 |
| Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop |
| #IWSGbloghop |
Happy IWSG Day!!
Happy National Women's History Month!!
Hello and Welcome to the IWSG Blog Hop!!
What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. To find out more, click this link: Insecure Writer’s Support Group
The purpose of the group is
* to share and encourage.
* Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.
* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance.
*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
You're invited to become a member of this supportive group.
Click here to sign-up and/or to visit the participating bloggers this week.
It is my pleasure to be co-hosting this month with these awesome Bloggers and Writers--Diedre Knight, Tonya Drecker, Bish Denham, and Olga Godim.
March 1 Question
Have you ever read a line in a novel or a clever plot twist
that caused you to have author envy?
I do admire writers who paint word pictures within the pages of their books and dream up those twists that add a whole new slant to how the story might end. Delicious.
I don't envy authors, but I appreciate their storytelling talent. When reading an amazing book, article, blog post, I am inspired to improve my writing and dig deeper for words to tell an engaging story or share information with clarity. I am enthralled when I read the first line of a story so well-written that I can breathe a sigh of relief and sit back to immerse myself in the story.
I remember when my friend, Libby, asked me to play the piano for her at what we called a"contest" when we were seniors in high school. I believe they are now known as music festivals. The high school musicians performed and then received a rating from the judge.
When Libby began singing, the judge put down his pencil, sat back in his chair and just listened. The first eight bars of the song convinced him the rest of the song would be flawless. And it was.
Much like the beginning of Libby's song, the beginning of a book is the hint of how the rest of the book will read.
Keep reading and writing!!
March is Women's History Month
According to their website, Women's History Month commemorates and encourages "the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history." The theme this year is appropriate for the Insecure Writers Support Group blog hop-
"The Women’s History Month theme for 2023 is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. The National Women’s History Alliance shares, 'Throughout 2023, the NWHA will encourage the recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling…"
They are celebrating gals like us who have told and are telling stories!
Click here to learn more about this very special month.
This theme fits me not only with my writing but also because my purpose these days is to encourage women (and men!) to tell their life stories. I am presenting a workshop this winter on Life Storytelling to the Hernando County Computer Club members. I love teaching, but the best part is hearing the participants' stories.
.png) |
| Your Words, Your Life Story: A Guide for Sharing Memories by JQ Rose |
At this time, my work-in-progress is penning a book whose theme is how to write spiritual life stories. The working title is Jesus and Me: How to Write Your Spiritual Memoir. I plan to have it completed for release on April 1. This book is "heart-work" for me.
I'd appreciate a shout-out about the book during that week if possible. Can you help? Thank you.
 |
| Read an eBook Week March 5-13 |
NEWS--March 5-13th is Read an eBook Week sponsored by Smashwords. I'm celebrating this special week with deep discounts on all my books. Some are FREE! So load up those books to make the rest of the winter season go fast!
Click here to check them out. Cozy mysteries, memoir, and non-fiction books too!
.jpg) |
| TIPS and TOPICS for Writers |
My honorary cousin, Sandra Cox, will be my guest on March 15! She will be sharing tips for writers for the Tips and Topics Series on this blog every third Wednesday of the month. Her new Western, Return to Silver Hills, will be released, March 11th. You know we'll be shouting about that too. Mark your calendar to join in on the fun, "pardner!" Don't forget to wear your boots and cowboy hats! Yee-haw!!!
story.
history
March 5-13 SW sale
Sandra Cox
Women's History Month
39 comments:
You're absolutely right - the beginning either hooks or it doesn't and it is an indication of the rest of the book.
Thanks for co-hosting this month!
Hi! Thank you for co-hosting. You echo my thoughts about author envy. I too feel awestruck by the words of others, mostly inspired to improve my craft. Love that story about good beginnings.
As I've been reading IWSG contributions this month, it appears a lot of people find better words than envy. Appreciation is another good one!
There are few things I like more than reading the first paragraph of a story and being pulled completely into a book.
Thank you for co-hosting IWSG this month.
I'm like you. I appreciate good writing, but I'm not envious. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
I'm with Sonia. Not sure envy is the right word. I'm inspired by the work of others. Thanks for co-hosting!
Right On! JQ.
I read many good authors, and I do appreciate their artistic gifts, but I don't envy.
Thank you for co-hosting.
Shalom shalom
What a lovely memory of playing for your friend's solo at contest. We have moments where we hit that sweet spot.
Thanks for co-hosting IWSG today!
Exactly! An author has to catch me right away to keep me. There are too many great books out there to have to struggle to enjoy one.
I guess I do envy talented authors, because I so wish I had such fabulous writing skills. But I also admire and respect and love those authors and their novels!
Thank you for co-hosting!
That story about Libby was perfect. How remarkable to gain such writerly insight by observing and realizing that judge's actions said more than any words at all. Thank you also for highlighting that new Tips & Topics feature. I'll be back!
I love a great opening line, too. Great analogy, and your friend must have had a wonderful voice.
I like your clear delineation of 'envy' and 'admire'. That seems to be mushed together often in posters' minds (maybe mine too).
I've envied my coworker's trip to Costa Rica, but like you, I haven't envied other authors for their writing.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Thanks for sharing that wonderful memory. Spot on the perspective of being enchanted. Thank you for co-hosting!
Yes! It's that appreciation for talent, and that trust that whatever comes next it's going to be really good. You put it very well! Thanks for co-hosting this month.
Well done Libby! I hope she stills sings :)
It's true, that first few lines needs to bring you into the book - and not necessarily with 'action'. I think there was a great analysis on one of the regular guidance blogs recently, which said you can't put your hero in a life or death situation before people have had a chance to know whether they care about him/her.
Today I started reading a book as I had an hour to spare... the protag rolled into a cafe carrying a box; he'd just been fired. And now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to him as I'm four hours in and can't spare any more time...
Oh and thanks for co-hosting today :)
Jemima
@Alex--You're welcome. I appreciate the opportunity to co-host for the IWSG Blog Hop.
@Sonia--Awestruck is the perfect word choice! Thanks.
@Liza--Appreciation is definitely preferred to envy. Thank you.
@Natalie--You're welcome. I love co-hosting.
@Adrienne--Yes, definitely, inspiration from reading excellent writing!
@Pat--Writing is an artistic gift. I like that.
@Mary--I guess I am going to have to share this blog post with my friend, Libby. I wonder if she remembers this performance.
@Nancy-- that hook has to catch a reader for sure!
@Catharina--I have been battling with comparing myself to other writers, but I have realized we are all different and find our own ways of telling stories.
@Beth--Thank you. And yes, please make a note on your calendar to return for the tips from Sandra on March 15.
@Lee-Yes, Libby put her heart and soul in singing. A great voice.
@Jacqui--Thank you. I agree with you.
@Lori--Hmmm...yes, a bit of envy for a trip to Costa Rica. wink wink
@Diedra--Enchanted nails it!
@ S.E.--Thank you and thank you.
I appreciate your life lessons, J.Q., and your storytelling. Thank you so much for a great post. And thanks for co-hosting IWSG's question this month. All best to you!
Glad so many of us prefer a different word than envy. I'm in awe of the way some authors begin a story that hooks me right from the beginning. Best wishes on yours WIPs. Thanks for cohosting this month.
Good beginnings and punchy opening lines are important. But I don't think they're mandatory. Some wonderful books have very mundane beginnings. It is the story and the characters that are deal-breakers for me. But I do love great opening lines.
Thanks for co-hosting this month and sharing information about Women's History.
Hi, J.Q. I enjoyed the story you shared about Libby and the music judge. When something is off to a good start, you can relax and enjoy it. I loved the strength in you in your memoir "Arranging a Dream." Happy March to you!
Correctly stated: it is okay to admire - even envy - other authors' storytelling. I feel that strongly at times.
Thanks for co-hosting
Envy is destructive but admiration can be inspirational.
I love the story about Libby. If you send me your book info, I can share in April.
Very busy month!
Loved the word picture of Libby singing and comparing the beginning of her song and a book. I agree.
Thank you for co-hosting IWSG this month.
Lynn La Vita
We all aim for flawless but just do the best we can to hook readers.
True talent is something to behold and appreciate, but not to envy.
Lee
@Jemima--What a helpful tip on introducing your character to the reader first. Thank you. I bet you've finished the book you had to get back to....I get it! LOL
@Victoria--I'm happy you enjoyed the story. Thank you.
@Diane--Yes, we've got a good gang of folks here, don't we?
@Olga--you mean like this opening line--It was a dark and stormy night?
@Toi--You are welcome. I enjoy history.
@Fundy Blue--Off to a good start is a great way of putting it. Thank you for your kind words about my memoir.
@PJ--Thank you for leaving a comment and you're welcome.I enjoy co-hosting and engaging with so many bloggers.
@jabblog--Well said!
@Shannon--I told Libby I had mentioned that story in my blog. She was surprised and thanked me for reminding her of that special time. Thank you for the offer. I'll send you the info.
@Lynn--Awww...loved your seeing a word picture of that story.
@Diane--Yes, we do.Never give up on reaching perfection.
@Lee--Well said.
First words, first sentences in a story, first notes in a song... All important. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Hi Bish, All are important, for sure. You come up on my FB feed a lot too. Hope you are enjoying co-hosting and have had a great IWSG blog hop!
That is so true, Janet. A good writer does make us want to up our game.
Thanks for the shout out. Appreciate ya.
Hugs
PS Thanks for co-hosting. You rock....
I must be so weird, I like to read the last page first lol...
Amen to that! I use the 'look inside' feature on Amazon to vet books before I buy.
(Sorry I missed making return visits for IWSG. My internet went out for over 40 hours.)
Post a Comment