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Wednesday, January 2, 2019

IWSG - Into the New Year


It's IWSG time!

Every first Wednesday of the month, this group of writers come together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let out frustrations and woes. Writing is a tough journey, and we don't have to go it alone.

Thanks goes to the brain behind this group, Alex J. Cavanaugh! If you want to join in or find out more (because there is so much more to this group) then head on over here.

Special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts:
Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!


Happy New Year to all of you!!!

I'm a little late this morning, since our household hasn't hit normality yet.  The kids aren't quite back in school, and they're planning on living it up until that bus hits the end of our driveway to pick them up Thursday morning. But holiday cheer, Happy New Year!, and shoving those yummy still lingering treats aside (okay, never shove those treats away), let's get to the writing front!

This year is starting with a BANG! I've already got a to-do-list because only 62 days are left before my debut novel, Music Boxes, hits the world. Holy crow, time is racing by!

 Plus, I really...really...really need to get more done on my current WIP. I'm very excited about it, but simply need to get my backside into the chair and get it done. First drafts are always the hardest part for me thanks to my tenacious inner editor, which keeps wanting to go back and correct everything instead of moving on. Evil monster, she is.

But let's hit this week's question...


What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?

Up to now, it's been:
How many books have you published? Or when can I buy your book?

I hated this question because nobody took me seriously (not even slightly) while I was writing the last years. My shorts in the anthologies get a tiny nod, but most non-writing people have no idea what to think of those and soon, shake them off and repeat the question. And as to my Ubook ... well, that one is too unique to get more than a tiny nod and confused look.

Right now, I'm relishing in the fact that I have an answer for this question, and that announcing an upcoming book suddenly makes people listen. But I'm afraid that a few months after release date, this question will come to haunt again.... 'So, when's your next book coming out?'  So yep, I'm stressing a little on getting the next WIP done and out the door.

My favorite question is:
What's your story about?

I absolutely love to share my characters and their struggles with the world. Even if the person asking begins to twist their lips or stare at me as if I might need to be deported to single-confinement on a deserted island  (which would mean tons more writing time, by the way), it's wonderful to breathe that much more life into the world I'm developing.


What about you? What are your favorite/least favorite question to be asked about your writing?
And back to treats... which are your favorite? Chocolates, gingerbread, fig-pudding?

15 comments:

  1. I tried not to overdo it on sweets this holiday season, but I did treat myself to a couple of dark chocolate dipped macaroons from Godiva. YUM!

    Good luck on the upcoming release of Music Boxes!

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  2. I hated it, years ago, when people would ask how many books I've published and I'd only published eBooks and knew that wasn't what they were talking about. They meant real books in print.

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  3. Chocolate. Lots of it. Why, oh why must my favorite food and stress-reliever of choice be a migraine trigger? It's so unfair.

    Good luck on getting ready for your release. How exciting!

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  4. I know what you mean about those first drafts.
    Now you have an answer - and soon a book to show people!

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  5. I so excited for you!! ^_^ Can't wait to celebrate. 62 days feels so close!! I used to hate when people asked me what my stories were about, because I was convinced they would think I was weird and I never knew what to say, but now it's my favorite thing to answer, because you know, I'm proud to be weird. :)

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  6. 62 days - I'm so excited for you! Which reminds me that I have to send you some interview questions for your visit on my blog for your book release :-)

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  7. That's exciting to have a release coming up. Hit me up if you need any help spreading the word.

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  8. Madeline - It's been so long since I had Godiva! Wow. I need to make up for that soon.

    Chrys - People can be so hard to please.

    Tamara - I didn't know that about chocolate. How terrible!

    Alex - Many of my writer friends have be pumping out 1st drafts like it's the easiest thing in the world. So glad to hear that not everyone works that way.

    Krystal - Embrace that weirdness. I always say that if those around me start considering me 'normal', I'm doing something very wrong.

    Ellen - I'll be poking you next month. ;)

    Patricia - There's no way I'm saying no to that offer! Thanks :)

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  9. The masses are never satisfied, are they? You finish one book and they already want the next one. Tell them to subscribe to your newsletter and they'll get their answers when you're ready.

    Have a great 2019!

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  10. That's terrific, Tonya. Congratulations on the upcoming book!!!

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  11. Mine are partying until the last possible minute too and since they're in college, they have more time than usual...which is great, but I am falling behind.

    I can't wait until your story comes out. It's a fabulous story. I'm loving it.

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  12. Blessings and Happy New Year Tonya! Congratulations!

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  13. My fav question is why do you write. I respond with because it's fun. I hope writing continues to be fun for you.

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  14. Congratulations, Tonja! It must be exciting and gratifying to have your book coming out. Wishing you lots of success in the coming year!

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  15. I'm finally getting around to the blogs since my son just went back to school today. :) It's so exciting your book will be out soon. I think people perk up when you have specifics for them. Happy 2019!

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