq8WmLoTjDszI2I-zOFYhFdO/s2560/Conduction%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-B3tDa9mxWvhiBxDJDEQTUQAl-x7pY0auPNpz1s9NDTYoAdYAAGZNi1cbP50862pH88miD0YgAauVoWTe4IXTa4vN60TxsvxcEi2rxX1_CRBQOPKuShv0TRwoLvOIqsjPZ_7gcPFPA83yIkfvYYl8hvQhwfNASZwelNJaq8WmLoTjDszI2I-zOFYhFdO/w400-h640/Conduction%20cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>CONDUCTION by Tara Tyler</div><div>Sci Fi Detective Thriller/Techno Thriller</div><div><div>Book 4 in Pop Travel series</div><div>Preview of MAGNETRON, Book 5 included</div></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Conduction-Travel-novel-Tara-Tyler/dp/B0CNXLVR5C" target="_blank"><b>Amazon Link</b></a></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><i style="text-indent: 0in;">In
2085, cutting edge technology is the most valuable currency, and the black tech
market offers high pay-offs for diamond-level code. Jared Nertz is an
easy-going ex-juicer gone legit working for Pop Travel Technologies, and just
when he finishes his long-awaited Conduction project--the process of storing
data in the brain--someone immediately steals it and kills his mentor, framing
him for the murder. Now it's up to his lawyer/wife Miki and their resourceful
friends, Geri and Cooper to prove Jared's innocence by recovering the stolen
tech before the criminal killer sells it. But that's only the beginning, as
they discover a darker threat when they dig deeper into the case.</i></p><div><div>Cover Art by my long time writer/artist friend, <a href="https://carrieabutler.com/">Carrie Butler</a></div><div>And I've mentioned this before, but I love that I talked my son into posing for it.</div><div>I have a couple of reviews lined up, but there's always room for more -- let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here are a few fun quotes from the book...</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chaos, sweet chaos. -- Cooper</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watching Hasan argue with his droid, Geri wanted to shoot them both. Or herself. -- Geri</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">“What’s ASAHP?” -- Cooper</div><div style="text-align: center;">“As soon as humanly possible, of course!” -- Hasan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He was secretly very proud of himself. Weren’t all inventions potentially dangerous in the wrong hands? -- Jared</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>I am also excited to have some special guest hosts helping with my Release Party</b></div><div><b> -- Everyone is invited!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/2023/12/insecure-writers-support-group.html">L. Diane Wolfe</a> ~~~ <a href="http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/">Tyrean Martinson</a> ~~~ <a href="http://www.mjfifield.com/">MJ Fifield</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.sherryellis.org/">Sherry Ellis</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>And the party continues in January when I plan to release the ebook...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a> ~~~ <a href="https://christinerainswrit.wixsite.com/home/blog">Christine Rains</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so thankful for this writing community where we can share our ups and downs of the business. The <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> keeps us connected as a Writerly Family. I don't know what I'd do without you all!</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay warm, Have a great Christmas, and See you next year!</div><div>Keep writing!</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="284" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3ohs7K7RABc1KAR0sw" width="380"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/everwhatproductions-funny-lol-3ohs7K7RABc1KAR0sw">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-65391617026886953932023-11-01T06:00:00.059-04:002023-11-01T06:00:00.143-04:00Fall inspires me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID3cFQpM5RClVzBTYVThzkTEby9k7Xo6IZ21XXYpX-FsjQTLGPFn64Tq-csa3Ng70dLxGKNUkXpR5QxDAEI-nw9lUFfDFSFuivucUIOQJLUa9pMGceuvdi9fuW_btiZuH6ajQITnUyH2X3ASPOgHcI8VwwoaFSFMOkzO2jkP7QWXHkbp3hJNsmTCj92s2/s980/oh%20my%20gourd.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="980" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID3cFQpM5RClVzBTYVThzkTEby9k7Xo6IZ21XXYpX-FsjQTLGPFn64Tq-csa3Ng70dLxGKNUkXpR5QxDAEI-nw9lUFfDFSFuivucUIOQJLUa9pMGceuvdi9fuW_btiZuH6ajQITnUyH2X3ASPOgHcI8VwwoaFSFMOkzO2jkP7QWXHkbp3hJNsmTCj92s2/w200-h200/oh%20my%20gourd.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div>Happy IWSG Day. Hope you are writing or thinking about writing or about to be writing. However you are doing, maybe this little Fall poem will help inspire you, or gives you a chuckle. Plus a couple of surprises at the end...</div><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div>Fickle Fall</div><div><br /></div><div>Tis the season of dry hands</div><div>For turning off and on the fans</div><div>When we make then cancel plans</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> if it rains.</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Cozy colors everywhere</div><div>Xmas music in the air</div><div>And arthritis starts to flair</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> oh, what pains.</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Tis the season for achoos</span></div><div><span>And a few souls sing the blues</span></div><div><span>Don't forget the "I love you's"</span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> let them know.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>Favorite flavor: pumpkin spice</span></span></div><div><span><span>Inside fire, outside ice</span></span></div><div><span><span>Fuzzy sweaters warm up nice</span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> on the go.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span>Tis the season for dry lips</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span>Watching vids for all the tips</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span>'Specially when cold weather nips</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> like a pup.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div>Shorter days and longer eves</div><div>Crunchy, crinkly, colored leaves</div><div>Perfect time for story weaves</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> looking up!</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Surprise #1</span></div><div><span>I wanted to share my new cover with you all! I'm working very hard to get this one out there. Goal is December. And the awesome cover by Carrie Butler is motivating me to push myself even harder!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eKrUCW3iJc3rttY5HiDXDpwzduD3aHzBYQ-GNL5Me-es1b3zraSNdi2HNy5bRGbIjFVnb3V1OmUcLuVBwLlcnS2uMM8rAmTFbgTFM_EfhflmYCXP7t9kr5clyi29yY5HJfcrg8mpzZW65qZ6SYRR8l3Ha1kMr9KUPvLrXUiZSG5HL0tpmfIv2L0nox_e/s2560/Conduction%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eKrUCW3iJc3rttY5HiDXDpwzduD3aHzBYQ-GNL5Me-es1b3zraSNdi2HNy5bRGbIjFVnb3V1OmUcLuVBwLlcnS2uMM8rAmTFbgTFM_EfhflmYCXP7t9kr5clyi29yY5HJfcrg8mpzZW65qZ6SYRR8l3Ha1kMr9KUPvLrXUiZSG5HL0tpmfIv2L0nox_e/w250-h400/Conduction%20cover.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>CONDUCTION by Tara Tyler</div><div>Pop Travel #4</div><div><br /></div><div><i>In 2085, cutting edge technology is the most valuable currency, and the black tech market offers high pay-offs for diamond-level code. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Jared Nertz is an easy-going ex-juicer gone legit working for Pop Travel Technologies, and just when he finishes his long-awaited Conduction project--the process of storing data in the brain--someone immediately steals it and kills his mentor, framing him for the murder. Now it's up to his lawyer/wife Miki and their resourceful friends, Geri and Cooper to prove Jared's innocence by recovering the stolen tech before the criminal killer sells it. But that's only the beginning, as they discover a darker threat when they dig deeper into the case.</i></div><div><br /><span>I'm extra excited about the cover because I talked my oldest son into modeling for it. I love it!</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlzPreZgL_821YiE36-srRNZCK5KOPIHkREIgUOTv2jZYc9E8ieXKwJRU9WOiWpeLHSmfAxIrcOAjTH_emHMwKEEZNdArBnwM49gz3iCS6jEw8FPeTJtP30LQjrz03EkD-TJKuEtoN8IqooFPAnlpT0ncJTlvC68tQ_29P_8KNvZgDO8zQIi3J7__GpBQ/s2700/Christine%20Rains%20-%20Blight%20of%20Necro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlzPreZgL_821YiE36-srRNZCK5KOPIHkREIgUOTv2jZYc9E8ieXKwJRU9WOiWpeLHSmfAxIrcOAjTH_emHMwKEEZNdArBnwM49gz3iCS6jEw8FPeTJtP30LQjrz03EkD-TJKuEtoN8IqooFPAnlpT0ncJTlvC68tQ_29P_8KNvZgDO8zQIi3J7__GpBQ/s320/Christine%20Rains%20-%20Blight%20of%20Necro.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div><span>Surprise #2</span></div><div><span>And lastly, a shout out to my writer friend, Christine Rains whose latest installment in her dark fantasy LitRPG trilogy, Khthonia was just released... BLIGHT OF THE NECROMANCER</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><div><i>When offered a choice between tedious research or fighting a dragon, the players always choose the dragon.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Even when they’re dangerously outmatched.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>No one rational ever wants to play a bard, but Nora Quinn believed she could use her class’ skills of perception to her advantage as an investigator. As Essaerae the elven bard, she regrets picking the role now that the players are trapped in the dark realm of Khthonia. She desperately desires to go home, but her friends want to stay in the fantasy world, causing a rift in the party. To lift the Specter Plague curse from the land and win the game, the heroes must defeat the conniving necromancer. Yet he’s shadowing them with death the entire way.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Seeking the tools they need, Nora and her friends must survive perilous side quests and hordes of undead. The answer to how to slay the villain lies in the western ruins, but Nora is certain he is the only one who can get her home. And for that, he needs to stay alive.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Nora must choose between killing the necromancer and lifting the curse or siding with him and going home. Neither choice feels like a victory.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>A fantasy LitRPG/GameLit for fans of tabletop role-playing games.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogspot.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=11a3f6e8a464c72a401772f97&id=5814657066&e=647263537f" target="_blank">BUY THE BOOK HERE!</a></div></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Happy November!</span></div><div><span>Cuddle up, buttercup!</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEStOT7PQvjwAiHT4UcN0zMngn4cCMcvyXXobY_PocRH0nmCBvc5d6r2lwq2tyX6c4T4fglfJ02TAfuv1Fx5JRos1BJS-OAjYSBR9F31I_a9Y781Eei_AmV81wvdEcLrZJ1_MTlrBFRu10nkZjBLVq_NIujfwYRjcknz3dIQ_-NQ9gioiZke6ZAazB2sm/s2927/happy%20november.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1951" data-original-width="2927" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEStOT7PQvjwAiHT4UcN0zMngn4cCMcvyXXobY_PocRH0nmCBvc5d6r2lwq2tyX6c4T4fglfJ02TAfuv1Fx5JRos1BJS-OAjYSBR9F31I_a9Y781Eei_AmV81wvdEcLrZJ1_MTlrBFRu10nkZjBLVq_NIujfwYRjcknz3dIQ_-NQ9gioiZke6ZAazB2sm/s320/happy%20november.png" width="320" /></a></div><span><br /></span></div></div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-8844815726789223312023-10-04T06:00:00.128-04:002023-10-04T06:00:00.138-04:00New and Improved?Welcome to the Insecure Writers Support Group - Oct 2023<div><br /></div><div>I appreciate all the feedback from my "AI" post in Sept. Insightful and inspiring!</div><div>In a similar vein, I've had to do some upgrades and updates (I hate passwords!) It's made me wonder about "improvements" to writing and to the world in general. Every generation is encouraged to change the world, and many people take that and run with it. But what about the generations that came before? Aren't there some things that work great and should be left alone? Does old = bad?</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITO8r2_FubaLuGIaKlWhJgxInuxdf5I6kA-SkzR4gWgGMqlsT_SSFRnH7ACHGN4BfwPK0U-rBYgS3ChMjpQCB9GFU_TkBerjsp3TA2BlmrT5fWpJCkeXwVYs8nxec9oi4Pj6NCUwwzYbr4YAYxjeVBZF8L0pB2qCm4WG72nSxHo34rg36GZMyN_GVuRiD/s1000/if%20it%20aint%20broke.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITO8r2_FubaLuGIaKlWhJgxInuxdf5I6kA-SkzR4gWgGMqlsT_SSFRnH7ACHGN4BfwPK0U-rBYgS3ChMjpQCB9GFU_TkBerjsp3TA2BlmrT5fWpJCkeXwVYs8nxec9oi4Pj6NCUwwzYbr4YAYxjeVBZF8L0pB2qCm4WG72nSxHo34rg36GZMyN_GVuRiD/s320/if%20it%20aint%20broke.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>In addition to the infinite updates in technology, they infiltrate education as well. New people come along (usually not teachers) and think they can revamp education. Unfortunately, they implement new changes before anyone can tell if the previous "improvements" made an impact. Don't get me wrong, I'm always trying to up my game, and I love hearing about and sharing new ideas with other teachers. But after decades of teaching, kids haven't changed. They all have they're own ways of learning--they just need more motivation. They ingest whatever knowledge we can get into them, then figure out life in their own ways.</div><br /><div>I guess I've always been skeptical of change. I'm in the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp. But I also appreciate innovation and the comforts of life. I couldn't imagine living out west when the US was young. I love electricity and running water. And A/C is a must! I just wish the up-and-comers did more research into the current, tried and true ways before scrapping them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me back to books. Way back when, books were revered, authors were celebrated, and reading was the thing to do. As technology evolved giving us radio, then television, then the internet with all-access streaming, books have taken a dive in the hierarchy of entertainment and information choices.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3COKhAggQ4Aiyv1iAuwoBe1kVONMpHX83v83x4KV9Nnah4nzmkcP3Ha8lo26Nr_X-EVplA93-vQYwHnSDdweUEzM0jpHXJ9i7i1h4dtfu0fuIxeIRrefZ6i3RS_P6GEYzZLtlwjo2qErKum6art1qMJMZI_TIhaaY8VXYcJVYr2lHjNbdcle8UD15wOD/s500/AI%20writer.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3COKhAggQ4Aiyv1iAuwoBe1kVONMpHX83v83x4KV9Nnah4nzmkcP3Ha8lo26Nr_X-EVplA93-vQYwHnSDdweUEzM0jpHXJ9i7i1h4dtfu0fuIxeIRrefZ6i3RS_P6GEYzZLtlwjo2qErKum6art1qMJMZI_TIhaaY8VXYcJVYr2lHjNbdcle8UD15wOD/w200-h200/AI%20writer.png" width="200" /></a></div><div>As if writing and getting published then hopefully noticed wasn't hard enough. Recently, Hollywood was on strike for fear that AI will one day take their jobs in writing and acting... The irony is that writers and movies foretold this! The good thing is writing programs can never be original, since the algorithms, though very creative, can only work based on what has already been written. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my big question: Are they really improving anything? What is the purpose of such programs? Just because we can do something, does that mean we should?</div><div><br /></div><div>I resist change, but change can also be good. So before accepting it, I analyze it and look for the benefits not just the drawbacks. I accept the challenge of change to keep creating new and unique stories. And I hope you will too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry if that was a bit much, just been pondering a lot lately. Would love to hear your take!</div><div>Happy October!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_IAOEU7JJVUOUPA4VeiEnMtBPkt1L9Xw0uT02pjicvKwVe6m9ec3_rWtipNkJVkTIgJ9C7I9waIncSWABX5A_1UK-hCGviTrxP0cnproePV_W8aW8Jj-au4p1pl41-PW_WuMmMS4579IvRJHIxpMExUcJb8GzCspTT3xLjTfvgKvTmM6ubXZJHJN_rY-/s225/happy%20october.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_IAOEU7JJVUOUPA4VeiEnMtBPkt1L9Xw0uT02pjicvKwVe6m9ec3_rWtipNkJVkTIgJ9C7I9waIncSWABX5A_1UK-hCGviTrxP0cnproePV_W8aW8Jj-au4p1pl41-PW_WuMmMS4579IvRJHIxpMExUcJb8GzCspTT3xLjTfvgKvTmM6ubXZJHJN_rY-/s1600/happy%20october.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><div>PS - I just sent out a newsletter with my new CONDUCTION cover! I'll be posting it here in November...</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-25416613356315881592023-09-06T06:00:00.093-04:002023-09-06T06:00:00.145-04:00Beware of AIScience Fiction becomes reality yet again!<div>Artificial Intelligence. It's only as smart as we make it. The programmers feed it judgmental info and selective facts, anything they want really. And even though it "learns" from mistakes, it's still humans at the helm, until they outgrow us... Think of the movies foretelling what can go wrong with AI -- the Matrix, I Robot, even Wall-E. AI gets so smart it doesn't need humans or thinks it knows what's best for humans and is willing to make some human sacrifices in seeking perfection.</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="180" src="https://giphy.com/embed/1n92hYPiFQ0efcCtrF" width="400"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/1n92hYPiFQ0efcCtrF">via GIPHY</a></p>
<div>As with all things created initially with good intentions (like the internet, social media, and the government -- all connected with humans seeking power) I don't trust it. And I hope the masses won't willingly accept it without questioning motives behind it. Most humans are like water, seeking the path of least resistance and easiest flow without checking to see if a cliff is up ahead... Watch out! Take it with a grain of salt!</div><div><br /></div><div>What are your thoughts on AI?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZNHtwzuz7AzNYIBU7WhutN2_4bRxtLTort4gJk1AmFt5-FtPhar1vvHmHhWtuWepKlytBv99dlExumyDo6XTqMFEVHOfXobX_mDae6KZxWUlnNP6wOqOI4MBd5VT2mtSKqFOQbDNYYllWleY-uyW5sD-ZSQmZ3zmClvWlPRp0qeLWTLelK4i-x9JKpp9/s450/12%20years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="450" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZNHtwzuz7AzNYIBU7WhutN2_4bRxtLTort4gJk1AmFt5-FtPhar1vvHmHhWtuWepKlytBv99dlExumyDo6XTqMFEVHOfXobX_mDae6KZxWUlnNP6wOqOI4MBd5VT2mtSKqFOQbDNYYllWleY-uyW5sD-ZSQmZ3zmClvWlPRp0qeLWTLelK4i-x9JKpp9/w320-h256/12%20years.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>And happy 12th Anniversary to the IWSG!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QsPInHaJxQtElQR7gRxneQmgYnQzjisSBERHfpM1HbsAkiYM6ks1VPq3RccKr5-dI2yQrX1rPAVNKd3ut9pnaPlYiCA98bhQ8C_BdQPXJDMf3lhfaPitQGKzltHlkqmgwtSScXZ6zyshb_3419kxslFRdzc4Yg_dPkgGO0SqdR3LYtCi8pQnQXWCuBMs/s488/pumpkin%20milanos.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="488" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QsPInHaJxQtElQR7gRxneQmgYnQzjisSBERHfpM1HbsAkiYM6ks1VPq3RccKr5-dI2yQrX1rPAVNKd3ut9pnaPlYiCA98bhQ8C_BdQPXJDMf3lhfaPitQGKzltHlkqmgwtSScXZ6zyshb_3419kxslFRdzc4Yg_dPkgGO0SqdR3LYtCi8pQnQXWCuBMs/w200-h200/pumpkin%20milanos.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div></div><div>This blog hop has stood the test of time. I miss the old blog hops, especially A to Z. It was such a great way to meet other writers. And I'm so happy the IWSG is still around so we can keep in touch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you have a cooler September.<br /></div><div>I just bought my first pumpkin treats - cream cheese and Pepperidge Farm Milanos - yum!</div><div>Trying to pace myself!</div><div>Happy Fall!</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-38784010489430579152023-08-02T06:00:00.013-04:002023-08-02T06:00:00.141-04:00Vacation is overWhere does the time go? School starts earlier and earlier. I have only 2 weeks left of summer break, but some states have already begun! I have a lot to prepare and plan--especially with 2 newish classes, but this year, I'm putting it off a little longer. Probably because of all the school related activities I did that took up most of June.<div><br /></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg4KeDsWXba9qn29-tLTFVPTAh6etpqz8XldnfiI7FKNTgBmRAg2vo2N6OPu65i658jFqRm6VdB3fpqftcRsohbxB4br_TlfDLXzwmAYSVSNnOFVHXsOUi7XXPmHYOvA9CXpQT7O-dmkwftbUt5gw3bbcAQd4AJGrBdzFyIlm96x0sRgoNiasgXD5N0zw/s2777/Disposal%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="1837" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg4KeDsWXba9qn29-tLTFVPTAh6etpqz8XldnfiI7FKNTgBmRAg2vo2N6OPu65i658jFqRm6VdB3fpqftcRsohbxB4br_TlfDLXzwmAYSVSNnOFVHXsOUi7XXPmHYOvA9CXpQT7O-dmkwftbUt5gw3bbcAQd4AJGrBdzFyIlm96x0sRgoNiasgXD5N0zw/w133-h200/Disposal%20cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>August IWSG</u></div><div>But I was very productive in July, and I am happy to report for this month's <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a> that I finally uploaded <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCQJCC4V" target="_blank">DISPOSAL as an ebook</a> (totally forgot I didn't do that!) <br /></div><div>AND... CONDUCTION is now in the polish/publish phase. This part of the writing journey is tough and time-consuming, so I might not get it done by the end of this year as I would like, but I'm going to give it my best shot! Anyone interested in a critique partner exchange, let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Puppy Update</u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fr4yXcYcE8Xse5j0dytZYo7FlNUE6flEr0vv40YP_fwGoW0Y4cJktkQbm33QC7_x1_aJJAXwRmzfZPLX9fHR5HIEbWo43DZaaPWFkkOmnOCjPHL-JVcWgDCSBhO5Z7lb163S1OF56QP-5GAWBBF-DQBi74AVtks76DCgnQ1nbDYq2XAm2VPO29TE-MUz/s4032/Waggy%20half-way%20on%20couch.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fr4yXcYcE8Xse5j0dytZYo7FlNUE6flEr0vv40YP_fwGoW0Y4cJktkQbm33QC7_x1_aJJAXwRmzfZPLX9fHR5HIEbWo43DZaaPWFkkOmnOCjPHL-JVcWgDCSBhO5Z7lb163S1OF56QP-5GAWBBF-DQBi74AVtks76DCgnQ1nbDYq2XAm2VPO29TE-MUz/w240-h320/Waggy%20half-way%20on%20couch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We are also picking up our 3rd puppy (yes, I said 3rd) in mid-September. The two we have now are growing up so fast and much better behaved and more manageable, so what's one more? haha. It's funny how having them in this way reminds me of my boys: the two oldest are very close in age and my youngest a few years behind them. And if the personalities hold, the last one will be the most easy-going. They sure make life fun and keep us young!</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Help Wanted</u></div><div>Back to my CONDUCTION publishing goal. I am seeking help with: a cover, editing, and Goodreads--and I'm willing to pay $$. I'm putting this out there to my writing friends first, and if you have any recommendations, I'll take those too! This writing gig is too vast to get it all done by myself when I also have a very busy full-time job. If you have any advice, feel free to share that as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IWSG Anthology Blog</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cMhj4OTXFQaj_lNCDGwi86JSEoIsfkrpduAYOPCvYwxU3N1aH3Q4ISKmni5gSr_NSnhadqJ2ZBFJYTLDrN88LWbgKa_UUWzgM8b2bOJSCuVKfFageSd5xjTi6ODnaj0-2kNC8nIOFKt0opumap7FPgIhJyavwCbhGb-_pnG9b8Lwq06jbOWAFHGyYybr/s569/IWSG%20Anth%20header%20clip.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="569" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cMhj4OTXFQaj_lNCDGwi86JSEoIsfkrpduAYOPCvYwxU3N1aH3Q4ISKmni5gSr_NSnhadqJ2ZBFJYTLDrN88LWbgKa_UUWzgM8b2bOJSCuVKfFageSd5xjTi6ODnaj0-2kNC8nIOFKt0opumap7FPgIhJyavwCbhGb-_pnG9b8Lwq06jbOWAFHGyYybr/w320-h218/IWSG%20Anth%20header%20clip.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>Lastly, we have three great posts coming up at the IWSG Anthology website:</div><div>8/2 - Getting Middle Schoolers Excited About Reading by Sherry Ellis</div><div>8/9 - Wait For It... Patience Through Metaphors by Bish Denham</div><div>8/16 - TBD by Ellen Jacobson</div><div><br /></div><div>We have a few opening left in 2023, but we'll need more in 2024. Let me know if you're up for it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you are finding time and motivation to write this sultry summer </div><div>And as the sun sets on this hot and humid season,</div><div>We will welcome my favorite time of year... </div><div>Fall.</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://giphy.com/embed/Zb2lUCnGMXzjO" width="415"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/autumn-fall-peanuts-Zb2lUCnGMXzjO">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-75305612034977740942023-07-05T06:00:00.001-04:002023-07-05T06:00:00.156-04:00Scary Things...<div>Welcome to my lair...</div><div>It's time for the <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>What scares you?</div><div>I get more worried than scared and avoid scary stuff. So surprises scare me most, especially when my boys jump out and startle me... they think it's hilarious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zZ7DI11RAg8LAYExX3Tj5yNL0RAEAe3r844NkdZ4KTSIc0XgET50YdE3SuwnAVkL3xecH1hn2rKIxECzX_Pi8ranhWFRNJ3Gh6UAcwK0txa5qr5zDcPKbf443OhzTywyjWC4DO_k6-AUNbrZenRedJiiZafDwTdG6KRmLOrd8hkrxO2O6-2-h41tmTCz/s3058/puppy%20pile%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3058" data-original-width="3023" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zZ7DI11RAg8LAYExX3Tj5yNL0RAEAe3r844NkdZ4KTSIc0XgET50YdE3SuwnAVkL3xecH1hn2rKIxECzX_Pi8ranhWFRNJ3Gh6UAcwK0txa5qr5zDcPKbf443OhzTywyjWC4DO_k6-AUNbrZenRedJiiZafDwTdG6KRmLOrd8hkrxO2O6-2-h41tmTCz/w198-h200/puppy%20pile%20(2).jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><div>Puppies get scared pretty easily which can be funny too as they figure things out. My little guys are now five months old. They're getting so big, but still have that puppy rambunctiousness and love sniffing out (and chewing up) whatever they can chomp their teeth into. </div><div><br /></div><div>As expected, big, loud things make them run away--like my Roomba and the ironing board, haha. But they each have their own idiosyncrasies as well. Like puppies don't understand physics. Wagner is afraid of his food bowl moving when he eats! And he freaks if the toys shift in his bin, so he barks for me to get the one he wants. And even though he's big enough to jump up on the couch, he still plops his front half onto it and waits for someone to lift his rear up there. His brother, Jackson is a little smaller and has no problem jumping right up. But Jackson is more skittish. He's one of those dogs who barks at everything unfamiliar--even when he hears a dog barking on TV!</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wo8lT-_Ax34yIf5IoRgc7N0h2SGNT93yGrN8_wRsm_8NddIWhzmFSiRS94NIjdxuFduIWtLWSwZYeihHNr-dvcU3YfA7ybFE3c-viQezi6AwedrNjn2XVvVtxCxJhfCBuUIUne4vuyIl2VBlUftf4Mm8aUYzEzP3cVt05xaPoROe2895sYqWJmcxD9MM/s4032/Wagner%20sitting%20pretty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wo8lT-_Ax34yIf5IoRgc7N0h2SGNT93yGrN8_wRsm_8NddIWhzmFSiRS94NIjdxuFduIWtLWSwZYeihHNr-dvcU3YfA7ybFE3c-viQezi6AwedrNjn2XVvVtxCxJhfCBuUIUne4vuyIl2VBlUftf4Mm8aUYzEzP3cVt05xaPoROe2895sYqWJmcxD9MM/w150-h200/Wagner%20sitting%20pretty.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waggy!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bringing this all back to our writing: We all have our quirks. So don't forget to give your characters plenty of fears, reactions, and odd behaviors to make them unique and fun to read about!</div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I'm also happy to report, I have been working on CONDUCTION, Pop Travel #4. It's about time! And I'm actually making progress. If you'd like to know more about that, hop on over to the <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IWSG Anthology blog</a> for my guest post this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep writing!</div><div><br /></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-21390131087340086072023-06-07T22:45:00.000-04:002023-06-07T22:45:05.602-04:00A New Era<div>Sorry I'm late -- I'm taking a summer course and it's kicking my butt!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rN-WKiwzhTyqZMrxTHBFk6MTEMsmCuixsqFlIZsju_aimrUCi-Q8m4R0vTcZN9Bn10BcBqmdAU6J-URbuvSm5VqA7qm46vJ4vFrtkMI5oTf0UriKIj6dWpBalgylJzS0E605IckELzU1iulcvVgL-pSBn9MJXxpgpBsICCplBa2Eg6TbM6kVdSx0KQ/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rN-WKiwzhTyqZMrxTHBFk6MTEMsmCuixsqFlIZsju_aimrUCi-Q8m4R0vTcZN9Bn10BcBqmdAU6J-URbuvSm5VqA7qm46vJ4vFrtkMI5oTf0UriKIj6dWpBalgylJzS0E605IckELzU1iulcvVgL-pSBn9MJXxpgpBsICCplBa2Eg6TbM6kVdSx0KQ/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div>On to our <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> for June 2023!</div><div>It's summer. For me, that usually means I get a lot of extra time, even with travel plans and this course I'm taking. Time I'd like to dedicate to writing. We'll see if I get half the things done I'd like to do this summer. At least as I get older, I'm more realistic and less anxious about it all. Whatever I can do is good enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>So make sure you enjoy your summer! Take care of what you can, spend time with friends and family, and write to your heart's content!</div><div><br /></div><div>I should have a better post next month -- and hopefully more writing news to report!</div><div><br /></div><div>PS - Stop by the IWSG Anthologies website for a great <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2023/06/how-did-iwsg-begin.html" target="_blank">article by Alex J Cavanaugh</a> about the origins of the IWSG</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-28607581971247702632023-05-03T16:53:00.010-04:002023-05-03T16:53:00.145-04:00Meet the Puppies!!<p>For this month's IWSG post, I'm just going to share some puppy pics. Meet Wagner & Jackson.</p><p>They are wearing me out! But they're getting better, and they'll surely boost your mood!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CutxswlGQPlreVE6TFwHeaFM4eaqx74Hzjdav15CJhZmES14_IcdC0B7W3TB98m7W0ihKsonDo1BnHb28UutAqK-LRqbjS1oFnfqxfW2zeHM6Emy-wbVI_f98v354jlMODQaGXLjUBeDu_d1oZCM1YfhQYTyAp09cn0vmCOlQ-GshpGEtxbqQR6NeQ/s2016/aww%20puppies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CutxswlGQPlreVE6TFwHeaFM4eaqx74Hzjdav15CJhZmES14_IcdC0B7W3TB98m7W0ihKsonDo1BnHb28UutAqK-LRqbjS1oFnfqxfW2zeHM6Emy-wbVI_f98v354jlMODQaGXLjUBeDu_d1oZCM1YfhQYTyAp09cn0vmCOlQ-GshpGEtxbqQR6NeQ/s320/aww%20puppies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2xBc-uU6S6Y6kqEZ_hk2QT61UZ6RIiXQpbinErzMjsbFC0Vu7eInv4w_K7bEjnFKjA0bR77rWryvROqgXZcWSqeQJjA9TuTVzpDtDJIhb17SZlVsgXQ_DDxk8DbikkPM7AjKCCs3hE19xJ2uwXZ01scn8fm-vdoakg4xBdW-ZLuDFdK66ishq4gzog/s2016/funny%20puppies%20share%20brush.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2xBc-uU6S6Y6kqEZ_hk2QT61UZ6RIiXQpbinErzMjsbFC0Vu7eInv4w_K7bEjnFKjA0bR77rWryvROqgXZcWSqeQJjA9TuTVzpDtDJIhb17SZlVsgXQ_DDxk8DbikkPM7AjKCCs3hE19xJ2uwXZ01scn8fm-vdoakg4xBdW-ZLuDFdK66ishq4gzog/s320/funny%20puppies%20share%20brush.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdnO0x3OlQ7WuJmt8yZLwDGeVSqfjRC6Nk3e5Rw5-Pm6dRwvRu8VZ0_loYfDM38KFKI4VlsgGPantcfD5vZuzuNhKR1mL3UzM1KJp61RsazI3LKROSU2jwlL0WTFuIRqgUUE7M8rozg5_swjDDS2cCyNiusLHxYBOdj_bvtye8dp5uSmKkaiul7nMKg/s2016/puppies%20share%20a%20bed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdnO0x3OlQ7WuJmt8yZLwDGeVSqfjRC6Nk3e5Rw5-Pm6dRwvRu8VZ0_loYfDM38KFKI4VlsgGPantcfD5vZuzuNhKR1mL3UzM1KJp61RsazI3LKROSU2jwlL0WTFuIRqgUUE7M8rozg5_swjDDS2cCyNiusLHxYBOdj_bvtye8dp5uSmKkaiul7nMKg/s320/puppies%20share%20a%20bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhDBxgnPJ9UW-6E8ImwOzth_ehAPTLBTpx3Uc4XUO-2fJp2EB-aUFwIHfhQ_VWUcBnkjfoHqjCdptqi3JIH33NclF8y3VcvsTiYZaXTs3XmauP1qPLOCzvz7j8vwwBL5o6YrwNSy_WzMIU5PxuR0Ws4x-XhT_epDI_npJaV4NTU-6EjsXLPGWhCcBOQ/s2016/thoughtful%20Jackson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhDBxgnPJ9UW-6E8ImwOzth_ehAPTLBTpx3Uc4XUO-2fJp2EB-aUFwIHfhQ_VWUcBnkjfoHqjCdptqi3JIH33NclF8y3VcvsTiYZaXTs3XmauP1qPLOCzvz7j8vwwBL5o6YrwNSy_WzMIU5PxuR0Ws4x-XhT_epDI_npJaV4NTU-6EjsXLPGWhCcBOQ/s320/thoughtful%20Jackson.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyZzHkPmO62XWmWXbgjirfV3SPXlLVWQB_V3AS3RlsOxujZqmL2OwfyQQw7ydjsjXMoBR8P0bd6BjL87pnbAMgWJXU7CJwk1fcyFU9PYzSHqjsvnGWsF3SKsTjyazQwXqIqPdQkkEVhZItM4pjvKI5KK7D8FMr1NiZyRd-IgaXWO4m0Sm5N7I4B1v2Q/s2016/Wagner%20comfy%20on%20clothes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyZzHkPmO62XWmWXbgjirfV3SPXlLVWQB_V3AS3RlsOxujZqmL2OwfyQQw7ydjsjXMoBR8P0bd6BjL87pnbAMgWJXU7CJwk1fcyFU9PYzSHqjsvnGWsF3SKsTjyazQwXqIqPdQkkEVhZItM4pjvKI5KK7D8FMr1NiZyRd-IgaXWO4m0Sm5N7I4B1v2Q/s320/Wagner%20comfy%20on%20clothes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIEc2naZ2WEygSvsg1X1-21XB4XP5jlZ6t3bbzB6aIJx_RTCOzUozijQbra0ZvYJAedJB055SCU4SVu0K98a6MLqEJiRt0Jh5ivudbxBSMyfRBtdLQjrVELlV8EblIkQsRN8FzaKtdywFvquSCnHvWRjunZ6ziODZ4DOIhDWuqazlIppAYfR7GmmO7g/s1280/Wags.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="902" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIEc2naZ2WEygSvsg1X1-21XB4XP5jlZ6t3bbzB6aIJx_RTCOzUozijQbra0ZvYJAedJB055SCU4SVu0K98a6MLqEJiRt0Jh5ivudbxBSMyfRBtdLQjrVELlV8EblIkQsRN8FzaKtdywFvquSCnHvWRjunZ6ziODZ4DOIhDWuqazlIppAYfR7GmmO7g/s320/Wags.JPG" width="226" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Enjoy a brighter May!<div>Hope things are bright and sunny for you!<br /><p>And please try to stop by the IWSG Anthology Blog for a great post with advice on <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2023/05/rapid-release-of-series.html" target="_blank">Rapid Releasing a Series by Diane Wolfe</a>!</p></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-38021004683954067572023-04-05T06:00:00.011-04:002023-04-05T06:00:00.225-04:00Rainbows and Fresh Cut GrassThe sights and scents of Spring -- so refreshing!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje55V4UcNNTBq_y5g_DzCtjiX-WhmRN74yEft0oltEwZph13Syr-N_8ZR75yOGvy4bTuYHHWVHrdbAGvrwgX3_gLGA9dxNjBZ-Hr-zhIvXMaO6bYHy9vJqLngm5CB6M7E614M9ReQ2f39CBdR8Jl31j1avYQt3iZ8_Diq50J1GoRdyIUKNMUJV9Y-Alg/s640/spring%20wet%20my%20plants.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje55V4UcNNTBq_y5g_DzCtjiX-WhmRN74yEft0oltEwZph13Syr-N_8ZR75yOGvy4bTuYHHWVHrdbAGvrwgX3_gLGA9dxNjBZ-Hr-zhIvXMaO6bYHy9vJqLngm5CB6M7E614M9ReQ2f39CBdR8Jl31j1avYQt3iZ8_Diq50J1GoRdyIUKNMUJV9Y-Alg/s320/spring%20wet%20my%20plants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy April <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG day</a>, my writer friends. It's time for new life, blooming fields, baby animals, and thunderstorms! Spring can be violent as the cold, stubborn winds of winter spar with the waves of warm breezes headed for summer. It's never a smooth transition. I hope you are safe as the changes blow through.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for me and mine, we are enjoying our new puppies! The house was so empty when our sweet, old dog passed, especially for my hub. Now there's new life and chaos again--just like we like it. The fond memories linger as new ones are created.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two last notes:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The IWSG Anthology Blog also has new life. We've had a good response from our writers to keep it going. Today we have a post about <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2023/03/character-creation.html" target="_blank">Character Creation from Sylvia Ney</a> who has appeared in both PARALLELS and FIRST LOVE anthologies. Check it out!</li><li>You know it's been a while since you've written when your newsletter website informs you they are shutting you down for abandonment! I can't believe I haven't sent out a newsletter in two years. Shame on me. So I got off my duff and <a href="https://mailchi.mp/6ceb298ac53e/catching-up-with-you?e=[UNIQID]" target="_blank">sent one out</a>.</li></ol><div><b>So tell me: What are your favorite parts of Spring? Drop me a descriptive Spring scene in the comments. Or let me know what writing endeavors you're up to. You inspire me!</b></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for stopping by!</div></div></div><div>Now enjoy these puppies and spring animals...</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="271" src="https://giphy.com/embed/6nps2nX9fGV9K" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/easter-cute-6nps2nX9fGV9K">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-64856664638867600522023-03-01T06:00:00.001-05:002023-03-01T06:00:00.203-05:00Time Marches OnYes, I said it. I can't believe it's already March!<div>The weather sure has been psyching me out, though. Hope the changes haven't been as violent in your area. I'm ready for it to blow over. (Forgive me, sometimes you just have to say Pun it!)</div><div><br /></div><div>For this March 2023 IWSG post, lend me your ear for some March Madness - Writer's Style...</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span> > </span>March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb</div><div><br /></div><div> > as mad as a March hare</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8PO5IxY0y7ClyxC4LfbUiks1rxgjzLQb32nXLTf9PlyyG6JvVM3Ok7yam7Vv5_paLwOeYFPqbOdmem89zHDVYfh1xtD2NeHBnJszb9OZXV19ImyBqhK3sKd3Gfwhq9MsSasrq5J_dZsbNwqCA1fNHI0MsDnM7oboOF6uXbjoIHI46FxUwI37x0fTAg/s359/frog%20march.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8PO5IxY0y7ClyxC4LfbUiks1rxgjzLQb32nXLTf9PlyyG6JvVM3Ok7yam7Vv5_paLwOeYFPqbOdmem89zHDVYfh1xtD2NeHBnJszb9OZXV19ImyBqhK3sKd3Gfwhq9MsSasrq5J_dZsbNwqCA1fNHI0MsDnM7oboOF6uXbjoIHI46FxUwI37x0fTAg/s320/frog%20march.PNG" width="316" /></a></div> > march to the beat of a different drum</div><div><br /></div><div> > steal a march on someone</div><div><br /></div><div> > march against or for something</div></div><div><br /></div><div> > a slow march</div><div><br /></div><div> > beware the ides of March</div><div><br /></div><div> > a forced march</div><div><br /></div><div> > death march</div><div><br /></div><div> > march out of step</div><div><br /></div><div> > frog march</div><div><br /></div><div><span> > march in lockstep with someone</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Was that too march? I hadn't heard of some of those before, have you? Do you have any more? Share your Marches!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But wait! Before you go, I have a post at the <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2023/03/good-writing-never-dies.html">IWSG Anthology Blog</a>... check it out, if you dare!</div><div>Happy Soon-to-be-Spring!</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/yeqeucrHZmIvxgfmzt" width="240" height="222" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/happy-spring-yeqeucrHZmIvxgfmzt">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-80796210442860474072023-02-01T06:00:00.001-05:002023-02-01T06:00:00.228-05:00I love you guys!No, I'm not drunk!<div>Thank you so much for your kinds words about my puppy. I haven't had that many comments in quite a while, and I was feeling the love... I guess love is in the air -- Happy February!</div><div><br /></div><div>And happy Feb <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not much to report this month - just a couple of announcements:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1st</b> - Though the IWSG Anthology contests are discontinued for now, we are still hoping to keep the <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IWSG Anthology blog</a> going. We will be contacting the authors of all the anthologies to <strike>beg</strike> ask them to write posts once in a while -- offering advice, checking in, and snippets of writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are one such author and you're interested in contributing, let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2nd</b> - As in Feb 2nd! Happy Groundhog Day! </div><div>Do you have any predictions on how much longer we will be smothered in cold weather?? Will that silly critter see it's shadow? Guess we will find out tomorrow</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for stopping by - I will try to make my rounds this weekend</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="230" src="https://giphy.com/embed/lyFmDwd9eAcGAW2QRQ" width="380"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/february2-february2nd-groundhog-shadow-lyFmDwd9eAcGAW2QRQ">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-4878669505135043252023-01-04T06:00:00.001-05:002023-01-04T06:00:00.219-05:00Here we go againHappy New Year, take 2023!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8z74awBw8mBF6LYZkytxD06_vrUV86srHHRy_vPhiSbuj_HQ84WZVhi02CPI3CC4RyHPZk3ofwSlf-ewBwu8lFqQ-zFJT2Fkdhi6E4g8BlZGxVqNi_ydQSGoa2-M5VzinQJRLOaDCd9rbYOMfQSq5km8y1e8QQ2lbJimRk4dOFV7QlIbSwGfPc6OLw/s1600/happy%202023%20movie%20clapper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8z74awBw8mBF6LYZkytxD06_vrUV86srHHRy_vPhiSbuj_HQ84WZVhi02CPI3CC4RyHPZk3ofwSlf-ewBwu8lFqQ-zFJT2Fkdhi6E4g8BlZGxVqNi_ydQSGoa2-M5VzinQJRLOaDCd9rbYOMfQSq5km8y1e8QQ2lbJimRk4dOFV7QlIbSwGfPc6OLw/w200-h173/happy%202023%20movie%20clapper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> Jan 2023</span></b></div><br /><div>How many times have we gone through the motions of vowing to change in the new year? Too many to count, for me! But the change in year does remind me to try harder or <i>resolve anew</i>, as it were... I always have big plans, lofty goals, and personal growth promises that inevitably fizzle out. I realize now, that when I plan these things, I'm at the end of my holiday break from work. It's easy to reach for high hopes and dreams when you have a ton of time on your hands!</div><div><br /></div><div>So this year, I'll be more reasonable. I'll go easier on myself. I'm going to keep up with the <b><u>Blogging</u></b> at least once a month for IWSG -- your voices are what keep me chugging along on this writing journey and expressing my thoughts is wonderful therapy! <b><u>Eating better and exercising more</u></b> gets a jump start when I go back to work and get away from sedentary-dom, eating out, and extra sweets with company and the holidays! Not that I didn't love every minute of it! </div><div><br /></div><div>And <b><u>Writing more</u></b>. I really want to work on this. It was so much easier to begin the process. We start out bright-eyed and hopeful. Sure there are many obstacles along the way: will anyone like our writing? will we ever get published? will anyone buy it? -- some of you are in these stages now! But once you've been through those, the <i>harder</i> challenges arise: critics, marketing, failed publishers, and pandemics! Well, I'm over it. I have to make a plan, plotter that I am, and stick to it. If I want to call myself a writer, I need to keep writing, right? (haha) And that means I need to keep working through all the hard stuff that goes with it. So that's what I would like to do. We'll see how it goes...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness I have support from you all! And I want to jump back into our weekly WRITERS CHAT! TUESDAYS @ 7:30 PM (EST) It is time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa5HbFWSeQGNGb2FtURmhDLkpKxj6tTsvWjrGE77g8QM_i3bD0eF_QGznVW8TtDyu8m-ZF6CgQyjErg2z-R72aJ4ptKHEmSrSIozhq6HPDMvbSchU5BZ5PEHAwF45UtnCymZFDHognzG98dQnXdjGbHWZdA3-hZJ4dQHy1BHBWU_AA-Az-4qQ64d1kw/s2230/writer%20chat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1768" data-original-width="2230" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa5HbFWSeQGNGb2FtURmhDLkpKxj6tTsvWjrGE77g8QM_i3bD0eF_QGznVW8TtDyu8m-ZF6CgQyjErg2z-R72aJ4ptKHEmSrSIozhq6HPDMvbSchU5BZ5PEHAwF45UtnCymZFDHognzG98dQnXdjGbHWZdA3-hZJ4dQHy1BHBWU_AA-Az-4qQ64d1kw/w320-h254/writer%20chat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We use <a href="https://discord.com/channels/867864821918990346/867864822787473432" target="_blank">Discord</a> - a private chat group website. Please join us if you can!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij24quzAp5T7SSvcHw30MFU8hURMCgNPMn0SuNObMFIOAG1o5fACTfZ0hSkycbXLujSBCtAMUP0fLaAXAYrNWKuSw-hvI72mGIS9L3-Jsjc4Nt5avOmzAFzfqcTI1fh28pOEhTgnmhOX4Y2lEJOAikJn9VpfcywWTI2Bp5nKjByv6IASAyROGxt0hpLg/s4032/comet%20with%20popsicle.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij24quzAp5T7SSvcHw30MFU8hURMCgNPMn0SuNObMFIOAG1o5fACTfZ0hSkycbXLujSBCtAMUP0fLaAXAYrNWKuSw-hvI72mGIS9L3-Jsjc4Nt5avOmzAFzfqcTI1fh28pOEhTgnmhOX4Y2lEJOAikJn9VpfcywWTI2Bp5nKjByv6IASAyROGxt0hpLg/w150-h200/comet%20with%20popsicle.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And lastly, a piece of my heart is missing as we said farewell to the sweetest dog in the world just before Christmas. Comet held on long enough for our middle son to come home and say goodbye. Having my family fill my house, I was able to make it through the difficult time. And now that they're gone and I'm taking down the Christmas decorations, the house is even emptier, deafeningly quiet. I need some time to heal before I make him a scrapbook - so many tears. Dogs are the best, we don't deserve them.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I hope you enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to a jamboree for 2023!</div></div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="184" src="https://giphy.com/embed/h3u6ILtOsLRaC2PU61" width="280"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/love-happy-new-year-2023-h3u6ILtOsLRaC2PU61">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-3994558528519956722022-12-07T22:40:00.000-05:002022-12-07T22:40:06.124-05:00The Holidays are Exhausting!I'm a little late posting for <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> today... but I'm happy I made it! I'm keeping up with my holiday to do list by the skin of my teeth. And it's draining my energy! I hope you are getting the most out of these shorter days and fitting in time for you as you search for gifts and stocking stuffers and prepare for company or travel. I'm very excited to see my boys as they continue their adventures through life.<div><br /></div><div>One great thing about the holidays is they always bring out stories--reminiscing over fond memories and creating new ones. Do you ever get inspired to write a holiday story? What are your favorite books and movies to enjoy at this time of year? Harry Potter is one of my holiday faves in addition to some fun Christmas specials. And I love relaxing with the family under the glow of the tree as we watch together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though I haven't had much time to write lately, I am very excited to be a part of a Christmas anthology with a short story about my Pop Travel main characters, Cooper & Geri that I wrote this summer.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP5DN_joyuSe97aWXnUUK0Iv-a5YiuN8XaPDu5zicrc1eWgoEl97e7vMe6DFU6tgbWspdGyn5ufLk9PbO56AMR3FVpP0We3-vNkYFmJk1CDBUIAIxmOJeu05xwBGe8JRNC0N9ehtTI0_mOvlltG3DEFv-A5r1kFuL_X_WSdJ-o1QXI5qe5jJBHzFPCw/s2700/Magik%20&%20Mistletoe%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP5DN_joyuSe97aWXnUUK0Iv-a5YiuN8XaPDu5zicrc1eWgoEl97e7vMe6DFU6tgbWspdGyn5ufLk9PbO56AMR3FVpP0We3-vNkYFmJk1CDBUIAIxmOJeu05xwBGe8JRNC0N9ehtTI0_mOvlltG3DEFv-A5r1kFuL_X_WSdJ-o1QXI5qe5jJBHzFPCw/s320/Magik%20&%20Mistletoe%20cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>MAGICK & MISTLETOE</div><div>by Dragon Soul Press</div><div><br /></div><div>my contribution...</div><div>A Cold Case for Christmas</div><div>by Tara Tyler</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Though Geri is a tough FBI Agent, she's nervous about going home with Cooper for the holidays to meet his parents. When she arrives, her trepidation is magnified by a cloud of mystery hanging over the cozy, old farmhouse that no one wants to talk about. She vows to fight back her urge to investigate so she can make a good impression, especially for the beloved, spooky, and judgmental cat. But as the clues pile up, her nagging need to uncover the truth might spoil everything.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://books2read.com/DSPMagick" target="_blank">Pre-Order Now!</a></div><div>Available Dec 20</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm excited to read the rest of them!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope your holidays are warm and cuddly and full of magical moments!</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/136WHJXKELjk1q" width="421" height="480" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/harry-potter-hogwarts-cos-136WHJXKELjk1q">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-40922934464089509362022-11-02T06:00:00.011-04:002022-11-02T06:00:00.209-04:00Tri-Holiday HaikusIs the world more chaotic or is that just me?<div><br /></div><div>It could be the full moon, and it is getting closer to the holidays...</div><div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="160" src="https://giphy.com/embed/xUPJPtrlajhVBos7Wo" width="280"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/spongebob-spongebob-squarepants-season-5-xUPJPtrlajhVBos7Wo"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via GIPHY</span></a></p>
</div><div>For IWSG this November 2022</div><div>I'm sending you all cheer and Haikus!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Falling leaves pile up</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy raking in brisk air</div><div style="text-align: center;">Until wind sends more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bundle up in warm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweaters, hats, gloves, boots, and scarves</div><div style="text-align: center;">And a cozy book</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Halloween children</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go house to house in disguise</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or reveal their truth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Doors creaking, branches scrape</div><div style="text-align: center;">Raising hairs on back of neck</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nightmares come to life</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After Halloween</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas looms - Joy is ahead</div><div style="text-align: center;">But turkeys still fear</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's share and get stuffed</div><div style="text-align: center;">Families trek and gather</div><div style="text-align: center;">Glad it's once a year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shoppers on your mark</div><div style="text-align: center;">For crazy priced strategy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bargain hunters day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finding perfect gift</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful wrapping paper</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ripped to shreds, returned</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">House all a-glow</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scenes of holiday wonder</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't blow a circuit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That should do for now. I could go on and on. I love Haikus. Drop one in the comments!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope your Fall is full of friends and family and fond memories - reminiscing and making new ones!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://giphy.com/embed/RiPxTlxRujiMzrsN6B" width="280"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/fall-leaves-leaf-RiPxTlxRujiMzrsN6B">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-33813053736512558722022-10-05T06:00:00.003-04:002022-10-05T06:00:00.234-04:00What's your purpose?Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Ever think you had a bigger purpose?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwvmFEJFQSisZ0eBQZ3qMYUe0Ad1TdjKqAnitKy0zUeT1RsWNDnSosJl4dF8dhANU9f1sg7XM2UkrW6a5DZjhOYrz8Z1g1SeomqizVMSWw8RDi6yOeehMah-gwilHbvGkqfhrkZolmUcdvT3ofH3BxnqHjh9u-4rdzA1IRryvS4RYA6KJasBz8PRwrw/s426/girl%20writer.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="265" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwvmFEJFQSisZ0eBQZ3qMYUe0Ad1TdjKqAnitKy0zUeT1RsWNDnSosJl4dF8dhANU9f1sg7XM2UkrW6a5DZjhOYrz8Z1g1SeomqizVMSWw8RDi6yOeehMah-gwilHbvGkqfhrkZolmUcdvT3ofH3BxnqHjh9u-4rdzA1IRryvS4RYA6KJasBz8PRwrw/w124-h200/girl%20writer.png" width="124" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Happy <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writer Support Group</a>!</div><div>Many of my writer friends started penning stories in grade school. When I was little, I loved playing pretend, but I couldn't sit still long enough to write down my stories. I was also a very organized, outspoken, and bossy child--anyone who knows me is not surprised by this, ha! Not a typical writer's attributes... In addition to those, I have always liked helping people. All those qualities along with life experiences led me to be a teacher, and deep down, I probably always knew that's what I wanted to be. </div><div><br /></div><div>Writing came later, and the passion for it took me by surprise. Now I'm blessed to be able to do two things I love.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmYWY2KW-ysXyPYNbrl7KyF5HdVHXES62W9VoKXsty5vjgs98zq6ATBl6IcMVkZhvrK1IBYy5xz-9OrOyzplk846_HN1udZbXJXvbMxvXIKvx1dQSa_kGCcWYUUM8Fz6d2v1Ep-vBrgK0FnBhcflHlb4pIMXryRLGo4eVKakMSo8UyEyLJVPXkum0KA/s383/shrug.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="368" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmYWY2KW-ysXyPYNbrl7KyF5HdVHXES62W9VoKXsty5vjgs98zq6ATBl6IcMVkZhvrK1IBYy5xz-9OrOyzplk846_HN1udZbXJXvbMxvXIKvx1dQSa_kGCcWYUUM8Fz6d2v1Ep-vBrgK0FnBhcflHlb4pIMXryRLGo4eVKakMSo8UyEyLJVPXkum0KA/w192-h200/shrug.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>But I'd like to do more. I often wonder, with so, so many people in the world, how can I make a difference? I want to contribute more, reach more, help more. I hoped writing would give me a way, and I started doing presentations at schools--then the pandemic hit. When we started coming back to life, I felt much smaller. Everything stopped. It was like starting over, but I don't have the gusto I did when I was first starting out. Social media has become tainted. I'm afraid of being judged and shunned. I just don't know what I should do...?</div><div><br /></div><div>All I can do is keep trying, right? So this is what I've been up to:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I mentioned last month that I finally started writing again, and submitted a short story and am a part of a Christmas Anthology. so yay!</li><li>And I get encouragement from our weekly Tuesday night writer's chat - you should join us! (See link in the side bar.)</li><li>They also inspire me to look for events--tis the season and all that jazz coming up... so I'm searching. I was recently rejected for the umpteenth time from a big local book event. Not surprised since I'm not traditionally published anymore. I need to get my latest book done! Book events like a new title and are usually free. Vendor events don't care what you're selling, but cost a bunch to get a table--risky if you may not make a profit or at least break even!</li><li>Lastly, I signed up for a local Writer Happy Hour in November. It's hosted by Jane Friedman, someone I've been following for years. She lives nearby and worked for Writers Digest. I'm anxious and excited!</li></ul><div>Tell me something good! What keeps you going? What are you up to?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a fun and spooky October!</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://giphy.com/embed/5xtDarsqUvqDCmCIzpC" width="280"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/christimmons-halloween-october-candy-corn-5xtDarsqUvqDCmCIzpC">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-5958629406383104602022-09-07T06:00:00.001-04:002022-09-07T06:00:00.197-04:00Recharged!<div>Welcome to another edition of the <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> - where fellow writers share their hopes and woes and highs and lows. I want to thank everyone who stopped by last month when I was a co-host. It was great to visit around and receive feedback!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwirwx-gJLRIXEGW3k7DC8d5ZWAhD9i48oIQpVTw4gc1F0-qKq6Xkras6WAnKcDVYKCXInO17LP0neRg0JmcWLPTGfUJBAfWiVNrKV45AARaBB6NbJhlhQFhK9xD8MBbLM0G-q6UJTVjc_o1uFy0HavgkDxjUWwn1xVD2gmfKry-1Fm2g6gV5jAM-RQ/s1300/can't%20write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1300" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwirwx-gJLRIXEGW3k7DC8d5ZWAhD9i48oIQpVTw4gc1F0-qKq6Xkras6WAnKcDVYKCXInO17LP0neRg0JmcWLPTGfUJBAfWiVNrKV45AARaBB6NbJhlhQFhK9xD8MBbLM0G-q6UJTVjc_o1uFy0HavgkDxjUWwn1xVD2gmfKry-1Fm2g6gV5jAM-RQ/w200-h133/can't%20write.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So, how has your writing been lately? If you are on a roll, BRAVO! But if you've lost your motivation lately, I feel you. 2020 was like a mini-Armageddon! Everyone felt ramifications from the loss and loneliness. Some are still recovering. It took me two years to find inspiration to write again. I thought I was done. I tried a couple of events, but had no luck selling. I was really low and didn't think there was a point. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the writing bug was still in my system. So I went back to the beginning. I started with some poetry then dusted off some short stories. I decided I would write for myself and self-publish or query if it felt right. I ended up finishing my Pop Travel Christmas mystery starring Geri and...</div><div><br /></div><div>I have exciting news! My story was accepted into an anthology!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've always wanted to do a Christmas anthology. And I have to thank <a href="http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Warrior Muse</a>, Shannon Lawrence for pointing out this opportunity. Shannon lists loads of sites looking for submissions. I definitely recommend subscribing to her!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5LXg8lPAu7gaHuVSYUy2RMaL7hU5D9KwilBABJJvRFoWwyhpuZ3Oz8D2SHra5Lc1LNRjLCxMtt3SARvJctgBRrF89ZguJQhCgkOzucuvDUIwhicvv3P423z4Y9rSaB7p6FiIV49KiBQxi2KsAZRLAYrt0xFVlLUC8a_-7bQBZCs5eP36K21lH4opdQ/s750/magick-and-mistletoe.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5LXg8lPAu7gaHuVSYUy2RMaL7hU5D9KwilBABJJvRFoWwyhpuZ3Oz8D2SHra5Lc1LNRjLCxMtt3SARvJctgBRrF89ZguJQhCgkOzucuvDUIwhicvv3P423z4Y9rSaB7p6FiIV49KiBQxi2KsAZRLAYrt0xFVlLUC8a_-7bQBZCs5eP36K21lH4opdQ/w133-h200/magick-and-mistletoe.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The name of the anthology is MAGICK AND MISTLETOE, the publisher, <a href="https://dragonsoulpress.com/" target="_blank">Dragon Soul Press</a>.</div><div><br /> Everything fell together with this one. While I was finishing the story, I started my search for submissions, but didn't have high hopes since it was already 12000 words. But then I found MAGICK AND MISTLETOE ready to accept any genre up to 15000 words! Yay! I submitted a week before the deadline, and only a few days after they started reading submissions, I got an offer. Double Yay! I'm so excited!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my mock up cover to go with the blurb:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGPngiVxqwV7xhVcwpsROqPHeSb3X1IvkmLsESceOj63FeXjwgDTHY12EdcUmzGsC8YjfS4zNOq2_WXUftQQtihOPbOi52s-K-PwGqpVQU6KhsK8TU1my6vsURqj_hDCNfk1yCOyucfYvJVfEQ3zgCTgNxCUbuAg7jAOrcHPbKjDQ3Kfyn_YchJwdzQ/s3065/A%20POP%20TRAVEL%20Holiday%20cover%202a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3065" data-original-width="2130" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGPngiVxqwV7xhVcwpsROqPHeSb3X1IvkmLsESceOj63FeXjwgDTHY12EdcUmzGsC8YjfS4zNOq2_WXUftQQtihOPbOi52s-K-PwGqpVQU6KhsK8TU1my6vsURqj_hDCNfk1yCOyucfYvJVfEQ3zgCTgNxCUbuAg7jAOrcHPbKjDQ3Kfyn_YchJwdzQ/w139-h200/A%20POP%20TRAVEL%20Holiday%20cover%202a.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><br /><div>A COLD CASE FOR CHRISTMAS</div><div><br /></div><div><i>While trying to make a good first impression on Cooper's parents over Christmas, Geri discovers a mystery to solve, keeping her sane while she's under all that pressure--especially from the cat! </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div>So the moral of the IWSG story this month is: <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't Give Up!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Life will throw tons of obstacles at us, emotionally and physically. It's okay to take a break from writing to deal with whatever pops up or whatever self-doubt lingers. But things tend to turn around and lead you to what you need and what will make you happy. Don't give up!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqkHFp3Aj3QzTWbtbJQBBMUCdrzEbkCpADLd6mrMMl0nNhyzRIQbbSWMTyOKqO8ZLQleGlyzpRS3HAPxBTCLhQID4ouuBvtiX5gK2SSS-Fi614yrEWD4mfq4V44wX0K9LKXcvM4dgVXb9lhtOjaXYRny1CqCRJwHOT-ZbyrL5byXKhBhW3uzJ-WRnXg/s1000/beleaf%20in%20yourself.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqkHFp3Aj3QzTWbtbJQBBMUCdrzEbkCpADLd6mrMMl0nNhyzRIQbbSWMTyOKqO8ZLQleGlyzpRS3HAPxBTCLhQID4ouuBvtiX5gK2SSS-Fi614yrEWD4mfq4V44wX0K9LKXcvM4dgVXb9lhtOjaXYRny1CqCRJwHOT-ZbyrL5byXKhBhW3uzJ-WRnXg/w200-h200/beleaf%20in%20yourself.png" width="200" /></a></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-67030424073891353742022-08-03T06:00:00.002-04:002022-09-05T15:00:05.089-04:00I am not a Mind Reader<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81IjP3zYkSmnfvZgkoPIAUriUZ2Am5ZNsdVG2fsNH2WhR_lERsOhlYabvp_y4hlPzNwWVy8Y6FH5cXTXYbxchhCRAcGlOSXmyDV1UWKIyf3jrn5Bayd6nIlrOhvKH5JWYQJtx53y2w2vCNPHNxA9_99jibn3dYDmQ8rvgYVXvXBy8KC8oRXB6dWzVZQ/s700/best%20seller.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81IjP3zYkSmnfvZgkoPIAUriUZ2Am5ZNsdVG2fsNH2WhR_lERsOhlYabvp_y4hlPzNwWVy8Y6FH5cXTXYbxchhCRAcGlOSXmyDV1UWKIyf3jrn5Bayd6nIlrOhvKH5JWYQJtx53y2w2vCNPHNxA9_99jibn3dYDmQ8rvgYVXvXBy8KC8oRXB6dWzVZQ/w200-h200/best%20seller.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Successful writers have an uncanny knack for publishing what readers want at just the right time. They set the trends that other writers try to catch a wave on.<div><br /></div><div>And that's the topic for this month's Insecure Writers Support Group - where writers share, encourage, and discover! </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>August 3rd IWSG Question:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original </div><div style="text-align: center;">or do you try to give readers what they want?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>My Answer:</b></div><div>First of all, I have no idea what readers want... Readers are fickle. Trends come and go--and quickly! I write what I know and whatever inspires me at the time. I try to be original in my chosen genres. And I enjoy trying new things--like mashups!-- regardless if they're popular or not. I highly recommend you do the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because secondly, Readers like good writing, plain and simple. I believe that Trends are formed from good, juicy stories. And when we read something we like, we look for more - similar topics, but more importantly, we want more from that writer.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you write what you love, you'll write your heart into it--and that's what makes good writing!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Try to stop by some other blogs and read about what writer friends - new and old - are up to. <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Here's the IWSG list</a>. And here are the moderators this month:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lisabuiecollard.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Buie Collard</a> -- <a href="https://www.lonitownsend.com/" target="_blank">Loni Townsend</a> -- <a href="http://leelowery.com" target="_blank">Lee Lowery</a> -- and me!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be visiting around as many blogs as I can, because school is right around the corner, and after that, I don't get out much!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hope your writing is flourishing</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and your last month of summer is full of fun and sun!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="250" src="https://giphy.com/embed/RA3y5RSe7bSUkWkltO" width="250"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/sun-tickle-solstice-RA3y5RSe7bSUkWkltO">via GIPHY</a></p>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-1585002717572676362022-07-06T06:00:00.001-04:002022-07-06T06:00:00.207-04:00Make Sparkles!Have you found a way to spark your writing? It's a Holiday <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> Post!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh62FgAAPJHXPUbhUYXu6dLhUigmxLnY3n001OqRUvaReeRNwMiHCMK9Ida9Op52zN_K0R7qSVi7quANgHdRbw-ta05f7uppUNCqO1Nv_mkp3aGxrXo6pHgUWBsKdNGE-lmWkDqYiEXznFYpuniiZsk9FYJGfZPEoHaA8damdUT0mITkZWNLQlb571gg/s728/sparkles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="728" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh62FgAAPJHXPUbhUYXu6dLhUigmxLnY3n001OqRUvaReeRNwMiHCMK9Ida9Op52zN_K0R7qSVi7quANgHdRbw-ta05f7uppUNCqO1Nv_mkp3aGxrXo6pHgUWBsKdNGE-lmWkDqYiEXznFYpuniiZsk9FYJGfZPEoHaA8damdUT0mITkZWNLQlb571gg/s320/sparkles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 4th of July, America!</div><div>What a perfect time to write a Christmas story! From night time sparklers to sparkly twinkle lights... Sure, why not? Christmas in July is a big saying, right? And I've always thought, if I start now, I should be able to publish my Christmas story in time for the holidays.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I started my summer, I vowed not to work on school things until after my teacher conference at the end of the month. And I focused my energy on things I've been wanting to get done... including start writing again. I started slow, with some poetry. And that got my creative juices flowing again. But I wasn't ready to work on my on-hold novels yet. I decided to try a short story. It was fun to reminisce through my short story ideas and notes. So many stories waiting to be told! I bet you have similar files--I recommend perusing them even if just for a good laugh =D</div><div><br /></div><div>I chose to tackle Cooper & Geri's First Christmas (title pending) - </div><div><i>While trying to make a good first impression on Cooper's parents over Christmas, Geri discovers a mystery to solve, keeping her sane while she's under all that pressure--especially from the cat! </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I only had a few pages complete, and I'm not a great mystery writer, so this was just the exercise I needed to get back into the groove. I'm excited to say the draft is done and the editing has begun. I just might be able to publish in time for Christmas.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's about time I did some writing. It feels good to get back into it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoBYzLFgmKC2d12v_eyTBr-KolLJ_02Ldv_Ovu17Qp9nMCo7dBYQSWJAlJ0IHnhtCQGbAl35oCv3uA3dK0o2lLw1xUjixDHdX9eGOTMsOjt1v4sd8uDMisPgXecU7UpwyNue2J0gIKO3QKWmmRaT8hCd0lz21vHe3W8Rco95mkxOGNeFJY2U0yhE1KQ/s732/4th%20of%20July%20-%20John%20Adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="732" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoBYzLFgmKC2d12v_eyTBr-KolLJ_02Ldv_Ovu17Qp9nMCo7dBYQSWJAlJ0IHnhtCQGbAl35oCv3uA3dK0o2lLw1xUjixDHdX9eGOTMsOjt1v4sd8uDMisPgXecU7UpwyNue2J0gIKO3QKWmmRaT8hCd0lz21vHe3W8Rco95mkxOGNeFJY2U0yhE1KQ/w320-h288/4th%20of%20July%20-%20John%20Adams.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I hope you are sparking up a storm this summer.</div><div>Thanks for stopping by -- Keep writing!</div><div><br /></div><div>PS - We've also started our Writers' Chat back up for the summer. Drop your email in the comments if you'd like a reminder and link to join us -- Tuesdays, 7:30 pm (EST) on Discord</div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-57714414223374952882022-06-01T14:21:00.002-04:002022-06-01T14:23:01.737-04:00What happened to May?I can't believe I missed a whole month!<div>Well, yes I can. Here's how it went...</div><div><br /></div><div>It all started in April as stressful wedding plans culminated into beautiful nuptials in Charleston, SC on May 1:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NxXSJ5xG7dv3MkDtSHkBIh8plRLBFGaRuFk76NbolV89p3UL_jpkpGo6oh9sPKjlprJ4QxW0aB0m2Ppu7ydhPDKYz0q0szeoFMfU4OY0yLP8Ztg8G1f-Ed9TlVOcmtZkA10OYGCG3qDg-oKZQ6UarMA4XEuEp_fnN0P_B3OIwKvN_8NrUYadZ_UufA/s3000/Logan%20&%20Amelia%20get%20married.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NxXSJ5xG7dv3MkDtSHkBIh8plRLBFGaRuFk76NbolV89p3UL_jpkpGo6oh9sPKjlprJ4QxW0aB0m2Ppu7ydhPDKYz0q0szeoFMfU4OY0yLP8Ztg8G1f-Ed9TlVOcmtZkA10OYGCG3qDg-oKZQ6UarMA4XEuEp_fnN0P_B3OIwKvN_8NrUYadZ_UufA/s320/Logan%20&%20Amelia%20get%20married.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my middle son and his new bride</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Tqre29v7NG1GEsXCNa8jYkBtN9krn6RXN6wQ6nItr-f5arZiHTb9xUr6-Kv_jWUCmfVEC970FrMkLHqYvzZN37bAHRIDJI9QWrPoNbUUvPFh4xw8bcIYSdVG0CI8Uvi1nibt4dl7LG2YWDuQSSJ3dco4qGmR4m8FSST5SiTpuBcaOrx9nSYkdYVLg/s4032/Coop%20grad.jpg" 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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Tqre29v7NG1GEsXCNa8jYkBtN9krn6RXN6wQ6nItr-f5arZiHTb9xUr6-Kv_jWUCmfVEC970FrMkLHqYvzZN37bAHRIDJI9QWrPoNbUUvPFh4xw8bcIYSdVG0CI8Uvi1nibt4dl7LG2YWDuQSSJ3dco4qGmR4m8FSST5SiTpuBcaOrx9nSYkdYVLg/s320/Coop%20grad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then as soon as we returned home, I had to:</div><div><div><span> </span>1) motivate my youngest son to fulfill his graduation responsibilities and help him get ready for his PROM!</div><div><span> </span>2) reign in the seniors that I teach for their last days and do little gifts for them</div><div><span> 3) finish </span>organizing and planning my son's graduation party</div><div><span> 4) go to 2 graduations - one where I teach, then my son's</span></div><div><span> 5) finalize, set up, and finally enjoy my son's grad party -- to close the month on Memorial Day!</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuGjhgIlVof3CH6UXGHzmdR0DLj4HZ4VQdtwJNNceetOOUtowg43S1xLpvfC3HYtoLLkibqA669bdSjhl67x-Rk6GGOJ8ehllIAlGwoEWPpRwpUofbDlYK-fRzQy9DdfiI7n8bCPElCLLYD7UlB-zXxbko6w2h6LWV3udcdV99kRITsLlGIF9RDxvCw/s4032/Coop%20grad%20party%20display.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuGjhgIlVof3CH6UXGHzmdR0DLj4HZ4VQdtwJNNceetOOUtowg43S1xLpvfC3HYtoLLkibqA669bdSjhl67x-Rk6GGOJ8ehllIAlGwoEWPpRwpUofbDlYK-fRzQy9DdfiI7n8bCPElCLLYD7UlB-zXxbko6w2h6LWV3udcdV99kRITsLlGIF9RDxvCw/s320/Coop%20grad%20party%20display.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Not to mention, while all those major events were going on, I attended baseball games, awards dinners, senior night, emptied my classroom for summer, printed pictures, had a few crying sessions, and scrounged up time to get some regular chores done... And now, it's June. I can't believe I survived!</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I embark on summer break, I hope to find a spark to write. I've caught glimpses of poems floating around in my head, possibly lyrics, or maybe even a short story... I'm wishful thinking!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you are enjoying warmer weather and sunnier days.</div><div><br /></div><div>And may you find inspiration among the mundane madness!</div><div>I plan to visit around the blogs this summer - it's been too long!</div><div><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Happy IWSG day</a></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-56893776125082335612022-04-06T06:00:00.001-04:002022-04-06T06:00:00.208-04:00Moody WritingWhat's your mood today?<div><br /></div><div>Welcome to the April 2022 installment of the <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a>...</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Does your mood affect your writing?</b> I definitely have to be in the mood to write. Usually, I complain about not having enough time to write. But over spring break, I was blessed with some extra time, and I just wasn't in the mood... I am stuck in the editing of two novels. I have glimpses of new ideas, but I hate not finishing what I've started. If I was working on these WIPs, I'd have no trouble taking a break to write some new stuff, but my writing inspiration has left me.</div><div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="180" src="https://giphy.com/embed/26gsq6NhJSWYg4YtG" width="180"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/moodswing-26gsq6NhJSWYg4YtG">via GIPHY</a></p>
<div>Way back when, I was writing for myself. Then I made a goal to get published. Now I wanted to inspire kids, especially boys like my own, to read more and spread a positive message. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lately, everything has changed, as the world tends to do. My boys are grown (still not readers, taking after their father) and though I had a small audience and felt like I inspired some reader fans, I started to lose motivation when my publisher winked out of existence. Then Disney stole my Beast World setting along with my desire to keep going with that series. And finally, the isolation and harsh political undertones everywhere have made me wary to write anything that might offend someone. At this point, I don't see the upside of writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't feel sorry for me! I'm merely at a juncture. I still want to share stories and inspire others, I just need to figure out how. So whether I gumption up and write, or go out and speak, or try my hand at producing something, I'm still hopeful! God will guide me and help me keep my chin up.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are in a good place or will soon be! Keep writing and having faith!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bad times can't last forever, though they may seem to... </div><div style="text-align: center;">and sometimes we can find some big inspiration from them!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o7btTAQFs9ISfF2U0" width="280"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/animation-cute-cartoon-3o7btTAQFs9ISfF2U0">via GIPHY</a></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Just like the saying goes, April Showers Bring May Flowers!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-46618513564535853122022-03-02T06:00:00.033-05:002022-03-02T06:00:00.220-05:00The Publishing Biz<div>For this month's <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> post, I'm sharing an interview about publishing with a pro!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L. Diane Wolfe</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Senior Editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>First, we'll talk about the <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IWSG Anthologies</a>... How do you choose judges? and Themes? Can I ask - how much participation/entries do you receive?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We all search for judges based on the genre. Alex (J. Cavanaugh) probably does the most work on this.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the theme, we all make suggestions and then vote on them. I always remind the other admins that simple is best and keep it to one-two words. We usually pick the best although I have the final say since it will be the title of the book my company publishes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alex said we had a record number of entries this year. That’s probably why this year’s top stories are the best we’ve ever had—lots of competition.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fantastic - better and better every year!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>As a publisher, how's business?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It’s been an interesting couple of years. 2020 we had no live events, which really hurt, but fortunately eBooks and audio books sold better than previous years, balancing out the lack of print sales. Last year was better although some of our live events allowed fewer attendees which certainly reflected in sales.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year we have four amazing releases. It’s all a matter of getting them in front of their target audience.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I hear you and am also feeling the pinch. Hoping to get back to business soon!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Do you work with agents?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We’ve had agents approach us, but we prefer to work directly with authors. We are a small press, so it is my opinion that any agent contacting us is really aiming low and the author deserves better. (Agents take a 15% cut. Since writers can query us directly, I feel they deserve a better deal.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>That's reasonable and thoughtful! Many authors appreciate a direct approach.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What sells the best? Anthologies? a specific genre? popular authors?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Science fiction is one of our top sellers along with middle grade historical. But sometimes titles will surprise us. We have a fantasy/paranormal romance coming out later this year that’s garnered more positive review request responses than any book we’ve ever published. Some of our anthologies have done well and we are hoping that the upcoming romance title will perform great.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I think romance is a standard and usually does well.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What do you love about your job? (btw, do you have another job? Seems like this would be full time!)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I love the ability to work from home and set my own hours. Of course, my husband says I am the worst boss ever as I am at my computer (off and on) from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm or later doing work. I have a few other sources of income—book formatting, speaking engagements, teaching sessions at community colleges across NC, etc. I try to keep all of that spread out so it doesn’t take away from what I need to do for Dancing Lemur Press.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Well, your hard work pays off! Thanks for enlightening us on the IWSG Anthology and giving us info about publishing trends. All valuable info. Great chatting with you!</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii0gs2y3uKvhtHYCfwJqUmwpRFkqg4ljAKi51pljwnLrQal1xS7D9iVRRchgoaO5l2Cynx7JwSI1IdYrcIgcVhzac4b5Jy4PHz-4Dv8CdDnx43XqF_BlL1JmF41-AMGr9uc6H7XGsSjJkSf0TgDzZWRIN2ROj4augMY7bzOnhcqHd2QvSsBKNZZqrUFg=s2324" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1695" data-original-width="2324" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii0gs2y3uKvhtHYCfwJqUmwpRFkqg4ljAKi51pljwnLrQal1xS7D9iVRRchgoaO5l2Cynx7JwSI1IdYrcIgcVhzac4b5Jy4PHz-4Dv8CdDnx43XqF_BlL1JmF41-AMGr9uc6H7XGsSjJkSf0TgDzZWRIN2ROj4augMY7bzOnhcqHd2QvSsBKNZZqrUFg=w200-h146" width="200" /></a></div><div>L. Diane Wolfe is the Owner of Dancing Lemur Press LLC as well as a Speaker & Author. Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, and she offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/" target="_blank">Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C</a> --- <a href="http://www.spunkonastick.net/" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick</a> --- <a href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick’s Tips-Blog</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Last little side note - I met a fellow local author recently, Janet Irvin, and she has a great blog and following. And I'm honored to be featured as her "Author of the Month!" <a href="http://www.janetirvin.com/author-of-the-month/" target="_blank">Here's my interview... </a></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Make sure you follow Diane and check out her imprints and blog!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking ahead to better weather on the horizon.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ready for sunnier skies and dispositions!</b></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502176161456143914.post-15225262486221116502022-02-02T06:00:00.004-05:002022-02-02T06:00:00.212-05:00I Love a Happy EndingI especially love a happy ending that leads to a beautiful beginning.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilix75ATMlpsibfZjpJRfDWseBDCClQkMfTgiJfVovTYVR5TN0XJBSkLv1X6ju5oE40afRP5RANMhjlVowna6Wx_Z6NjCdn6JxZBYA7Dj9rbqxa7ZAfm7oHzAHTUsvv7GVUQHfI66A6oGiRZ8BxFlkNEmPIpA8S9ImikgwhMSwcFng3ENRHuojOggbjA=s720" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="524" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilix75ATMlpsibfZjpJRfDWseBDCClQkMfTgiJfVovTYVR5TN0XJBSkLv1X6ju5oE40afRP5RANMhjlVowna6Wx_Z6NjCdn6JxZBYA7Dj9rbqxa7ZAfm7oHzAHTUsvv7GVUQHfI66A6oGiRZ8BxFlkNEmPIpA8S9ImikgwhMSwcFng3ENRHuojOggbjA=w146-h200" width="146" /></a></div><br /><div>If you set any resolutions, I hope those haven't ended. But you can resolve to make improvements in your life at any time of the year! I found a great list of inspirational changes for a better you (and me). I edited it down to a more manageable list because I find a shorter list is easier to handle (and remember). Maybe just try one each month (and hope they stick from the previous month)</div><div><br /></div><div>15 Positive Resolutions... (borrowed from <a href="https://collegelifemadeeasy.com/new-years-resolution-ideas/">Article</a>)</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Drink more water</li><li>Move more, sit less</li><li>Volunteer more</li><li>Call mom/siblings/grandparents more</li><li>Live simple, consume/waste less</li><li>Turn on music instead of video</li><li>Take more breaks</li><li>Ditch one bad habit</li><li>Clean out your in-box</li><li>Take a 24-hr break from social media once a month</li><li>Clean out your closet</li><li>Make a new friend</li><li>Learn a new language</li><li>Organize your photos</li><li>Go outside more</li></ol><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfxLCJwpOaMIbufFmp6Qp3rEg56NCKKag1YV5F4Z6xCraTTy-5CFzPvh_c66K5C4Qcj8DTlBvLkCO55KSS4z_Ozm1iT80gJ90OntF1w9j2XHSVNVO-Hh_ZO8_w6-87gCjyRMn7W-KG6Aqy0BbM_AsXJJOS_4MQa2gR7dQygg60801QVT3_dnAd-1YD-w=s630" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="630" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfxLCJwpOaMIbufFmp6Qp3rEg56NCKKag1YV5F4Z6xCraTTy-5CFzPvh_c66K5C4Qcj8DTlBvLkCO55KSS4z_Ozm1iT80gJ90OntF1w9j2XHSVNVO-Hh_ZO8_w6-87gCjyRMn7W-KG6Aqy0BbM_AsXJJOS_4MQa2gR7dQygg60801QVT3_dnAd-1YD-w=w200-h171" width="200" /></a></div>I started working on #2 - I was doing great with my nightly treadmill treks, until I got sick again. I'm trying to get back into it now that I'm better. The trick is to remember to go down there when I'm at a break before my alarm goes off. I'm usually in the middle of something for the alarm and forget to go later.</div><br /><div>I also picked up #6 - not that I watch much TV or videos these days. And not that I have much interest in the current TV Series. I've been watching re-runs of old faves and new-to-me oldies. But turning on my radio instead of wasting time trying to find something to watch has been a pleasant change.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>And I hope to carry these forward into my regular routine when I choose another one... </div><div><br /></div><div>This summer I hope to pick back up on my writing. I've had a few ideas strike me but time is not on my side. I'm just glad we have the IWSG to keep me blogging. It's so nice to communicate with you all. Something I don't want to come to an end any time soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyYkNwprP012MbJLPnYxGO5FyoYWpjXlbwxcjzljYb8JczZ1t-gk1rSO5XbUf6AnXrQvWZNYcxR75vTRxq-spisEb_TyiiZ_ULdX9fjYrcHfMSOxyHnGQERvGJaH-mvSP92LcGLQbBTBOr_9cRTPBKkL4QuAbLe5Yl8GtplvxKoV6rEG32YluCsmy48Q=s320" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="211" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyYkNwprP012MbJLPnYxGO5FyoYWpjXlbwxcjzljYb8JczZ1t-gk1rSO5XbUf6AnXrQvWZNYcxR75vTRxq-spisEb_TyiiZ_ULdX9fjYrcHfMSOxyHnGQERvGJaH-mvSP92LcGLQbBTBOr_9cRTPBKkL4QuAbLe5Yl8GtplvxKoV6rEG32YluCsmy48Q=w132-h200" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Happy Endings, we are celebrating Valentine's Day with lovely bites from each author in the new <a href="https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IWSG anthology</a> - First Love. Stop by if you can!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>So, do you have any positive changes you're working on?</b></div><div><b>Is this year going well? I hope so!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Stay warm and optimistic!</b></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com15