Wednesday, November 4, 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.

November 4 question – Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I rite to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

Per usual, another great question. I’m afraid my answer isn’t as grandiose as Camus or O’Conner. I grew up on Westerns and it seems to be what my readers respond to. Though, it took me many years and genre hops to figure that out.

 

AND…

 

October/November Reviews in no particular order.

 

SAM, A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin

This is a very sweet story told from the dog’s point of view. Sam, a gorgeous collie, tells about his time spent in both Ireland and Spain. There are some bittersweet moments when Sam loses some of his animal friends, but overall it’s a happy, feel good read.

It’s obvious that Sam is both loved and cared for and that his owners are animal lovers. All animal people will enjoy this dog’s tale. I know I did.

 

FLIP MY HEART by Elizabeth Seckman

A taut romance leavened with feel-good humor.

Rodanthe Luna Lawry, who goes by Danni, returns home to North Carolina to attend her aunt’s funeral and runs into her childhood sweetheart Fisher. Who is the reason she left home in the first place. Fisher has a volatile temper that frequently trips him up in his pursuit of Danni. She also gets reacquainted with Tori, a nasty vindictive piece of work, who claims to be her friend. Toss into the mix a rundown hotel that needs remodeled, a young girl who needs adopting and you have an intriguing romance. The ending makes it a most satisfying HEA.

 

 

SLEEPS WITH THE FISHES by Suzanne Marie Knight

This cozy has it all, romance, mystery-murder and humor. Sedona West has moved to the small town of Cozy Haven, Montana to recover from a nasty divorce and finds herself smackdab in the middle of a murder--her ex-husband. And wouldn't ya know,  just when she's sworn off men she's garnered the interest of two hunky males.

 

The author did a wonderful job of world and character building, helping the reader to dive right into the story. I found it to be a very enjoyable read. A book to be appreciated by cozy murder mystery fans and readers who just want a few hours of escapism.

 


MAGICAL WHISPERS by Balroop Singh

I loved this book of verse. So many of the poems are filled with the joy that can only be found in nature.  Others concentrate on magic and sprinkle a little fairy dust on the child in all of us. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it to be an inspiring read

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trad

MEMORY MAN, THE LAST MILE, THE FIX, THE FALLEN, REDEMPTION and WALK THE WIRE by David Baldacci

This is a riveting series that the HH got me hooked on.

Amos Decker is a newly-pro football player who plays his first game and take a head hit so hard that he dies twice on the field before he’s carried off never to play football again. The hit scrambles his brain and leaves him with hyperthymesia, a condition that doesn’t let him forget anything, including the murder of his family, and synthesia were he sees things in color. Death is always blue.

After the violent loss of his family, he goes from being a cop to homeless on the streets then claws his way back.

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46 comments:

Anonymous said...

I saved the last image and told myself must do very much better.

Valerie-Jael said...

Glad you all encourage each other. That's great. Hugs, Valerie

nashvillecats2 said...

Wonderful post Aandra, Have a wonderful Wenesday,

Yvonne.

Elephant's Child said...

Love your encouragement of other authors. And feel very ashamed about just how often I use that word...

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great you found the genre you like to write in. And thanks so much for the helpful list.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I think writing for an audience is a perfectly awesome reason to write!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You found your niche!
Thanks for the list of not very words.

Christine said...

I like the last meme.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Sleeping with the Fishes sounds like my kind of mystery. So glad you showcase those artists.

Why do I write? For me, for reference, and for pleasure. I do this very often (grin).

Balroop Singh said...

Thank you for reviewing Magical Whispers Sandra, I am glad you liked it. :)

Sandra Cox said...

As my sister would say, not liked it, freaking loved it:)

cleemckenzie said...

You can beat following in Zane Grey's footsteps!

Sandra Cox said...

The writing community is great at reaching out, as is the arts and crafts community:)
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Yvonne. It's pretty stressful right now. Just found out some of the post offices ignored the ballot sweep order and not all the ballots got delivered.

Jemi Fraser said...

Isn't it fun when you're trying out the genres and you slip into one that fits? Love when it just feels so right!

D.L. Finn said...

Good list of books and reviews. I loved two of them and I'm intrigued with the rest. Great word list. I can be guilty of that.

Jacqui said...

I love your answer! It probably means you'll be writing more of them in the (near) future.

Sandra Cox said...

I like that one too:)

Sandra Cox said...

And I love your encouragement of everyone:)
Very ashamed. Heh. Heh.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks and thanks, Natalie:)

Jeanie said...

I love the list of "very good" alternatives to very!

J.Q. Rose said...

I very much love Westerns, especially yours. Give me Roy Rogers and Trigger any day and I'll be very very very happy. Now I hope your readers can use this very helpful info on using very. Thank you.

Sakuranko said...

New authors and new books

Nick Wilford said...

Glad you found your niche! Nice reviews. Sounds like you've been getting a lot of reading in.

Sandra Cox said...

Word options are always fun, aren't they, Jeanie?

Pat Hatt said...

Finding that niche sure is a win. As is finding great reads.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Annalia:)
How's your release going?

Sandra Cox said...

I bet I know which two:)
Very, was, ly's, always a challenge, hey?
xoxo

Sandra Cox said...

Sleeping was a fun read.
I can't think of a better reason than reference and pleasure.

Sandra Cox said...

Indeed:)

Sandra Cox said...

Working on it:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Alex!
You are most welcome.

Fundy Blue said...

Thanks for the book reviews, Sandra. I haven't read a lot of westerns. Since I'm living in Colorado, I really should. Have a safe and happy November!

Sally Cronin said...

Thanks so much Sandra for spotlighting your lovely review for Sam again..much appreciated.. enjoy the rest of the week..x

Birgit said...

I like your answer and you love to write which is why you write. Now if I could print off that list because I am so guilty of of using the words on the left.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - makes total sense ... if westerns appeal - then write more of them ... and you're obviously being pretty successful at it - congratulations. Thanks for highlighting some new reads from friends ... take care and bummer about the postal votes - just hope people can stay calm. Hilary

Sandra Cox said...

You are most welcome.
Living in CO, yup partner, you need to read a Western. Haha. My sister-in-law lives in CO too. I'd be surprised if she's ever read one either;)
Happy November to you:)

Sandra Cox said...

Why thank you, Janet. I VERY much appreciate it. Heh.

Sandra Cox said...

For sure. If I was a quarter as successful as Mr. Grey, I'd be thrilled:) Okay, make that an eighth. Heh.
YOU take special care.

Sandra Cox said...

That's for sure, Jemi.
Thanks for stopping by:)

Sandra Cox said...

Yes indeed:)

Sandra Cox said...

Good books one and all.

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure. I loved Sam:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Birgit.
That list is great isn't it?;)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Hillary. Appreciate that.
I always enjoy showcasing good reads, especially those of friends.
We're striving for calm........
YOU take special care.

Magic Love Crow said...

Westerns is what your soul knows, so that makes sense! Big Hugs!