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IWSG

#IWSG September 2017: How I surprised myself with #writing, my insecurities, & my kudos.

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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.

Monthly Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? (For example, by trying a new genre you didn’t think you’d be comfortable in?)

Never would I have thought in a million years that I would write anything resembling romantic comedy, yet, I have. And, I’m attempting to do it again in a sequel, but I’m pretty sure I’m in over my head. Give me fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal stuff to read all day long and I’m a happy camper, but when it comes to romance and or comedy, things are little more complex. I honestly don’t like most of the romance I read, but I keep trying it. I do find that romance with comedy is what I’m likely to enjoy more. When it comes to writing comedy, I don’t actually try to be funny; I just stick to what I know best- sarcasm.

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Now on to the personal updates.

I had a health scare recently, on top of my usual health issues, and became consumed with worry over it. I’m fine now, but I lost about three weeks of productivity. My house was in shambles, I got no writing done, and I was barely able to hold myself together my first week back to work. Since then, I’ve cleaned house, recorded a few videos (see my thoughts on book reviews below), finished reading some books, and plan to start writing (working on my current wips) after scheduling this post.

I’ll admit that I’ve been struggling with insecurity over whether or not I’m able to finish series I’ve started. I have so many notes outlining the continuation of stories I’ve already published, but I’m having the darndest time putting the continuations down on paper or screen. I think the main problem with this issue is that I also have new stories that need to be written. And then, I have all these side stories, works of fan fiction or, what I call ‘venting fiction’ (where I write a story to vent about an issue I’m having) that keep popping up. Needless to say, all of these stories are starting to keep me up at night…Oh…And…Of course, I feel like everything I’ve written to date needs to be rewritten so they can simply be better than they are (I may be able to come up with great stories, but I’m not always the most skilled writer).

My book, Chip and Skip Need Each Other, is nominated for an award and could use your vote. Please check my side panel <– if you are up for it. I’m still just so honored that someone actually nominated me. 😀

I got a great review (the first) for my book, Plants and Animals Change Over Time. Check it out here.

Next month, for my birthday on October 21st, I’m having a Kindle sale and a giveaway. For the occasion, I’m attempting to put together a Blitz and would love it if you signed up.

If the Blitz isn’t your thing but you’d wouldn’t mind to help spread the word, please consider supporting my Thunderclap campaign. Jump over to my side panel <– to support in the manner that suits you best.

If you have a moment, I’d love for you to visit my CURIOUS QUESTIONS page and offer your two cents on the question being asked. Thanks bunches.

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So, have you surprised yourself with your writing?
Insecure about finishing a series or two?
Received any awards or great reviews lately?
Think Thunderclap campaigns are worth the bother?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tyrean Martinson,
Tara Tyler,
Raimey Gallant, and
Beverly Stowe McClure!

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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 #60).

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

Categories
Promotion

#PrimeDay2017; yeah, I didn’t see that coming either.

So, this has been an affiliate blog for some time now. I don’t go out of my way to sell things to people or push products on them. That’s just not who I am. With Prime Day coming up, tomorrow July 11 (sales already started though), I thought I’d share a few of the promotional deals that I’m actually interested in pursuing, especially since I’m a Prime member and haven’t really used any of the special features other than the shipping.

First, if you’d like to try Prime, they have a FREE TRIAL you can sign up for.

Second, I might be addicted to subscription services. I blame it all on Netflix. Once I discovered I could get certain ebooks through Prime for free it got me thinking about a Kindle Unlimited account. Now might be the time to jump on that.

Third, I’ve had several issues with Audible over the years (I’d rather not go over it all now). Needless to say, I haven’t had a subscription in over 2 years, but this new offer has me tempted to give it another try.

Of course, there are all kinds of other promotions going on, but these are the ones that interest me ’cause, well, they’re about books. 😉

Not that this has anything to do with Prime Day, but all my ebooks are on sale today, July 10 – 12, 2017 from $0 – $1.99 (starting 8am PST). I recently had to raise the prices on my print books because of improved interior formatting, so I felt this was a good time to put a spotlight on my ebooks. I have 10 books ranging from fiction to nonfiction, children’s to clean adult, and more.

Facebook event for anyone interested. Open-door.

Lastly, International Authors Day is July 14. Be sure to head to social media and give a shout out to an author who’s entertained you. #IntlAuthorsDay

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

Categories
Promotion

#BlackFriday, #CyberMonday, and #Teacher support

sale
Click here to purchase.

It’s that time again when I put my ebooks on sale just before the holidays. I hope these ebooks will make great gifts for someone special to you. This year there’s a small twist. I’m hoping this season of sales will help fuel the giveaway I’m struggling to get the word out for.

cashteachers
Click to learn more.

I’m still hoping to gain some support for the blog tour I put together. It’s really not about me and my books, and hope you will at least take a look at my post to see for yourself what it’s all about.

blogtour
Click to learn more.

If nothing else, I hope you’ll consider entering my giveaway to support a teacher of your choice (any teacher in the world). I’d really like to be a blessing to some deserving teachers, but there’s only so much I can do on my own. I do hope you find it your heart to help spread the spread about this in some way.

1) Download my books for Free or 99 cents.

2) Please join the tour (it’s really not what you think).

3) Enter the giveaway by nominating a teacher to win.

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