It’s a FIRST WEDNESDAY where we have a chance to share and encourage writers, where writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight,Tonya Drecker,Bish Denham,Olga Godim,and JQ Rose!
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!
March 1 question – Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?
I think this happens almost every time I’m into a good book. When I have to stop reading and close my eyes to consider what I’ve just read, then I know this author has touched me, and I wish I could do that in my writing. Envy? I guess so, but it’s more admiration for that author’s skill and talent that I experience. Envy seems a waste of time.
Speaking of reading, there’s a new book for your reading pleasure!
Buy Now
Sandra, who also writes as S. Cox, is a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and cats in sunny North Carolina.
An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more. She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.
Pineapple is a must-have on pizza, along with black olives and onions.
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This month is Smashwords big eBook Sale! From March 5 to March 11, there are a lot of books offered at discounted prices or free. Here are my Young Adult books on sale.
Quote of the Month: “Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope.”
Josh Billings, Comedian
Congrats to Sandra!
Hi, Lee.
(Sorry I missed making return visits for IWSG. My internet went out for over 40 hours.)
Congratulations, Sandra! I wish you tons of success with your latest release.
“Shattered” certainly moved me as a reader, Lee. All the best with your writing journey!
Thanks, Damyanti!
I think all readers – even those that don’t write themselves – can find those moments when a line or passage just jumps out at you!
And isn’t that a great moment? “Someone understands exactly how I feel!”
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Thanks for sharing the recommendation. All the best with the sale. Nice quote!
Hi Lee. I’m happy to be able to comment on your blog, finally. ‘Admiration’ is the right word. It brings joy and a greater understanding of the creative process.
I’m having trouble commenting on a lot of blogs these days. I’ve tried to figure it out, but there’s just so much time “Sigh!”
I think it’s every time we read a book, we feel that way about a line or a quote.
Hey, Nas! How are you. Long time no see!
Congrats, Sandra!
Lee, you and I feel the same way. I can’t help but admire all the writers out there.
It is a very interesting and challenging ocuupation, isn’t it?
Hi Lee – lots going on here … bloggers are great they keep inspiring … whether by books, or first lines, or just thoughts – we’re there.
Here’s one from a refugee – he thankfully did reach the UK, but in the prologue he states:
‘Before I died, I contemplated how drowning would feel.’
Menacing thought isn’t it – I’ve always hated the idea of people crossing the English channel in a tiny boat laden with people …
All the best – Hilary
That is quite a quote from a prologue. I can only imagine that thought and that situation.
Love the quote, Lee!
Hi, YV!
Great quote! I totally agree with you that envy is a waste of time. Like you, I admire other authors who are talented and amaze me with their plot twists or great lines.
It is pretty remarkable that no matter how many times a theme is used in a book, it has something new to offer. The unique human brain is amazing.
I love your answer! And, you’re right, it is more like admiration – sometimes, it’s that heartstopping admiration, too, which feels so good.
And what a connect that establishes between writer and reader, heh?
I think I wrote that question. I’ve watered down the meaning of envy in my head. But that feeling of pausing and being wowed…yeah, that’s when you hit the good stuff.
It was a good question. It got people thinking about their response to others’ writing.
Love that quote! I’m looking forward to Sandra’s new release too. I’ve got my boots and lariat ready.
Your attire is so appropriate! Happy Trails.
Admiration is the better word here, Lee. Admiration for other writers, rather than envy. Much better. Thank you!
I enjoyed learning more about Sandra. Bravo on your new release, Sandra. I know your books, Lee, hit home with readers. Bravo to you too!
Thanks for the visit, Victoria. Always wonderful to read your comments.
I agree, instead of envy, I do appreciate a writer that makes me enjoy reading. A good turn of the phrase or a clever pun or a good joke is always appreciated.
Thanks so much for featuring me, Lee. You rock.
Thank you, Louise. How kind of you to say so.
Di, I’m in good company with you:)
Thanks, Cathrina:)
Thanks, Tonja:)
Thanks, Alex;)
Jacqui, Right back at ya, bud;)
Diedre, Yay for being on your list:)
Loni, Yay for pineapple on pizza;)
I’m from NC and there was a time I was mostly vegetarian, but never completely because whenever I was back home, I had to get some good barbecue (and by that I mean the eastern NC variety with a vinegar/pepper solution).
Great to feature you and your book, Sandra!
Yes, we know it when we read a brilliant line and want to savour it. Happens a lot. But it’s inspirational isn’t it? Eggs us on to be better.
Congratulations to Sandra! She. writes great books, and I wish her lots of success with her latest release. Your “Shattered” certainly touched me as a reader, Lee. Happy creating in March!
That is the perfect quote!
I love getting blown away by talented authors!
Maybe as writers, we all get blown away by good words. I know I do.
Congratulations to Sandra!
When I read a sentence that grabs me, I have to reread it again and again. Or a phrase that sticks with me, like you said, it stays with me for a while.
Your answer seems to be the consensus today. That’s good, I think. We all want to enjoy the words, not envy that we didn’t write them ourselves.
LOL! Don’t worry, Sandra – this vegan has never tasted our Southern BBQ either.
I agree with your statement: not envy but admiration. That is what good writers inspire in me.
Yes! Admiration much more than Envy with me too!
And I’m a pineapple on pizza person too. 🙂
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
It was so nice to see you at Shady’s Place bright and early, dear friend. Thanks for the visit and happy March to you! I hope the nasty weather you folks have been experiencing all year is winding down. You’ve had quite enough.
My answer to the Question is aligned with yours. When I read a great story or encounter a brilliantly constructed sentence, I don’t become green with envy. I smile in acknowledgement and appreciation. Another person’s success is not my failure. The Quote sums it up nicely. The small minded develop tunnel vision and become fixated on the trivial and inconsequential. The open-minded individual views a world of wonder with joy and discovery at every turn.
Take good care of yourself and have a wonderful March, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
Respect and admiration are closer than envy, I believe. Congrats to Sandra!
Yes. I agree.
That’s the best attitude.
Big congratulations to Sandra!
I think a lot of us expressed this attitude today.
You’re right about ‘envy’. It does carry connotations that don’t resonate with me. Sandra Cox—my must-read author. Oh yeah!
Love a good western!
I think of the envy and good envy. It inspires me to work and being a better writer.
That’s all we can do, right? Keep trying.
Hi Lee!
“Return to Silverhills” is already on my list 🙂
I’ve read all of your books so far and anxiously await what’s next.
Love that quote!
Thanks so much, Diedre!