Vacation is over

Where 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.

August IWSG

But I was very productive in July, and I am happy to report for this month's Insecure Writers Support Group that I finally uploaded DISPOSAL as an ebook (totally forgot I didn't do that!) 

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!

Puppy Update

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!

Help Wanted

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.

IWSG Anthology Blog

Lastly, we have three great posts coming up at the IWSG Anthology website:

8/2 - Getting Middle Schoolers Excited About Reading by Sherry Ellis

8/9 - Wait For It... Patience Through Metaphors by Bish Denham

8/16 - TBD by Ellen Jacobson

We have a few opening left in 2023, but we'll need more in 2024. Let me know if you're up for it.

Hope you are finding time and motivation to write this sultry summer 

And as the sun sets on this hot and humid season,

We will welcome my favorite time of year... 

Fall.

via GIPHY

Scary Things...

Welcome to my lair...

It's time for the Insecure Writers Support Group!

What scares you?

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. 

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. 

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!

Waggy!

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!

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 IWSG Anthology blog for my guest post this week.

Keep writing!

Meet the Puppies!!

For this month's IWSG post, I'm just going to share some puppy pics. Meet Wagner & Jackson.

They are wearing me out! But they're getting better, and they'll surely boost your mood!

Enjoy a brighter May!

Hope things are bright and sunny for you!

And please try to stop by the IWSG Anthology Blog for a great post with advice on Rapid Releasing a Series by Diane Wolfe!

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