Before I start today’s post, I’m sad to share that one of our writers, Ken Rahmoeller (aka Chemist Ken), passed away. He was looking forward to the publication of his first book, and we hope that it will still make its way into the world. His posts will be missed because he was always upbeat and hopeful about his work and that of others.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine,Diedre Knight,Olga Godim,J. Lenni Dorner, 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!
June 7 question – If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?
I’m posting in two places this month, so I’ll answer this question on the IWSG site. Come over and visit me there. And be sure to visit the co-hosts to see what they have to say. It will be interesting.
Since summer is officially here, I’ll be stressing about wildfires, walking faster to pump up those endorphins, and feeling restless when I have to sit at a computer and write, because I’m not good at staying inside this time of year.
Having written all of that, I’ll admit that I’m excited about the project that’s coming to completion. I’ve worked on this story on and off (more off, I confess)since 2014, and it wasn’t until this year that I really understood what I wanted the book and the characters to say.
I’m putting the manuscript through my critique group, and they’re about half way through what I’m calling my final draft. I hope I’ll have more to share in the coming months, and I hope to start subbing it by fall. Unfortunately, I still have a bit of a snag with this one. I don’t have the right title yet, but I’m on the hunt–usually at night when I should be asleep, but can’t because I have a marquee scrolling all kinds of possible title choices. I’ll find one. I’ve found others, and some of them have come before dawn.
Are you ready for another WEP adventure? I hope so because this month’s theme is
Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
I love it!
The winner will receive a critique prize from Lynda Dietz from Easy Reader Editing. Also the winners will be invited to submit a story for publication in the WEP Anthology.
Quote of the Month: “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.” – Gustav Flaubert
Hi Lee – yes I noted Chemist Ken as a special person … so sad to hear the news. It is amazing how we can have these connections with people via blogging, rather than social media – not into that! Good luck with the title and this new book … while I quite understand you wanting to be outside at this time of year – though the fires, thunderstorms etc are not a nice thought that might occur nearby. Take care and with thoughts – Hilary
I’ve been so buried with things I don’t want to do this year that getting back to people I want to stay connected with has become nearly impossible. If Ken’s relatives and friends can get his book out, I know all of us will do our best to support that launch.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Thank you for visiting Shady’s Place while I was away on break. It was very kind of you. I am sorry to learn about the loss of your greatly admired fellow writer Chemist Ken.
I can understand why you worry about those wind-whipped California wildfires at this time of year. Believe it or not, we Floridians are currently breathing smoke from distant fires in Canada. I admire you for making vigorous walks an important part of your life, and I am excited that you have a new book in the works. Good luck choosing just the right title. I’m sure the artwork will be equally compelling.
I want you to know that I am about to take another blog break, this one lasting five whole months. Mrs. Shady and I are moving back up north, more than 1,000 miles, and there is a tremendous amount of work to be done here in Florida and up there once we take possession of our new dwelling. I will see you in November or December when I resume blogging. Until then, take care and have a safe and prosperous year, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
That sounds like a major move, Shady. I wish you the very best and I look forward to reading your posts when you return.
Titles are always my biggest blockage! Essays and novels alike always get snagged when I’ve got to come up with a title. A friend of mine used to say that writing a book without a title was like giving birth to an unnamed baby but I just can’t help it! A lot of times, my stories don’t get titles until AFTER they’re written. Best of luck in finding that perfect title. It’ll come!
If it’s not one thing that keeps you stewing about the book underway, it’s another. Thanks for telling me I’m not the only one in this predicament.
Another Lee McKenzie book? I can’t wait.
I, too, was very sad to hear about, Ken. I always enjoyed his posts and was rooting for him to get his book published. The fires in Canada are devastating and they are impacting a lot of states. I am heartbroken by what is happening due to climate change. I hope you wrap up your latest book very soon, Lee!
I was sad to hear about Ken. Yeah, that title will occur to you at just the worst possible time. You do keep a notebook handy, right?
I was so sad to hear about Ken.
That’s awesome that you were able to figure out your book after so long. I’m hoping I can do the same!
Sorry about Ken.
I wish you the best of luck with your new book and its title.
Thanks, Olga.
That’s wonderful your next book is coming in for a landing.
The wildfires I’m bothered by are the ones in Canada – NC is under an air alert because of them!
I’ve been hearing about that on the news. I know what you’re going through because that’s exactly what happened in CA a couple of years ago. I finally bought an air filter for my office so my eyes would stop watering. Hope you get some relief soon.
I was so sorry to hear about Ken. I met him at a local SCBWI event. He was a dedicated writer. I feel for his family.
That’s awesome that you’re completing another manuscript.
I’m glad you got to meet Ken in person. It’s so rare I meet writers that way anymore. I still follow and stay connected with many of those I’ve met and actually talked to. That personal meeting makes a very positive difference in relationships.
I like you mock up book cover. 😁
It’s all I got!
So sorry to hear about Ken. I visited his blog twice and enjoyed reading his post.
I liked your answer on the IWSG blog. Best wishes for your book. It must be so gratifying to see a long time manuscript finally come to life.
This one has taught me a lot about patience. Others have upset me, or made me wish I could find the right twist in the plot, but none have taken as long to pull together.
Hello again. For some reason my first comment didn’t post . . . and the link in your article doesn’t connect to your response to this month’s question??? So, I’m trying again. First, this post connects with me because of your authenticity. I appreciate every achievement and stumble. Sometimes my titles come to me at the most odd moments, so may you find that title and persevere!
WordPress likes to play tricks, Beth. I got both of your comments, and loved them.
Thank you. Glad this all worked out . . . though I’m guessing thanks to WordPress, your response wound up in my spam! That’s never the right place for you.
I am really sorry to hear about Ken. I have enjoyed his work and posts.
As for titles–ai! Sometimes they are the worst things, sometimes they come just fine. Sometimes they are the first thing a new book gets, and I invent a plot to go with the title.
I love it when the title is the genesis of a story. Alligators Overhead was like that. Thanks for reminding me that not all titles come the same way.
Balance. Humor. Commitment. Perseverance. Respect for other writers. All this resonates in today’s post. May that title come to you one odd morning. That’s the way mine come to me. Keep writing!
If you can get those titles that way, then so can I! Thanks, Beth.
Titles are tricky. Sometimes they come real easy and other times pulling teeth hurts less. Good luck!
And you’d think they would always be an organic bit of the story. Not so.
I am gratified so many are remembering Ken. He was quiet but found his place in writing.
He was so honest in his posts about his struggles as well as successes with writing and also health issues that his blog was very appealing.
Titles are tough, but I love all of your titles so far, so I know you’ll find a great one! Congratulations on your new book!
Thanks for the vote of confidence! Appreciate it.
Hope you find the most fitting, perfect title!
I’ll have to post about it when/if that happens.
Congrats on your latest. I have no doubt that you’ll find a title and a home for this one. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Sweet! Thanks, Anna.
Sometimes a story needs to sit and ferment a while. One of mine sat for thirty years!
Only thirty? Actually, I’m impressed you picked it up and carried it through to publication. That’s amazing!
Hi, Lee,
I will miss Ken. Whenever he visited my blog, he encouraged me.
I like your quote from Flaubert. The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe. That is so true.
Take care.
Shalom shalom
Yes, Ken had a good heart and he was a supportive member we will all miss. Good to hear from you, Pat.
Ken will be missed. I always enjoyed his posts.
Love the Flaubert quote – it’s so true. Good luck with that title and story!
Thanks, Jemi. I hate being in a stuck position.
Sorry to hear about a fellow blogger who had died. I didn’t know him, but it sounds like ehe had a lot to offer. Congratulations on your upcoming publication. Having read three of your other works, I’m sure it will be good.
Thank you, Jeff. If this one limps across the finish line, I’ll be ever so relieved.
Very sad to hear about Ken. He was a much valued member of the group.
There’s something very satisfying when a longstanding project comes to fruition. All the hard work paid off.
You are so right about that, Nick! I’d like to write The End on this one and really have it be true.