Tag: #IWSG

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#IWSG August 2021: I said craft book, not craft beer.

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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 is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something, or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?

Reading aloud my response to this question had my husband looking at me funny. Then I realized that he thought I said craft beer. I laughed. He and I both know I don’t know anything about craft beer.

I never felt like picking a favorite writing craft book would be a “thing” for me. It’s always simply been a matter of whether I got anything out of it or not. I’ve read quite a few craft books, especially since the IWSG Book Club started, and have learned something from all of them, even if I didn’t like them.

Here’s a list of a few of my 5-star craft reads:
Write With Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Keep Writing with Fey: Sparks to Defeat Writer’s Block, Depression, and Burnout
Deep Point of View (Busy Writer’s Guides, #9)
How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!
I also have plenty of 4 and 3-star craft reads that I revisit as needed. But if I had to pick one, and only one, it would be…

Deep Point of View.

Before I read this book, I wasn’t even convinced that Deep POV was worth my time. I mean, the idea of it sounded nice, but I just didn’t get it. Oh, and what this author does with her appendixes is so effective, I was thoroughly impressed.

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IWSG BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS

Don’t know if you’ve heard, but there are some changes coming. Many of us were shocked to see the book club founder, Chrys Fey, step down as admin of the Goodreads group. I personally expressed to her many times how important the book club has been to me over the years. Looking ahead to the future, I was honored to accept the role as admin to a new version of the club. We hope to have an announcement with all the details and new titles next month.

For now, I finished both of the June/July/August reads and am excited to post my first discussion after much guidance from Chrys, herself, and amazing feedback from my co-moderators Ronel Janse van Vuuren and Juneta Key.
Even if you haven’t read either of the books, I’d love for you to stop by and join the discussion. You can get so much out of just the discussions. Click here to join us.

Now, on to the personal updates.

I took the month of July off to reset myself and make a plan for getting through the rest of this year. Unfortunately, I didn’t really put much thought into how I would communicate that I was taking some time. Oh, well, I’ve said my apologies and am moving forward. I’m getting a handle on some of my health issues and following plans to continue my creative endeavors. Updates on all the details later.

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Any writing craft books worth mentioning?
If I bailed on you in the month of July, I truly am sorry. Poor planning on my part.
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually 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:
PK Hrezo,
Cathrina Constantine,
PJ Colando,
Kim Lajevardi, and
Sandra Cox!

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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 #36).

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

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IWSG

#IWSG July 2021: Quitting isn’t what it used to be.

You ever have moments in your life where no matter what you do, you keep coming up short? Well, that’s me right now. Thus, my late post. Just got back from a much-needed rest and visiting family, but there’s no time to reflect on it. There’s just too much to do.
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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 would make you quit writing?

I don’t think I will ever quit writing, but I could quit trying to publish my writing. Right now, I’m not actively trying to publish anything, but only because I’m waiting until I feel I have something worth publishing. For me, it’s not about quitting, it’s about whether or not I want to keep doing it.
Quitting isn’t what it used to be. Societal standards have overwhelmed so many people that it’s gotten to the point where very few feel obligated to stick with something that doesn’t bring them joy anymore and I, for one, am glad. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with someone saying, “I’ve had enough.” That’s called moving on. It’s not the same mentality as someone who never had a passion for something and then quit because it didn’t make them a lot of money. That’s what quitting is.
Sometimes I want to take time off, knowing how quickly people forget you and write you off if you’re not constantly putting yourself out there, and it used to cause me to stick around. Fortunately, I’ve reached a point where I don’t care anymore. If people write me off or forget about me, well, so be it. Sometimes I just need time off. When I return to writing, blogging, vlogging, or whatever it is I’ve taken time off from, I’m doing it for me. I’m just as happy with a crowd of one as I am with a crowd of 100.

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IWSG BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS

I’m currently struggling to complete any of the books I’ve started including our book club reads and not because they aren’t good reads. I’m feeling overwhelmed in many areas of my life and unfortunately, my read count and word count are suffering. Hopefully though, since I’m seeking help and support, I’ll be able to get back on track soon.

Now, on to the personal updates.

Discovered a new medical condition that’s been making my life difficult to navigate. Was in a car accident (I’m okay). My dog is very sick. The woes of technological issues, and the usual stuff we know as life have made the last month and a half very difficult, but I’m trying to keep it moving. I hardly made it around to visit many blogs last month, but I hope to be able to visit more this month.

I posted a few videos to my YouTube channel just to feel like I have a little control of what’s going on around me. Despite the minor hardships I’m currently dealing with (in comparison to what other people are going through) I am still very blessed.

Here are a few videos you can check out if you’re up for it.

Have U Seen This? #7 6/21 |  6-21 Mid Year Haul | and

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Ever thought about quitting?
Whatever you’re going through, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually 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,
Victoria Marie Lees,
Chemist Ken, and
Louise – 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 #36).

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

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IWSG

#IWSG June 2021: How long can you wait?

For me, it’s birthday month, so this is going to be brief.  *Updated*  based responses in the comments,  I realize that  I need to clarify this. October is my birthday month. June is for my sister,  brother,  husband,  father,  nephew,  a few in-laws,  and a few cousins.  With graduations,  weddings,  anniversaries,  and baby showers,  June is always a busy month. 72b25-iwsg2bbadge

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: For how long do you shelve your first draft, before reading it and re-drafting? Is this dependent on your writing experience and the number of stories/books under your belt?

It can take me anywhere from 30 days to 36 months to complete a first draft, depending on how many times I chuck it all and completely start over. Once I’ve finished a first draft; however, I stick to a pretty solid regimen. I wait one month before reading it again. If I don’t feel the slightest bit impressed with the fact that I completed something that isn’t horrible, I don’t move forward to making developmental edits. Usually, after a 3rd draft is when I start trying to have other people look at what I’ve read. After feedback from at least two people, I do my own superficial edits (‘cause I can’t do a decent self-edit to save my life) before seeking the services of one to two editors.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the services of a writing coach and received some immensely helpful feedback. Whenever I do finally have something worth pursuing for publication, I will definitely invest in her services when working on a 2nd or 3rd draft.

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I’ll have more to share next month. For now, I hope everyone is staying safe.

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So, how long do you wait to read your manuscript after the first draft?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually 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:
J Lenni Dorner,
Sarah Foster,
Natalie Aguirre,
Lee Lowery, and
Rachna Chhabria!

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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 #36).

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