Arrgh-ust

Keeping with the punny month titles... 

Yes, I'm about to cast off from summer break and re-enter the chummy waters of middle school. With overcrowded classes, raging hormones, and general shenanigans, I vow to keep these lily-livered scallywags from mutiny, even if I have to make them walk the plank! Every day is a whale of a tale.

Well, that was fun =D

Happy IWSG day. I'm so close to finishing my edits on LEFTY, my new murder mystery series, and now I have to get ready for school. I'm hoping this year will be less crazy than last as I have a curriculum all set up. A few new things, but should be less stressful and more time to devote to getting this thing done! 

Excited, but also anxious for the next phases:

• Querying - seek agents, write a fantastic blurb, prepare for rejections
• Get a Cover!
• work on POP TRAVEL #5 MAGNETRON while waiting to be rejected

Author life.

Hope you're doing well. I miss blog hops that connected us to other writers as a closer knit community. Those were good times! The world has changed, and will again.

Remember: When life gives you lemons...

Jewel Eye

Been feeling punny with the monthly titles... Happy Jewel-Eye!

Happy IWSG!

Sorry I'm late, I was preparing for company.

Oh, and a giant tree fell on my parents' house.

So, I've been dealing with a few things... My folks were not hurt, but they are older and do not need all the stress and troubles of dealing with the huge hole in their living room... I'll be heading down, once they have a plan. I just hope and pray they can handle the overwhelming decisions they have to make.

Summer is going well. My son and his gf are visiting from Texas for the holiday. We're having a great time--watching my youngest play baseball, seeing wildlife, sunning, watching a little soccer, and playing games. But of course I'm eating too much!

I'm also chugging away at my WIP. I'm happy with my word count, added 2 new chapters and a few characters, and just about ready to send it to readers. I'm anxious to hear how my first murder mystery is received. 

Keeping it short. Gotta get back to the family.

Hope you are staying cool in this nationwide heatwave!

June Bugs!

Bugs, bugs, ewwwww, bugs!

Welcome to my June IWSG report. Summer is here! I love the writing time, and I'm getting a lot done already! But I hate the bugs...

WARNING - THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET GROSS!

One of the reasons I didn't want to move back to Florida was the exorbitant amount of bugs! 

For fun, I made a list of frequent flyers (haha) and crawlers:

Ants - oh so many varieties and big biters

Beetles just creepy

Bees & Wasps - I leave them alone, they leave me alone, right? 

Butterflies - the prettiest bugs =) 

Loud Cicadas lend to the tropical vibe. 

Love Bugs - tons this year, all over my car!

Leggy Bugs - centipedes, millipedes, eww!

Hoppers & Crickets - typical, no harm. 

Dragonflies - which are actually my favorite, they're pretty cool

Then there are the smaller and most annoying creepies: Mosquitos, Flies, Gnats, and No-See-Ums... I do like spiders and lizards who eat lots of buggies. Yay!

Back in Ohio, we could tell the month by the bugs:

May Flies, June Bugs, July Fireflies (some prefer Lightning Bugs) ooo pretty!, August Horseflies, September Ladybugs & Stinkbugs, October Spiders -- Then we were free from bugs for a good six months, as it should be.

All in all, it's not that bad down here, as long as we stay inside and keep up with the monthly pest control. We also have to be careful on our nightly walks. We find that sliver of time just before dusk when the sun is still in the sky, but the temp and humidity are going down. Too soon and we run into clouds of gnats, too late and beware the mosquitos!

Oh, but wasn't this supposed to be a WRITING post? Well, you know I'm going to tie it all together. I've been in a book club and so far, only one of the books has wow'ed me. I don't know about you, but as a writer, I tend to judge published writers more harshly. I've always been a picky reader, but I know good writing, and I have some really awesome writer friends. So when I read sub-par books from published authors, it's very annoying! 

So here are some things that BUG me about my recent reads and book club:

• predictability - I've always been good at this, but when I know who's going to die and who dun it in the first chapter, it's pretty sad
• too many tropes - sleepwalking, fake amnesia, hidden items in the floorboard, bratty kids
• characters I can't root for - hardly any of the characters have any redeeming qualities anymore. if I was in the book, I'd shoot all of them, but then I'd feel bad about it (redeeming quality, haha)
• everyone sleeps around - seriously, no one has any fidelity? at all?
• slow starts - where's the initial incident/hook?
• repetition - how many times are you going to say you don't remember what happened that night?

It's hard to pick a book for a group of friends to agree on, and I'm usually outbid... But if they pick another book about writers, I'm done! Egadz!

Well, I've gone over my time, so I'll wrap it up with the only book I enjoyed so far: It's Not Her by Mary Kubica - great twists and surprises - hard to predict! Did not disappoint. I recommend it.

Would love to hear any recos from you!!

On my own, I also read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. If you like sci-fi, this is a fantastic book - an amazing story, endearing characters, and brilliant imagination! (now a movie, of course. can't wait to see what they do with it)

Happy June! Happy Reading & Writing!

via GIPHY

May oh May

I'm looking forward to a calmer May because April was a stressful mess!

Happy May IWSG. Rather than bore you with the ugly details, I will just list some things I'm glad about that should reduce my teetering on the brink of a breakdown stress level!

• the snowbird traffic has flown home
• my hub will be around more to help with the crazy doggies
• school is almost out! they're extra crazy this time of year
• looking forward to seeing family and friends this summer -- and I love planning the trips!
• also looking forward to writing more!
• we have great new neighbors - will soon do some crafts & scrapping with my sweet new friend!
• I will finally have time to practice on my new keyboard (that I got for xmas!)
• and my new Florida door is open if anyone wants to hang out and commiserate over the writing blues, just drop me a line--love meeting up with writer friends!

That's a good list. It cheered me up to write it.

Here's hoping your May has bright horizons and stuff to look forward to!

via GIPHY

Grape Ape-ril

Well jelly my beans and color my eggs! Wasn't it just January? And here's April and Easter already!

Welcome to this month's installment of the Insecure Writers Support Group. I hope you're reaching your goals and keeping up with your daily duties. I always try to project positivity, but I have plenty of my own annoying distractions to deal with. It helps me to encourage others. So get to loving and cherishing! (name that movie)

I am happy to report, I've actually been writing! I had some extra time with Spring Break last month, so I finished my book club book and was inspired to work on my crime thriller. I also came up with three more juicy story ideas to make it into a series. Hot dang!

April is going to be a busy month, so I won't get to work on it again until school is out, most likely. Hopefully, I'll finish it and have it ready to recruit a few beta readers for it this summer. If you might be up for it, let me know.

Here's to fond memories of Saturday morning cartoons -- or maybe just a silly grin!

Happy Grape Apr-ril!

via GIPHY

Marching On

How you doin?

Keeping in step? Drumming your own beat? Reaching your goals?

Time to check in with the monthly Insecure Writers Support Group. Hard to call myself a writer these days. I'm marching in a squiggle pattern between work, chores, doggies, and travel to watch my son play ball, leaving little to no room for my WIPs. 

Go Coop!

But my stories are not forgotten! I often jot notes about how to enhance a scene or get ideas and inspiration from the book club I recently joined (which also warns me about things not to do!) And my students always inspire funny or dramatic scenes and character traits--they're hilarious and can't stay out of trouble, the little scoundrels!

With so much going on, I have to remind myself to slow down. Funny to be saying that after I was so bored when I first moved. I like a busy, productive lifestyle, but I can easily stress myself out. I have to remind myself, there are some things I have no control over and just have to deal with, like traffic, weather, time, and confounded technology glitches (grrr!) No point pulling my hair out. Just take a deep breath and do what I can. It all gives me opportunities to work on my patience.

Hope you all are finding time to write and finding patience to deal with your hair-pulling ordeals!

Remember: March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. IE: we can make it through the tough times and good times won't be far behind!

via GIPHY

Woah, it's Feb!

Sorry for the late post, February snuck up on me. Like the cold snaps that keep sneaking further south than they should. Hope everyone is staying warm!

Going to share some fun pics from Xmas break for IWSG this month. I meant to put out a newsletter with pics, but time has been running away from me. So here are some highlights from our quick trip to Disney. Long story, short--my sister and her friend planned a trip so my son, his gf, and I joined them for a couple of days. So great to see my sis when I can!

Spotted the Mandalorian & Grogu!

Here we are at Guardians of the Galaxy ride
It is a rollercoaster, contrary to what people told me

I loved walking through Star Wars - so cool!

Now that things are back to normal, I joined a book club. I'm not big on those, but my friends are more about the excuse to get together and have a good time. Not sure how much we will discuss the book, which is fine with me because it was not great... We authors tend to be harsher on other writers, especially not so great ones who are published when I know so many better writers out there who should be! I will report back next time after I here the consensus before I tell you which book.

I also have a pretty packed Feb. Visitors just left, I'm going to see my son's opening weekend of baseball games (hope it warms up!), I was summoned for jury duty, and I hope to attend my first school tech competition with some of my kiddos. Moving right along! Needless to say, writing is buckled firmly in the backseat... but not forgotten!

I will leave you with this hilarious moment of a blue heron (?) at a drive-thru... 

It's not a great pic, but I had to capture the moment before it went away -- apparently, he hangs out there all day!

May your February be filled with lovely moments!

Humans are so petty

A quote from Thor.

I agree. We are. So many of us don't consider the big picture. We don't realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things. We are miniscule specks in the universe. Grains of sand on a beach.

That's why I love writing (and reading). I love researching and exploring new perspectives to share with others. My little life bubble is quite boring. Sure, I've had some funny and scary and heartwarming stories. But when I look beyond my corner of the world, I realize there is so much more out there! So many other ways to do things! Even my kids teach me new stuff in the kitchen (and they still learn from me too)

As I've gotten older and now that the kids are grown, I've become more adventurous. My attitude has shifted to "What have I got to lose?" Some of my accomplishments this past year... I took a helicopter ride, moved across the country (with a lot of whining), accepted a new job with crazy middle-schoolers and no lesson plans--making it up as I go! And I flew by myself to visit my sister (I am not a fan of flying.) As old as I am, I'm still having firsts and trying to overcome fears. I hope to do more in 2026.

As we share in this first Insecure Writers Support Group of the year, have you set any goals? Are they specific or general? I still have to sit and think about my specific goals. "Do more" is very broad! But my writing goals are on-going: Finish my two WIPs!

Sending positive vibes your way. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to!

Family Time

Fresh from a late Thanksgiving and dashing straight into Christmas Season! It's time for the December IWSG session. And I am excited to be one of the Hosts this month! My Co-hosts are: 

Liza  http://middlepassages-lcs.blogspot.com/

Ronel Janse van Vuuren http://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog/

Pat Garcia  http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/

Natalie Aguirre  http://www.literaryrambles.com/

And the (optional) Question for December is: As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received? The absolute best gift I've gotten is my convertible dolly - my husband got it for me to cart around my book event paraphernalia & books. It's been a lifesaver! 

Looking forward to reading y'alls posts!

My post is about family. I love the Family Time and am looking forward to more!

I had a terrific visit with my one and only sister and her fantastic kids (and families) plus our folks--so nice to get together and see them all. The great thing about families is we can be ourselves. We tease each other and joke around, but we know it's all meant in fun and our family loves us, faults and all. And that's all in addition to the yummy cooking! But it's also nice to go back home to our own familiar surroundings and the way we do things. 

Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season and sharing lots of HUGS!!

Oh, and while I was out of town, my lovely writer friend Tyrean Martinson posted a fun podcast featuring moi! I was so flattered she asked and so excited to share it! Here's the LINK.

Stay warm and cozy!

Merry Christmas from Florida

Thankful for Sweet Surprises

Little things matter.

Big things, life changes, astounding news, accidents. All bring immediate reactions, usually as big as the event. But little things, big or small, also matter. One or two little annoyances are no big deal. Unfortunately, annoying little things usually line up and pile onto each other making a huge mass that can turn my mood sour as sure as one big bad event. It's commonly called, "one of those days."

Luckily, good little surprises can have the opposite effect. And just one sweet little thing can turn my day from terrible to terrific just like that. Does that make me a moody person? Yes. I admit it. I struggle with it all the time. Sometimes I wonder if that part of my brain has emotional amnesia. Guess I just need to keep at it. I'm also glad I easily forget the little annoyances once I get past them--going out to dinner with friends or playing with my dogs helps me get out of any funk!

So after a long, stressful week, I have some big awesome news! My first Florida event was FANTASTIC! Much better than I anticipated. I even sold out of Pop Travel! That means I won't be giving up on writing just yet, haha. And I'm looking forward to finding a spring event to try.

And here are a couple of fun little surprises I found at my school...

yes, that's a pineapple -- I didn't know that's how they grew either!

sand hill cranes -- mates for life & not afraid of people

Hope your November is Cool & Sunny

and full of little sweet surprises!

Happy Fall from Florida

Have Patience

Welcome to IWSG for October -- can't believe it's already spooky month! Boo-yah!

So I must apologize for being such a whiny baby lately. I really need to find more patience. I know it takes time to adjust to a new environment. I mean, it doesn't help that I didn't want to move. And I'm also a Scorpio... I really get sick of going to extremes and forgetting to be patient. I'm trying to remember that things will work out, even if not the way we think it should. Like, I'm happy to say, I have found a great job that I wasn't expecting. And though it's been a bit rocky at first, I have faith it's going to be awesome. I'm definitely not bored anymore!

Same is true for us as writers. I know many of you have more patience than I do. So keep the faith! Whether you're stuck in a block, waiting for a query response, or maybe floundering in edits (like me!) a positive result will soon jump out and surprise you. Don't be scared, it was meant to be.

Hope you're planning some scary fun this month!

Take Care!

Making the Most of It

What is the secret to happiness?

Welcome to this month's Insecure Writers Support Group!

It seems like most people think, If this happens, then I will be happy. Unfortunately, there's always another something that needs to happen. Does that mean happiness is unattainable?

I can't believe I've been living here in "paradise" for three months. I'm slowly getting acclimated to my new surroundings--and just like everywhere, some is good, some is awful. I compare living down here to Christmas Every Day syndrome. Vacation-mode all the time was turning my brain into a puddle of useless mush! I have a strong need to be productive. And with no purpose, I was deep down dwelling.

It's hard to get out there and get involved in new activities on your own. All the new is scary! And I've been dreading the whole application/interview process, remembering how hard it was before. No one wants to hire an experienced, ornery old lady (no sugar coating for me)

So, how can I be happy again?

Some may not agree with this, but I've been praying my heart out.

And thank the Lord, some positives descended to help me dig out of my depression hole. 

• I forced myself to go to a local game night and met some friendly folks. 
• My teaching certificate was approved! And I applied to not one, but two positions that fit my credentials.
• And I've made plans to travel to visit family and do a couple of book events. 
• I've even done some writing and yoga!

My impatient heart needed to slow down and enjoy some simple pleasures before diving back into a hectic job. Now, I have a lot to look forward to, and that makes me happy!

The Key to Happiness:

No matter how low you feel, there's a surprise blessing right around the corner.

I've known this all my life, but when I'm sad, it's easy to forget. It's hard to get through the tough times, but the rainbows have been out in full force trying to tell me good days are coming.

Thanks for bearing with me. You all are a big part of helping me get through it all. And I hope this happy ending brings you some positive vibes!

I hope summer was good to you!

I'm ready for Fall.

Expand your Reach

Hey, Writers!

Welcome to the Insecure Writer Support Group - August 2025.

So, anyone still blogging? Well, of course we are--we're the diehards, and I love you guys! But if we want to reach more people, we must grow and change. Though at my age, that sounds ridiculous, and I've never been a fan of change (ugh!), I'm happy to report these changes are not as bad as they sound. I bet you already know some great ways to reach out, but by organizing my ideas and encouraging others, I also encourage myself.

Since I love charts, I'm presenting this in chart format...

I'm sure you know more and better ways to communicate with other writers and readers. I would love to hear your thoughts and advice! I also know each platform has its drawbacks (bots, AI, haters, etc) Life isn't a picnic, and as writers, we tend to worry about annoying ants and sunburn more than the charming company. Something I need to work on! Worry less and look for the positives!

If you're on Instagram, check out the Writer.Friends.Challenge I'm participating this month and hopefully longer... The lovely hostess, @susanleighneedham comes up with prompts for every day -- and puts it on each month! @mjfifield and @chrysfey are steady participants. Check it out!

Hope your August is steamy goodness (and not a hot mess!)

The Joys of Florida

Happy July IWSG!

I'll start with an update on my first month back in Florida. Here is a pro-con list:

• 

  pelican in the ocean

  I love all the wildlife sightings and hearings (the frogs & birds are awesome!)
• I hope I don't see any alligators up close while walking my dogs!

• I'm learning how to slow down
• I have to since the elderly choose their own speeds in every lane... haha

• I actually enjoyed my first visit to the beach by myself - people watching is primo!
• The second time, I went with my son and felt bad we had to leave early because the rising humidity literally took my breath away

• I'm lucky my blood type/skin type discourages bug bites
• Unfortunately, my poor husband is a magnet for them
• I'm taking time to walk the dogs every night (w/hubs too!) and exercise/stretch every morning--trying to be a healthier me
• I forgot about some of the negatives that are popping up--heat rash, dry eyes from the constant fans, and warm faucet water (it never gets cold!)
• I love how laid back it is here--I've gotten creative with many of my clothes by cutting off sleeves and long pants. Plus getting ready is easier with light make-up and easy beach hair days!
• I hate shaving  =P
• I don't mind the unpredictable weather--rainy-sunny-stormy-sunny--we take our chances since the rain doesn't usually last long, and the temps have been milder than most of the rest of the country! Plus, so many pretty rainbows =)
• Wondering if I am cursed as a lightning strike exploded the street light in front of our house, and we had a leak in the guest bedroom (brand new house!!) -- all while we were out to a sunny dinner at the time!
• We are really enjoying all the fun, non-chain restaurants
• Everything is way more expensive in Florida!

my fun fish pencil cup!

Overall, it's going pretty well. We're figuring out what works or what we need to do to make things work for us. I've also done some writing and visited the local downtown with a nice little bookstore. My next writing goal is to finish one of my books and have a book party with our new friends!

Hope you are surviving the fierce temps and have a

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Finding a Routine

A routine is what I need right now. It’s a comforting safety net that keeps me sane. When I don’t have something to do, I feel useless. I can’t sit still and enjoy free time for too long. Free time to me is a void that needs to be filled by projects or chores I’ve put off because I was too busy to get to them on a regular day!

As you may know, I just moved out of state from “dreary” Ohio to sunny Florida. I am not a fan of change, especially starting over again this far into my life. Uprooting my beautiful routine, leaving my awesome job, good neighbors and friends, I’ve been apprehensive and stressed. And I will miss the change of seasons. So much NEW!

I also have loads of time on my hands. Is there such a thing as too much free time? Ha ha. It’s ironic I’m usually wishing for more time to write. Well, I have an abundance now. So much time I don’t know what to do with it all. As a teacher, summer was my writing time. But with the stress of having to get re-established I’m hard-pressed to get into the writing frame of mind… sigh

Now, it’s time to buck up. I’ve never been one to shirk a challenge. I need to create a new routine for my new life. I love lists! I’m writing things down to organize myself and take some stress out of the daunting new atrocities of this monstrous change. And look, I finally wrote a new blog post! Many times blogging helps me figure things out.

Things I’m looking forward to incorporating into my New Routine:

• Write every morning! (I hear some groaning, but it’s the quietest time of the day around here)
• Finding a writers group
• Travel - visit family, but also do some Writerly Events
• Start subbing again? Subbing is where I got the bug to write so many years ago. It will keep me busy and still give me time to write. It is also chock full of inspirational characters!

I’m also encouraged by some new neighbors we met at one of the functions we were invited to. It’s so nice to meet people in the same boat, then it isn’t so lonely and scary. And I have a new hairstylist to try (after going to the same one for 20 years). Check!

Hugs from the new roost!

Hope your summer is off to a sunny, productive start!

Would love to hear how you’ve been doing!

PS - I hope to start the Writers Chat back up soon — I miss that big part of my routine!

Unprepared

Where does the time go???

via GIPHY

I'll do my best to keep up with the IWSG, but we are in the process of moving, so the next few months are going to be more hectic than usual...

Here's my latest update:

• Son #2 safely arrived overseas for his deployment. Praying for him to stay safe while he's there and upon his return this Fall. 
• Glad to have visits here and there to keep my mind off the immense changes ahead. Been able to see my boys at least monthly. Which I know will change once we hit the road. Sigh.
• The great purge... As I go through my files and collected items to purge for our move, I'm enjoying some of the story ideas I've jotted down. I'm also tearing up, reminiscing over photos and memorabilia.
• And that groundhog wasn't joking with a delayed spring -- got more snow and sub-freezing temps. Not that I'm complaining. I like a bit of cold & snow. Tis the season!

As for writing, it's always in the back of my mind. I use my phone/ipad Notes app to jot down new story ideas all the time. Hopefully I'll find a writers group when I move and some good book/vendor events. And I plan to travel, since my schedule will be more open until I decide what I want to do--job? part-time? who knows? But I know I can't just sit around the house all day. At least I should be able to start up the Writers Chat again. And I'll do more writing yes, but not all day, every day. I keep telling myself, I must be going down there for a reason, I just don't see it yet.

I think my dream would be to make a movie... I suppose I could start small with a regular YouTube show. Anyone want to be a guest??

What are you up to?

Hope you're keeping warm, safe, and dry -- crazy weather all around!

Begin Again, Again

Are you ready to begin again, again?

I'm trying to be optimistic -- even with my aches and pains and multiple stressors...

That's why I'm so happy to have the Insecure Writing Support Group! I get step away from reality for a bit to think about writing and share new story ideas and hear from my writer friends. Hope you all had happy holidays and are looking forward to beginning again.

Here are a couple of story ideas I fleshed out in my notebooks over the holiday break... totally loving the sci-fantasy!

Space Princess - It's time for a new anti-princess novella. 

Disguised Princess Lai's daring, rebellious space adventure is like a mashup of Guardians of the Galaxy and Flash Gordon! I'm thoroughly enjoying the rough draft.

Wonka 3000 - No groaning. This one came to me in a dream, and I ran with it. 

In the distant future, robots "help" humans with peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, good old London is as dreary as ever--adults are assigned jobs according to their skill set, and children are sent to edu-camps to mold their minds in the "proper" way as their aptitudes are determined and developed. 

Wilhelmina Wonka's parents are highly intelligent scientists who made her a special nano-bot pet. Together, Mina and Oompa get into loads of trouble as they discover the value of chocolate and try to spread happiness to the masses. 

As for my WIPs from this summer, they're just too big and involved for me to get back into over the short breaks. Soon, I may have a lot more time to devote to the craft... For now, I jot down ideas and outlines as well as read, read, read.

BTW, I was honored to be my school's Feature Teacher in December. Here's a link to the article. It was so nice to be highlighted!

Hope you all are writing, or at least thinking about writing!

Look alive in 2025!

Energize!

It's easy to find the energy to do the things you love. If my kids ask me to play a board game, I suddenly get a second wind, even after a day of shopping and cooking and it's probably past my bedtime =D. Or, if an idea sparks, I am energized to write down a whole scene or a new character's backstory. For December's IWSG, I'm brainstorming ways to...

For some things, I have to scrounge up energy to get them done - like housework. I love to write, but sometimes after a long day of work, I don't have the energy to be creative. Responsibilities come first and can wear us out! So here are some things to try to Energize:

• Promise yourself a Reward - You deserve a treat for getting chores done. And a treat doesn't have to be food; it can be just relaxing, watching a favorite show, playing a video game, or strolling through social media--though a little chocolate or a glass of wine are also quite rewarding.
• Alternate - Do a chore, do something fun, do a chore, watch a show, etc. 
• Take a Walk - Exercising can give you energy, seriously =D
• Take a Power Nap - If you're exhausted but still have to finish up some work, a 30 minute lie-down can be quite refreshing

If you have any suggestions for getting energized, please share!

Hope you enjoy the Holidays and all the Festivities that go along with the Season! 

Time to Write!

Time to Write - that phrase has multiple meanings...

It's time to write! Time to get back to the keyboard and let the words flow.

Also,

I can't find time to write! I wish I had time to write! This isn't a good time to write!

All of the above. My life is so busy with responsibilities, writing is low on the priority list. When I do have some extra time, I'm usually not in the mood. It takes a lot of time just to get my mindset back into my WIPs. I had to take a hard break from my summer writing streak when school started. So, I would need a big chunk of time to review my stories and re-invest in the characters and remember where I was headed with the scenes. By that time, something usually comes up to divert me again.

On the other hand, I expect to have more time this month. School has settled down. And my son and his puppy have moved to their new place. It's very quiet without them, and writing could be a good way for me to keep my mind off missing him. Wish me luck!

Where are you in your writing journey? Are you making time to write? How do you get in the mood to write?

In other news, I had a terrific book event in October. I met some great folks (readers & writers), sold some books, and I even did a quick interview! I also have 2 more events in November. Slowly but surely re-entering the book scene.

Thanks for stopping by for the IWSG monthly get together. Check out the link to find out more and get to know more writers!

November is here! 

Snuggle up for cooler weather and shorter days!

What a Writer is Made of...

A writer is the sum of her life's experiences.

Welcome readers and writers to this month's session of the Insecure Writers Support Group--one of the last threads of blogging that keeps writers connected. The other social medias are not as personal as the blogging we once shared. When I started blogging about 15 years ago (holy cow!) I was so thankful to find other writers through blog hops and challenges, especially the April A to Z and then the IWSG.

I like to think blogging faded away because we all started writing more, and the thing we had to give up was blogging. I'm very thankful for the writer friends I've made and the IWSG keeping us posting at least once a month! And I try to keep in touch as much as I can. We understand each other...

• For most of us, writing isn't what pays the bills; we have real jobs to support our writing habit
• We have to find spare moments to write
• Sometimes, we go for days or weeks or more without writing a single word
• A song, strangers, mishaps, dreams, and more can all be sources that spark a new story or scene
• Our characters speak to us--usually at inappropriate moments =D
• Editing sucks the life out of finishing a manuscript
• We are our own worst critics and struggle putting ourselves "out there"
• Queries & Submissions are so strenuous to write, yet so easy for agents/publishers to ignore or negate
• We are perseverant because we have to be strong for our stories
• We crave reviews and critiques, while at the same time dread them--it's hard to share our work (it's a piece of our souls)
• A kind word or comment from a single reader can inspire us to keep writing
• Talking with other writers keeps us sane

Do you feel some of these? What would you add to this list?

Our writing journeys all started in different places for different reasons, but we are compelled to share our stories. It takes special people to suffer through the ups and downs of writing. Keep at it!

Lastly, I hope to get at least one more Tuesday Writers Chat session in before the holidays, but October is going to be insanely busy with my hub traveling all over creation for work. Then the end of the month will be bittersweet as my oldest son moves away, on to his next big adventure. I might consider NaNo this November to fill the void. But life usually fills the void for me, so we'll see!

I hope you wear your writer's costume this October and find time to work on your stories!