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!
October 3 question - How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?
I’m skipping the question this time around. I have too much to say about this topic at the moment.
The awesome co-hosts for the October 3 posting of the IWSG are Dolorah @ Book Lover, Christopher D. Votey, Tanya Miranda, and Chemist Ken!
Have you started your story to enter it in the next Anthology Contest? I hope so. Check out this LINK to find out all of the details.
My favorite month has just arrived. If it were up to me, we’d have three months of October; then January. I’d make pumpkin pie every four weeks because, of course, I’d have to carve fresh Jack-O-Lanterns and have them at the door for the Trick-or-Treaters that would come at the end of each October. At last, I could really get some good use out of my witch hat, and I wouldn’t have to do my hair-the messier and witch+ier the better. I love orange and black together, so seeing that theme for ninety days would be just fine by me. I’d have to stock up on more apple cider and cinnamon sticks than usual, but Trader Joe’s has plenty of each. As to the ghosts and gremlins that hang out during this season, I’d use them as writing inspiration. So I think this year, I’m keeping October around until the ball drops in Times Square.
Email Connect
In my October Email Connect I tackle Honesty and how Social Media affects our Truthfulness. Do you ever think about telling a fib on, let’s say, Facebook, and then change your mind? Why? Stanford Social Media Lab has some interesting findings about the TWO ONLINE WORLDS AND TRUTH. I’ve shared that this month. I’m also featuring another of my good friends and supporters L. Diane Wolfe.
If you’re on my list, let me know what you think. If you’re not, JOIN now and get a free short story that only my mailing list will ever see. I only drop into your inbox once a month as long as you want me to.
Now, here’s an added October October October Bonus:
A HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY
Since we’re in the ghostly-ghastly season, I thought a giveaway with a touch of horror would be in order. I’m in love with Roland Yeoman’s prose, and his amazing journeys with the literary, scientific, and political geniuses of the past. Imagine all time restrictions lifted. Imagine what kind of synergy brilliant minds from from different times can create when allowed to mingle.
I recently REVIEWED SILHOUETTES IN THE KEY OF SCREAM and Roland has generously agreed to give away 10 eBooks of that short story collection AND 10 of the companion collection, PERCHANCE TO NIGHTMARE. If you want to shiver and shake this fall, here’s your chance. To enter to win, just jump through three quick social media hoops; and then tell him which book you want when you leave a comment. Good luck.
October used to be my favorite month, but temperatures staying in the high 80s, it feels more like August. But I did get to see some color earlier this month out in Nevada—love those aspen. I hope you’re doing well.
I hear what you’re saying. We’re in the same situation. I’m having a terrible time with my garden. Poor thing it doesn’t know what to do: grow, die back, fruit? Some things that I’ve grown with success suddenly have gone belly up. Change is inevitable, but when it happens so rapidly nothing has time to adapt.
I’m hanging in. Good and bad days. Life.
I love the fall. I am totally with you about orange and black and wanting three months of October. Less winter! Plus- the leaves and temperature are just wonderful. 🙂
I just wish it could be fall all year round. I’m partial to October for being the spooky month, but I was born in November, so definitely need that month around. Then again, maybe I won’t age if November goes away?
My thoughts exactly. Get rid of that short and totally unnecessary month of February, and I won’t have to become another year older. Probably just a delusion, right?
I love the fall! Halloween is my favorite:) You can practically smell the magic in the air:)
Love the magic. Great to see you, Mark. I know how busy you are these days.
I like October, too. I love the fall colors and smells. It’s the start of baking season, which everyone in my house likes.
Thank you for reviewing Don’t Feed the Elephant! It’s a wonderful review, and I appreciate that you took the time to do that!
Those spicy kitchen aromas are definitely what makes this season so wonderful for me.
I was happy to review it. I’m trying to read your next book. Hope to get to it soon; it looks like a fun adventure.
Thank you!
October is awesome isn’t it? I love the cool weather, the beautiful leaves, and all the Halloween decorations. So much fun. Thanksgiving is nice because of the break from school, but since we travel for Christmas, we stay home for Thanksgiving, so it’s not a super-special event around our house. And while I love getting and decorating a tree, I’m kind of exhausted with the gift-giving that comes with Christmas, so yeah, let’s have October, October, October. And hey, January and February aren’t that great either unless we can scrounge up some serious snow…
I’ve bowed out of a lot of that Christmas stir. It seemed to be getting out of hand, so while I’m not Scrooge, I don’t add much to the chain stores profit margin. I don’t mind the winter and I adore spring. I’ve been less enchanted with summer since the thermometer’s been soaring into the 100’s far to frequently.
Fun giveaway. And Fall is totally my favorite season - October is my favorite month- and Halloween is my favorite holiday. LOL I love it!
-Lauren
I knew we’d get along. I’m with you all the way.
There’s a lot of wisdom in Roland’s books. I wish him all the best! And you too!
My short response to the question says a lot but yours, so much more.
The WEP is going gang busters thanks to you!
I wish I knew how Roland puts all of those characters together and makes it work. Really brilliant. Sorry about whatever’s going on. As banal as it sounds, I hope things turn around for you soon. Here’s to more successful WEP contests!
Not a big pumpkin person myself, but man do I love my apple cider! Happy October to you!
Well then, you’re officially invited to join the October, October, October of 2018! Bring apple cider, please.
Heather R. Holden says
I adore October, too, since Halloween is my favorite holiday. Can never get enough of that orange-and-black color scheme! And pumpkin pie every four weeks would be amazing, for sure…
Yes indeed. You are so right about the pie. Pumpkin is one of my favorites.
Hi Lee!
I too love October! It’s my birthday month after all. In Oz it’s spring which is usually short, leading into our usual hot summer. Nevertheless, it’s a bit cooler this year which helps with the writing!
Nice giveaway of Roland’s ebooks!
I saw you had a birthday this month. There’s no escaping Facebook’s calendar reminders! Hope it was a great one, Denise.
I’d be fine with three months of October, too!
Granted!
Hugs, Lee.
I’m still whining about the end of summer. LOL. But I’ll be happier with the change knowing you’re enjoying the season.
That’s very sweet. Thank you, Elizabeth.
Thank you for stopping by my blog.
I submitted my story to the anthology, for the first time.
I love October too. It’s my birthday month and usually, the weather is cool, but it’s not quite there where I live.
I got my newsletter but haven’t read it yet. Looking forward to it.
Congratulations on subbing a story. I wish you luck, Toi…that and a happy birthday.
Well, my end of the globe it’s a different story as we move through the spring season and prepare for the summer ahead. Roland has an amazing voice. Such a great storyteller.
The orange-black combo is an interesting one. I love the orange shades/hues…
Fibs on social media? No, not for me. I don’t know where people find the energy/time to play those types of “games”. I’m a private person anyway, and probably boring in comparison to those who live the glamorous life with fab pictures all over FB/Instagram. I prefer keeping it low-key…
Hope you’re well, Lee! 🙂
I doubt that any of us live a glamorous life; I certainly don’t.
The voice actor who did most of Roland’s books is the best I’ve ever heard. I love listening to him, and he always makes the characters sound exactly as they should.
I’m okay. Up and down and every which way, but still trucking along. Take care. Be well and stay honest as you are. 🙂
You two should meet! Why not go over and check out Maria’s YouTube channel as she rocks this month. Her URL is: http://www.youtube.com/user/Wubba2Write
and in case I’ve got that wrong, her website is: http://www.mariacisnerostoth.com which will definitely have the link to her YouTube channel. 🙂
I visited her spot, was totally entertained by her videos and posted that on Facebook. Thanks for the intro.
Oh good! I’m so glad. Maria’s the best! 🙂
You’d love my writing friend, Maria Cisneros-Toth, she loves all things Halloween! Have a fantastic Halloweeny time, this year and I’ll back you on a longer October, any day! 🙂
Maria and I should indeed meet! We could share pumpkin stories. 🙂
October is a great month! The wind is really howling here tonight.
Hugs to you as you write through life’s major events.
I love it when the wind howls outside and I have a cozy fire going. Thanks, Mary.
I wear orange and black year round. I’m wearing orange right now…
Well, then you’re prepared! My kind of person.
I love that quote by Humbert Wolfe at the end. I love carving pumpkins and seeing jolly scarecrows in October, and sipping on cider. I’m not a big spook-fest kind of Halloween person, but I enjoy the fun of the festivities.
His quote carried the excitement of this seasonal change. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love cider with cinnamon this time of year, too. And if it’s gory I’m out of here, but if it’s fun spooky I’m all over it.
Jennifer Lee Hawes says
I could live in an eternity of Octobers. I recently got a new job and it has been a huge adjustment for me, my family, and my writing time. Hang in there!
Adjusting is what life is all about, isn’t it? Those who don’t bend, break. I’m working on being bendable.
Oh, I so want three months of October! And bumping right to January bypassess the holiday craziness that drives me mad. Cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin - all the flavors of happiness.
And we’re all wishing you a smoother road going forward.
I’ll raise my glass to smoother roads and spicy, crisp October.
Enjoy October! We haven’t had any taste of fall yet, but maybe we’ll get a hint or two before Halloween.
You, too! Hope you get some cool, crispy days soon.
October means to leave the North Country and head for the sun down south. I do have to get my fall foliage fix and fresh crisp apples before we go though. Enjoy October!
JQ Rose
I guess you won’t sign my petition to keep October around until the end of the year. 🙂
I like the idea of extending October! I’d rather have Halloween than Christmas, anyway. 🙂
There’s no pressure on Halloween. If we could make Christmas that way, I’d think differently.
Raimey Gallant says
Uh, I’ll take one of those pies if you’ve got too many to eat…;) I remember some initial theories, back when Facebook was pretty new, about how people were so different online, extroverted even if they’re introverted in real life. It doesn’t surprise me about truths versus untruths. A lot of us tend to portray our lives as much shinier than they actually are, and that’s not exactly honest.
It’s a thin line, isn’t it? We don’t want to sound like we’re awash in mediocrity or misery, yet we don’t want to tell things that aren’t true-being caught in lies is not a comfy situation.
I’ll bake extra pies. Come about 5.
I’m all for extending October. I’d extend it right through until April or so. Then no snow!
And no taxes. Now you see you’ve come up with a splendid plan and a darned good reason for implementing it.
Glad you’re in your favorite month. Hope it gives you comfort. So important to surround yourself with things you love and that give you comfort as you navigate your new life. I’m still learning that and of the need to take better care of myself. Hope you answer this question sometime. I’d love to hear your answer.
I have something I want to share with you. All I have to do is find it! What a disorganized mess I’ve become. I could never write a character this confused and bumbling and make her believable. Right now I have only questions, but I keep hoping the answers will arrive.
We really don’t do Halloween here. October is a green and pretty month as Spring bursts forth.
Mind you, I adore pumpkin (any way it comes) and rock the messy/witchy hair look.
I was surprised last year in France when I saw all of the costumes and Halloween decorations. I didn’t think France was into this holiday.
You’re heading into spring. I should just fly between our countries and always have either spring or fall. I’d like to skip summer and I’m not too keen on winter either.
I loathe summer (the sweaty season). Winter is fine. Spring and Autumn are bliss.
I love October too! I think it’s a grand idea - having it until January. We really should look into that. 🙂 I saw something online the other day (can’t recall from whom or where or I’d attribute it). It said, “There are two seasons in the year, October and waiting for October.” Exactly!
I love that! It’s perfect for how I feel, although, spring isn’t too bad around here.
Beverly McClure says
October is a lovely month. The weather is growing cooler, just right for long walks in the morning and evening. Tiger walks with me. He sometimes takes a detour up a tree, but always comes home. The leaves are turning beautiful shades of red and yellow and orange. Halloween is such excitement, even though I no longer have trick-or-treaters. (Live in the country and it’s dark in the evening.) No close neighbors. Enjoy your October, Lee, and three Octobers sounds like heaven.
I can see you and Tiger on that walk. I love the image. May you have many of those walks together.
Glad you share my love of October, Beverly.
I’d be happy keeping October around too, as long as I could skip winter. January-March can be replaced as well. Our winter lasts a long, long time.
I’m looking forward to reading Roland’s book. Thanks for featuring it and giving him an extra boost.
Hope all is well with you. Thinking of you. xo
Hi J.H. Loved reading your post today. Thanks for stopping in and leaving some kind thoughts.
October is my favorite month … and my birth month as well. Thanks for the nice words on my books. 🙂
I do love October as well. Actually Halloween. Ghosts and witches are always welcome and so are fireworks and bonfires, cold mornings and thick sweaters. Have a great three months of October. That’s the way to do things. Celebrate life.
Anna from elements of emaginette
We never had fireworks at Halloween, but that would have been exciting. Glad you agree to three months of ghosts and goblins.
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. In Texas the colors are beautiful. In Florida don’t see that much difference and not the fall color in all their glory like Texas. Fall sometimes makes me homesick. Happy IWSG.
I’ll bet the difference for you is darned big. It’s interesting how seasons call up favorite places in our lives. I always get homesick if I’m gone during October.
I’d love an entire year of October! It’s possibly the greatest month of the year, and I love all things Halloween and autumn.
I’ve found a lot of people are like us. I always thought most would say they loved December. Guess not.
I LOVE fall and October and pumpkins and cider and witches and…oh, you get the idea? 😊
I don’t think I’m on your email list but I can’t find a link to sign up?
Oh wait, I found it. The link color blends in with the text color. However, the captcha won’t show for me so I’m unable to submit. Idea? I’m a trouble maker this morning.
Dear Trouble-Maker!
If you’d like to join the list, I can add your email. Not sure why there’s a problem with the captcha, but why not? This year is nothing but trouble. Email me if you want me to do the manual add.
OK! I emailed you my email. 😊
Hi Lee - I love England in September … but am happy with the scrunch of crisp leaves … though I too could do without the rain and snow over winter - but not for life … so much happens in that dormant period. Glad to know life is moving along one day at a time … sadly, sometimes the only way … but always will be whatever the weather (or life). Take care and look after yourself … and enjoy those pumpkin pies … the oranges of Autumn leaves are fine - cheers Hilary
Now that people are mentioning pumpkin pies, my mouth’s watering for a slice. Hope all is well with you, Hilary. Enjoy those crisp autumn days.
I adore October! The crisp air, the lack of humidity, the need for sweaters - awesome!
Yes. My greatest lament is that global warming is going to make my sweaters unnecessary. I hate that idea.
I love that idea-three months of October. For me, I’d get to skip all those holidays that don’t mean a lot without kids at home. January is a chance to re-invent. I’ll sign your petition if you have one, Lee!
Yay! I have supporters. I’ll have to start that petition circulating right away.
Thanks, Jacqui.
Since October is my birth month, I’m totally on board with that. And the hubby and I could hit so many more haunted houses! LOL. I’ll take it. =)
Haunted houses are the best. I’ll bet your kids have a ball during this season. Sorry to see that you’re pulling up your blogging tent stakes and heading off, but I do understand. Hope we’ll bump into each other in other places.
Three Octobers would be glorious! It’s my favorite month too. There have been a few times I’ve been tempted to tell little fibs like exaggerating something, but I’ve always held back. So my life isn’t terribly exciting, but that’s okay. People respect my honesty offline and I want that to carry on to my online life too. Have a great week! 🙂
I’d have so much trouble trying to keep lies straight that I’d go bonkers. Honesty is always the best. I’d rather be accused of having a boring life than an untruthful one.
I joined FB and Twitter before they turned rancid. I keep away from political or religious comments in my timeline. Mostly I point to my books or blog posts and post a joke or two and wish happy birthday to friends. I rarely visit FB or Twitter. And I don’t visit Goodreads much either since the reviewers have more snark than wit. Thanks for the Giveaway, Lee. Happy Halloweening!! 🙂
Social media is a drain after a while. I used to enjoy the exchanges, then-as you say-things turned rancid. I pick and choose who I interact with, but just last week someone phoned me on my cell via FB-a follower who, of course, I don’t know. I didn’t pick up, but now he has my phone number. I’m not comfortable with that at all. Thanks for your generous giveaway, Roland.
Thank you, Lee, for helping with the giveaway. I hate that some stranger has your phone number. Last month two people stole my identity, first on ebay and the next at Kindle! You feel violated.
Fall is my favorite time of the year too, and I wouldn’t mind three months of October either. But I’d follow it up with November and December, and totally skip January and February.
I could do away with Feb. That’s my birth month. I’ve had enough birthdays.
That’s my wife’s birthday month too, and she gets upset every time I say anything about how miserable February can be.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Clearly you are getting into the Halloween spirit, dear friend. I’m happy to see you so excited about the season. I too love the color combo of orange and black, appreciate your Quote of the Month and hope that someday soon pumpkin pie will be added as one of the daily essential food groups. Regarding “Fibs on Facebook,” after years of procrastination and against my better judgement I bowed to peer pressure and registered an account on that social media platform in June of this year. In the four months that followed I encountered so much superficial garbage, misinformation and hate mongering that I deleted my account a couple of weeks ago. I want no part of what I found there!
Stay well, dear friend Cheryl-Lee. Enjoy the rest of your week and month and Happy Halloween to you!
🙂 I’m trying to imagine all the garbage, misinformation and hate mongering on your page. How could that happen and so quickly? I’m not there as much as I used to be. Now I go to see the cat videos. I’ve blocked about twenty people, so my popularity is diminished-alas. I believe I’m now part of FB flotsam.
Joey (BTaC_blog) says
We get our best weather here in southwestern PA during October. So it’s a good month! I hope you enjoy all of your favorite things!
Thanks, Joey. Same to you this fall season.
I love apple cider and using a cinnamon stick to swirl it around in your mug. I wish we had cooler weather where I am so I could get more into a autumnal mindset. It’s kind of weird seeing all of the Halloween and fall decorations in the store, only to go back out to your car and start dripping sweat 🙂
There is a disconnect, isn’t there. In October, the weather has to be cool and crisp. The leaves the color of burnt orange. I’m now imagining Fourth of July in Australia.
Julie Flanders says
I’m right there with you, I love October. And I could definitely go for three Octobers in a row. Perfect. 🙂
Then I think we have a majority vote. See you in January. 🙂
I dare you to keep “October around until the ball drops in Times Square”. I’m not looking forward to winter. ugh.
Dare accepted. I’ll work on it. The only problem I see for California is we’d really have zero rain.
Apple cider and pumpkin pie spice coffee - yum!!
I’ve never tried that in my coffee, but I might just give it a shot this year.
This is my very favorite time of year too. In fact, I just had my first piece of pumpkin pie this morning for breakfast…yum. My house is finally decorated with pumpkins and leafy garlands and the cooler weather is refreshing!!
Have a good week, Lee.
You remind me that I should get out all my decorations. I must have some of that pie, too. Yay for fall.
I don’t know about orange, but I wear black every month of the year anyway!
Now, bring on the cooler October weather, please.
Even my cactus seem grateful for less sunshine. I’m ready to wear some sweaters for a change.
Hi,
Very well understood. Hope you’re slowly getting adjusted.
Sending you a huge hug.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I’m not sure about the adjustment, Pat. I’m working on one day at a time. And you’re so right, “Everything Must Change.”
Keeping October around a little longer sounds like a great idea 🙂 Happy IWSG day!
Ronel visiting on Insecure Writer’s Support Group day: Course Correction
Thank you for your visit. I love having new guests. I’ll stop by to say hello!