"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney

Sunday, March 24, 2019

2019 A to Z Challenge Sign Ups and Theme Reveals

It's almost time for the annual "A to Z" blogging challenge. Ten years ago, 100 bloggers made a commitment to post the alphabet daily for a month, and at its height, there were several thousand participants. 

I myself participated for quite a few years. I enjoyed the experience greatly. It became a very inspiring, motivation, and educational experience each year. I made many blogging friends that I still keep up with, and even earned a few publications due to the exposure.

While the way it is held, run, and maintained has changed over the years, the spirit of fun and friendship has not waned. Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate this year. I have just taken on too much at work to commit the appropriate amount of time to blogging for a solid month. I still hope to visit many of the participants though.

Most of the repeat participants have already begun planning their posts for this April, and have begun posting theme reveals. While a theme is not a necessary requirement to participate, some feel it makes the challenge more interesting, fun, or cohesive. The theme reveal form closes on March 28 if you haven't made it over there yet. Are there any themes you would particularly care to see, or learn about in April?

This year is the TENTH ANNIVERSARY! Sign ups begin on March 1 and theme reveals began on March 18. To learn more about this challenge, or what you can expect to see this April, be sure to follow their website which is full of other useful information in addition to challenge fun: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/ 

Have you ever participated in this challenge? Will you be taking part this year? What do you think of the changes?

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Irish Classics, Prompts, and Party Tips

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Can't figure out how to celebrate? Try reading or watching one of the classics below, or click Here for a few writing prompts and party tips to help you celebrate a love of the Irish.








































How will you be celebrating?

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Scribbler

If you haven't noticed, a new fad has swept our nation in the last couple of years: the highly coveted box subscription craze. There are now box subscriptions available for just about any obsession: flowers, food, fashion, fitness, Disney, etc.

If you don't know what these are, it's when you can pay a fee (one time, annually, or monthly) to receive shipments of "selected for you material" pertaining to your fancy. I've been curious enough about these subscriptions to watch a few videos online, but so far I had not been tempted into joining in the trend.

The OCD side of my personality doesn't like the idea of paying for something when I don't know without a doubt what I should be getting in return. The allure of the "surprise" aspect has not overridden this emotional response.  However, I finally came across one that has tempted me. Now I'm considering one called SCRIBBLER.

Touted as "The only subscription box for novelists - created by authors, for authors." The monthly box can be purchased for just $27.50 -  $29.99. So, what's in this particular box that has piqued my interest? 


The website claims the box will help novelists do the three most important things: stay motivated, improve craft, and connect with writing professionals. Inside each box - curated writerly gifts, new release novel, a revision letter from an editor, exclusive invitation to chat with a publishing professional, and a collectible "writing passport" from a bestselling author.


I've watched a couple of unboxing and review videos now, and I'm very tempted. Are you? To learn more: https://www.goscribbler.com/


Do you subscribe to any boxing services? Have you heard of SCRIBBLER? Are you tempted to join?

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

IWSG: Hero or Villain?

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.

MARCH QUESTION: Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?

MY ANSWER: I've enjoyed both at different times. Sometimes, they have ended up being the same person: hero and villain.

Whose perspective do you like to write, or read, from the best?