IWSG Anniversary 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 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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

The Awesome co-hosts for

 

September 2 posting of the IWSG are Kate Larkinsdale, SE White, JS Pailly, Olga Godim, 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!

September 2 question - Do you have a favorite character archetype you tend to gravitate toward in your writing?

A Western protagonist lives by a strong moral code. His code. If the law is wrong, he'll break it. If everyone backs down from what he considers right, he'll stand alone. He's stoic and a bit of a loner. He doesn't seek out violence, but if it finds him, he'll finish it. Something he's very, very good at.

AND 

August/September Reviews in no particular order.

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

 

SEASONS AND CRYSTALS Syllabic Poetry by Balroop Singh

As all her works, SEASONS AND CRYSTALS is beautifully written introducing us to the different forms of syllabic poetry, including tanka, haiku, and other complex forms that showcase the author’s versatility.  Many I was unfamiliar with. Each verse resonates with emotion and meaning. Here are a few examples:

 

ANGER-(Senryu)

bare teeth, bulging eyes

hurl hollow words of dissent

to intimidate.

~*~

IN WILDERNESS-(Haibun)

 a little darkness,

a little light-both allure

unpredictable.

~*~

SPRING-(Haiku)

teary-eyed clouds burst

wind rides on the wings of nymphs

rain-drops dance with glee”

 

A must read for Singh fans and poetry lovers. Or anyone who just wants to sit under a tree and commune with nature, while visualizing the world her words create.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

KILLER COMPOST by Sylvia Kay Rose

This is the third book I’ve read in the author’s comedy sci-fi creature features series and I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the other two.

In KILLER COMPOST, robots have taken over the world and the humans that aren’t enslaved or dead are in hiding and forming small pockets of resistance fighters.

Aboard the space station she has been living on for two long years, Scientist Kate Prowski has developed genetically engineered compost. Compost that will return the earth that robots have decimated to its naturally-green state.

Unfortunately, her estranged husband is also on board and having an affair with the computer analyst. And if that’s not bad enough, the genetically engineered compost develops a taste for human flesh. From there things go from bad to worse.

While the storyline is great, the descriptions visual, and the science of the tale fascinating, for me the characters make the story. They are wonderfully developed, complex and funny. There’s a female villain who—for whatever reason reminds me of Cruella de Vil—looking for eternal youth while she’s working on world domination. A lovely helper bot who has been programmed to be in love with a human mercenary.  And a huge, stories-tall robot developed to destroy humans and their habits. While there’re several more I could mention, I suggest you read KILLER COMPOST and get acquainted with these characters yourself. You don’t have to be a horror fan to enjoy it😊

Highly recommended.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

THE BARRIER by MK Alexander

A fast, fascinating read.

Once again, the author’s creative skills shine as he takes a mysterious phenomenon, ratchets the mystery and tension, then gives both the protagonist and reader an explosive ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short and think you will too.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

TREAD FRACTURE-Book 3 by Jeff DeMarco

A Sci-Fi Military Thriller in which the author's knowledge of military life and weaponry shine through, adding realism to this chilling tale.

The story is based on 'what if'.  What if the United States is infiltrated and taken over, and democracy is a thing of the past?

This is a tale that will appeal to Sci-Fiers and military fiction readers alike.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

THE GILDED THESPIAN SHOW by Mae Clair

Book 2 of the Shallow Draw Series, picks up where THE DIAMOND JACK left off, only this time the focus is on rancher Asher Cade and actress Wisteria Westlake.

The Gilded Thespian Troupe, of which Wisteria Westlake is the star, brings not only excitement to the small town of Shallow Draw, when it arrives, but mystery and danger as well.  Asher and a lone bounty hunter take it on themselves to discover where the peril lies and keep Wisteria safe in this fast-moving Western romance.

The author keeps the tension ratcheted up and the reader turning pages. Ms. Clair effortlessly textures her fiction with descriptive beauty and weaves historical facts into this Wild West tale in a manner that doesn’t slow it down, but adds richness to its layers.

The book was a delight. I eagerly await the third in the series.

Available at Amazon 

 

AND

 

You can find my books at at this link or click on the covers on the right. 

 

 AND

 Did you know, after Steven King's accident, his attorney bought  the car that hit Steven King so it wouldn't show up on Ebay?

100 Fun Facts About Books and Authors — Keeping Up With The Penguins 

 

 

 

 

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.

April 1 question - The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world? 

As many of you know, the stars have not beeen aligned in our family in the past few months, but I'm happy to report there are no new health issues and the fam is on the mend.  No COVID 19. Knock on wood. We're still standing! :)

AND...What I've been reading. 

HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL by Sherry Morris

Mountain girl joins secret service.

Several years back Chloe Lambert saved the president from drowning so when she comes down from the mountains and wants to join the secret service the president endorses her. Chloe’s new job brings her up close and personal to the first family, a ring of counterfeiters, a handsome agent and several madcap characters. Pure entertainment, especially for those that enjoy reads set in the 1940s. Order here.

THOUSAND DOLLAR PHARAOH by Sherry Morris

Zany suspense.

Chloe Lambert is a secret service agent on the trail of a counterfeiter who takes her to Egypt, England and then back to the U.S. Her character is reminiscent of Lucille Ball and brings levity to this 1940’s suspense novel. The author has captured the time period in both her language, setting and issues of the day. A fun read, especially for history buffs and those that enjoy humor sprinkled in with their romantic suspense. Order here. 

THE ADVENTURES OF HARRY PUTTER by Judy and Keith

A delightful romp on the green.

Evelyn is spoiled, rich and trash talks a lot of T and A. To balance the equation, she is also smart and has a gift for golf. Harry is poor but gifted and is determined to be a successful pro golfer. He’s a character that is likeable from the beginning. There is plenty of adventure and witty conversation to hold the readers interest. Golf lovers especially will enjoy this romp across the green. The authors’ knowledge of the game comes through in the story. Order here.

GABE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL By Beverly Stowe McClure

Short Blurb/Review. This story touches on two very real problems young people face today: bullying and suicide. It takes a tough subject and handles it in a positive, uplifting way. A must read for teens and tweens. 

Full review: Fifteen-year-old Gabe has his problems. He’s overweight and dyslexic. If that’s not enough, now he’s being bullied. 

Gabe is in a new school. His clumsiness and his dyslexia have made him self-conscious and he makes no attempt to gain friends. When he starts getting bullied and one of the tormenters suggests suicide, he takes the suggestion seriously.

That’s when his guardian angel steps in. He’s nothing like any celestial being Gabe has ever imagined. He has no wings and wears a straw hat and cowboy boots. With help from Charley—his angel—and his family, he begins to realize that not only is he someone that has a lot to offer others, but just maybe his bullies do as well.

The author has taken two difficult topics and turned them into a story with a positive message and a happy ending. A recommended read for teens, tweens and adults.  My favorite line: “Life is tough. So is our family.” Words to live by. Order here. 

ABOUT US by Elizabeth Seckman

Hayden Matthews is coming out of an abusive relationship and failed marriage. Cam Vorelli has loved her all his life. Unfortunately, it was his cousin she ended up marrying. But now that she’s free, maybe this will be a second chance for both of them.

In this story, as in her other books, the author nails her characters and their emotions. She leaves the reader feeling that that he/she could step into the pages and carry on a conversation with the protagonist and his/her associates. She takes a difficult subject—spousal abuse—and puts it in a perspective people can relate with. Order here.

BORN OF CHAOS by Jeff DeMarco
This book picks up where INTO ARMAGEDDON left off.  It’s a well-written thriller than crosses several genres including apocalyptic sci fi and military fiction. The author takes terrifying subjects and make them believable. Such as: Do scientists finally overextend themselves and create their own end? Do some religious fanatics get so focused on their cause they forget their humanity and destroy anything and anyone that doesn’t agree with them? Find the answers in this chilling, heavily researched thriller.

Warning. Like most military fiction there is violence. This is not a stand-alone. You will want to read the first book in the series before diving into this one. Order here.

Happy April Fools' Day.