Wednesday, July 3, 2024

IWSG Wednesday AND Did You Know

 


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 

The awesome co-hosts for the  July 3 posting of the IWSG are JS Pailly, Rebecca Douglass, Pat Garcia, Louise-Fundy Blue, and Natalie Aguirre!

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

 July 3 question - What are your favorite writing processing (e.g. Word, Scrivener, yWriter, Dabble), writing apps, software, and tools? Why do you recommend them? And which one is your all time favorite that you cannot live without and use daily or at least whenever you write?

I don’t do anything fancy just write in Word. I’ll be interested to see how others answer this and what they feel helps them.

 

June/July Reviews in no particular order

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

 

STREET OF FIVE MOONS by Elizabeth Peters

This Vicky Bliss series was written back in the late 80s.  I enjoyed it then and I’m enjoying it now.  Urged on by her boss Herr Professor Doktor Schmidt director of the National Museum, Vicky always finds herself smack dab in the middle of a dangerous mystery around priceless relics. The story definitely picks up when dashing thief Sir John Smythe enters the picture.  A must read for folks that enjoy an old-fashioned romantic suspense.

SILHOUTTE IN SCARLET by Elizabeth Peters

The story picks up where THE STREET OF FIVE MOONS leaves off with Sir John plopping Vicky in another dangerous situation, involving a criminal with a deadly hobby, then uses his wiles and courage to get her out of it.

Available at Amazon

 

SOUNDS IN THE SILENCE by D. L. Finn

A fascinating mystery that connects the past and the present.

Present Day: Maria and Logan have bought a mansion in disrepair that they plan on turning into a Bed and Breakfast, having no idea when they sign on the dotted line that the mansion comes with a ghost.

1924: Helen is married to the love of her life Charles. They party their way through prohibition until Helen disappears and her husband is blamed for the disappearance.

Now Maria must solve the mystery of what happened to Helen.

The transition between the two different periods of time is handled smoothly and keeps the reader wondering what is happening in the other timeline.  The entire book has a deliciously eerie feel to it, due in part to the author’s fabulous descriptions. For instance: ‘The chill fall night was silent under a sky so dark that the stars seemed subdued.’

This is one of Ms. Finn’s best. Enjoy it.

Available at Amazon

 

 

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, NINTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESIDENTS) by Christine Maloney Fitz-Gerald

I'm slogging my way through the biographies of the Presidents of the United States.  Mega apologies to the author, but the last one I read I found long and boring, so I tried the children's version of Harrison's life. I.E. William Henry Harrison: Ninth President of the United States (Encyclopedia of Presidents) and loved it. I learned all kinds of things about this president I didn't know. It hit the salient points in his life, and presented them in an interesting manner, without belaboring points that had no bearing.

I recommend this book for kids and adults alike.

Available at Amazon

 

A VENTURE TO VICTORY: 40 Lessons to Live a Victorious Life  by Shahid Pervaiz

This is a self-help designed to guide us on our journey of improvement whether it be in our professional or private lives.

Several phrases caught my eye and gives a feel to what the book is about:

“It’s not important to win the argument, learn to win the people.”

“Stay away from negative people.”

“Your future is a reflection of your performance today.”

“Forgive yourself for the blunders you make.”

“Share what you have. You always have something to give.”

“If you pray for the rain, you gotta deal with the mud too.”

I particularly enjoyed the last quote😊 It’s an easy read that will put you in a positive frame of mind. Enjoy.

Available at Amazon

 

AND

 

 


 

 

Did you know that the poet Percy Shelley was a vegan?


For more information:


24 Crazy Author Facts You Need to Know — On Book Street

 

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Category - All (smashwords.com)

 

 

 


 

 

 



 

23 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

This is a packed post. Thank you. Elizabeth Peters books are fun aren't they?

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I may be afflicted with masochism in various guises, but thank goodness it has not yet bottomed out at reading the biographies of all the presidents in the United States! That really does seem like cruel and unusual punishment!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - I hope you meant vegetarianism for Shelley ... anyway - interesting post - and made me look! Congratulations at your stint as an IWSG administrator ... all the best to the new publications. Cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I only use Word as well.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

The first thing that drew my attention was the cover for your new book "Mateo's Woman" -- it's gorgeous!

Ronel visiting for IWSG day A Round-Up of Resources For Writers

Natalie Aguirre said...

I use Word too. I always love seeing what you're reading. Sounds in the Silence looks interesting.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

A vegan! Good for Percy.

cleemckenzie said...

I love Elizabeth Peter's books. I haven't read this one, but that will soon change.

I'm with you the writing tools. I'm a minimalist.

https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/something-new-this-way-comes

Jeanie said...

I always write in Word because it is what I know. Easy enough, though sometimes a little frustrating!

Computer Tutor said...

You have a lot of company with your writer's tool. I'm an outlier! Congrats on your honor!

J.S. Pailly said...

Nothing wrong with Word. I've seen some pretty sophisticated and complicated programs out there, and I'm sure they work great for a certain kind of writer. But sometimes, the simple thing is the best.

Sandra Cox said...

EC, Oh yes. Elizabeth Peters is an all time favorite.
Hils, Vegan is a close cousin to vegetarian:)

Sandra Cox said...

Now, David, if they only had beaks and feathers, you know you'd love reading about them:) Actually that probably would make for interesting reading:) Heh
Alex, Right there with ya. Glad Louise is on board.
Ronel, Thank you so much:)
Natalie, It's a grand read. Denise's best to-date;)
Diane, Yay Percy!;)

Birgit said...

I had no clue there are other writing web stuff. Oh brother, my brain is done..lol. I use only word. That ghost story sounds really quite good. I marked it down. There must be some president's that are just...boring. I had no idea Shelley was a vegan. He was way ahead of his time. He's one of my favourite poets.

Sandra Cox said...

Lee, She's great, isn't she. FYI that's the second and third in the series but if you just type in Vicky Bliss it should bring up the first one.
Jean, I'm with ya;)
Jacqui, You had some great tools listed on your post, which comes as no surprise:)
J.S. Agreed. Thanks for co-hosting.

Citu said...

Gracias por laa reseñas. No sabía ese dato. Te mando un beso

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Sandra! I did not know that Shelley was a vegan! I enjoyed your book reviews. I know I've read and enjoyed Elizabeth Peters way back. I agree with Ronel. The cover of Mateo's Woman is beautiful. All the best to you!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Sandra :) Your review still has me forest dancing! Great reviews I see one I want to add to my TBR list. I'm a Words girl. Happy 4th xo

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing these lovely reviews. I also wrote in Word 🌞. Robbie Cheadle

Liz Gauffreau said...

The mention of National Cowboy Day caught my attention. Does it have anything to do with https://www.nationalcowboypoetrygathering.org/ ?

Sandra Cox said...

Birgit, The ghost story is really good and agreed Shelley was ahead of his time.
J.P. Sending you a hug:)
Louise, Isn't that fascinating about Shelley. Glad you like the book cover;) Peters never goes out of style, does she?
Denise, Love that you're forest dancing:) Which book did you pick?;)
Robbie, You're most welcome. Yay on using Word:)

Sandra Cox said...

Liz, Interesting. I didn't know about the poetry gathering. D.K. Deters is hosting these particular postings.

Jan Sikes said...

Fantastic reviews, Sandra. Of these, I've read Sounds in the Silence and loved it. Thank you for sharing and congrats to these authors!