January Mini Book Reviews: Bumper Crop!: A. Nathan, L. Higgins, J. Harrison, S. Holmes, P. Rickman

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This is Part One of my epic reading time while I had hand surgery. Enjoy!

THE BANKS OF CERTAIN RIVERS Jon Harrison: Family Drama

What does it take to break a man? Neil Kazenzakis learns--twice--and yet he finds a way to come back. The Banks of Certain Rivers is a wonderful character study set in real life.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Lisa Verge Higgins: Women's Fiction

A beautiful portrait  of love and sacrifice, kindness given and received. This is a deeply heartfelt story what will remind you why we gather together in support. Must Read

STILLWATER RISING Steena Holmes: Women's Fiction

When the worst happens--a mass shooting at a school--a small town finds grief in all its forms. Holme's books explores that grief.

 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 WINE OF ANGELS Phil Rickman: Paranormal Mystery

This atmospheric and hypnotic mystery isn't your usual paranormal. Phil Rickman's Merrily Watkins will win your heart.

As you can see, my eclectic reading habits continue. So, pick your favorite genre and get busy reading. ;-)

IWSG: Book Nerd

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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!

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.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

The awesome co-hosts for the January 6 posting of the IWSG will be L.G. Keltner, Denise Covey, Sheri Larsen, J.Q. Rose, Chemist Ken, and Michelle Wallace!

You might be a Book Nerd...

Yes, that's part of my study...

Oh, you know you are, so take the quiz already for confirmation. 

I don't think I've met a writer who isn't a book nerd. I'll confess to scoring 44 on the quiz. And I'm proud to proclaim my status.  Most writing craft books and teachers tell fledgling writers to read--everything. To read in their genre, out of their genre, craft books, blogs. You name it, we need to read it.

So, what are you reading at the moment? 

Come on. Share! We won't laugh. You're among friends. ;-)  

Surely, you're not surprised, are you?

And if you've never been exposed to Ira Glass's beautiful truth about creativity, you owe it to yourself to click on THIS. 

Next Week: The first of January's multiple Mini Book Reviews. What? Of course, I read while my hand recuperated. What did you expect? 

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!

5 October Mini Book Reviews: J. Bourne, K. Contino, M. Dilloway, K. Katchur, L. Thompson

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Just when you thought I'd given up reading...I have another boat-load of books to tempt you with. ;-)

 THE SPYMASTER'S LADY Joanna Bourne: Historical Romance

Great read!!!! Joanna Bourne's intricate plots are amazing and THE SPYMASTER'S LADY is a great example of what historical romances should strive for. Read this book! 

THE LEGACY OF US Kristin Contino: Women's Fiction

The Legacy of Us is a sweet family saga about four generations of women as they learn about love and life.  

THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS Margaret Dilloway: Women's Fiction

Galilee (Gal) Garner is as prickly as her roses, and just as surprising as a hybrid what produces an amazing bloom. This is a must read. Sit back and enjoy a story that will grip your heart.

THE SECRETS OF LAKE ROAD Karen Katchur: Family Saga

Caroline's family is good at keeping secrets. Only the secrets keep coming back to light at their annual summer at the lake. Coming to terms with the secrets will challenge their love.  

A MEASURE OF HAPPINESS Lorrie Thompson: Women's Fiction

The sweet and sour of life comes full circle in the family we have and the family we choose. A Measure of Happiness is a brilliant example of the home true love of family can be. The story of Katherine and Barry, and Celeste and Zach who the beauty of the trip.

Enjoy! 
Next post: IWSG November 4. 

IWSG: Retreat!

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IWSG

 It's that time of the month again! Check out the Insecure Writers Support Group. 

Every first Wednesday, we post about writing--the highs and the lows--and offer each other a shoulder to lean on. 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

Our co-hosts for October are:

TB Markinson https://tbmarkinson.wordpress.com/  

Tamara Narayan  http://www.tamaranarayan.com/   

Eva E. Solar   http://lilicasplace.com/  

Shannon Lawrence   http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/  

Stephanie Faris  http://stephie5741.blogspot.com/   

I know you looked at this post's title, and it took you back. What's she doing? Telling us to give up? To retreat from our dreams?

No. Far from it. I want to share a lovely way to hurtle your fears, find writing buddies, and Go, Writers, Go!

September 24-27, I attended the first-ever Women's Fiction Writers Association Retreat in Albuquerque, NM. I had a blast, but best of all, I am renewed. My writing is front and center. So, sit back and check out the perks of Retreating. ;-) 

1. Go new places.

Lovely Albuquerque Lifts Off!

2. Meet old online buddies face-to-face.

with Annee Brizo

 3. Try new things.

While I have read snips of my work in public many times, I have never sung part of them. Here, I'm reading my original lyrics to an "old folk song" to my self-composed melody. Really! Add lyric writing to my curriculum vita.

4. Learn new tricks and share insights.

Our Lovely Board and Me

5. Eat tons of good food. ;-) 

6. Share writing space with other creative minds. 

Of course, it helps if there is a helpful wait staff providing you with nibbles and fluids to fuel the effort. ;-)

8. Write a nifty, little character sketch/essay.

So, Retreat, Writers, Retreat!


For the next two months, I'll be posting on the first Wednesday and third Tuesday while I'm taking Barbara Rogan's Next Level Workshop: Revising Fiction. I promise I'll be writing...tons. ;-) 

See you Tuesday, October 21. 

September: 7 Mini Book Reviews: N. Baart, L. Bujold, D. Cox, B. Davis, D. Gabaldon, J. Timmer, S. Wilbanks

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Here's a much longer and more varied list of books for you to sample. Enjoy!

THE  BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS Nicole Baart: Women's Fiction

How far can you fall? Do you have the courage to climb back up? That's the question Adrienne Vogt and Harper Penny must answer in this powerful story.

 KOMARR Lois McMaster Bujold: SF/Space Opera

Miles Vorkosigan, Bujold's extraordinary and unlikely hero finds love., only winning the lady's hand is not for the faint of heart.

 TYPEWRITER FROM HELL Diane Cox: Paranormal Romance

Typewriter from Hell is a devilishly fun read. I dare you to put it down...or to look at an old typewriter the same way again. 

SUMMER AT HIDEAWAY KEY Barbara Davis: Women's Fiction

This story is a poignant study of three women and how sacrifice, love, and forgiveness figure into life. Fabulous Read.

 THE SPACE BETWEEN Diana Gabaldon: historical, paranormal, time travel

Once again, Diana Gabaldon takes us on a wild ride. This time, it's the story of Michael Murray and Joan McKimmie and their arrival in France. Their lives are complicated by the Comte St. Germaine. And that's never a good thing. 

 FIVE DAYS LEFT Julie Lawson Timmer: General Fiction

The real life of these two families is not for the fainthearted, and the language reflects that. Both Mara--a mother with Huntington's Disease--and Scott--a middle school teacher in inner-city Detroit--face saying goodbye to their beloved children. This one will keep you turning pages late into the night.

THE LEMONCHOLY LIFE OF ANNIE ASTER Scott Wilbanks: Time Travel Family Saga

This is a book for fans of Science Fiction, family sagas, women's fiction, and just plain good storytelling. Scott Wilbanks' debut is wonderful.

Next Two Weeks: I'll be taking the next two weeks off to plan for and attend the Women's Fiction Writers Association's first writing retreat in Albuquerque. Keep reading and I'll see you back In the Shade on October 4. ;-)