Tag: Alex J. Cavanaugh

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IWSG

#IWSG January 2019: Dreaded Questions

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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: What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?

I once had someone tell me they didn’t want to read my book because it wasn’t available in hardcover, but that was just the once. I don’t think that guy even reads. I think he felt he needed an excuse not to read my book, though I never told him I wrote one. My mother told him… Oh well.

I guess for me, the most annoying two questions I get is, “Is it really that hard to write a book?” or “Why don’t you get a publisher?” I don’t think I’ve actually tried to answer either of these questions in at least seven years. Now, when someone asks me one of those questions I tell them, “You’re not ready to talk to me about my writing.” Sure, I get strange looks, but at least I don’t have to provide a long explanation to someone who barely reads anyway.

On the flip side, my two favorite questions are, “Where did you get the idea to write that?” and “What made you decide to start writing?” Both of these questions seem to express a genuine interest in the subject of the question.

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December’s IWSG Newsletter member spotlight was Raimey Gallant. Be sure to stop by and check her out, if you have a chance.

The IWSG Book Club book for December/January is: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

The discussion for this starts January 23rd and I’m ready. I finished the book a while back but still haven’t posted my review. Hope to get that done this weekend.

Be sure to stop by the IWSG blog today to see the announcement of the anthology winners. I submitted a story, along with a bunch of other people. If I make the cut great. If not, I can add the story I submitted to the collection I’ve been working to release later this year. Either way, it’s a win for me.

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Now, on to the personal updates.

My 2018 ended a lot nicer than I expected and I am very blessed coming into the new year. I got caught up on all my unposted book reviews and managed to decorate for the season with plenty of time to actually enjoy the decorations. I even got to do a little baking.

I have several WIPs going but I figured I’d wait til next month to get into all that when I discuss my reading challenge as well. One thing I do want to mention is that I’d like to feature more authors on this blog this year. I used to feature authors all the time but stopped for some reason. If you think you might be interested in being featured on this blog, check out my sign-up form here. Also, check out this form if you are interested in a video interview.

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What questions do you often get about your writing?


I wish everyone a happy and fulfilling New Year!

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Patricia Lynne,
Lisa Buie-Collard,
Kim Lajevardi, and
Fundy Blue!

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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 #50).

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

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IWSG

#IWSG December 2018: My Writing Knick-knacks!

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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: What are five objects we’d find in your writing space?

My writing space changes often, but at least I do accomplish most of my writing at home. Whether I’m at home or out in the community there are a few things I always have to have with me to help me feel like I’m truly ready to write, create, or anything else involving story creation. I need my Kindle. I keep my Kindle with me at all times. It has so many books, both fiction and nonfiction, with valuable notes I can reference. I also need my phone because, duh, it’s 2018. Smartphones can do so much and research is only like 10th on the list of helpful things. I also need a beverage. Writing makes me thirsty. If it doesn’t make you thirsty, you may not be as passionate about it as you think you are. Finally, the last two things I need are pen and paper, usually in the form of a spiral notebook and a pencil bag filled with all kinds of writing utensils.

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November’s IWSG Newsletter member spotlight was J.H. Moncrieff. I adore this writer and blogger and was delighted to see her gain this recognition. Be sure to stop by and check her out, if you have a chance…Oh, and she’s one of our lovely co-hosts this month.

Oh, and hey, guess what. I got a special newsletter feature last month because… I WON THE WEP THEME CHALLENGE! Muh Ha Ha Ha 😀 That’s right, when February comes along and you’re trying to come up with a story that fits the theme of 28 Days, you’ll have me to thank for that. Coming up with themes isn’t one of my strong suits, so winning this challenge was really cool. Thanks WEP-IWSG for the opportunity to participate. If you haven’t seen my feature yet, please check out the newsletter here to do so.

The December WEP challenge is happening now. I’ve linked up but haven’t posted a story yet. I’m hoping to add my contribution by the 15th at the latest (I posted on the 12th, ha ha) . I just hope I’m not the last one, but no big deal if I am.

Over at A Small Gang of Authors, I continue my series: Would you read this, where I pitch blurbs and cover art for short stories I’ve written. Today I share my first ever romance story, Encounter.

The IWSG Book Club book for December/January is: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
The discussion for this starts January 23rd and I’m ready. I’m already half-way through this book. The only reason I haven’t finished it is because I’m reading it before bed. It’s really entertaining and insightful.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
It’s the holiday season and I’m super busy, just like everyone else.

I don’t have my tree up yet and I’m craving a need to bake, but again, I’m super busy.

I’m so disappointed with myself. I have like 20 books I haven’t posted reviews for. Seriously. 🙁 My end of the year mission is to spend time with my family and post these reviews. My writing can wait… to some degree.

I’ve been working on a series of storytime videos, to hopefully promote my children’s books. Part of me is afraid people will download the videos and not buy the books? Any advice on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, I’m a bit insecure about my ability to follow through with my dream to start a book fair and finish any of my current WIPs in the next year. My world won’t fall apart if I don’t achieve these things, but not doing these things makes me feel small and insignificant. I don’t need to be a big deal or center of attention, but I was hoping that my writing and my dream of a book fair would help me connect with other people. Other than the family and friends who put up with me, which by the way- none of them are readers, I don’t feel like I’m connecting with anyone. I love my reading and my writing; it’s part of who I am, but it is really lonely sometimes.

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What do you need around you when you write?
You gonna give the WEP-IWSG writing challenge a try?
Any advice about my storytime video series?
Got any good news to share or any encouragement to offer?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
J.H. Moncrieff,
Tonja Drecker,
Patsy Collins, and
Chrys Fey!

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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 #51).

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

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IWSG

#IWSG November 2018: Is creativity a vital part of your daily life?

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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.

Well, I don’t know what happened. I wrote my November IWSG post early and saved it, but when I went to edit and post it last night, it wasn’t there. 🙁 I felt defeated and headed to bed. After a good night sleep, I woke up, walked my dog, did some other social media, and decided to reconstruct my post. Better late than never… I guess.

Optional Monthly Question: How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?

Even before I started writing with an intent, I was an active creative individual. I never really mastered a particular skill, craft or art, but I’ve always dabbled. I bake from scratch, sew pillows and purses, paint canvases, decorate a classroom (now a desk), and so much more. Creativity has always been part of daily life, although, since I spend so much time writing now, some of my other creative outlets suffer until a special occasion brings them to the surface.

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October’s IWSG Newsletter member spotlight was Chrys Fey. Being a fan of her work and blog, I was happy to see her gain this recognition. Please, be sure to stop by and show her some love.

Over at A Small Gang of Authors, I continue my series: Would you read this, where I pitch blurbs and cover art for short stories I’ve written. Today I share my paranormal story, In the Window.

Also, we are hosting our first-ever short story contest and letting readers decide the winners. There are cash prizes for the winners and each entry is 500-words or less. If you are up for it, please check it out. It’s a lot of fun.

The IWSG Book Club book for October/November is: The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe
The discussion for this starts November 19th and I’m ready. I read this quickly and simply need to write my review. A great classic for those who appreciate the darker side of fiction.
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Now, on to the personal updates.

There’s lots going on, but I’ll have to blog about that later. I’m still a little bummed my original article disappeared. In any case, here are two videos you can check out if you’re up for it.

Here is me showing off some of my new books.

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Has writing affected the creativity in your life?
Did you have better luck uploading your post today?
Do you like short stories or flash fiction?
Got any good news to share or need some encouragement?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor,
Ann V. Friend,
JQ Rose, and
Elizabeth Seckman!

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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 #51).

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