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!

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!

Tri-Holiday Haikus

Is the world more chaotic or is that just me?

It could be the full moon, and it is getting closer to the holidays...

via GIPHY

For IWSG this November 2022

I'm sending you all cheer and Haikus!

Falling leaves pile up

Enjoy raking in brisk air

Until wind sends more

Bundle up in warm

Sweaters, hats, gloves, boots, and scarves

And a cozy book

Halloween children

Go house to house in disguise

Or reveal their truth

Doors creaking, branches scrape

Raising hairs on back of neck

Nightmares come to life

After Halloween

Christmas looms - Joy is ahead

But turkeys still fear

Let's share and get stuffed

Families trek and gather

Glad it's once a year

Shoppers on your mark

For crazy priced strategy

Bargain hunters day

Finding perfect gift

Beautiful wrapping paper

Ripped to shreds, returned

House all a-glow

Scenes of holiday wonder

Don't blow a circuit

That should do for now. I could go on and on. I love Haikus. Drop one in the comments!

Hope your Fall is full of friends and family and fond memories - reminiscing and making new ones!

via GIPHY

Day Five: Special Events #30DaysofGratitude

Happy Halloween!

I'm thankful for all the fun Halloweens past and hopeful to see more fun Halloween futures...

Here are just a few of my fave Halloween pics...

I miss my little boys dressing up, having fun, full of excitement

They still dress up for parties and send me pics--a different kind of fun...

Hope you and yours are safe and healthy this Halloween!

Join in the fun! Here's the Form: 30 Days of Gratitude 2020 Blog Hop

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

Overwhelmed - #WritersLife 12 Results

Hey Everyone. Time for an Insecure Writer's Support Group LAMENT...

Does it seem like I'm always complaining that I wish I had more time to write and blog? Well, that was nothing compared to what's happening these days. I like my job, even though it takes up most of my waking hours. I'm so swamped! Then add on several changes and dealing with some frustrating situations that have come up all at once, and I can barely fit in any writing at all.

Like, I really wanted to get a story submitted to the IWSG ANTHOLOGY CONTEST. I tried so hard to get it done and came very close, but I just didn't have enough time to finish. (fitting since the theme was time)

I also feel like I'm neglecting my duties to my next release: DISPOSAL on NOV 14th. I've barely planned anything. I'm usually so organized, but lately I feel so behind as I rush around trying to get to everything. I've already cut back to the minimum on blogging and turned off my social media notifications a while ago... Seems like all I do is tutor and grade papers and laundry - don't forget the laundry...

Once this job is through, I know I'll have some time to work on writing, but I'm already filling it with appointments and other things I've been putting off. Not to mention Christmas is looming!

That felt good. Sometimes a good cry helps let the stress out...

Don't worry. I'll carry on and make it through. Just needed to vent.

How about you? How are things going in your life? Managing?

Now for some GOOD NEWS!

I'm so glad I took the time to do the WEST VIRGINIA BOOK FESTIVAL with my steady book event buddies, Elizabeth Seckman and Ashley Chappell-Peeples! Also met some other savvy writers, including Darin Kennedy - a fellow Curiosity Quills writer. Had a lovely time. And sold many books!

And here are the scintillating results from my Writer's Life Survey #12:

Which of these spine-tingling genres do you like the most?

Have you written any horror or scary stories?

How about a mystery/suspense/thriller?

Ever been to an inspirational place for a murder scene?

• There are some old buildings and castles in England that would be great locations.
• Just send me out after dark alone and my mind runs wild
• I've been camping a few places that had that vibe.
• Lots of back country roads
• Any place can make a great murder scene!
• Hiking in the Grand Canyon. Could only imagine the stuff that goes on/has gone on in those canyons!

Well, that was fun! Hope you had a Happy Halloween and got some of your favorite candy!

Thanks to all those who played!

Next month, since I'll be releasing DISPOSAL on NOV 14th - I'll have a special survey to go with the release party. Still time to sign up if you'd like to host a post or give me a shout or read an ARC copy for review.

***

Also wanted to give a shout out for FULL DARK - What happens in the dark will come to light.

FULL DARK is a collection of eleven short works with impressive depth and range. Twisted tales of ghosts, villains, and the paranormal await you—mystery, heinous fantasy, and pure suspense. Acclaimed and award-winning authors as well as a few talented newcomers have joined forces to be your guide. Venture into the dark if you dare.

Just A Matter of Time by Loni Townsend
Forerunner by David Powers King
Taking Care of You by Carrie Butler
The Apartment by Lisa Buie-Collard
The Caricature by Nick Wilford
Shifting Sands by Elizabeth Seckman
Shadows Falling on Rainbows by Celeste Holloway
Meringue, Murder or Marzipan by Tonja Drecker
Haunted Lake by Michelle Athy
Soul Coin by Laura Rich
Retribution by Melissa Maygrove

FULL DARK is a benefit anthology. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization that does many wonderful things for our country's active military, its veterans, and the countless first responders who sacrifice so much to keep us safe.

Goodreads --- Amazon

Gary Sinise Foundation

Published by Obsidian Books

PS - Is anyone out there doing NANOWRIMO this November? If so, GOOD LUCK!!

#WritersLife Survey 12 - Writing is Scary!

I feel really lame this year. No pumpkins, no fall decor, no Halloween decorations... As my boys keep getting older, they don't care about these things as much. The wonder and excitement is gone to sarcastic teenage apathy. Ugh.

Ah well. I still have pumpkin flavored everything and candy to give out. Halloween is what you make it, right? And I have this fun-filled spooky survey treat for you guys... enjoy!



Thanks for playing! I love finding out who likes what and sharing it with everyone.
Hope your October is full of bone-chilling thrills and tasty treats!

PS - My quarterly newsletter came out this month AND Thanks to those signing up to with my form for DISPOSAL's release coming up November 14. I might have to forego a survey for November... we shall see.