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...

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!

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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!

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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!

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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!)

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!

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!

I am Not a Robot

Hey Writers!

Welcome to IWSG - August 2024

If I was a robot, 

I'd be R2-D2!

Have you ever been accused of being a robot? LOL, right?

Apparently AI thinks a couple of my comments sound robot-generated... This is so jarring! What is this world coming to? 

And what does that mean? What makes my comment(s) seem "made up?"

When I comment, I choose items from the post to praise or relate to and say words like great, awesome, fabulous, etc. I also might throw in a compliment or answer a question they posed. I conclude with Happy July or Happy Summer and leave my blog link. Maybe it's the link? But I didn't leave it one time and the same thing happened. I was told my comment was suspicious and was forced to prove I wasn't a robot.

How dare AI tell a human she's a robot! When I see robot-generated comments, it's very obvious, unless they're getting better. For starters, it's not a name I recognize or it's gibberish. And it's on a very old post. Smart as it is, it might be complimentary, but it doesn't usually get specific. And it almost always asks you to go read their post--no human I know does that, only ads. 

All this AI really creeps me out with their stalking, predictions, targeting, corrections, and judgments. Like a baby's milestones, every new step is amazing in its infancy, but by the time it's an evil teenager we won't be able to control it as it morphs into the Matrix or I Robot! Though I'd like to say some AI is good--I even teach methods to create programs that teach robots to help--I just dread the day humans depend on AI for everything and not their own intuition and vibes, things robots don't understand. Yet?

Hope I didn't sound too gloomy. It was just such a startling thing to happen. And as a writer, I see drama and premonitions all around me! Ha ha. It would make a good book, but I don't want to give AI any ideas!

And here's a short update from my small, yet tumultuous corner of the world...

• My older son, soon to move to Dallas, had to evacuate his apartment due to a severe leaking/mold problem and has moved back in with us until said move. Nice to have him close for a bit longer since we won't see much of him way over yonder...
• Took a scouting trip to Florida--I'm trying to get ready for that move. I'm not excited about the year-round heat, among other things. Been there, done that...
• As for Writing News: I'm very excited to have several book events coming up, one each month into November! Wish me luck!

• And I'm happy to be cruising through my two novels: LEFTY (typing up ch 11) and MAGNETRON (rough draft ch 17)  So much Research--which I secretly love, expanding my knowledge!

PS - What do you think of this blurb for LEFTY?

Homicide Detective Gloria Benson has a successful track record solving tough cases in record time. Until she meets Pamela Kaplan who appears to be cursed. Trying to put her life back together after losing her right hand in a car accident, Pamela can’t understand why someone is killing the people close to her. Gloria has a hunch, but it seems impossible to prove, much less predict who will be next to die. Time is not on her side as the murders pile up. Has Gloria met her match?

Happy August. Hope it's full of inspiration!

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Lazy Dog Days of Summer!

Celebrate with me!

I hope you are doing well for the continuing saga of the IWSG--Insecure Writers Support Group!

As life is full of ups and downs, May was a big up for me, and I needed it. It was a terrific month full of fun events and gatherings. And I'm excited to share them with you...

First, I met up w/my great writer friend
Patricia JL when she came to town

Did you catch a glimpse of the
Aurora Borealis? We saw it in OHIO!

I'm having a blast working on 2 writing projects - 
while watching my silly pups!

Favorite family pic (so far)
Excellent gathering!

Finally got back down to ATL
Visited w/my good friend Kim

and my traveling friend Amber

Love when the puppies
wear themselves out.

But they're always back for more!

A couple of other May items: we finished another fantastic school year and are helping my son heal from a common pitcher surgery--that's no fun, but we're making the most of it. He's keeping his head up, hopeful for success after a full recovery. 

Here's to tons of writing and loads of fun summer happenings! 

And hoping it doesn't fly by too quickly, as it so often does.

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Am I invisible?

Happy IWSG Day!

I've actually had a pretty good April. But of course, things happen. Still, we carry on and deal with it all, including: a couple of minor accidents, a major setback for one son, and some unexpected travel. It's all working out. And I'm even getting some writing done on my two projects. It feels great to be writing again!

Then there are also the down moments when I feel invisible, or not worth responding to. Seems to be happening more as I get older. Are people too busy? Did they not hear me? I guess it's not worth worrying about. But then, I read this:

    "The best quality books are not the ones that typically sell.

    The most talented writers are not always well known.

    The worthiest information rarely spreads the farthest.

    Or: The cream does not necessarily rise to the top.

    This is a message I repeat across my classes and writings, not to discourage people, but to reassure. It applies to matters great and small.

​    It took me months of intensive research to find accurate information on a health issue. I spent seven years looking for political reporting that made sense to me. And it took a decade to uncover good curly hair products.

    In so many cases, whatever I’m looking for has been around for years. But it’s almost never the first answer, source, or solution I’m presented with."

The End. No solution or advice on how to change this despairing scenario. No "but carry on and persevere and eventually you'll get noticed..." Nothing more.

This was the opening note in a newsletter I subscribe to by a long-time writer I have followed for many years. She lives near me, and I got a chance to meet her a couple of years ago. Usually her newsletter is full of wisdom and notices of events and promotions for writing bloggers. But this was so disappointing--especially because it's true! And I really felt the sting of it now that I'm starting over, more like clawing my way back, trying to get a publisher. Which I apparently need since I wasn't able to get a table at my go-to book fair this year, even with a shiny new book--because it was self-pub.

Maybe she was having a bad week. I won't stop following her because I've been there too.

What do you all think? 

How was your April?

Am I taking this piece too much to heart? 

And I'd love to hear how you feel about publishing these days...?

Thanks for stopping by!

BTW - Our Next Chat is Tuesday May 7 - tell me in the comments if you'd like the link!

CONDUCTION Release Party!

After a long road of trials, tribulations, and personal re-evaluation, I finally published it...

CONDUCTION is here!

CONDUCTION by Tara Tyler

Sci Fi Detective Thriller/Techno Thriller

Book 4 in Pop Travel series

Preview of MAGNETRON, Book 5 included

Amazon Link

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.

Cover Art by my long time writer/artist friend, Carrie Butler

And I've mentioned this before, but I love that I talked my son into posing for it.

I have a couple of reviews lined up, but there's always room for more -- let me know!

Here are a few fun quotes from the book...

Chaos, sweet chaos. -- Cooper

Watching Hasan argue with his droid, Geri wanted to shoot them both. Or herself. -- Geri

“What’s ASAHP?” -- Cooper

“As soon as humanly possible, of course!” -- Hasan

He was secretly very proud of himself. Weren’t all inventions potentially dangerous in the wrong hands? -- Jared

I am also excited to have some special guest hosts helping with my Release Party

 -- Everyone is invited!

L. Diane Wolfe  ~~~  Tyrean Martinson  ~~~  MJ Fifield  ~~   Sherry Ellis

And the party continues in January when I plan to release the ebook...

Alex J. Cavanaugh  ~~~  Christine Rains 

I'm so thankful for this writing community where we can share our ups and downs of the business. The IWSG keeps us connected as a Writerly Family. I don't know what I'd do without you all!

Stay warm, Have a great Christmas, and See you next year!

Keep writing!

via GIPHY

Fall inspires me

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...

Fickle Fall

Tis the season of dry hands

For turning off and on the fans

When we make then cancel plans

            if it rains.

Cozy colors everywhere

Xmas music in the air

And arthritis starts to flair

            oh, what pains.

Tis the season for achoos

And a few souls sing the blues

Don't forget the "I love you's"

            let them know.

Favorite flavor: pumpkin spice

Inside fire, outside ice

Fuzzy sweaters warm up nice

            on the go.

Tis the season for dry lips

Watching vids for all the tips

'Specially when cold weather nips

            like a pup.

Shorter days and longer eves

Crunchy, crinkly, colored leaves

Perfect time for story weaves

            looking up!

Surprise #1

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!

CONDUCTION by Tara Tyler

Pop Travel #4

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'm extra excited about the cover because I talked my oldest son into modeling for it. I love it!

Surprise #2

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

When offered a choice between tedious research or fighting a dragon, the players always choose the dragon.

Even when they’re dangerously outmatched.

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.

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.

Nora must choose between killing the necromancer and lifting the curse or siding with him and going home. Neither choice feels like a victory.

A fantasy LitRPG/GameLit for fans of tabletop role-playing games.

BUY THE BOOK HERE!

Happy November!

Cuddle up, buttercup!

Beware of AI

Science Fiction becomes reality yet again!

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.

via GIPHY

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!

What are your thoughts on AI?

And happy 12th Anniversary to the IWSG!

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.

Hope you have a cooler September.

I just bought my first pumpkin treats - cream cheese and Pepperidge Farm Milanos - yum!

Trying to pace myself!

Happy Fall!