Review: A Change but not Goodbye!

 Due to time reasons, I've had to accept that it's not possible for me to run Bookworm for Kids AND Kidbits. So, I'm discontinuing this blog and shifting everything (incl. IWSG posts) to

www.bookwormforkids.com

Would love to see you there!

IWSG August - Where did the summer go?

 

It's IWSG time! What is that? For you who don't know, it's a writer's support group and the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh.

On the first Wednesday of every month, this group gets together and posts anything and everything about writing...the troubles, the dreams, the support, the thoughts, the drama.... well, about anything.

After all, writing is better when not done alone.

This month's co-hosts are: PK Hrezo, Cathrina Constantine, PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox! 

I came to post today and realized I haven't posted on here since May!!!! Oh wow! Okay, I knew that I'd skipped one month, but the whole summer?  Yeah, I'm a little out of it this time, aren't I?

Usually, I'd answer the month's question, but I'm going to skip that due to greater things (hmmm...or not so great).

While my posting is horrid, awful, terrible....seriously, it's been bad... my writing is actually going better than it has in the last couple years. (Yay!!!!)  I actually wrote and completed a short story last week and entered it into a little contest. That's the first story I've written from beginning to end in...ummm...2 years. (To say I've been in a writer's slump is an understatement.)

But I'm rolling along on several manuscripts because while I haven't completed anything in 2 years, I have started a few which I love. Now, I'm going to get them done.

Here are the reasons my writing has been off (just to show that writers are humans, after all):

1) Time and stress—with my husband gone all week on the road for the last years, that leaves everything in life on me. We love our lives, at the moment, but I've become a plumber, car mechanic, tractor guru, craftswoman, and electrician...and that while still running the kids around, volunteering, running the review blog, doing the animals, house hold stuff and...and...and...    When I get time, I'm often too tired to write. But we're getting that back on track!

2) Self-doubt monster—I have a huge one of these. Even the short story I turned in is being mutilated by this beast. I liked my story, sent it off, reread it, and now think it's a piece of trash. I hate it. Still, that story is off into the world. So, that's good.  Keeping this monster at bay is tough because it also makes the 'inner editor' a tyrant. Nothing is ever good enough. Never.

3) Co-authoring—I've been working on a series with someone....which because of circumstances has ended up switching gears to another manuscript first. This one is now on round two of edits, although this manuscript isn't so much as co-authored as 'being heavily supported and edited' from my end. Which I am loving and very glad to be doing, but it shoves my own work on the very back burner.

So, that's my life. Do you have some similar problems in yours which keep your writing down? How do you keep pace when 'life' gets in the way? 

I'm actually very satisfied with everything. Just busy and not blogging. And trying my best to fix that.

IWSG Goodness for May!

 

It's IWSG time!!!!

What is that?

In the words of the founder, Alex J Cavanaugh, the IWSG is here 'To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!'

The first Wednesday of every month is the time we post our woes, hopes, dreams, concerns, ideas, chit-chats, or whatever else moves us. 

(Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter. https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/)

I'm co-hosting this month, right along with Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine. Stop by and give them a 'hello', too.

Today's a special day for IWSG because it's the first day after the release of the latest anthology!

Dark Matter: Artificial

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

 

Discover dark matter’s secrets…

 

What is an AI’s true role? Will bumbling siblings find their way home from deep space? Dark matter is judging us—are we worthy of existence? Would you step through a portal into another reality? Can the discoverer of dark matter uncover its secrets?

Ten authors explore dark matter, unraveling its secrets and revealing its mysterious nature. Featuring the talents of Stephanie Espinoza Villamor, C.D. Gallant-King, Tara Tyler, Mark Alpert, Olga Godim, Steph Wolmarans, Charles Kowalski, Kim Mannix, Elizabeth Mueller, and Deniz Bevan.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a journey across time and space. Prepare for ignition!

Print ISBN 9781939844828 $14.95       EBook ISBN 9781939844835 $4.99

Science Fiction: Collections & Anthologies / Space Exploration / Genetic Engineering

 Amazon /   iTunes /   Kobo  /  Barnes & Noble /  Goodreads 

Also, the new contest is being announced today! Head on over here to learn all about it...

because you aren't going to miss that, either!

Now, that we've gotten the announcements out of the way, it's time for this month's question!!!

Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?

The first answer, which pops into my head is...

Some people actually claimed they enjoyed my writing!

Now, this might sound like a silly statement, but I'm more than willing to bet that I'm not the only one who was and is seriously shocked by this, at times. Of course, we hope for it and dream about people saying, "Wow. That was good!" But if you're anything like me, there's always that huge voice inside, which really isn't convinced this will ever be the case. So, hearing that for the first time is a shocker. Very unexpected (even if that sounds crazy). And even now, part of me whispers a little doubt, wondering if they're just saying it to be nice or maybe didn't read correctly? 

That self-doubt monster is ruthless. Always has been. Always will be.

But here's my other answer:  When Music Boxes came out, I did have a person in my family, who was disappointed I went into 'darker magic'. Since it's an evil witch, who's spinning her most sinister magic in the last scenes, I didn't think this was any worse than the usual, run-of-the-mill fairy tale. But my aunt was frustrated by the unsuitable dark tones, and that surprised me. 

Another piece I wrote received feedback that I'd opened up the reader's eyes to a new-for-them genre...which was unexpected and nice. And then another, never printed tale shocked a reader with it's 'brutality and twisted-ness', which they later admitted wasn't really that bad, since they discovered I'd only based it on facts from history. 

So, what odd or surprising remarks have you received? What response weren't you expecting and made you take a think-pause?

IWSG: My Escape

It's IWSG time!!!!

What is that?

In the words of the founder, Alex J Cavanaugh, the IWSG is there 'To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!'

The first Wednesday of every month is the time we post our woes, hopes, dreams, concerns, ideas, chit-chats, or whatever else moves us. 

Special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts: 

Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen Jacqui Murray, Chemist Ken, Victoria Marie Lees, Natalie Aguirre, and JQ Rose!

I'm going to be boring this month because I, honestly, don't have much to report. Life is calm, moving along, I've done some writing (could always do more) and all is good. I hope that many of you can say the same. 

So, let's just go right to this month's question, shall we?

Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?

Most of my reading is influenced by the reviews I do for Bookworm for Kids. Obviously. And I honestly try to keep this list fairly broad, since I'm also trying to provide a wide-ranged reading source for audiences ages 18 and under.

That said...

My secret reading desires...yep, I call them secret (shhhh)...do tend to lean in the fantasy and science fiction directions. And with that I mean lighter reads, which buzz along with the pure intention to hit adventures and take me to other worlds. No strong messages, please. Just sheer entertainment. But I also grab up books, which dive into science facts or historical fiction or historical facts or cozy mysteries or thrillers or graphic novels or almost anything.

Except drama. Please, not sheer drama.  And I'm definitely not a fan of contemporary or literary fiction. It's simply too serious. 

Reading is, in most cases, an escape for me, and a chance to let my imagination free. Real life is serious enough, and the people I deal with often have more than enough 'deep thought' discussions about everything from philosophy to culture to science to medicine to politics to religion and beyond. So, I steer clear of that in my hours of relaxation (aka reading). But sometimes the most entertaining reads have more depth than anyone might expect...just delivered in a different way.

And what about you? What do you like to read most?

IWSG - Blogging, friends and the universe

It's IWSG time!!!!

Even if I'm a little late today.

In the words of the founder, Alex J Cavanaugh, the IWSG is there 'To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!'

The first Wednesday of every month is the time we post our woes, hopes, dreams, concerns, ideas, chit-chats, or whatever else moves us. 

Special thanks goes to the co-hosts this month:  Louise - Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!

 

Actually, I've been thinking all the last days... "Wednesday is IWSG! This month, I'm going to get that post ready more than a few minutes beforehand. I even know what I want to say!"  And then, this morning hit and.... 

Yep, I'd forgotten to do it.

But at least, I know what I want to say! 

First:

Bookworm for Kids has its own domain! You can now type www.bookwormforkids.com and be taken right to the site. Awesome? I think so.

Second:

This month's question:

Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?

Gosh, yes. I can't even begin to count the amount of super, amazing people I've met because of blogging. Honestly, it's changed my world on that end, and I count every single one of them as a blessing. There are tons and tons of great people out there, and blogging has given me a way to meet some of them. Each one is really dear to me... even if I have time issues and don't reach out to all of them nearly often enough. And some have even fallen by the way-side, which makes me feel so terrible...but I can't keep up with all of them even if I wished I could. Is there any way just to reach out and give all of you a huge hug?

Not being able to keep up with everyone is probably one of my biggest regrets in life. All of you are really that wonderful.

Third: (and this one does have to do with some of those amazing friends I've made on through blogging)

I'm just going to quickly mention this now because I'm actually saving the announcement for a later date, but I received an email Sunday which offered to have Music Boxes included in a time capsule that's being sent to the moon through Writers on the Moon. (Super cool, right?) This also involved writing a small note to future 'readers'.  I hate these things because I never have any idea what I should say. 

Well, a few hours after I received that email, my brother called to tell me about a package my parents received from the cousin of my grandfather (who lived to be a week short of 99 and passed away about 10 years ago). She was cleaning out her house and found a box of old papers from my great, great, great grandfather. Not only does it include perfectly preserved love letters and postcards from the 1890s, but there was a manuscript, which was published in 1956 by my great, great, great grandfather. 

Turns out that he was a writer and a poet. He was commissioned to write the town's history of where he lived...oh, it's not a gripping read and really only done for someone who knows the area well. Which I do not. But the poem was neat and actually, fit the moon idea very, very well. Or at least, the last half of his poem did.

Now, some of his poem is heading to the moon, and I can't help but wonder what he might have thought of that if he had known.  

So, I'll just leave you with the last bit of his poem, too.

"Then let us pause a spell to write

that future youth may know,

Those valiant men who strove with might

to lay the forest low.”

IWSG - Writer What-haves and What-nots

 

Welcome to 2021 and another year of IWSG! 

In the words of the founder, Alex J Cavanaugh, the IWSG is there 'To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!'

The first Wednesday of every month is the time we post our woes, hopes, dreams, concerns, ideas, chit-chats, or whatever else moves us. 

Special thanks goes to the co-hosts this month: Ronel Janse van Vuuren , J Lenni Dorner, Gwen Gardner Sandra Cox, and Louise - Fundy Blue!

 I'm going to forgo this month's question and head into writer what-haves and what-nots.

The last 8 months or so, I slipped away from my connection to the blog-o-sphere and even struggled to halfway keep up with IWSG. The reason—life simply got busy. And my preferred browser doesn't let me post comments on Blogger, which doesn't make things any easier (Evil computer). But I'm determined to get all of that back underway, stop by and say 'hi' to all of you...I have missed you...and force myself to make time for writing, too. (Seriously, isn't cloning possible, yet?)

Writing has suffered, but with all of the COVID shut-downs, I don't feel so guilty on that front. I'm impressed with those authors, who have had releases the last year and are forced to deal with the much tighter marketing front (as if being a writer isn't hard enough). So, I see this as time for me to get my story ideas tightened up and refined. No time pressure...more because I haven't had the time....but that's neither her nor there. Right?

I have thought about closing myself in my little writing office and ignoring the world to finally let those words flow, but the kids and my husband weren't huge fans of that idea (go figure)...and my cows and chickens might complain, too (yeah, they want to eat).

Oh, and I might have spent a little too much time binging shows on Netflix and Youtube. I consider that research for my writing brain...which it might not be, but I'm not convinced of that, yet.

Add over 300 reviews I did on Bookworm for Kids (*aehm* is that too much?), and yep, writing has fallen by the wayside.

But that's going to get better now. Right?

(A magic wand might be better than cloning, but I haven't found that one yet, either.)

And what about all of you? Are you filled with writer what-haves, what-nots, or what-evers?

Or have you been indulging in 'writer research' as well?

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Here's wishing everyone a very happy and blessed

Thanksgiving!!!

IWSG - Better Late Than Never

 

Hello! And welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

A special thanks to this month's co-hosts: Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!

I'm late!!! But here...the story of my life this year.

Anyway, Happy November, everyone. Can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner? I have seen turkeys running around in the pastures and fields. If I were them, I'd run, too.

This Month's Question

I'll start with today's question:  Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

My reason for writing isn't that deep. I write because I enjoy it. I write because it's something I've done since I learned my ABC's. If I don't write for publishing purposes, I'll still write stories for myself. It's simply something I enjoy doing. Some people like to cook, others like to rebuild cars, others like to run... it's a part of who I am. Sometimes, my writing reflects my concerns; sometimes, it's to share experiences or thoughts; sometimes, it's to release anger or frustration; sometimes, it's to explore ideas and broaden horizons; sometimes, it's to try something new; and sometimes, it's simply to have fun and hope others are simply entertained.

Now...

...if I could find time to write. This year, the farm has been keeping me on my toes much more than usual. I've been a bit stressed with ridiculous projects like finishing painting the house before the cold temperatures settle in, digging and trying to figure out how to renovate our many-year-neglected sewer system, replacing skylights on the barns, treating cows for pink-eye, switching to home schooling with my daughter, driving my son's truck to him to Virginia (an 18 hour run)... pfffffffff...

Yep, writing hasn't only taken a back seat, I've shoved it into the trunk, at the moment. My blogging and social media arenas aren't far behind. That's why I haven't been haunting any of you nearly as much as I'd like to and hope you can forgive me for being a little silent lately.

But I haven't forgotten anyone and can't wait to jump into the writing chair again.  

And now, off to easier and more organizational thoughts...

My publisher is running a holiday special:

Buy 1 print book, get 1 print book free
Buy 1 eBook, get 1 eBook free
Buy 1 audio book, get 1 audio book free

Print & eBooks – must be purchased directly from Dancing Lemur Press’ website; free book must be same price or lower; when paying, note your desired free book in the comments section; free swag provided with print orders

Audio books – purchase from Audible, iTunes, or Amazon and send us your receipt stating your desired free audio book and we will send you a code for a free audio book; free audio book must be same price or lower
Inquiries AT dancinglemurpressllc DOTcom

Offer good through December 10, 2020

Visit Dancing Lemur Press 

A Literary Benefit Reading Series!!!

I'm taking part in this fund raiser for authors around the world, who've especially been hard hit by COVID-19. I'll be joining two other children books authors, reading an excerpt from Music Boxes, and answering questions in a live meeting on November 16th at 5:00pm EST.   This was actually scheduled to be on November 2nd, but at the last minute, was changed. 

Tickets are on a 'what-you-want-to-donate' basis, and you can find more information here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/share-words-share-love-a-literary-benefit-reading-series-tickets-118383860313

Looking for ways to get reviews???

I ran across a wonderful author and her even more amazing idea several months ago, and really wanted to share this with you because getting reviews can be a really battle sometimes. I've tried this one out in so far that I've already read a few and reviewed them, and I know more than a couple authors who have been collecting reviews. It's free, easy and works.

One simply signs up, has three possibilities to join in on the book reviews, and tadah! That's it. This is simply a bunch of authors...created by an author...who need reviews and are willing to review.  https://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/2015/02/submission-guidelines.html

Why...hello there, IWSG!

Hello! And welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

This month's co-hosts are: PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise - Fundy Blue!  Stop by and say hi to these wonderful bloggers because I know they are a great bunch!


Good morning, everyone! (Or noon or evening or night.)

I'm skipping over this month's question because I actually have quite a bit bumbling through my head right now.



On the writing front: 

Things are finally beginning to flow again. I've started my WIP and have the first 1000 words down (which is a mammoth amount compared to the big, fat zero I've been getting for months and months).  I'm struggling a bit in trying to figure out how to pace the first chapter: what to reveal, how much background to add, how to slip enough world building... that kind of stuff. But I'll get it figured out.

The funny thing is that the writing started to flow as life jerked into gear.



On the life front:

My oldest son suddenly and finally got word from the army that they're accepting his move from the National Guard into active duty (it took them 5 months to get back to him but that's the army). So in two weeks, he's shipping off for training as a helicopter mechanic (isn't that cool?), and then will be stationed who knows where.

So, what does he do with his new found news?  He decides to get married! Within one week.

Yep, my oldest got married yesterday!!! We're having a reception this coming Saturday because he decided to have it done in Colorado (it's all very confusing and hectic and no worries, I totally understand why he did it this way. And we're all very fine with it).

Oh, and school started...which is always a change of pace again.



On the blogging/marketing/whatnot front: 

I was going to shut Bookworm for Kids down as of the end of October for several reasons. It's outgrown my small blogger platform, and I feel like it's stagnated. And I wasn't sure it was worth my time anymore. It eats up SO many hours to do a review every single day, post, write emails, do scheduling! I just wasn't sure I should do it anymore.

Just as I made my decision to shut down and started spreading the news, I received an invitation to join a blogger panel as the children book blogger at the AWP this coming March. Bookworm for Kids might be small, but it has gotten quite a bit of attention over the years. And free marketing? Can't say no to that!

So after more thinking and consideration, Bookworm for Kids is going to be getting a new look, platform and purpose. I'm going to expand and offer several new aspects... interviews, children book publishing news, and who knows what. I'm going to let it grow as it wants. After all, there aren't many blogs which feature kidlit...and kids do need to read. Since time is always an issue, I'm hoping to get several other reviewers involved to help lighten the load, but we'll see what happens and where it all leads. Right now, I'm aiming for January 2nd as the 'opening' day, but there's a lot to do until then. And I have no clue what I'm doing. Absolutely, not a single clue.


So, that's it for me!

What's up on your front? Tons of writing to do? Is life keeping you hopping or bogging you down? Does this entire blogging thing make your head want to explode sometimes, too?


What's up in your world?

IWSG

Welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

This month's co-hosts are: Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey!


Question:

Quote: "Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don't write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be."
Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn't planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?


Yep. I have. I know the general genre in advance, but that's about it. And my stories can slide genres a little (small shifts). While I try to know my story fairly well before writing, the characters tend to do what they will, which can have all sorts of impact on the plot.

But isn't that the fun of writing?



Hope everyone's doing well! I'm keeping this month very short due to craziness on my end of things. BUT I should have some big announcements come September...

if everything runs as it seems it will. But how often does that happen????


Until then, have a great August!