The Eyes Have It

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

I'll be missing in action next week. I'm having my first cataract surgery. Yes, I'm that old. I know you didn't think so from my photo. Ha! I know better. So, if I don't hop around much next week, please cut me a break. My optometrists and ophthalmologists have been tracking them for over six years. Now, they're finally "bad enough" by the standards of my insurance company for removal. 

Our eyes are so important to our writing. We observe, write, edit--everything with our eyes fully engaged. As my sight took that gradual dimming that comes with age, I knew I'd have to do something. Glare is a constant companion. In fact, when I edit either on screen or on paper, I found the glare to be more than distracting.

Here's hoping that that problem will be gone soon! By the way, I'm opting for multi-focal lens implants. I'll be saying "Goodbye!!!!" to glasses, my hated companion for fifty-one years. (Now, be a sweetie and don't try to figure out my age from that tidbit. ;-)

Hopefully, I'll be a better blog-visitor when this is all done. Keep your fingers crossed!

In Two Weeks: The Book Pusher is back!

The Book Pusher's June Mini Book Review Part 2: E. Carpenter, B. Davis, L. Grimes, IWSG, C. Ruchti,

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

BURYING THE HONEYSUCKLE GIRLS Emily Carpenter: Women's Fiction/Suspense

Carpenter gives us a roller coaster of a story full of gothic suspense and deeply moving emotional growth for the main character. Excellent read.

THE SECRETS SHE CARRIED Barbara Davis: Women's Fiction

The secrets kept by Leslie Nichols family at the Peak Plantation have a way of seeking the light. Only Leslie has no clue what's coming until the truth shows up and up-ends her life. Good read.

ALL FIXED UP Linda Grimes: Urban Paranormal

(Ciel Halligan Book 4) With a bang and a giggle, Grimes continues her comic urban paranormal series. Can you imagine Ciel as an astronaut? Apparently the enemy isn't buying it. Great read.

PARALLELS: FELIX WAS HERE IWSG Anthology: Science Fiction

Ten insightful, intriguing stories--all from the minds of the member of the IWSG. Under the direction of founder Alex J. Cavanaugh, this group offers support for writers and, now, has unveiled the depth of talent within this group. There's not a story rating below a 7. If you like thoughtful SF, you'll love this book.

AS WATERS GONE BY Cynthia Ruchti: Christian Women's Fiction

The journey from despair to hope is a long one, and Ruchti's characters are rich, inviting, and forgiving. Lovely story! Told exceedingly well! Must Read.


Next Week:

June Links

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

Some of my many books...

And now, on the center stage--the Links for June! There's enough for everyone. Pick and chose of read it all. I aim to please. tease, and share the wisdom of writers, editors, and agents. And, Readers! Without them, there would be no reason for the rest of us. ;-)

Agents:

Chip MacGregor takes on the weighty topic of How Do You Define Success.

• Brenda Warneka shares tips for Negotiation Your Book Contract.

Writers:

• Elizabeth Percer shares her Nine Non-Rules for Writing.
• Chuck Sambuchino has information of the Five Comparisons NOT To Make. (Just when you thought finding comps was complicated, here's more to keep in mind. ;-)
• Michael Neff shares some lessons on Third Person Point of Vew. (This is for all of you who write this POV. I'm a confirmed First POV writer. ;-)
• The meat of any story for me, is character. Now Novel shares Seven Tips for Writing Better Portraits.
• Ella Joy Olsen shares tip for fighting insecurity in "Talking Yourself Down and Talking Yourself Up."
• Laura Drake shares "Why You Should Write Flash Fiction." (Speaking of...if you know of a contest of micro flash fiction 100 to 200 words, let me know.)
• Ben Yagoda makes Commas easy...well easier. ;-)

Readers (without you, we writers would be lost. XOXOX)

• I saved the best for last--Teddy Roosevelt's "Ten Rules for Readers. " This is absolute perfection! 

Let me know which is more "link worthy" to you. I value the input!
Next Week: The Book Pusher's June Mini Book Reviews, Part 2!

The Book Pusher's June Mini Book Review part 1: S. Bryant, D. Gabaldon, D. Hining, L. McNeill, F. Rivers

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

CHANGE OF LIFE Samantha Bryant: Science Fiction Women's Fiction

(Postmenopausal Super Heroes book 2) This is a bigger rip-roaring superhero tale than Bryant's book one. I can't wait to find out what comes next for this fabulous cast of women now that their creator has made such heroes of a much maligned group.

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER Diana Gabaldon: Historical Fiction

This is even better than BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE and true to its title, it concerns Jamie Fraser and Lord John Grey. If you've ever wondered how these two very different men can be good friends, you must read this book. Besides, we all need a dose of Diana Gabaldon while waiting for the next big Jamie and Claire book.

A SAINT IN GRACELAND Deborah Hining: Christian Women's Fiction with elements of Romance

This is a story about the growth of mature and radical faith. The romance is nuance and amazing, too. Hining has topped her debut with a story of war and peace.

SISTER DEAR Laura McNeill: Women's Fiction/Suspense

In this taut mystery, the brilliant use of multi-POV tells a compelling story. The emotional journey will keep you guessing all the way to the end.

LEOTA'S GARDEN Francine Rivers: Christian Women's Fiction

This is a classic story of pain, forgiveness, love, and sacrifice in the style Rivers is known for. The deeply realized characters tell the story from multiple POV.


If you didn't find anything interesting above, how about one of these? Here are the 2016 WFWA STAR Award Nominees.
Finalists for General are:

• Scott Wilbanks, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster
• Cynthia Ruchti, As Waters Gone By
• Cynthia Swanson, The Bookseller

The finalist for Outstanding Debut are:

• Kelli Estes, The Girl Who Wrote in Silk
• Linda Lucretia Shuler, Hidden Shadows
• Scott Wilbanks, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster

Here's another chance to Read! Read! Read! this summer! Check out WFWA's Summer Reading Challenge.

And now, another place to find me and my book suggestions: Pinterest!

Next Week: June Links! ;-)

IWSG: Inspiration is All About You

{Note to followers: if you want an email when a new post goes up, go the left column and subscribe for emails. Thanks.}

Insecure Writers Support Group

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!

Our Co-Sponsor's this month are:
Murees Dupe
Alexia Chamberlynn
Chemist Ken
Heather Gardner

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

I have a confess to make. I'm not visual. Before you get worried, I want to assure you that my visual acuity is fine--unless you consider my cataracts, but they will be fixed later this summer. I promise. ;-) No, what I mean is that I don't connect to the world primarily through the visual sense. When I describe setting in my stories, I'm usually stymied for words. Sounds, on the other hand, are easy. That's why I find dialogue is a major jumping off point for my scenes. But grounding the action in a physical sense is a challenge. This is a huge insecurity for me.

One of my methods for fixing it is to us photos of settings that allow me to spend time digging deep. My main character is baker and gardener. I write contemporary, so I find photos to be a great way to dive into setting. Here's a few photos of my personal setting that inform my story's placement in the real world in Cherry Hill, Georgia.

Do you have any suggestions for how a non-visual writer like me can get more details and reality into my stories? How do you do it?