Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Optional Monthly Question: Writers have secrets! What are one or two of yours, something readers would never know from your work?
I’ve chosen not to answer the question this month. My heart, honestly, isn’t really into this post right now. I’m hurting and feel betrayed. Still, I made a commitment to promote a book I’m, actually, really excited about, so that’s what I’m going to do… but first. 🙁
While the IWSG has a no politics policy, I just want to say that #BlackLivesMatter isn’t about politics, it’s my reality. If you get that, please pray that my dad, my brothers, my nephews, my cousins, and even myself continue to make it home safely each day. If you don’t get that, please don’t try to explain anything to me in the comments. This is one of those times when I’ll just delete it any way. If that upsets you, I understand, and it’s okay for you to unfollow this blog.
🙂 Now for something I’m really looking forward to.
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It’s Launch Day for Bad Fairy!
Title: Bad Fairy
Series: A Bad Fairy Adventure (Book One)
Author: Elaine Kaye
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Fantasy Middle Grade
Length: 66 pages
Age Range: 8-12
BLURB: Thistle Greenbud is not a bad fairy. She simply doesn’t like rules, and it’s just her luck that her homework is to create a new rule for the fairy handbook. But first, she has more important things to do. Like figure out how to get back at Dusty and Moss for playing tricks on her.
Before she can carry out her plan, though, disaster strikes and she finds herself working alongside the very fairies she wanted revenge on. Can they work together and trust each other, or will things go from bad to worse?
BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
EXCERPT:
As we watch the boys, the wind picks up, making the fern lay flat, exposing us. We gasp and make a dash for the closest tree. Behind it, we huddle together.
“Boogles! A branch just hit me,” Weedy says.
The sky turns black. Wind swirls dust and leaves, and spits pebbles at us. This is not good. We have to get going now or else our payback will get blown away.
“Let’s go!” I scream and lead the group from behind the tree, but the wind makes it hard for us to move forward.
Rose and Lilly grab hands as they run, screaming, toward the creek. Lacey stumbles over a fallen twig, landing flat and hitting her face hard on the ground. When she doesn’t move, I race to her as sand and pine needles prick my skin.
I help Lacey to her feet. Luckily, she only has a few cuts on her face. A tiny bit of blood streaks down her forehead. She looks at me. Fear is bright in her eyes. She needs help. We all need help. I peer toward the creek. The boys are still there, frantically trying to lift the bag full of stones.
Shouting a warning and waving my arms, I hurry to the creek, trying to get their attention. Finally, Dusty sees me. He looks as if he’s been caught with his hand in the pixie jar.
I point to the sky and wave them to come our way. Rain starts to fall. Dusty pulls Moss from the creek. Fat drops of water pelt my head and wings as I wait for the boys to reach me.
“It must be a twisty!” Dusty screams. “We better find shelter.”
GIVEAWAY:
3 Signed Paperback Picture Books –
Pea Soup Disaster, Doctor Mom, The Missing Alphabet
Eligibility: International
Number of Winners: One
Giveaway Ends: July 1, 2020 12:00am Eastern Standard Time
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elaine Kaye is the author of A Gregory Green Adventure series. She first created Gregory Green after her son, who loved her homemade pea soup, thus inspiring the story Pea Soup Disaster. Bad Fairy is her middle-grade debut and the first of A Bad Fairy Adventure series.
Kaye has worked as a library assistant and teacher’s assistant in elementary schools in the Sunshine State. She currently lives in Florida, but she has called Michigan; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Okinawa, Japan home. She is a grandmother of three boys.
Amazon / Goodreads / BookBub /
Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / Blog
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No personal updates today.
Visit Lit Carnivale.com to see what I read in May.
I may have read something by you.
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Did you answer this month’s question?
I already got my copy of Bad Fairy. Do you think you’ll pick it up?
(Rhetorical) Do you get what it means to be black in America?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will stop by your blog.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Pat Garcia
J.Q. Rose and
Natalie Aguirre!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #39).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter
41 replies on “#IWSG June 2020: What really matters?”
Congratulations to Elaine.
I’m praying for you and for everyone in this country. Love must prevail.
Thanks for the prayers.
I am really excited about Elaine’s book.
Sending you prayers, lots of cyberhugs, and good wishes, Toi. Stay safe. I’ll be holding you up, okay.
Thank you Joylene. Your words mean a lot.
My thoughts are with you and your family. I really hope some good comes out of things this time.
Congrats to Elaine. She’ll be on my blog next week.
Thanks for you kind words. Hope you stop by Lit Carnivale. I believe there’s something there you might like.
Hi,
Until we all recognize that the breath we breathe is a gift of life and that no one has the right to take another life, we will continue to disrespect the humanity in every man, woman, and child. I hurt for the people in the country of my birth. Born in the Deep South, racism was a fact of life. Unfortunately, some people still don’t get it. I am thinking about you and your family and all other families that live in fear.
All the best, Toi and thanks for being a part of IWSG.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thank you for your encouragement. I’ve been blessed with an amaizing support system of many races, but my heart aches to know that everyone has that and this fear is so real.
I can’t say I completely understand, but still praying they get home safe every day.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thank you. Every prayer counts.
Congrats to Elaine.
I’m praying for everyone because if we don’t reign in the hate soon, all of it, we are in trouble.
Thank you for your prayers.
Bad Fairy looks absolutely enchanting! Congrats to Elaine!
Blessings, prayers, and hugs to you and your family. I pray for light to end these dark days.
Thanks for your prayers.
Started Bad Fairy last night. May finish it today.
Prayers for you and yours, Toi. And my other friends and my children’s friends. I’m glad you were here today.
Thank you, Susan. I’m glad you’re here too.
It’s time for a fairy tale with story about coming together. Congrats to Elaine.
I’m enjoying it. It’s a nice distraction right now.
I’m here for you, Toi, praying for you and your loved ones and doing whatever I can. Sending lots of love your way.
And thank you so much for sharing my mom’s new release during this tough time. <3
It’s my pleasure. I’m having a tough time right now, but I appreciate the sweet distraction. Plus, I really wanted to help spread the word. I’m so proud of your mom. She inspires me.
Praying and your family, wishing you much love and safety. Hugs & Love. Congrats Elaine, on a new release. Happy IWSG Day.
Thanks for your prayers, the hugs, and love.
I am touched and happy that I could give you something to look forward to with Bad Fairy. Thank you so much for sharing it on your blog and for getting a copy. Your support means a lot to me. And to Thistle. 🙂
It’s my pleasure. I welcome the sweet distraction. Started it last night and realy like it.
My prayers are for you and your extended family.
Bad Fairy sounds wonderful.
Thanks for the prayers.
Prayers up for you and your family and for all Americans who must come together. We can begin in our own communities to work together for the good of all. Thanks for sharing that darling little book.
JQ Rose
Thank you for your prayers.
I’m hoping that the changes we need will be translated into concrete action and new protections. We need these peaceful demonstrations everywhere. Not everyone who supports the cause can be there physically, but know we all are in a new conversation to prevent racism. Thank you also for highlighting Elaine Kaye’s new book. I hope the support here comforts you.
I hope so too Beth. Thanks for your words.
Once we believe ALL lives matter our world will be a better place. Hugs, Toi. Thanks for sharing Elaine’s new book.
Diane, I appreciate the sentiment but stating that ALL lives matter diminishes the point of the Black Lives Matter movement. Black Lives Matters has absolutely nothing to do with who’s life is more important than another. That’s the point. If I say end Breast Cancer today, that doesn’t mean I’m okay with all the other forms of cancer. Black Lives Matters is about letting our Leaders in Government, Lawmakers, and Police know that it’s not okay to pull someone over, hand-cuff them, and or kill them for being black. Black Lives Matter doesn’t mean that they matter more than others, it means that they matter just as much as the ones who don’t have to worry about wearing a hoodie on a cold day because their skin is the right color. I wholeheartedly believe you are one of the good guys but had to let you know why saying ALL lives matter is going to get you backlash right now. There are too many unarmed black people dying for our words to be diminished right now, even if that wasn’t your intention.
I don’t pray, but I’m holding you and your family in my thoughts along with several other friends who live every day with the fear that stalks black families every time someone goes out. Be safe, and I hope things will get better soon.
I appreciate your thoughts. It means a lot.
I’m an Indian living in India and though I can’t say I understand how a black person feels in America, I can understand how racism, and religious hatred (in our case), feel. I pray that your voices are heard and you remain safe and happy.
The book seems quite exciting, would love to pick it up!
Sad truth is that racism doesn’t just affect black people. Anyone can experience racism. Right now, in the US, black people are being killed, hispanic children are being locked in cages, and other POC are being dismissed and overlooked. Black Lives Matter is just one of many cries for voices to be heard and lives to be saved. I appreciate your words and prayers.
I can’t say I understand, but I am truly sorry that this continues to happen to black people everywhere. It is so wrong. There are no words. I will pray for you all.
Thank you for your prayers.
Elaine Kaye’s Gregory Green books are among my great-grand-kids’ favourites of the books I get them. This looks a great read for the older ones who still read – and for me 😉
As a privileged white guy, I try to understand and attempt to make a difference. I grew up learning about my abolitionist ancestors and what they were striving for and why. My writing may lean towards addressing LGBQT issues, but I cannot ignore racism. I see/hear what my sister’s black partner had to face growing up in London, and know how my niece suffers, not least with the prejudices of her rich white cousins. Yet, being housebound, I can do so little now. Pray and make a stand on social media for #BlackLivesMatter .
I finished Bad Fairy and really enjoyed it.
Making a stand on social media is more than many are willing to do. Every genuine effort counts. Thanks for your prayers and your support.
Hi, Roland. I am so very please to hear my Gregory Green books are favorites among your great-grandkids. That made my day. 🙂