Blogging Holidays

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Hi, one and all!

I'm taking a blogging holiday until January. I have hand surgery planned for early today and will be one-handed for a bit. 

So, enjoy your holidays! I'll see you later. 

  
And to keep you reading...Check out my "An Occupational Hazard" in the Fall 2015 WRITE ON! 

November Mini Book Reviews: K. Belle, J. Clavell, E. Havey, A. Nathan, A. Weir

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THE ONES WE TRUST Kimberly Belle: Women's Fiction

A tough and tender story of trust--earned, misplaced, and redeemed. Set in the present tangles of life and loyalty, THE ONES WE TRUST is a powerful exploration of love in all its forms.

GAI JIN James Clavell: Historical Fiction

Gai-Jin is Clavell's last book. Though not as good as Shogun or Tai-Pan, it has a complex and compelling story with multiple characters.

A MOTHER'S TIME CAPSULE: Elizabeth Havey: Short Story Anthology

 Elizabeth Havey's collection of short stories show the sad, sweet, scary, and truth of motherhood. Read them and experience the emotional highs and lows of one of the most important roles women are blessed with. 

THE GOOD NEIGHBOR Amy Sue Nathan: Women's Fiction

Amy Nathan's done it again! I was hooked by the first page and all in by the end of the first chapter. Izzy Lane's story showcases the ease of creating a new life online and the dangers of secrets.

THE MARTIAN Andy Weir: Science Fiction  

This is a total Science Fiction rush! Brilliantly written, THE MARTIAN is a great example of maintaining character voice throughout a narrative. Andy Weir has written a compulsive, hard SF story that's so human. Everyone who reads it will care about his main character. Bravo! 

 I'm taking a blogging break due to some minor hand surgery and the Holidays. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and other celebrations you may have. See you in January! ;-) 

IWSG: Fugitive Words

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Insecure Writers Support Group

 The Insecure Writers Support Group is a blog hop that emphasizes collective support and sharing the trials and victories of writing. Our fearless leader is Alex J. Cavanaugh. 

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.
  
This month's co-hosts are: Tyrean Martinson, Karen Walker, Denise Covey, and Stephen Tremp.

Pad or Recorder...That is the Question

 If writers aren't diligent, the brilliant words what surface from our back brains will run away to that limitless and lost area known as: I Had A Great Idea, But I Forgot It! All of us know this dread event and sad occurrence. 

But there's hope! Install these simple measures into your life and no longer fear the dreaded feeling of loss. Never forget the brilliant turn of phrase that defines your story's theme. Or the scene you've been hunting when it reveals itself. Be sure to have note pads everywhere ideas have been found in the past.

• On the bedside table for those ideas that surface in the wee hours
• In each and every vehicle you own for those rides that shake a few golden motes to the surface
• If your bag is big enough, put one there, too
• And last, but not least, in the bathroom for those revelations that comes from a "well-watered brain" that come when you shower.

But wait, there's more. What if you're driving? Or you can write at the moment due to a hand injury? Well, that's an "app" for that! Try a digital recorder.

So, intrepid writer, what's you favorite method for corralling those Fugitive words before they get away?

My next post is Tuesday, Nov. 17 when I will line up another bumper crop of Mini Book Reviews!