Revisiting 11 Things I Love

In honor of the month of love and my upcoming release of "Paper Faces" in the First Love anthology, I'm revisiting some old loves. 

1) Love is in the Air - Time to spread some love... a few of the authors of FIRST LOVE, IWSG Anthology #7 would like to share some lovely thoughts about how they and/or their characters romanticise Valentine's Day!

2) Scribbler - This is a monthly subscription service I briefly enjoyed but canceled because I didn't feel the monthly benefits outweighed the cost. However, in honor of the month of love and the upcoming romance anthology (see the ad in the bar to the right) I decided to renew for one month since the February box dealt with the theme of romance. I will share more news about this later.

3) These are a Few of My Favorite Weird Things - a few things about myself that readers found interesting or funny.

4) 5 Step Formula for Plot Structure - a quick and reliable formula to help plot or revise a story of any length or genre.

5) When God Says Wait - a good read for anyone struggling with patience.

6) Loving Castle - a favorite television series that I'm enjoying rewatching.

7) Creativity, Inc - a great book on creativity and leadership.

8) Bernard Pivot Blogfest - one of my favorite questionnaires of all time.

9) Loving a Great Character - some of my favorite characters of all time.

10) Dulcinea and New Links - my dogs favorite questionnaires of all time.

11) Show, Don't Tell - a favorite exercise I use with students when teaching inferences and the concept of Show, Don't Tell.

Bonus: Summer Literary Trips

How about you? Did you revisit any old loves this month?

A to Z Challenge 2022: NEW GRAPHICS TEAM MEMBER SEARCH

Covid has taken Jeremy Hawkins (previous designer) away from us. With heavy hearts, we must find another volunteer to do the A to Z graphics.  If you are interested in learning more about this challenege, please visit: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE FORM BEFORE YOU APPLY.

https://forms.gle/i3aXBLtWA6r1z1NM8

In the event the team likes more than one applicant, we will hold a contest on Feb 16-18 showcasing the offered badges and ask the A to Z audience to vote.

You will need to create one badge to apply. 

width="250" height="250"

Form set to close Feb 12.

Week of Love

It's the week leading up to Valentine's, and while I love flowers and jewelry, my family and friends know my favorite gifts are a good book and chocolate.

Interested in a few FREE romantic flash fiction pieces? Try my stories:

Thankful Every Day
Madame Tooshkas Spell
Masters in Love
Love's New Beginning

Or preorder the upcoming anthology on the right - First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts

Not sure what to get the writer in your life? Check out this list of suggested Valentines day gifts for writers or check out these Six Ways to Participate in Romance Week at Goodreads.

Want to share the theme of love with children? Check out these 10 Best Children's Books About Love.

So many of us love reading and writing. We have favorites that we return to again and again. How about you? 

I am especially grateful for a warm home full of books as I've been seeing the massive freezes and storms sweeping parts of the world. I hope you all stay safe, warm, and loved. Happy Valentine's!

What is your favorite genre? Favorite author? Favorite book from childhood? Are you doing something special this week, or for Valentine's Day?

IWSG: Support and Influence

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day 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. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

FEBRUARY QUESTION - Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

MY ANSWER - Yes, I was once a part of a great critique group. We were a great support to each other. We met weekly, and the time was so inspiring, motivating, and just fun. Unfortunately, many of them have moved away for a variety of reasons. We briefly tried to continue digitally, but it just wasn't the same. Priorities changed, life happens, etc. I really miss that time of support and influence. It's difficult to recreate.

How about you? Is there someone from who you miss receiving support or influence?