I know it’s spring when I can’t sit for more than three minutes in front of the computer, I pace, stopping at the window to stare at the daffodils, the poppies, and the wild plums all pink with flowers. Color is everywhere out there, and I’m itching to enjoy it up close. However, business first, so here’s my First Wednesday post for April and a great spring hello to everyone.
And I’ve started spring off with an INTERVIEW. The BOOK SAGE, a reviewer, asked me make an appearance on his blog. Of course, I said YES! Please stop by and say hello.
The awesome co-hosts for the April 3 posting of the IWSG are some of my favorite people! Please go say hi to them and thank them for hosting.
J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, Patsy Collins, and Chemist Ken!
Remember, the question is optional!
If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)
I’d wish for a solid and non-saggy middle chapter–maybe I’d push my luck and ask for a few of those. For me the middle of the book is a challenge. I’ve set up the story and I usually know how I’m going to end it. It’s that long bridge between that I do battle with to keep the pace up and the characters at their charismatic best. My greatest worry is the middle chapters will be as sad as an old mattress. Of course, wishing won’t prevent saggy-ness from happening; only long hours of weary fingers on the keyboard and longer ones deleting and rewriting with those same weary fingers will do that.
This month on my Email Connect, I’m begging for people to STEAL MY BOOKS. I’ll let you know if I have any takers. My featured author is Alex Cavanaugh. Surprise! And I’m linking to the WEP winner for the February challenge.
And speaking of the WEP…here’s the April theme. Better jump in now with your contribution. Sign up HERE.
From my Review: When Mara’s father is abducted by an evil queen, she ignores all of her father’s wishes for her to hide and stay safe to go in search of him. Set in a distant future and a fictional galaxy, Rescuing Mara’s Father is a fast-paced science fiction adventure with unexpected twists up to the very end. You’ll enjoy the read.
As usual there are things happening here at #IWSG. Our latest excitement is our affiliation with DIY MFA so we can bring you great programs for writers. This is actually my excuse for not visiting blogs early this month. I’m in a training session today. But I’ll be around to say hi and catch up soon.
Here’s a podcast that you should sample. It’s with David Morrell who is just brilliant. Then there’s one with David Corbett that’s very like a master class on writing characters based on historical figures. There are many more, so don’t touch that dial. There’s going to be something for everybody.
And another IWSG Anthology Contest is on the horizon. We’ll announce the theme next month, but start thinking about Middle Grade Adventure/Fantasy stories you’d like to write. You’ll have from May 1-September 4 to enter.
Quote of the Month: “Wishing as a strategy is the very worst.” Andrew Young, Clergyman