Time to Emerge

Spring is a time of new life as seeds burst out of their shells and emerge from the ground, sprouting green stems and colorful flowers... until the crazy weather freezes them out with a last cold snap! But they survive. Spring is rough, but full of hope! Similar to writing.

via GIPHY

The Book Garden
by Lee White

Those shiny new ideas and characters tease us into starting the buds of a fresh story. But so much else goes into our writing. Just like a garden, we have to nourish it and water it, weaving in a back story and details without drowning it. Though our characters face tortuous weeds of catastrophe and storms of emotions, we help them grow and overcome their struggles--the weeds are cast out, and the storms pass. All our hard work eventually pays off with a beautiful garden of an MS in the summer. But the work isn't done. As autumn approaches, we call on our friends to help with the harvest: editing, publishing, and promoting.

Writing may feel like a lonely tulip struggling to survive the harsh ups and downs of Spring, but we aren't alone. We all go through the same blocks, dry spells, and time constraints. That's why I love the IWSG. It keeps me going. You all keep me going. Thank you!

Now, here are a few Updates:

• It's been great to hear feedback from readers about CONDUCTION. The cliffhanger ending is enticing them to want more and making me eager to get into the sequel, MAGNETRON (a taste of the first chapter is included in CONDUCTION)
• In the meantime, I was struck with a new idea. It's a murder mystery with a twist. I've always wanted to try one. It's very exciting as the ideas keep coming, for now...
• And lastly, I wanted to write a poem about my crazy puppies for the Wergle-Flomp humor poetry contest. April Fools! - the deadline was April 1st and I didn't make it. I'd still like to finish it and was happy to be inspired to write it!

Hold on! I have a lovely new book announcement!

A QUICK TEST: Quick Tale #4

by Patricia Josephine Lynne

Aliens

Outer Space

Experiments

These mysteries fascinate our minds.

Explore the unknown in this exciting collection of tales. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to stimulate your brain no matter how busy your day is.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE.

Available on Amazon

Patricia J.L. is too creative for her own good. A paranormal and fantasy junkee, she loves to craft fantasy and paranormal stories about vampires, mermaids, angels, demons, zombies, and other mythical creatures. Aliens might even appear in her stories. No matter what mythical beast you crave. Patricia  has a fantasy for every imagination.

When she’s not lost writing in fantasy worlds, she relaxes with knitting, drawing and art, and jigsaw puzzles. And of course, good paranormal fantasy books. Patricia J.L. currently lives with her husband in Upper Michigan. One day, they both hope to have enough pets to resemble a petting zoo. (Until then, can she pet your cat or dog?)

Follow her to discover new worlds...

Newsletter  ::  X/Twitter  ::  Pinterest  ::  Blue Sky

Keep the words blooming!

Rainbows and Fresh Cut Grass

The sights and scents of Spring -- so refreshing!

Happy April IWSG day, 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.

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.

Two last notes:

1. 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 Character Creation from Sylvia Ney who has appeared in both PARALLELS and FIRST LOVE anthologies. Check it out!
2. 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 sent one out.

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!

Thanks for stopping by!

Now enjoy these puppies and spring animals...

via GIPHY

Day 15: Seasons #30DaysofGratitude

I've lived up North, I've lived down South, but in the Middle is where we get a good dose of all the Seasons (sometimes all in one day...haha) And that's how I like it. Each season has it's pros and cons, and they last long enough to give us a taste of good without complaining too much about the bad... except when they get mixed up!

I'm thankful to have the seasons to also remind us that change is part of life and we just have to roll with it!

Starting with Spring

via GIPHY

Summer

Fall

Winter

Seasons keep life interesting! Hope you are still enjoying Fall!

Join in keeping our spirits up and share what you're thankful for.

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth Seckman, Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

#WritersLife Survey 16 - Spring Cleaning

Ugh, no. not actual spring cleaning. But cleaning out my (imaginary) question jar for a Pot Pourri of Survey questions!

I will be discussing actual icky spring cleaning on the other blog I co-host with Elizabeth Seckman. We are the REALLY REAL HOUSEWIVES. I'll be complaining about housework and giving some advice on how to avoid spending too much time on it Monday!

Until then, enjoy this lovely smelling Survey! Results will go into my next IWSG post on April 4.

Spring is not my favorite season

Can you believe it's already May? There's only a few weeks left of school! And that means summer is right around the corner. And being the first week of May means it's also time for an IWSG post...

So, Spring. Spring is not my favorite season.
Spring is like a two-year-old child. It's cute when it first arrives, with a sunny disposition and hints of warmth. Then it goes through ten mood swings in a short span of time, turning all plans into disaster and no one knows what's going to happen next! Completely unpredictable.

Spring is also supposed to mean rebirth. And I do love the baby animal videos. But for writing, my calendar is off. I don't start new in Spring, I'm usually way behind, ready for summer to kick in because I think I'll get more done when school is out. I don't know why I delude myself each year! Oh, it's warmer, I'll go for more walks with my dog. Oh, baseball season starts, I can write between innings at my sons' games. Oh, summer is coming, I'll get on the treadmill and respond to some blogs. Oh, look at all the inspirations of nature blooming - and bugs and bees and pollen - ACHOO! Yeah, right.

So yeah. Spring. Not my favorite season. Fall. Now THAT's a season!

Anyone else un-enamored of Spring? Got any advice for my anti-spring lamenting?

But I can't leave you on a downer! Take a gander at the Thing That Turned Me anthology cover!

Add it to your GOODREADS list!

Comes out May 31!

Lastly, a HUGE THANKS to all the entrants in my JOLISSA giveaway. Here are the winners!
a Rafflecopter giveaway