IWSG: Genre Difficulties and a Book Launch!

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.

SEPTEMBER QUESTION - What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?

MY ANSWER - I would have the most difficult time writing anything that required a deep understanding of medical, political, or legal terminology. I'm not saying I couldn't reach a level of proficiency, and even enjoyment, in sharing this type of tale. I just currently do not have the knowledge to effectively tell such a story.

The First Love anthology is finally here! My short story "Paper Faces" is included in this sweet YA romance collection. If you are interested in learning more, or supporting the authors, check out the official tour schedule in my previous post.

How about you? What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle, and why?

Summer of Writing and a Vote

We're less than two months away from the official release of the First Love anthology!

However, writers never stop writing. If you'd like to get a glimpse at what the authors from our latest anthology are up to, please check out this page. I'm sure it will whet your appetite for a fantastic future read. 

If you're interested, you can also vote to help me decide which project I should focus on completing first. I've shared three stories I have started and hope to finish. Each one is vying for my attention at this time, but I'm tired of splitting my focus. If you get a chance, please visit the site above and leave a comment letting me know which one you prefer.

First Love officially releases September 6th and can be preordered here.

How about you? What are you writing this summer?

CSS Think Positive for Preteens

I'm very excited to announce a new Chicken Soup for the Soul book. This one is specifically for preteens and includes a contribution from yours truly. Think Positive for Preteens is a new kind of book from CSS that is a combination of stories and activities.

The preteen years are filled with change. Physical, emotional, social, and academic changes challenge preteens every day, and one of the tools they can use during this time is positive thinking. These personal, revealing stories about other preteens’ real-life experiences provide a roadmap for kids to be the very best they can be.

Preteens see how other kids used gratitude, affirmations, mindfulness, positive thinking, and forgiveness to overcome challenges and navigate the ups and downs of their lives. This fun, interactive book includes guided journaling pages for kids to write about their own experiences, and also includes quizzes and inspirational quotes. It’s a fun way to improve self-confidence, self-esteem, and good decision-making.

This book will be available October 27, 2020. If you're interested, you can preorder for a reduced price at: amazon.

Dead in the Dinghy

If you're still looking for a good read for Christmas, Dead in the Dinghy, the fourth book in the Ellen Jacobson "Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery" series, will be released on Friday, December 13th.

What would you do if your husband became obsessed with turning your cat into an internet sensation?

Mollie McGhie is excited about the Coconut Cove regatta. She’s looking forward to sailing to Destiny Key, enjoying the Fourth of July festivities, and dressing her cat, Mrs. Moto, up in adorable costumes for her hubby’s crazy new YouTube channel. Instead, they lose the race, get caught in a dangerous storm, and find a dead body in their dinghy.

The local chief of police claims that it was an accidental death, but Mollie is convinced that a murder took place. During her investigation, Mollie gets drawn into the local art community, worries that her cat is going to turn into a diva, learns more about the mysterious Destiny Key, and even does a waitressing gig in exchange for bacon.

Can Mollie prove that someone was murdered in her dinghy or will this heinous crime be covered up?

Dead in the Dinghy is the fourth book in the light, humorous, and original Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery series. If you like kooky characters, adorable cats, and plenty of chocolate, you’ll love this cozy mystery. Grab Dead in the Dinghy today and laugh out loud from the first page to the last.

Spoiler Alert: You’ll want to binge watch cute cat videos after reading this book!

The Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mysteries

Robbery at the Roller Derby - Book #0 (Prequel Novella)

Murder at the Marina - Book #1

Bodies in the Boatyard - Book #2

Poisoned by the Pier - Book #3

Dead in the Dinghy - Book #4

To learn more about about this author, or her books: https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

What great reads do you recommend for the holidays?