Wednesday, May 6, 2026

IWSG Wednesday AND Did You Know Thursday

 


The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 


Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!


Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for

May 6 posting of the IWSG are Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!


Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG 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. 

Remember, the question is optional

May 6 question - What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers

Reviews from people who enjoy my writing inspires me.

April/May Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

HOPE RISES by David Baldacci

 

HOPE RISES is the second in the Walter Nash series.

While well-written, as all Baldacci’s books are, for me, it didn’t have that edge to it that the first one did. My complaint with the first one was the cliffhanger ending. While it may be trending at the moment, I really don’t like cliffhanger endings or feel they’re fair to the reader. I don’t mind an enticing ending that will make me want to buy the next one but I do want closure, not left hanging. My main problem with the second book was the ambiguity of the relationships. They just seem to drift back and forth. And the ending seemed just a little rushed and not quite as tight as some of his others.

But overall, a good read.

 

 

 

HER HEART by Mary L. Schmidt

 

A story of faith and love.

Sarah and her son Danny leave an abusive situation and renew an old friendship that turns their lives around. 

Throughout the telling of this story, what shines through is the all-consuming love of a mother for her child and how that love factors into every decision she makes including whether to start over with a good and gentle man. Told from three different POVs, the story immerses the reader into the hearts and the minds of the characters.

Recommended as a treasured read for readers of memoirs and faith-based romances alike. Available at Amazon

 

I also reread several Nora Roberts this month, which if you are a Nora reader, I’m sure you already read😊 I enjoy her romantic suspense novels and feel she delivers on all levels. While the stories have a strong romantic element, they don’t smother the storyline or the suspense. She’s great at world building and creating strong characters and almost always delivers a great read.

 

 

 

 

 


I’m currently reading: LOST SISTER BOOK 4 by MK Alexander

Available at Amazon 

 

and

 

THE SECRET OF SECRETS by Dan Brown

More on these next month

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND

 

Did you know, Mark Twain foretold his own death?

 

13 Little-Known Facts About Famous American Authors – Country Adventures


 

 

 

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Ketch-Up Tuesday

 

 

How is your week shaping up?

Nothing too news worthy here. Haven't made the NY Times Best Seller list. Haven't won the lottery. 😆

Momma, Poppa, Sibling Fox Sparrow and Mike and I have been keeping an eye on the baby.  It looks like the only thing keeping him from flying is very short tail feathers.  He hops and flutters around the backyard like a fiend.  He's very vocal when he's hungry and mom is still feeding him so maybe he's not as old as he looks.

As far as I can tell we've got baby bluebirds too.  Mom keeps sticking her head into the bird house with worms de jour dangling from her beak.  And though I've never seen birds going in or out, there's stuffing coming out of the birdhouse out front.   The little birdies have been busy:)

Totally off topic, has anyone tried Asiago rolls to make their toast with? It pairs well with pb and j 😏 

AND

May's calendar pictures.


 

AND

The month long poetry challenge is over.   Here's one last rendition from the HH.

Backwards

 

Paleontologists tell us 

That birds descended

From small feathered dinosaurs

If that is so,

What grisly creatures

(Ones before the humanoids)

Did we emerge from?

Then again,

Considering the damage done,

Maybe there is reverse

Evolution at work

And we are the grisly monsters

 Take special care, Blogger Buds.  Inquiring minds want to know how you are doing.