Wednesday, February 3, 2021

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: Louise-Fundy Blue, Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon.

 

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.

 

February 3 question -Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?

 

Oh yes. Friends that I hold near and dear in the writing community and outside of it. I am most grateful for each and everyone.

 

AND…

 

In no particular order, January/February reviews.

 


THE SHIFT CHRONICLES by S.  M. Gaither

What I love about a good YA fantasy is it moves at a fast pace and seldom stalls. This series is no exception. Alexandria Layton, is your average seventeen-year-old dealing with a number of serious setbacks that include the loss of her father and finding out maybe she’s not so average afterall as she’s drawn into a world of werewolves, Lycans and magic.

Not only is this a good series, it’s reasonably priced. In fact, the first book of the series is free—or was the last time I checked—if you want to try it out and see if you like it.

 

 Available at Amazon.


Trads:

A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT Book 2 and DAYLIGHT Book 3 of the Atlee Pine series by David Baldacci. I enjoyed the first as well as the second book in this series. With his usual masterful flair, he created a flawed character with a strong moral compass that we can get behind and root for.  The third, no so much. I was okay with the first half of the book but by the end I really regretted starting it. It touches on child torture.  I loathe anything that relates to that particular subject. It also felt like some of the scenes came away as a means to show how physically strong she was. It might have been worth it, if there had been closure in this series but it’s just one more book in the series. I really did not care for this one. To be fair, thousands of his readers disagree. I’m in the minority. Mr. Baldacci’s DAYLIGHT has over twelve thousand reviews and a 4.5 average. That’s not small potatoes.

 

JOHN ADAMS by David McCullough

This book isn’t for folks who like a quick read, weighing in at over 750 pages. But it’s well worth the time. We learn about a family man who is passionately in love with, not only his wife, but his country as well and spends his entire life serving it. John Adams wasn’t a perfect person, he had his flaws as we all do, but he did his level best for America and Americans. He was a big believer in education for all and felt it would help the poor earn a better living. He was vehemently opposed to slavery.

The book is filled with all sorts of fascinating trivia that I didn’t know, such as he and Thomas Jefferson, who were friends—even when they weren’t, both died on the fourth of July, the same year.  I also didn’t realize until I read this book that women developed breast cancer back then and that mastectomies were not only performed but performed without anesthesia. Ack.

If you’re a history buff, and even if you’re not, I strongly recommend this one.

 

AND…

The HH’s thoughts on writing:

MJCox

Encumbrance

 

                                                                  Trying to make

                                                                  Sense of spinning

                                                                  Thoughts.

                                                                 

                                                                  Timing and order

                                                                  Never quite

                                                                  Right. 

                                                                 

                                                                  Like taking a seat

                                                                  At a slot machine,

                                                                  Just after it was                                             

                                                                  Hit:

 

                                                                  Always on the take,

                                                                  Never putting out

                                                                  While

                                                                 

                                                                  Somewhere some

                                                                  Lucky so-and-so

                                                                  Is living it up,

                                   

                                                                  Unencumbered.

 

 

 


 

49 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

You are so very right about blogger friendships. Precious friendships despite the fact that we may never meet in the flesh.
And a big, big hooray for writers - who have been my heroes for a very long time.

Anonymous said...

I've very much formed relationships and I feel pain when blog people disappear from the world. I'd like to think we have a relationship of a kind and I've certainly met bloggers who have gone on to be what I think of as personal friends.

nashvillecats2 said...

Blogging friends are precious sa you say Sandra. Loved the reviews. and that lovely kitty photo.

Yvonne.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - yes ... if that cat can do that - we can all do much else! It's a great community and we're so lucky to be able to be amongst such amazing people ... friendly bloggers - stay safe - Hilary

Hot guys said...

Haha, that last photo is quite... motivating, alright! 👏🏻😂🧡

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful post, I wish I could copy the cat's position! Hugs, Valerie

Patsy said...

It's amazing how well we can get to know people just from reading their blog posts, isn't it?

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I've made some great friends over the past 16 years.

I wish I could still do what that cat is doing.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'm very grateful for the friends I've made through blogging. I agree with Patsy on how we really do get to know each other from blogging.

Jamie Ghione said...

I begin to miss the bloggers those who disappear.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

There are some awesome people here in the blogging world.

Christine said...

I did read Bill Clinton's autobiography 1008 pages it says, whew.

cleemckenzie said...

I read the John Adams bio and learned so much. His wife was one strong lady, wasn't she?

D.L. Finn said...

I agree about making wonderful friends through blogging that goes outside of it:) Great reviews, Sandra. I'm with you I don't like children being tortured or hurt. The John Adams books sounds fascinating.Hugs!

Chrys Fey said...

I loved that poem...and the cat meme. :)

Computer Tutor said...

David McCullough but I'm surprised you got anything read besides his. I like the sound of his book.

Jeanie said...

I've made many good friends via the blog -- some online only because of distance but others I've enjoyed meeting in person, even spending a few days with in a meet-up or visiting. That's really been the greatest blessing of it all.

LOVE David McCullough.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I've also made many internet friends. In fact, I have practically NO life outside the internet. You always give the most wonderful reviews, too. You are a gem where it comes to other writers dear Sandra.

Fundy Blue said...

OMG, the cat! LOL Thanks, Sandra. The John Adams book looks really good. I just finished Obama's latest. Also not a quick read, but worth it. Enjoy IWSG Day!

Sandra Cox said...

That's so true, though meeting in the flesh would be wondrous.
And speaking of heroes: Folks that volunteer on help lines that save lives have got to be at the top of hero lists.

Sandra Cox said...

I bow to 1008 and will stop whining about 751. Wow.

Sandra Cox said...

I hate it when blogger buds disappear too, especially when there's no follow up or way of knowing if they passed or were taken seriously ill.
Agreed on blogger personal friends.

Sandra Cox said...

Blogging friends are precious indeed:)
Glad you liked the reviews and the literary kitty.

Sandra Cox said...

We do have amazing people in our community, don't we, Hils? Yourself included:)

Sandra Cox said...

Heh:)

Sandra Cox said...

Glad you liked it, Val.
If I managed that position I'm afraid I'd be stuck for life. Ha.
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

I hear ya on no life outside the internet. Heh.
Thank you:) So glad you are on the mend, dear Elizabeth.

Sandra Cox said...

It sure is, Patsy:)

Sandra Cox said...

I'm sure.
I wish I could do what the cat is doing too:)

Sandra Cox said...

For sure on wonderful friends;)
I don't think you'd like the Baldacci AND John Adams was fascinating.
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

I read it on the side. I won't tell you how long it took. Heh.
I certainly learned a lot I didn't know.
Stay safe. Be well.

J.P. Alexander said...

Suerte con tus historias y creo que los blogs no solo te ayudan a promocionar una historia si no a conocer muchos mundos y personas. Te mando un beso

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, J.P.
Indeed they do.
I'll send you a hug:)

Sandra Cox said...

Me too, Natalie.
Patsy is a wise woman:)

Pat Hatt said...

lmao at the photo.

Many a friend in blogland indeed.

Sandra Cox said...

I do too, Jamie.

Sandra Cox said...

You bet, yourself included.

Birgit said...

Hooray to the new authors and the books! I have “met” some great people here which includes you. I love the pussy cat. Have a beautiful day!

Sandra Cox said...

Heh and for sure:)

Sandra Cox said...

She sure was:)

Sandra Cox said...

Glad you liked the poem, Chrys. I think the HH nailed it;)
Do you have a cat or two at the moment?

Sandra Cox said...

It's great that you've got to do some meet ups, Jeanie.
I agree with you on McCullough;)

Sandra Cox said...

Good on you, Louise. Doesn't he have another one coming out?

Sandra Cox said...

Right back at ya, Birgit:)

Fundy Blue said...

Yes, at some point. This one covered his first term.

Magic Love Crow said...

Grateful for all my blog friends too!!!! Thanks to all you writers! We love you!!! Love the cat and poem! Big Hugs!

Beth Camp said...

Nice book reviews and cartoon! Don't we all feel like that cat at one time or another? And your blog just invites the reader right in. Thank you for nurturing us all . . . May 2021 be good to you!

Sandra Cox said...

Aww. Thanks, Stacy.

Sandra Cox said...

What a lovely comment.
Thanks, Beth.