Wednesday, November 5, 2025

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!


Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the

November 5 posting of the IWSG are Jennifer Lane, Jenni Enzor, Renee Scattergood, Rebecca Douglass, Lynn Bradshaw, and Melissa Maygrove!


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

November 5 question - When you began writing, what did you imagine your life as a writer would be like? Were you right, or has this experience presented you with some surprises along the way?

One thing my writing journey has brought me is friends that I would probably never have made if I hadn't been writing.  These friendships are, and will continue to be, invaluable.  I'm not sure anyone else besides another writer can truly understand the highs and lows that is involved.  For the friendships I've been blessed with, I'm thankful:)

*Writing takes many forms: novels, reviews, shorts, poetry, journaling and blogging. 

 October/November Reviews in no particular order.

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

 

BEYOND THE FETTERS by Balroop Singh

BEYOND THE FETTERS tells the story of Earthy and Dolly’s friendship and what they and the average female had to endure in India in the 1960s from childhood on. While the story and characters are fictional, there is a lot of factional information on society’s norms in India and the fetters put on the female sex—and how these two women eventually broke free. Kudos to the author for telling a story that needed to be told.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

 

THE DIAMOND JACK by Mae Clair

In THE DIAMOND JACK, Mae Clair once again shows her prowess as an author.

Shey Lafferty, a young man with a reputation, falls for the new school marm, Leah Holt, who is eight years his senior.  If the age difference and his reputation aren’t enough of an obstacle, danger raises its ugly head when Monk Sunday comes to town. An hombre who’s a threat to not only Shey, but nearly everyone Shey loves.

Now Shey must not simply prove himself to Leah, but keep those he cares about safe from a sinister hombre.

In this compelling tale, the author weaves a story involving both romance and danger with the Old West as backdrop. The read is visual, allowing the reader to slip effortlessly into the story. The world-building is spot on and the characters are well-developed. So, grab your beverage of choice and settle in.

THE DIAMOND JACK is a definite recommend for those who love western romance.

Available at Amazon 

 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: America’s 16th President by Steven Otfinoski

I grew up near Springfield and New Salem, so I was anxious to read this particular book. Like the rest of the series, it hits interesting highlights of the president. There's always something in these books that I find particularly enlightening. In ABRAHAM LINCOLN: 16th President it was learning that Mr. Lincoln's son Robert not only lost his father to an assassin's bullet but had been nearby when Garfield and McKinley were killed as well. After that, he got out of politics and concentrated on business at which he was quite successful.

Available at  Amazon

 

*I’ve also been doing a lot of J.D. Robb/Nora Robert’s rereads😊 I’ve reread the first eight in J.D. Robb’s Death series.  Highly recommended for readers who love a mash of sci-fi, suspense and romance with heat. And writing under her Nora Robert’s moniker I’ve been rereading THE THREE SISTERS ISLAND TRILOGY great for readers of paranormal romance and romantic suspense, again with heat.

 

AND

Did you know, Truman Capote wrote BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S?  I blush to admit I didn't.

For more information: Wikipedia      

 


 

9 comments:

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Having writers and friends are the best thing ever!

Ronel visiting for IWSG day The Truth of the Writer’s Life

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I've made so many friends, too. And got to meet some of you!

Lynn said...

I completely agree, the friendships we form with other writers unique. Our understanding of each other is priceless.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I love your answer. Yes, developing friendships with people who also like to write is the best thing about being a writer.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm also very thankful for the friendships!

cleemckenzie said...

Writer friends are the best reward in this business. They understand and they support. I appreciate all of them.https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/the-gift-of-kittens

Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher said...

I too find many of my everlasting writing efriends came/come from IWSG. Good job, Ninja Captain!

Crystal Collier said...

I'm with you on the friends! -- Best part of the writing experience. Thanks for the book recs!

Christine said...

Lovely answer.