Wednesday, October 7, 2020

IWSG Wednesday

 

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

Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh, founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire and our awesome co-hosts.

The IWSG monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.  Remember it’s optional.

October  question: When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

It comes down to the meaning of the term working writer. I consider myself a writer. Is it a hobby? No. Am I aspiring? Well, I’m always aspiring to improve my writing. So, am I a working writer...I'm still mulling on that. What about you, how do you see yourself? And what is your answer to this question?

 

AND…

September/October reviews:


SWEPT AWAY by Elizabeth Seckman

I was thrilled to get a hard copy of this in the mail. 

Here’s my review.

This story is a solid romance sprinkled with a dusting of paranormal and several dollops of mystery. Tucker Boone, a young man on a search for a half-sister he’s never met meets Josie McCoy, a young woman whose life is laced with mystery. Both are fighting their own demons and find in each other kindred spirits. By the end of the story I found myself on the edge of my seat, turning pages as fast as I could read them as one life-threatening situation after another came hurtling at them. While I trusted the author to have written an HEA, I was getting nervous as I approached the end. All I can say is whew. Well done, Elizabeth Seckman.

Amazon

 Trad:



WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE STARS by Glendy Vanderah

This was a recommend from my vet, who I exchange books with.

It’s well written and held my interest. The premise is unusual. A young biologist comes across an unusual  little girl who she befriends. Most of the book has the reader guessing as to whether the child is the alien she claims to be or an abused child trying to protect herself.

 


THE SHADOW AND BONE TRILOGY by Leigh Bardugo

I sucked down this trilogy. It’s a wonderful, page turning YA/NA fantasy and is soon to be a Netflix movie. It has a common theme but very well done. A young orphan discovers she has magical powers and finds herself the reluctant heroine designated to save her world.


AND...
Sherry Ellis has a recent release.

An ancient Mayan civilization!

That's what Bubba and Squirt find when they travel through the mysterious vortex for another wild adventure. There they meet archeologists who are unearthing priceless artifacts.

But someone is stealing them. And an encounter with the Tate Duende awakens magic within Bubba. Throw in the mysterious Alux and a new discovery and things get sticky.

Will Bubba and Squirt solve the mystery, or will they be stuck forever in the jungles of Belize?




33 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

You are a writer - and most definitely hard working. Not only in honing your own craft but in promoting applauding others. You my friend are most definitely a working writer.

Valerie-Jael said...

You're reading some good books! I loved the shadow and bone trilogy, too. Have a great day, hugs, Valerie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You are definitely a hard working writer. You also are a giant in your field, not just writing books, but researching, and showcasing other writers. You are amazing.

I enjoyed seeing what you have been reading, too. The Mayan Adventure sounds intriguing.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I see myself more as a hobbyist because I'm not sure I ever want to try to get published. Thanks for the good book recommendations.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I see the term 'working writer' as someone who's getting their work out there. Not perhaps making a living but actively getting their work in front of people, whether that's in book form, submissions to literary journals and websites or entering competitions, with the hope they'll earn money.

For some, that can require more effort and organisation than once they're earning a regular amount through royalties.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yes, well done Elizabeth!
I'd consider you a working writer. Look at all of your books.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You're a working writer and hard working one at that.

Thank you for mentioning Sherry's book.

Melissa said...

I loved Swept Away, too.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Gorgeous book covers!
You're definitely a working writer -- just check out your backlist if you're pondering that question :-)

Ronel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist

Jemima Pett said...

Ah, well, I think you really are a working writer because you addressed the question, and then left us with another question!
Thanks for joining in the IWSG this month :)

cleemckenzie said...

Striving to be a better writer puts you squarely in the WORKING WRITER category.

Sandra said...

Aww. Thanks, EC:)

D.L. Finn said...

Great post and reviews, Sandra. A couple got my intetest. Yes. I agree this isn't a hobby!

Sandra said...

Oh, I did too. Have you started the Crow series yet?

Sandra said...

You are so kind. Thank you, Elizabeth.

Sandra said...

You're a hobbyist with a huge following:)
I know you like YAs. SHADOW AND BONE is excellent.

Sandra said...

I like your definition and concur, Annalisa.

Sandra said...

I second the kudos to Elizabeth:)
Right back at ya on the working writer.

Sandra said...

Thanks, Di. I appreciate that. Though, when it comes to hardworking you put us all to do shame:)
You bet. I didn't sign to host a stop on Sherry's tour, but I'd be more than happy to do so.

Sandra Cox said...

Elizabeth is an amazing romance writer, isn't she?

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Ronel:)

Sandra Cox said...

Writers and politicians, hey:)

Sandra Cox said...

And you as well, Lee.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Denise.
I used to get frustrated when people labeled my writing as a hobby. Luckily, that hasn't happened in a long while.

Jeanie said...

Well, I don't know what kind of a writer I am -- definitely not working though! That was for the 32 years before! It's a good question and one I'll be thinking about.

Fundy Blue said...

I enjoyed the book reviews, Sandra! You're definitely a working writer from my perspective!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I love the review. I like it better than the logline on the cover.

Thank you so much for for all of your help and support <3

Birgit said...

I might be an aspiring writer because I do aspire to write a book ...one day. A working writer, to me, is someone working on t(sir book. Anyone who is writing or have written a book(s) are writers

Sandra Cox said...

32 years is plenty to work.

Sandra Cox said...

Glad you like the reviews. I appreciate your perspective:)

Sandra Cox said...

Feel free to snag it.
And right back at ya on the help and support:)

Sandra Cox said...

You are a woman of many talents:)

Pat Hatt said...

Working on getting a book out and another and another is the way, so working writer works.