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: Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you’d forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming?
My writing surprises me all the time. Whenever I think I’ve written something really good or special, people don’t care for it. Whenever I write something I don’t think is really developed or good enough, people seem to like it. I’m not sure what that says about me or my writing.
I started writing a story once that I thought would have a happy ending but then I ended up writing a tragic one.
Every now and then I start a story with a beginning and end in mind and it actually comes together the way I planned. Sometimes that’s the most surprising.
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No personal updates this month. Not much going on.
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What do you find surprising about your writing?
Read any surprising books lately.
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.
For those who don’t know, I’m still in recovery, so this will be a little different than my usual IWSG post.
Optional Monthly Question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?
For the first time, I’m skipping the optional question, though it is a pretty good one.
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Today I’m sharing a book review and a spotlight.
What would you do if your hubby signed the two of you up for an extreme diet?
Life without chocolate and junk food—completely miserable. Finding someone poisoned by a cake—even worse.
Mollie thought she had enough problems to deal with when her husband threw out all of her chocolate and junk food. But when someone is poisoned during a cake baking competition, she’s thrust into another murder investigation.
While she tries to identify the killer, Coconut Cove’s annual boating festival is in full swing. In between getting ready for her first sailing race and cheating on her diet, Mollie and her cat, Mrs. Moto, uncover clues, interview suspects, and do their best to avoid rutabagas.
Can Mollie nab the murderer before someone else is poisoned?
Poisoned by the Pier is the third book in the light, humorous, and original Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery series. If you like kooky characters, adorable cats, and plenty of chocolate, you’ll love this cozy mystery. Buy Poisoned by the Pier today and laugh out loud from the first page to the last.
Spoiler Alert: You’ll never look at rutabagas the same way again after you finish reading this book!
Poisoned by the Pier can be read as a standalone book, but you’ll have more fun if you start at the beginning of the series with Murder at the Marina.
Book #1—Murder at the Marina
Book #2—Bodies in the Boatyard
Book #3—Poisoned by the Pier
Book #4—Dead in the Dinghy (late 2019)
My 4-star review: “Actual rating 4.5
This is the third book in this series, but it’s the first one I’ve read. I will definitely go back to read the first two in the series. This was such a fun and cute story, despite the murder.
I haven’t read a lot of cozy mysteries, but if they are all like this, I could definitely read more.
Even though this is the third in this series, I did not feel lost in the plot or disassociated from the characters. Plus, there are pets in this story and I adore animals. If it weren’t for my allergies I’m sure I’d be more of a cat person than I am, but even so, Mrs. Moto stole the show more than once. Just so cute.
My only concerns about this lovely read are: 1) the mystery didn’t begin until almost a quarter of the way through the book. Leading up to the mystery there was some great character development and world-building, but I was beginning to worry I was reading a contemporary and not a mystery. 2) the way the mystery was solved was clever but it seemed a little too easy. Still, it was satisfying. I mean, this is a cozy mystery, not a suspense thriller.
This was a truly fun read. I look forward to reading more from this author and in this series. Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries, humorous fiction, and character-driven stories.
Disclaimer: I read a digital ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review. This review is solely based on my reading experience and personal opinion.”
Get your copy of this fun read at the links below:
Ellen Jacobson is one of our lovely co-hosts this month. Be sure to give her a visit.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
I have been very sick for a long time. I’m getting better every day, but it’s been a rough road. I have many things I want to do, but I have to put my health first or I won’t be around to do anything.
Posting my review for Poisoned by the Pier and putting this post together are the most writing I’ve done in a long time (plus, I have so many other reviews that need to be written). I’ve even been struggling to read, which regretfully explains why I haven’t responded to comments on this blog and am still working my way through the WEP submissions for June. I got an email letting me know I won one of the awards. I’m so thrilled and appreciative of what this writing challenge has helped me accomplish. Even though the contest is over, I will still make an effort to finish reading the submitted stories, the topic was so varied and compelling.
I’m trying to get back to full capacity at my day job because I need the money, but it too is a slow process. For that reason, I’m asking for thoughts and prayers. Not just for me, but for any of us trying to do the things we love and live our lives, while also dealing with unexpected and or challenging illnesses.
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Thanks for stopping by. It may take some time, but I will stop by your blog too.
Today, Mark bought me a pretty dress with a pair of matching shoes. I guess I’ll wear it tonight at the dinner party. This was the first time he insisted I use a caterer and party planner. He said I shouldn’t stress myself out over things like this. Parties are supposed to be fun. Of course, he’s right. I’m sure I’ll look lovely tonight and have a great time.
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Today, Mark hired Rebecca to come by three days a week to do cleaning and laundry. He’s never complained about the way I keep house, but I guess he thought I could use the help. The house is pretty big for one person to manage on their own. Plus, he said once the children come, I’ll have my hands full with them. Of course, he’s right. Rebecca is very sweet and works wonders on sweat stains.
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Today, Mark came home with a new electric car with a custom ladybug paint job. He knows I adore ladybugs, but I don’t know why he felt the need for the surprise. I guess with me only driving into town a few days a week now, there’s no need for me to hold on to my old SUV. Plus, he said he found a guy to take it off our hands at a good rate. Of course, he’s right. The smaller car is more practical for traveling such short distances.
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Today, Mark bought me a pearl necklace and I cried alone in my room for an hour. He’s been so understanding, more understanding than I can comprehend. I know having kids was a big deal for him, and yet, he seems to be coping with my infertility a lot better than I am. I’m so lucky he loves me so much. Of course, he’s right. We don’t have to have children to be happy together. We can find other ways to leave a legacy while keeping each other all to ourselves.
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Today, Mark told me our plans to visit his folks at the lake were canceled but that we’d go next weekend, just the two of us. I guess it’ll be nice for just the two of us to get away from our regular routine, but I was really looking forward to seeing family. I feel like it’s been ages. Of course, he’s right. It’s just not good timing to be with family while we’re still focusing on healing us.
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Today, Mark hired a private chef as a surprise to pamper me with some of my favorite Mediterranean dishes, though it was a bit inconvenient. I did have plans to meet up with a girlfriend I haven’t seen in months, but I didn’t want to seem ungrateful. I know he just wants me to feel loved. Of course, he’s right. A good friend will understand and let me make it up to her later.
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Today, Mark explained to me about the strange medications I found hidden in his golf bag. Rebecca had asked to see if there were any other items she could throw into the wash to make a full load and there they were. He said the doctor had prescribed them in case I needed help relaxing during the time after learning we couldn’t conceive, but I never took any of them. He said he kept them from me because I was strong enough to cope without them. He’s right, of course. I didn’t really need those drugs to help me get through that time.
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Today, my cell phone went missing. Rebecca and I searched the entire house. We checked my car and the guest house, but it seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. When Mark gets home, we’ll have to make sure the account is secure and order me a new phone. Never thought I’d wish for a landline.
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Today, I asked Mark where Rebecca was. She hadn’t come on Monday and had yet to arrive today. I didn’t think this was the week she was taking off, but perhaps my days were blending together. I have trouble keeping up with the days ever since I lost my phone. I hope she’s okay.
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Today, Mark came home early and brought me four new dresses. He said he wanted me to put on a show for him. I didn’t really want to do it, but he seemed eager to see me model the clothes he’d picked out for me. I guess I should be grateful he hasn’t left me for a younger, fertile woman.
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Today, Rebecca scaled the perimeter wall and gave me a burner phone. She told me she’d been fired after discovering the truth of the pills Mark has been slipping into my food. Rebecca told me to pack a bag and toss it over the wall. She said she and some friends would break me out tomorrow when Mark left for work. I don’t know what’s happening, but I think Rebecca’s right. I think Mark is doing something to me and I need to break free.
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Today, I woke up in a hospital bed. My parents, my in-laws, and all my friends were there. Rebecca was there too. They were all sitting and standing around with paper cups of coffee and tea talking to police officers scribbling words on small white pads. Mark wasn’t there, and I felt relieved.
– Today, I had lunch with my mom, Rebecca, and my childhood best friend. We’re planning a hiking trip in Nevada and will squeeze in a few days at Las Vegas before heading back. Sometimes, I feel like a character in a book, only my story isn’t fiction. Mark destroyed my mind and made himself the center of my whole world. I do believe he loved me once, but his love turned to obsession and I was too traumatized and intoxicated to help myself. It’s been a year now and my mind is finally clear. I’m at peace and it’s time for me to spread my wings and fly.
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