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!

The awesome co-hosts for

 April 1 posting of the IWSG are Melissa Maygrove, Cathrina Constantine, Kate Larkinsdale, and Rebecca Douglass!

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

 April 1 question - If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

March/April Reviews in no particular order.

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

 

THE NOTORIOUS MARQUESS by Marlene Suson

 

I have mentioned this before, but whenever I need a break from my usual fare, i.e. thrillers, or just want something light and frothy, with quick-witted dialogue and a romance that doesn't overpower, I turn to the older Regency Romances. They both relax and entertain. THE NOTORIOUS MARQUESS fit the bill. I read this book years ago. Recently, I dragged it out, dusted it off and reread it.  The plot is standard Regency.  The daughter of an earl escapes her evil brother, who controls her fortune, and in disguise, signs up to work as a governess to the sister of a notorious marquess.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and read it in one sitting.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy Regency romances from the Barbara Cartland era.

 

SQUIRRELS: Protect Your Nuts by Sylvia Kay Rose

 

Romance writer Ellie Norris just wants to find a quiet place to write her next novel and maybe get away from her demanding fiancé while she’s at it.  Unfortunately, she picks Harton’s Crossing, a small town that is about to become overrun by murderous, flesh-eating squirrels.  Now she and Luke, the wildlife service agent must find out what has turned cute little fuzzy-tailed rodents into killing machines before the entire populace of Harton’s Crossing turns into squirrel fodder.

I loved this story. Comedy/horror—with a smidge of romance—at its best. The evil is pure and the good is heartwarming. While the protagonists are moral but slightly flawed, the villains have no redeeming qualities and get their comeuppance in a fitting manner.

The lines are classic and if you write you can relate with this one: “I can’t write right now. I’m going insane.”

“That’s not an unusual state for writers,” she shrugged.

I highly recommend SQUIRRELS, especially for folks who enjoy comedic horror or those who just want to kickback with a good read. Though beware, you may never look at squirrels quite the same again. 😊

Available at Amazon 

 

EYE OF BLIND by D. Wallace Peach

This is the 3^rd book in the Dragon Soul Quartet. In it, enemies must now unite to protect not only the dragons but villagers as well.  My two favorites in this story were Archer and her nemesis Kearney. They carried the story for me😊 Along, of course, with the author’s prose: “Supple webbing spread fans of water-colored silk, mottled like a moth’s feathery wings.”

There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but luckily the author has included an index.

D. Wallace Peach fans will love the personalities that appear in this story, but more than that they will love the dragons😊

Available at Amazon 

 

AND

 

Did you know, the author of Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak, turned down the Nobel Prize for literature, for fear of retaliation on him and his family by the Soviet government?

 

For more information: 150 Interesting Facts About Our Favorite Authors [Infographic] 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by. 

 

 

Sandra

 

 

Ketch-up Day

 

How was your weekend and how's your week going? We attended one of the many rallies held Saturday. For the most part it was peaceful. A couple of folks did show up with the intent to disrupt. One man who was there protesting the protest--which he has every right to do--was loud, obnoxious, and hateful.  My immediate reaction is always, they aren't going to change my mind and no one is going to change theirs. I just ignored him and chanted louder. But a woman was there who went up to him and starting talking. Not in your face, just an exchange of ideas. And it worked. I was humbled by it. I'm not saying he suddenly went from red to blue anymore than she went from blue to red, but they had a civil discourse and exchanged ideas and hopefully each person saw a little bit of the other's point of view. 

AND

In spite of spring shilly-shallying, the garden and surroundings are making a determined effort to bloom.

 

AND

From Texas

Thank you, Julie.

 AND

 

That's it folks. Have a grand week and catch me up on what's going on with you.

 

Weekend Wishes

 For Inquiring Minds:

 

If you aren't enamored by International Scribble Day, it's also International Whiskey Day.

 AND

From Me and Mine to You: 

 

 

Writerly Wednesday AND Did You KnowThursday

 What's your word, synonym, definition or example of:

 

Example: Her gardening and writing, since she leaned toward purple prose,  were a bit godwottery for my tastes.   

 AND

Did you know, jellyfish predate dinosaurs?

Source: 145 Fun Facts About Animals That Will Fascinate 

 

Ketch-Up Day

 

How are you?  What's your weather like? Don't worry if you don't like it, it will probably change tomorrow;)

We've got a few flowers popping up in the garden.  Though, they are in the minority compared to the weeds. Heh.

 

                                                                 Captain's Grave

                                                           Captain back in the day.

AND 

From California

Thanks, Denise.

 

AND

A nonpolitical FYI on the 'Real ID'.

I'm mentioning this because of the confusion that swirls around the real ID and hopefully it will be of help if you haven't gotten yours and plan to. We got ours in the works last week. I say in the works because we were basically given a 'temporary'  (a piece of paper with  current information) until the ID arrives. We took our drivers license, passports and proof of current address, which  can be utility information, insurance etc. Mine went fine. But because the HH's passport showed his middle initial instead of full middle name, therefore not matching his proof of current address and drivers license to the letter, he had to go home and get his birth certificate.  So make sure your name on all your documentation you take in is exactly the same.

My understanding is: that a real ID is basically a standardized ID for airline travel. It is not required for voting or registration. Although, it can be used as your photo ID when voting. It is also used at some military bases, some federal buildings and nuclear facilities.

Hope this helps. 

Weekend Wishes

 

AND FYI

Friday, March 20th is:

AND

Ever wonder how cowboys spent their Easter? I'm posting on just that at Cowboy Kisses. If you've a mind, mosey on over:)  

Writerly Wednesday AND Did You Know Thursday

 

What's your synonym, sentence, definition or example for:

 

  Example: The stiff winds caused the sea to popple.

For more info: 105 Funny Words That Sound Ridiculous but Are Totally Real 

 AND

Did you know that in 2005 an orchid, Shenzen Nongke, sold for $224,000?

For more info:

36 Plant Facts That Sound Fake But are True | FactRetriever

What is the most expensive plant in the world? - SplicedOnline