IWSG: Author Envy

click on image to join other IWSG writers!

IWSG: a place where writers and friends share woes or hugs.

Welcome to mine!

March question - Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?

Thank you, March co-hosts Diedre Knight, Tonya Drecker, Bish Denham, Olga Godim, and JQ Rose!

by Pexels@Pixabay.com

We, authors, are a different creature altogether whenever reading a book. Rarely do we separate our minds as writers while we read--we silently take notes on character exposition, plot structure, word play, word repetition, grammar usage, misspelled words, formatting choice, etc. We silently study with a critical eye the font used inside the book, along with the manipulated  photos that create the cover...

On some occasion, when a line jumps out or a plot twist catches us (as stated in this month's question), we admire--possibly lament!--how the writer crafts such cleverness. This happens as the muse whispers the inspired words or events that whip the stories about to create a cohesive reading experience.

All this is done on a subconscious level, whether fully aware or not--at least that's how I approach books.

Much of the time, whenever I read a genre I admire (Regency Romance), I envy the writer on the authority they have on the subject! But I know that it comes with research, study, and experience--something I've done but for the Renaissance Era.

by Jon Tyson@Unsplash.com

To outright answer this month's question, I don't remember feeling envious but awe as I stumble across inspiring lines. Clever plot twists catch my breath, but I don't typically become envious.

Some exciting news! Awaken: A Love Story on kindlevella, published its very last episode Sunday the 26th! Now to wait 30 days before I can publish it as a paperback...

How about you? Do you have author envy whenever you encounter a clever plot twist or a certain line?

#IWSG: Writers, Unite!

click on image to join other IWSG writers!

IWSG: a place where writers and friends share woes or hugs.

Welcome to mine!

September's question of the monty - What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?

A shout out to the wonderful cohosts for the month: Kim Lajevardi, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguirre, Olga Godim, Michelle Wallace, and Louise - Fundy Blue!

I will address how writers need writers instead of answering the prompt. First, writing is a lonely place to be with our scribbling, imagining, and creating. Social interactions might become awkward to some of us as we prefer to scuttle back into our caves where our keyboard is safely tucked away.

photo by me--parts cannibalized from pixabay images. Muahaha!

But sometimes we feel brave enough to stir from our holes for a breath of fresh air or some warm sunshine and, yes, we meet other writers. We need others who share the same interests, who understand how it feels to have voices take over our thoughts, the voices that jump to life and seize the reins of a scene, and even the voices that refuse to be silenced when it's supposed to be The End.

photo by MysticArtDesign@pixabay

Who else can we turn to but those who experience such things?

I come from a place where writers are busting at the seams; where they can be found under books and hiding in the mortar of the libraries as well as at book stores (who knew, right?).

Well, moving to where I'm at, it was a shock to see what an antithesis it has been. There are no writers anywhere. Impossible! Where did they all go?

photo by Luismi Sánchez@unsplash

Inspired and feeling brave--finally!--after years of hiding under a rock, I found the courage to start a writing group. It isn't just any group, but an Insecure Writers Support In-Person Writing Group!

the coolest flyer you'll ever see

I started out with one the second week, then another, and another, and another--the first one as loyal as ever to the cause of writing. The numbers have stabilized to seven, but it is a good number. Everyone is at a different stage of writing but we all love it and take it very seriously.

photo by Donald Giannatti@unsplash

I like to follow the Knights of the Round Table concept where we follow a schedule but, since we are all adults, we are free to touch on what we need to do the most. It's not stiff and formal but relaxed and comfortable. I hope I'm doing okay with it because I'm insecure. Perfect, right? Haha!

I'm also reaching out to writers on other platforms to share their love for writing here on my website. We will do spotlights, interviews, guest posts--whatever feeds the muse.

I started my career this way, reaching out to others and lifting them high because everyone deserves the chance to shine. We are all in this together and books are like delicious bonbons--it's our responsibility to keep the readers well-stocked with our beloved craft. Right?

photo by GDJ@pixabay

Can you name a time when someone reached out to you and lifted you upon their shoulders for a better view (literally or figuratively)? How do you feel about connecting with other writers? Would you be interested in participating in a spotlight, an interview, or possibly as a guest?

Perceptive Readers

This post is based off of last week's thoughts, but on the other side of the pages. Have you ever, as a reader, stopped, put your book down, and think, "This sounds like something that actually happened to the author." Or, "There's no way the author could have known that unless s/he experienced that" because you went through it first hand and felt the familiar emotion play out within you?

As a reader, a lot of the times, things jump out at me. For example, Cindy Hogan's Watched. A young girl witnesses a murder through an unusual way in a bathroom stall. As soon as I reached that part, a thought hit me, and I had the feeling the author experienced that same unusual way the heroine in the bathroom had (I am not referring to murder, either!). Because the author and I are friends, I was free to ask if this was the case. She confirmed.

I've had several incidences where, as I read books, a hard realization occurred: "This must have happened to the author in real life." And it turns out that it had happened in real life to the authors; some of the instances have made me sad, knowing this good friend endured such tragedy.

There are undeniable philosophical truths that many writers use in their works and it may strike the reader in the heart. Some dark truths can be woven into books that the writer would never dare discuss with anyone, but it is there in the book.

As a writer, for example, the theme in my novel, Rock Star, is similar to my own life. I have endured many tragedies, indulged in my emotions during my low points--even sabotaged good things that came into my life because I felt I didn't deserve them, yet, I have felt the goodness of it that helped change my life around. I am not quite sure what truths readers may pick up and think, "Aha! It seems the author may have experienced this exact thing." (Though I've never once been a famous rock star in my life!) I do wonder what truths my readers pick up on as they read my work?

Have you ever had that feeling, as a reader, that you knew the writer experienced the exact same thing you had just read?

Living the Pages

We are what we write. I believe that our fears, desires, our subconscious rises from the figurative grave to haunt our dreams every night. We are the sum of our beliefs that reveal themselves every night. Just as that is so, it manifests in our writing.

My brother pointed out the other day that my themes and stories are dark. Dark? I wondered. Well, I confess that I am drawn to Gothic stuff though I don't wear black lipstick. My stories are dark, yes, they are. They are not dark like Anne Rice's vampire writings, though.

My experiences, beliefs, and views are expressed through every book I write. Yes, they have dark themes in there. War. Death. Demons. Abuse . . . With it come love, forgiveness, self-discovery, strength--everything an antitheses of its opposite because that is what I've endured as a child and young adult as well as now.

Have you read my bio? I write what means most to me. I am an advocate for those who feel lost and lonely and hated. Why? Because I've endured those uglies off and on throughout and my desire to help others not feel that way is strong.

Remember Anne Rice and her Vampire Chronicles? That was her way of questioning God's existence. She struggled for 38 years and lived her doubt through her characters. Have you wondered why she has decided to move on from her dark themes? It's because she has found light and her spirit is now filled. Curious, isn't it, how a writer's work can change with their belief system. No, not really curious. Writers are people too and our actions are revealed through our works just like any other person.

Have you found that your actions (writing, hobbies, life) manifest your belief system? Think about it for awhile. I'd love to hear what you have discovered about yourself.

IWSG: Crazy Daisy

I have to admit that I have "lost" my spiritual innocence ever since Darkspell was published. I happily read my scriptures every night, went to church without dragging my feet, happily volunteered in my kids' classrooms at school, and all that stuff a spiritually balanced person can do without feeling burdened. Until . . .

my book was published.

My mental focus was reinvented and I felt overwhelmed* with just about everything! Marketing your book is another full-time job on top of writing your books, then there's taking care of family, then when real life happens? No wonder I feel like the pic below!

I've confided in several published authors and guess what they say? "Oh, I remember that happening to me." or "I used to do that, too."

Whoa, so this is is more common than anyone lets on, you know that?

I've come up with a schedule that has me marketing/blogging/ ANY social networking down to 1 1/2 hours a day, one hour for writing whatever I want, then my kids get home after that until I can get back to my writing after they are tucked in. Little here, little there--but I refuse to social network (which I immensely enjoy) during my childrens' up time. I feel miserable if I do.

When do you squeeze marketing/networking between real life?
*I've figured exactly why--I was digitally overloaded and my soul was protesting!

♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

A to Z co-host
#AtoZChallenge
@AprilA2Z

Are You a Prolific Reader?

Have you ever heard of a makeup artist who doesn't wear makeup? Or a chef who doesn't cook at home? What about a writer who never reads?


I have to admit that I'm way out of the loop of the hottest reads out there. As a writer, I'm bustling about editing, writing, critiquing, endorsing, illustrating, blogging, networking, marketing, setting up appointments--not counting real life motherhood and outside activities--and reading.


What, reading?


I read. A LOT! I read self-help books and many authorly friend books for book reviews. I read my own books--ahem, does that count?


I have friends who are in the same situation as I am: they are avid readers of the books they review. Does that make me like the fashion model who slums it while she's off duty?




How do you manage to keep up with the greatest and latest of books and write and edit and critique and endorse and blog and...and...?

Servers and Writers are Related.

source

We went to the Olive Garden on our date night. It was very pleasant. Our server made sure our drinks were filled, our empty plates removed, and our food just right. So, is there a relation between servers and writers?

Yes, yes, yes!

How, you ask?

What if the waiter forgot to fill your drink? Or your food was cold? What about forgetting the cutlery for your juicy steak?

We don't notice the server if everything goes smooth. But oh, boy, we notice alright when she messes up, don't we?

Well, that's how it's like for writers. The reader won't notice the writer as s/he reads our work, but if we don't polish them books, our authorness screams in their faces and reminds them that they are reading a book.



How do you feel when you stumble across author intrusion?

My Tribute to You!

I'm planning to go to 3 times a week with posting in my blog starting in June, so that it opens more time for my family and my writing.

So here's a tribute to my blog readers written by

by Frankie from Frankie's Poetry After Noon.

Thank you, Frankie!


The muse is silent

Perhaps on coffee break
I can take it

Is that a bark in the backyard
A knock at the door
Never mind, I've been here before

In fact, I enjoy the silence
To read a book or clean, listen to birds
Or music...MUSE-ic...Is that a pun?

I could doodle, make boats out of noodles
Oh, my, what fun not to worry
She'll come when she comes

I'm patient, no hurry, no worry
Why get mean about it
Laid back, easy going, happy-go-lucky

Perhaps she's with some other writer
Taller, who knows, one who never
Rhymes, writes strictly prose

Who hates metaphor
I've read that type before
Maybe she prefers that

Oh, I'm not jealous
She's a muse and grown
Hundreds of years old and free

To see whom she pleases
I don't own her
I'm just wondering

Where could she be?
Jealous? Worried?
C'mon, buddy, it's me!

I'm just wondering
WHERE ON EARTH COULD SHE BE!!!


by Frankie



PS: It's not too late to enter my contest! You have until the 31st to enter. I will announce the winner June 2nd!




photo muse found here

Yikes! There's a Writer in The House!

This had me laughing when my hubby asked me to edit his resume the other day.

It brought me to a time when his instructor assigned an essay. He came up to me and asked, "Hey can you read this and tell me how I can make it better?"

Oooh! I'm a writer. Editer. Critiquer. I can do it! This lands in my expertise!

Well, after I marked it up and handed him his neatly bleeding paper, he . . . guess what?
He hit the roof! He got mad at me and we got into a fight.

He complained with how picky I was. I told him that run-on sentences and misspelled words and the way the content was set up needed tons of work.

Now he is wary every time he asks for help.

How does having a writer work at your house?

(photo found here)

Friday guest was David West! :D

The Ultimate Multitasker!

Mothers and Writers.






What do we have in common?







Mothers are nurses, doctors, janitors, chefs, laundresses, dishwashers, chauffeurs, consultants, comforters, readers, tutors, teachers, suppliers, income bringers, gardeners, coordinators, entertainers, hairstylists, fashion designers, veterinarians, therapists, financial consultants, dentists, secretaries, seamstresses, artists, swimmers, coaches, wood workers, interior decorators, make up artists, story tellers...


Writers are world builders, fashion designers, psychologists, make up and special FX, dialogue builders, budgeting and scheduling, casting, directors, producers, editors, critiquers, clean up crew, characterization, grammar, tight-writing, no adverb using, no POV hopping, POV angles, genres, internalization, believability, honest writers, researchers, word count trackers, patience keepers, perseverance keepers, focus keepers, multi-personality peoples...

*Whew!


My little brain is spinning with all of these different jobs that each do! I know I must have missed some. Feel free to add to the list!

I applaud those who are Mothers and Writers!

Every day is Mother's day! :D


Photo of Octopus found here,
others here.

Published Authors. Aspiring Authors. Writers.

We all share one thing in common, right???

It was so much fun at LDStorymakers Conference!

There were all sorts of writers there.

Testing the waters ones. Aspiring ones. Published ones . . . It was a conglomerate of many people joining together in an effort to share the craft.

I've just recently visited a friend's blog who was there. She felt sad that a few of the published authors shrunk into themselves, ignoring those who weren't published. I personally didn't get those same vibes as she did there, but I've experienced it elsewhere and have wondered on it.

I wonder why anyone would do that, since going beyond the small world of oneness to get your book out is the best way to, well, promote!


It reminds me of the feudal system. Kings, lords, knights, peasants . . .


Have you ever had an experience where you were snubbed by a published author? (Are there class levels within the published author world? Like: Neener neener, I have 11 books out and you only 1.)





(photos found here and here)
B&W photo of peasants revolting
I have updated this post!

Impromptu Mondays

Birds of a Feather Flock Together!
A post about book launches and writer conferences--A Writer's Reunion!

photo found at: http://www.mayhemltd.com/scribe-quills2.htm

This is a wee bit different than my other Monday posts. (Sorry, creative writers, but I'll give you your prompt next week!)



My friend, Amber, and I were chatting on Facebook about the book launch this Thursday. She said something that lit a light bulb in my head. She said (sorry, I can't quote her, but I can
paraphrase!), "I love writer's conferences, they are like a family reunion."


So well said, Amber!


LTUE was so fun. I met friends that I've made over Facebook and old ones from last year's LDStorymakers Writers Conference. We were all very happy to see each other again and even for the first time. We spent time at lunch. Mingling and mixing from class to class. Expanding the circle of friends. Dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, Los Hermanos.


In fact, I felt as if a huge hand reached in and ripped me out a few days after the conference ended. :(


There is that special connection meeting with other people who obey the voices in their heads! I just love them!


How do you feel about book launches, writers conferences and author signings?

I'm going to join L.T. Elliot in her unplugged week!

No online playing for me until Monday. I'll surely miss your fun comments and wonderful blogs.

I need to haul tail in my current WIP--it's almost done. Almost isn't good enough for me and I don't want to keep the publisher waiting too much longer!

XoXoXo

Until then . . .

You are NOT Alone

Strong, tall, and alone

Waves of growth beat and shape me

Into someone new

The conference is around the corner. Do you know what this means? Hours and hours of nonstop fun. What kind of fun do writers love? Networking. Writing advice. Book signings. Laughing about the voices in our heads. Q and A panels. Notebooks and pens. Introductions. Pitches. Contracts. And much, much more.

Do we sound like a bunch of geeks or what?

I love being a writer. I love connecting with them. I love being surrounded by “my own kind”. I feel right at home with the aspiring as well as the published . . . The editors, agents and publishers. How cool is that?

Nonstop highs for a few days straight.

Then we pack up and go home to the far reaches of the land. Not many of us are lucky enough to stay in the middle of it all. Our writing kin can only be reached through the space of computer land. Soon, the waves seem to rise and rise and rise until despair is all we have left.

How many of us feel separated from other writers? At every turn we find our ordinary lives mundane compared to the shiny world of writerland.

I know I do. A lot of the time. I feel like something inside me has shriveled and died and the weight of this awfulness darkens my entire soul. I reach out and try to strengthen the bonds of friendship made and feel drowned by my own efforts. I find that the more I think about my loneliness, the louder it becomes. It gets in the way. It smothers my normal side of life.

I think the writer is a funny creature. We yearn for writerly companionship, yet, we require solace for our creating—at least most of us do. Push and pull. Up and down. All around—eep!

Despite of all the awkward moments of connecting, and the loneliness we may face after the golden gates have closed behind us, I know we can still find love and acceptance by our kin (other writers).

The best way to combat this is to seek out our flock. They are everywhere. From Facebook, to Twitter, to ANWA, to Authonomy—and especially in the small crevices of life scribbling away. I think it is important to still connect with others, even if they are in the first steps of their journey.

They think like writers, right?

Imaginary characters chattering away. Plots plodding down the doors to our psyche. Settings unfurling into grand vistas.

We are truth seekers. We are quest takers. We are soldiers in the war of words. We are chosen to be the voice of the silent ones. Wow . . . it is no wonder life feels lonely when we are out of our element. It is a wonder the race of writers is still powerful and fighting and ferociously alive.

We are survivors. Drivers. Thrivers.

Do you have moments when you feel compellingly alone? Disconnected from the world of writers? How do you deal with your ‘down’ times?

PS--I was going to have this post until Friday, but I have felt the urging to post it sooner than that. I hope that this has helped others. Please remember if anything else, that you are NOT alone. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and reach out. Let's meet halfway! ;)

(Nikki, Jenni, Paul Genesse, and me: the photo, an example of authors in every walk of writerhood)