Blog Hops

Farewell 2022 First Wednesdays

December 7, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie 43 Comments

This is it people! The last First Wednesday of 2022. I’m shocked that we’ve met here for an entire year to talk about writing, reading, and life experiences. I’ll leave this year with a lot of good memories, many interesting experiences, and some treasured friends. Thanks for all your visits and your wonderful comments.

Now onto the final IWSG question for 2022

The awesome co-hosts for the December 7 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Chemist Ken, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

It’s holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?

I definitely fall far behind in any goals I have-the writing ones included. My priorities shift to food (especially biscotti which I bake in copious batches), to my kids, to all the decorations that I’ve stored away for years. I seem to return to my “old” way of doing things and become more domestic and much more social.

The writing will be there when I put the decorations back in their boxes and when I’m no longer planning dinner parties or going to them. And when the festivities come to an end, I’ll be at my computer or scribbling in one of notebooks. But I’ll have a lot of wonderful memories of those biscottis, the kids with their presents and wide-eyed wonder at Santa, and the shared time with friends.

May you all have a wonderful December and meet the new year in high spirits and good health.

The December WEP Challenge is on.

Read the submissions

HERE!

Quote of the Month:

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

…and now it’s the first Wednesday in November

November 2, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

so let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Thanks, Alex

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the November 2 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Douglas Thomas Greening, Nick Wilford, and Diane Burton!

Remember, the question is optional!

November 2 question - November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

I’m so happy this question is easy to answer. I’m just not up to thinking right now. I’ve never participated in NANORIMO. The simple reason is I don’t want to. I don’t write the way participating requires. I don’t want to write that way. If I did write that way, nobody would ever want to read the product-even after major edits-including the author, so there’s no need to consider signing up. I always wish everyone well, and I’m pleased to cheer them on, but I’m a sideliner for this event, and I’m sure I always will be.

Now, talk about a total shift of topic…

There are two things that significantly change the way I see the world. One is writing. The other is travel. And on this trip I combined both interests. For ten days in Sicily I explored an island that’s steeped in history and offers up a chance to see some spectacular examples of civilizations that extend from the prehistoric through the Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman invasions-yes, Sicily has long been a target for conquest.

Clatafilmi, Sequesta
I’m listing to an archeologist read a bit of Euripides. Without a microphone her voice could be heard at the top of the theater.

Your face is going to go blank on this next image. With all of the beauty in Sicily why did I post one of an ancient pair of manacles? Great question, and I asked almost the same one. Why were these displayed alongside such amazing works of art in a museum? They’re iron. Iron rusts. Unlike marble or pottery shards, anything made of iron is pretty much gone by the first few decades after being tossed. These manacles are extremely rare, and they offer up an image (author alert) of what it was like to be a captured slave of the Greeks.

Moving right along into the 4th century A.D., here’s the Villa Romana del Casale. The abundant mosaics are almost as brilliant as the day they were created, and that’s because they were buried very quickly by a landslide and preserved by layers of earth for many centuries. I’ve added a link to a more complete look at the villa because the mosaics are nearly uncountable and incredibly beautiful. This very famous one caught my attention.

This is nicknamed the Bikini Girls. It looks like my gym!

I just did this yesterday…with more clothes on.

Obviously, I still have one foot in Sicily, and my head is filled with so much that I saw. How can I use all of what I experienced in a story? Let me think.

Quote of the Month: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
– St. Augustine

Let’s Get Into the Dark Heart of October and Write a Ghost Story

October 14, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

We only have two more #IWSG First Wednesdays in 2022. Can you believe that? I’m officially on break, so I wrote this post before I took off. But I look forward to my favorite holiday on October 31, and when I return, I’ll stop in to say hi to you and catch up on all that I’ve missed while I’ve been off exploring Sicily. In the meantime this post covers a lot of bases: an interesting monthly IWSG question, some thoughts on writing a ghost story, and an announcement of H.R. Sinclair’s new book. So let’s go!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and Sandra Cox!

This month’s question is, as all of them are, optional.

What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?

Since I’m rushing to pack and find my passport, I’m going to skip this month’s question and let others have a go at it.

Some thoughts on writing a ghost story

It’s time for ghosts and rattling chains and cold, eerie nights. It’s time to pull out your Poe collection and read until you’re sufficiently scared and can’t turn off the lights. Maybe this is when you might think, “I’ll write a ghost story!” If that idea has crossed your mind, here are a few pointers for where to start.

This category of fiction seems to be divided into two major camps: the really scary and the “cozy” ghost stories. Between these extremes, I’ve sampled ones that are what I call the scary, but not-so-much ones, and I admit to liking these the best.

Most of us are familiar with Stephen King’s The Shining, and I haven’t found a book about ghosts that scares me more, so I’d rank that one at the top end of spine-tingling. At the other end of the spectrum, are books like Tall Tails Secret Book Club: The Secret Library Cozy Mysteries by CeeCee James or A Scandal in Boohemia by Gwen Gardner. These are slightly spooky and fun.

The first decision ghost story writers have to make is which type they want to craft. If they’re headed toward the Stephen King side of things, the ghostly presence can be of the paranormal ilk, seen or unseen (the scariest choice), it’s malignant and fear-inducing—the cause of the unexplained events. On the other hand, if it’s a story that warms your heart instead of chilling your bones, the ghost(s) become characters with names, a history, physical characteristics, and personalities.

Even with a story that has a medium scare factor, it might help to think about what scares you most when you set out to write a ghostly tale. For me, that’s when I’m alone in a dark space, especially when there’s something I can detect, but it emanates from some unexplainable source—a hint of fingers brushing across my back, a voice I sense more than hear…that kind of thing.

It’s also important to increase the creep factor as the book moves forward. Whispered words or a brush of chilled air in a first scene might introduce the ghost, but the next time there will have to be something more concrete-maybe a sighting.

Be sure to note the details about your ghost: when or if it appears, how it enters and leaves, the way it looks or how the character(s) react to it. Is there anything that signals the ghost’s arrival? Can your ghost move things? Does it float or walk? Pass through walls, open doors? Is there a specific time the ghost arrives or can it come at all hours? How did the person die? When did he/she die?

And then the setting. Here’s where you can explore all kinds of possibilities. Does everything happen on a wind-swept moor or in a New York townhouse? Is the ghost tied to a place or does it follow the fleeing person it haunts?

It’s always good to read some examples and get the feeling for what’s been done before, but then become creative. Just because there are traditions, doesn’t mean you can’t find something fresh for your story.

Here are two links.

Link for 10 top scary ghost stories

Link for some of the best cozy ghost stories

I’m sure there are some writers here who might like to chime in with more suggestions about crafting a good ghost story, so check the comments.

And now for a new addition to the ghostly tales to enjoy.

Oscar The Apprehensive Apparition by H.R. Sinclair — Buy your copy now!
Chapter book for ages 5-8
ISBN 9798848409956
Paperback: $6.99 | ebook $3.99

Blurb
Oscar the ghost dwells happily in his cozy cottage, where he hides from creatures that lurk in the dark. After a mysterious message arrives, he must find the courage to go out and discover what’s waiting for him. Will he be brave enough or will the monsters send him rushing back home?

About the Author
H.R. Sinclair is a left-handed hermit prepping for the squirrel apocalypse. She writes fantastical stories and visits cemeteries for inspiration.

Blog: https://www.iamhrsinclair.com/blog/
Newsletter: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/hrsinclair
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southpawpov
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrsinclair/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7548000-h-r-sinclair
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/h-r-sinclair
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/iamhrsinclair/_created/

Quote of the Month: “Be hole, be dust, be dream, be wind/Be night, be dark, be wish, be mind,/Now slip, now slide, now move unseen,/Above, beneath, betwixt, between.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book

Bienvenido Septiembre

September 7, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

Purpose: 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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can’t find you to comment back.

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the September 7 posting of the IWSG are

Kim Lajevardi,Cathrina Constantine,Natalie Aguirre,Olga Godim,Michelle Wallace,and Louise - Fundy Blue!

Remember, the question is optional!

What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?

Since I’ve just experienced this, I can say without hesitation, Romance. There’s a long story behind why I set my pen to paper (figuratively) to create a romantic story, but I’ll save that for another time. Just let it suffice to say that I’ll never do THAT again!

I’d no sooner written one scene than I knew I wasn’t cut out to finish the story I had in my mind. Since I was co-writing this one, I was terrified that my partner would be upset if I pulled out. She’s a good friend, so I didn’t know exactly how to say, “Sorry. Can’t do this. Hate writing romance. Can’t, in fact.”

I’m not in this anthology, but a lot of other good romance writers are!
Amazon- https://tinyurl.com/34uvz479
B&N- https://tinyurl.com/38f54kj2
Kobo- https://tinyurl.com/4rr78vks

So, I dragged my feet (ignore cliche, please) in telling her, and we continued co-writing for several more weeks. Then , one evening after one of our discussions about the book, we looked across the table at each other and said-almost in unison-“This isn’t working.”

That was the end of our romance, but the beginning of our women’s fiction with Gothic elements journey. Now, that we can write. We have a solid first draft, and by next year, we hope to have an outline for book two in the series.

Here’s one thing for sure. I’m really glad I tried my hand at a different genre. I learned a lot about it and about myself. I still have those early scenes tucked away somewhere, and who knows but that they’ll come in handy sometime in the future.

This was a good question, and I’m sure there will be some excellent answers.

About That Blogging…

Some of you may have noticed that I’m not blogging each Wednesday. I thought I’d have the time and the desire to go back to writing more frequent post, but the truth is that hasn’t happened. I’ve decided I stand a better chance at posting regularly if I stick with doing so on the first Wednesday of the month.

Quote of the Month: “You can’t write any form of fiction unless you enjoy reading it.” ― Charlotte Bingham, author

TGI August!

August 3, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

Purpose: 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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can’t find you to comment back.

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the August 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

Today I’m answering this question over at The Insecure Writers’ Support Group site, so I hope you’ll stop by and read what I’ve written. However, I’ll be self-serving here and mention one example of my having to choose between this either or question.

The Adventures Of Pete and Weasel — Available on Amazon

When Alligators Overhead came out, I had some requests for more adventures with Pete and Weasel. I hadn’t thought about writing a series, but I’d enjoyed creating the escapades for these two boys, so I wrote Book 2, The Great Time Lock Disaster. After that was published, I received more requests, so those led to Book 3, Some Very Messy Medieval Magic. I suppose this means that I did try to give readers what they wanted, but I’m not sure I could have done that if I hadn’t really liked the stories with those kids doing crazy things.

Did you answer this question? If so, I’ll stop by and see what you had to say.

Last month I didn’t follow through and post each Wednesday, but I had an excuse. This is it!

I entered my car in a show, and that took a lot more time than I’d expected. First, there was the grooming (the car, not me), then there were the rallys, which in truth involved a lot of driving and eating, a lot of wine, and more…grooming (this time for me as well as the car). By the end of the month, I’d pretty much worn both of us out trying to show up when and where we were supposed to be.

It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun, so I may have to do it again. Only next time, I’ll know what I’m supposed to do and not be the total newbie.

Quote of the Month: “If everything comes your way, you are in the wrong lane.” —Unknown

Hot July News

July 6, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the July 6 posting of the IWSG are J Lenni Dorner, Janet Alcorn, PJ Colando, Jenni Enzor, and Diane Burton!

Remember, the question is optional!

Today’s Question: If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

I love this question, so whichever admin suggested it, thank you! But it’s a hard one to answer because there are so many book worlds I’d like to dive into. If I have the option of leaving whenever I want, then I’d be much more adventurous in my choice-Moby Dick for example, or Kidnapped. I’d like to “socialize” with Gatsby in the 20s, go back to any of Zane Grey’s westerns, or jump into Dune and actually see those spice worms as Herbert imagined them, not Hollywood’s version. And wouldn’t it be fun to ride along with Holmes and Watson while they solve crimes?

Enough. Obviously, I need many lifetimes to explore the book worlds that fascinate me. So how about if I indulge one of my fantasies and enter a book that I created? I’d like to know more about the main character after I wrote The End. What happened to her?

The Princess of Las Pulgas by C. Lee McKenzie — Amazon

I’d like to think that Carlie (The Princess of Las Pulgas) finished college and went on to live a well-rounded life. Maybe she married Juan Pacheco. I can imagine that happening, but I’d also like it if she was extremely successful as a business executive or a mover and shaker on the national scene as an advocate for those who need a strong voice. She’d understand the need for advocacy.

Authors, I’m sure you’ve all had thoughts about the lives your characters went on to live. I think that’s one of the fascinating parts of being an author. You live with a lot of interesting people in your head, who don’t go away.

Onward to some HOT news!

The IWSG Book Club has two super books in the spotlight for July

Reaching For Normal (Bloo Moose #1) by Jemi Fraser
Magic at Midnight by Ronel Janse van Vuuren

The stickers for Shattered arrived last week. They’re very shiny. Here’s how the cover looks with them included.

Free for Reading & Reviewing on NetGalley

Quote of the Week: “Sometimes I don’t even know why I’m writing what I’m writing…
I’m just following these people around and taking notes.”
― P. Anastasia

I’m Back in the Saddle for IWSG’s First Wednesday

June 1, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

The month of May zipped by, but not without many wonderful experiences hiking in some of the most beautiful country in the US. A lot of people are excited about Paris or New York, but for me, there’s nothing more beautiful than the open spaces and nature’s architecture. Stop me before I wax poetic about petrified forests, slot canyons, waterfalls, and pine forests! I could go on for hours, and then there are the pictures that I will want you to see-lots of pictures.

Grand Staircase National Monument Escalante

The road trip took 17 days. The average hike was 5 miles. I only got into trouble once when I was on a steep grade and the ground turned to sand. No matter how I tried, I couldn’t keep from sliding about ten feet onto the lower trail, filling my shoes with enough sand to keep me from going headfirst. I surprised a hiker below me with, “Look out! I’m on my way down.” I’m glad he was there because after him came the canyon.

At times the elevation made breathing while hiking up a mountain a challenge. Let’s face, it made it damned hard. I almost turned back a couple of times, but there was always a waterfall that I really wanted to see or a view that couldn’t be missed, so while those hikes took longer than I expected, I made it. Good thing I have great hiking friends for encouragement.

Canyonlands National Park

While I’ve hiked some of these trails before, doing it again was as if it were my first time. I’m much older than I was when I first visited these places and a very different person. While I was hiking what should have been familiar spots, sophomore year Philosophy 1A replayed Heraclitus who philosophized something like-and I paraphrase-You cannot step into the same river twice…

Cave at Great Basin National Park, Utah

Moab, Utah

I’ve missed hearing what everyone is doing, so I look forward to visiting and catching up.

And now…

The awesome co-hosts for the June 1 posting of the IWSG are SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray!

Remember, the question is optional!

When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

I’ve really already answered this question at the beginning of the post. My first resort when I’m stuck or in the writing doldrums is to get up and get out. Walking or hiking always clears my head and returns me to the story. It took me a while to figure this out.

For a long time, I’d force myself to stick with the page even when the words wouldn’t come.

Miserable!

Then one day, just before I hurled the computer out the window, I turned the thing off and headed outside. I think I walked ten miles that day. By the time I came back, not only was I feeling smug about how much exercise I’d had, but I also had the words I needed to move ahead with the story.

Well, duh! Why did it take me so long to figure this out?

Ouray, Colorado

Quote of the Week: “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” - Albert Einstein

Gone Hiking

May 4, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

I’m taking a break this month, but want to welcome

Sandra Cox

as a new admin for #IWSG!

She’s a great addition to this group.

See everyone in June!

Welcome, April

April 6, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

Last week my post was A Big March Mess, and thank heavens that’s over with. My blog is back up and functioning as it should, the problems I had with my house and my car are resolved, and we had a bit of rain in an otherwise super dry state. For a while, all is well in my world. Now if only it were also the same on the rest of this planet. Regardless of the many woes today and of these past few years, writers continue to write, readers continue to read, so something is going as it should.

I’ll only put up one more post this month on April 21 for Alex Cavanaugh and his new book release, so come by then and read his interview. I’m taking off until the second week of May for a road trip and some hiking. It’s time for something different, and I’m sure everyone reading this understands that feeling. What a long two years of “stay at home” this has been.

I’ll be making a guest appearance on the AtoZ with J. Lennie Dorner on April 22-the letter S-just as I scoot out the door. Hope you’ll stop in and say hi to him and to me!

As Alex always says, “Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!”

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Remember, the question is optional!

April 6 question - Have any of your books been made into audiobooks? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?

The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler,Jemima Pett,Patricia Josephine,Louise - Fundy Blue,and Kim Lajevardi!

I haven’t produced an audiobook yet, but it’s in the future, and so far the biggest issue I have is choosing the company, and then-I’m guessing-the voice actor. Others who have already done this will have some things to share, so I’ll be interested in reading what they have to say.

And now…

Kiss of the Assassin, A New Book by Joylene Nowell Butler

Amazon.com . Amazon.ca . Google Play . Barnes and Noble . Chapters

I read and reviewed this book, so I can recommend it to those who like intrigue with interesting twists and romance. Here’s my review:

Kiss of the Assassin is a story about an intelligent and beautiful girl named Marina who becomes a highly trained assassin for a high-ranking Russian official. While she kills with skill, it sickens her, and she longs to be free from her “guardian’s” control.

On one mission, she’s charged with killing Marine Sargeant Mateo Arcusa. When she saves him instead, their lives are forever intertwined. And they are destined to love each other in spite of all the obstacles life throws at them.

However, it will take years of Russian machinations, assassinations, and finally Marina’s defection for Marina and Mateo to come together, and that’s the thrill of the story. Just when you think there’s hope for her safety and their union, something or someone intercedes.

Throughout the story, you want that happy ending, but just when it seems possible, it slips through the characters’ fingers. In the end, you understand that these two must trust no one if they are to survive and share a life together.

Butler pulls off something that had to be challenging. She makes a professional killer sympathetic. You develop empathy for Marina, and you are pulling for her to succeed and find happiness.

If you like fiction set against the backdrop of Russian/CIA intrigue and the Vietnam War era, you’ll enjoy Kiss of the Assassin.

Quote of the Week: “Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.”
― Anonymous

Ashes On This First Wednesday

March 2, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Remember, the question is optional!

March 2 question - Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

The awesome co-hosts for the March 2 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn,Pat Garcia,Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

I’m skipping this month’s question because I don’t have an answer. I can’t remember being conflicted about including a scene. Now, I’m scratching my head because I’m wondering if I should have had this experience and somehow missed it.

For those who want to continue playing with WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY, please carry on. This is one long-lived meme!

It’s Ash Wednesday, so when that dawned on me, I turned my thoughts to what that day means for so many. Because my mind seems to skip around a lot, I re-read one of my favorite poets, Mr. T. S. Elliot, and then wrote this post.

The practice of marking people’s heads with ashes from the burnt palms of Palm Sunday gave this day its name. As I remember, the ashes are a symbol that represents man’s mortality. “From ashes you came and to ashes you shall return.” The ritual of this day is meant to remind Christians that while they are physical beings, they are also spiritual beings.

T. S. Elliot, had long been dissatisfied with the materialistic world of his day, and set out to explore this dissatisfaction in his poetry (The Waste Land and The Hollow Men). In his poem, Ash Wednesday, Elliot speaks to hope for human salvation in a faithless world. In it, the point of view character, begins as one who is hopeless and distraught about his human error. As the poem continues, it moves on to address what Elliot himself was striving for, an acceptance of true love. This was about spiritual love, not worldly love.

It seems that by the time he penned this poem, Elliot had turned from the materialistic world toward the spiritual one. He wrote, “Because I do not hope to turn again.” I take that to mean he believed he was on the right course away from the world he’d left us in with The Hollow Men and The Waste Land and was now headed toward one that was full of meaning and hope and spiritual fulfillment.

I’m sure my take on this is simplistic, but this is how I’ve always thought about these poems and T. S. Elliot who grappled with one of man’s largest choices in life. I’ve always been fascinated with how brilliantly he put such an important philosophical journey into words for others to consider.

If you’d like to read the entire poem, here’s a LINK that will take you to it.

Quote of the Week: “When the whole world is running headlong towards the precipice, one who walks in the opposite direction is looked at as being crazy.”- T. S. Elliot