It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update outside of an IWSG post but I thought I should so I don’t crowd my next post too much.
I’m making an effort to do more promoting, networking, and advocating in my local area. I’ll be adding my appearances and other events to my contact page for those interested, but this information will also be listed on my Facebook page.
I have short fiction and nonfiction featured in anthologies that are free to the public. Links to these can be found on my page Toi’s Shorts or on the side panel of this blog.
I’m really trying to do better with social media, but it’s a struggle. While I have presences on Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and Pinterest, I’ve decided to mostly dedicate my time to
I’m also active onGoodreads but I’m not sure if that really counts. I’d love to follow and or be friends with anyone willing on any of these platforms.
Now, here are two videos I’ve posted recently.
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
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: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?
I think I enjoy writing science fiction the most. There’s something about the limitless possibilities of it that appeals to me. Plus, science fiction has a practical side to it. Many things that were once considered science fiction have become a reality. Without someone first imagining that people could fly in automated machines or talk to people across the globe in real-time, we might not ever have developed aviation, space travel, the telephone, and certainly not the Internet.
For me personally, there is a thin line between science and faith, and some will argue that the two are opposites, but I see things differently. I do believe that there are some absolutes in this world that can only be explained by either faith or science, but most of the time it’s all perspective. It’s mostly about the way each individual sees and experiences the world and their existence. So, yeah, I enjoy writing science fiction first, then fantasy/paranormal, clean romance, mystery, and so on from there.
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Newsletter Member Spotlight
Congratulations to Eliza March on her June spotlight. Be sure to stop by her blogand say hi.
IWSG Anthology submissions are still open.
Click here for details.
IWSG Book Club News
Goodreads
This book was voted on by our members as a great example of Dialogue. The discussion will start July 24th and will go to the end of the month, but it will be up indefinitely, so you can hop in whenever you’re able. Join Us!
WEP-IWSG News, Changes, Submissions
I haven’t submitted my entry yet, but I am working on something. If I can’t pull it together soon, I may just pass on submitting this month and simply enjoy the other entries.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
Well, I’m backlogged again, but that’s nothing new. I have several projects I’m working on that aren’t really going anywhere so I figured I’d start blogging about them and see if that helps. I guess I’ll be starting that next week. Also, I have months of book reviews to catch up on. I’ll have to forgo my usual more thorough reviews and post something short and sweet to make up for it. I guess I’ll be working on that this weekend.
I’ve decided not to give up on my dream to start a book fair, but instead to take a different approach to it. I’ve talked to a few people in my area and I think we have a pretty good plan. So, in time, I’ll be sharing some of those updates as well.
Today’s optional question got me thinking about some of the story ideas I’ve not yet pursued, most likely due to fear, and have decided to just start writing them. Whether or not I ever publish these ideas doesn’t matter right now. There’s no reason I should let fear keep me from at least writing and developing these ideas for myself. The challenge for me has always been the same. I’m a person of faith with many and varied interests. Mixing faith and fiction doesn’t always work out and, thus, I’ve developed an insecurity to explore freely. Lately, I’ve challenged myself to break out of my comfort zone and write in different POVs, try out different genres, test out stories targeting audiences I don’t really relate to, and so much more. It’s time I take the plunge and write something just for me. I hope you will too.
If you missed the June Newsletter, you should check it out, for some insightful words from our founder concerning sharing your beliefs and opinions as a writer.
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Have you written content that you’ve been meaning to share but simply haven’t?
Do you ever get behind (understatement) on book reviews?
Have you ever been afraid to write something just for you, knowing others may not like it or ever see it?
Thanks for stopping by. It may take some time, but I will stop by your blog too.
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.
I was almost in tears when I woke and realized my post hadn’t gone live. Seems I set it for the wrong date. 🙁 Oh well, better late than never… Hold on tight ‘cause I have a lot to cover today.
Optional Monthly Question: Besides writing, what other creative outlets do you have?
I have so many creative outlets, I sometimes have to schedule the time I spend doing different things. While reading itself isn’t a creative outlet, writing book reviews and filming book videos can be. I also enjoy cooking and baking from scratch (or semi-homemade when resources are scarce). I love to draw and paint, and while I’m better at drawing than painting, I’m not really good at either. Still, I love to do it. I used to love sewing pillows, purses, and other things, but getting back into it has been tough (again resources…). And lastly, I love to dance. I used to be really into jazz, ballet, and hip-hop though I never trained for them. Still, I do enjoy a good beat or melody.
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January’s IWSG Newsletter member spotlight was L.G. Keltner. Be sure to stop by and check her out, if you have a chance.
IWSG BOOK CLUB NEWS
The IWSG Book Club on Goodreads is changing things up…
And members are love’n it.
-5 Discussion Questions: We will pose 5 questions that you can answer about the book we’ve read as a group. You can answer one question or all five. It’s up to you.
-Discussion Day Poll: Every discussion day, there will also be a poll that all members will get invited to answer. This is a great option to participate that is fast and simple.
-Quiz: You can also help us create a Goodreads quiz for the book we’ve read.
-Giveaways: Every Discussion Day, book club members will get a Goodreads message that will include the chance for members to enter a free Rafflecopter giveaway.
-Freebies: When we announce the next reading selection, another Goodreads message will go out that’ll include a downloadable freebie, which could be anything.
-Other Polls: We will also invite members to answer writing or reading-related polls during our “down” months. One poll will be related to the book in some way.
We read a new book every other month, alternating between craft books and fictional books that demonstrate an aspect of writing. Members vote on our fictional books. Join us here.
Goodreads
Our February/March 2019 book is Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. This book was voted on by our members as a good example of setting. Discussion Day will be March 20th.
The cover for the next IWSG anthology has been revealed and there’s a new admin to the group. Click the image to get more information about the anthology release date and more.
The February WEP-IWSG sign-up is open and I feel pretty silly not having a story posted yet. While I do have until the 20th to get my DL-link up, I’m having trouble developing a story for the theme I came up with (Yes, you read that right. It was all my idea). He he, guess I didn’t think that through very well.
AUTHOR FEATURES
I’m happy to announce that I have some lovely authors to feature today. First, over on my YouTube channel, I’ve interviewed two authors and have another on the way. I’m always up for interviewing more authors. Check out video interviews for Christina Weigand and Joanne Lipford. Plus, I had a lovely blog interview with author Rhiannon Lee, on Monday. And today, I present you with an original article from author Tatum James.
What Becomes Of A Broken Doll?
By now, some know that Tatum James is a pen name. I recently signed with Major Key Publishing writing under my real name. I wanted to keep my author life separated from my regular life. Plus, some of my scenes are graphic so I wanted to disassociate from that.
I began a love affair with storytelling at a young age. I would read or watch something and think of ways to make it better. My favorites came from the urban fiction genre, well that’s if we exclude Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are. I was introduced to urban fiction in 8th grade. A more mature classmate brought in a book about a hair salon. I couldn’t believe there were books with characters like people I knew.
I didn’t realize that I was talented until some of my teachers and friends brought it to my attention. I loved writing but, I couldn’t see myself doing it as a job. Instead, I chose to be a nurse, which I’ve done since 2009.
I became a published author in November of 2018, self-publishing my first novella Identical Sins. Soon after I published my baby Diary Of A Broken Doll which I had completed about 2 years earlier and the sequel Diary Of A Broken Doll 2.
Diary of a Broken Doll is a coming of age story of a girl with a negligent mother. The protagonist Courtney becomes wrapped up in a world of drugs and sex. Once she is in, there’s no turning back. There is a 3rd part to the series coming February of 2019. In the 3rd installment, the readers get a more personal look into her life with Drew, the guy that saved her from her mother’s home.
I’m crazy busy with my day job, plus all the stuff I’m doing online. That’s just the state of my life right now, and for now, I’m okay with it. Not letting myself get too overwhelmed. I do what I can and don’t worry about what I can’t.
Since it’s February, I’m doing my self-created #28daysofgraphicnovels challenge over at my, Carnie the Bookworm, Instagram account.
And, I finally finished my semi-animated read aloud video series for story time. I worked really hard on it and am happy with what I was able to accomplish with very little technical skill, low-tech equipment, and minuscule time. I do so hope you will give these 5 short videos (less than 5 minutes each) a look and or a share.
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What other creative interest do you have?
Gonna try the IWSG Book Club Book?
Gonna try my storytime video series?
I’m feeling good at the moment and wish you nothing
but blessings in your endeavors.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
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What Becomes Of A Broken Doll?