Please join the IWSG Book Club today on Goodreads for a short general poll. Aside from spotlighting one IWSG member book and a craft book each month, we also want to engage in bookish whimsy and encourage others to have a healthy reading lifestyle. You don’t have to be reading or have read the 2 current featured books to be able to participate in this poll, so please, join in the festivities. Click the image below to see our fun poll. This month the topic is about your 2022 reading experience. We’re also taking our check-in poll today to see who is or isn’t reading the featured books.
Dec. ’22 General PollDec. ’22 Check-in Poll
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
Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click hereto learn more or sign up.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support.
Optional Monthly Question: It’s holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer goals?
My answer to this question is, it depends. I think it changes from year to year. This year I’m playing catch up but that has mostly to do with the fact that I took a month off from blogging, social media, and socializing (outside of family), and even reduced my reading and writing. After a few recent traumas, I needed some time to process.
As far as goals go, I’m using this time to get a head start on my goals for next year. My first order of business was to get rid of the newsletter I’ve been struggling with for years. I’m done. I know every author should have a newsletter, but to what end? It hasn’t benefited me personally or been a creative outlet for me. I still wholeheartedly believe that authors should have a way of reaching their followers and fans, which is why I’ve decided to focus all my effort, moving forward, into maintaining this blog, my Youtube channel, and my Patreon community.
I’m even encouraging people to follow me on Patreon for FREE and receive my monthly updates- Oh, wait, that kind of sounds like a newsletter… That’s because it’s a free email subscription just like a newsletter would be. So that’s where I am. I won’t be heartbroken if people refuse to follow me on Patreon but I’m also not going to keep struggling to make something work just because everyone says I should.
Below you’ll find my star ratings and review tags for each title I completed in the indicated month. You can also click the Goodreads links to see the thorough reviews. Below the book image(s), you’ll also be able to watch a video of my monthly reviews, if that’s more your style.
I didn’t do a separate Goodreads Challenge video this month. Click below to watch my November book review video, if that’s more your speed.
Now, on to the personal updates.
I took a month off and feel much better for it. My Thanksgiving was not as restful as I would have liked, so I’m hoping a Christmas will be more laid back.
I got some really cool new glasses and would love for you to watch my unboxing video.
I’ve been feeling disconnected from the writing community for a while now. I attend events when I can and that helps, but I wish I had the time to do more. I’m blessed to live in an area that has a very active writing and bookish community, but I’m usually working during the times events are being held. I’ve been thinking of trying to host a Zoom social (with or without appearing on camera) for writers to simply connect, no pressure to produce anything but maybe have some fun with writing prompts, or just talk about our insecurities. I’d love to know if any of you’d be interested in something like that. (Wonder if the IWSG will ever have a video group?)
****
Are you catching up this season or taking it easy?
Did you read any good books in November?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog. My response time has gotten slower but I’m still making my rounds.
Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #30).
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
Please join the IWSG Book Club today on Goodreads for two short discussions about the two books we featured in the month of May. There are still 5 days left in this month so there’s no rush. We are hosting 3 short questions for each book we featured and encourage you to share your reviews and or thoughts. Discussions will remain open indefinitely, so stop by anytime, even if you haven’t read the book(s).
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support.
Up on the Roof and Other Stories: Revised with Bonus Short Story by Judy Ann Davis. Please click the image below to join the short discussion.
Here’s a bonus question, if you’re up for it. Please leave your answer in the comments below. See my answer just below the question.
Q: Not all relationships have a happily ever after. Can you name one story in the collection that doesn’t and why?
A: (My response) – The Bellhop and the Poet. In this story, one lover is kind of looking down on the other for their lack of ambition. When the one lover thinks they have a chance to gain riches, they promise the other never-ending love. Their insincerity is repaid by harsh reality.
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
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We assume you agree with this.
If you do not agree, we ask that you read no further or consider deleting your cookies after your visit. Thank you. AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
In November 2022, I only managed to start and finish one book and I’m okay with that. 
