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IWSG

#IWSG May 2020: Getting into the zone

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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: Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE? Care to share?

I don’t believe I have anything specific that helps me to get in the zone. Sometimes I’m there, but most of the time I’m sitting around waiting to get there. I guess that’s what I call the Muse coming alive, which by the way, happened in a major way last month. Otherwise, I’d say that sometimes listening to music helps me find inspiration to complete a scene I’m having trouble with. I usually like to keep a variety of soundtracks on hand since they seem to be full of songs that convey very specific emotions and themes, such as fear, love, hatred, passion, war, and so much more.

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Sorry, I didn’t have time to put my monthly updates together, again. I gotta stop dropping the ball, but, in all honesty, I’ve just been distracted by the next bit of info I have to share. I will say that I read a book by Allie Marie, local to my area, and really enjoyed it. The review is worth checking out.

Visit my Lit Carnivale blog to see my April book reviews.

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Now, on to the personal updates.

I don’t know how I did it, but I wrote and illustrated a children’s book about being in quarantine last month. Now I have to figure out what to do with it, and I’m hoping some of you will help. I know this is very last minute, but since next Tuesday, yes that’s May 12, is #GivingTuesday I figured that would be a good day to offer a free ebook and a fundraising giveaway. I want people to enter my giveaway for a chance to have me give $20 to the cause or charity of their choosing.


If anyone out there would be willing to share this next week, on your blog, or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram… I’ll take anything really, simply comment below or on my Contact page, and I’ll email you the details this weekend when the book launches.

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What do you do to get in the zone?
Can you help spread the word about my book and fundraiser?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will 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:
Feather Stone,
Beverly Stowe McClure,
Mary Aalgaard,
Kim Lajevardi, and
Chemist Ken!

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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 #39).

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

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IWSG

#IWSG April 2020: How are things?

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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.

So, yes, I posted late. The world is a little crazy right now. I tried to schedule this last night and had to apply 5 updates to this blog before I could do anything else. Oh well.

Optional Monthly Question: The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?

This is a pretty good question for this point in time. Since I’m a stickler for this posting format I’ve devised, I’ll respond in my personal updates section below.

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Sorry, didn’t have time to put my monthly updates together. We’ll see how I do next month.

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Now, on to the personal updates.
First, I didn’t read as much as I would have liked in March, but I didn’t do too badly. At some point, I hope to post some reviews.

Second, I haven’t written anything. That’s all about that.

Lastly, the last thing I posted to this blog was an update about me dealing with some health issues and doing my best to get around to visiting blogs. Since then, the Covid-19 scare has become a lifestyle (at least for now.)

I took some time off from work, without pay, to address some health concerns completely unrelated to Covid-19 and when I attempted to go back to work, I was told I couldn’t do so without a release from my doctor. Setting up a virtual appointment to have a letter faxed saying that I could go back to work, has been just one of many adventures for me in the last few weeks.

Still, with everything going on I can say that I’m blessed. I’m a little bumbed I haven’t had time to post any videos (videos now posted), but I hope to do that soon. In the meantime, here’s why I’m blessed.

1) Because of the kind of job I have, I’ve been able to keep working, though it has been a crazy process to follow guidelines and stay safe and healthy.

2) My husband has been very protective of me and taking on a lot of extra responsibilities around the house. He doesn’t like that I’m working but appreciates my ability to make an income when so many others can’t. He only lets me go to work and home and constantly checks in on me. It’s so sweet.

3) Technology. I think it’s kind of cute how so many people are discovering different ways to use video and the Internet to communicate and stay connected. For the first time in decades, people are using social media for its original intended purpose. I’m not saying that it’s perfect or even permanent, but for now, I like the state of the social media I’m seeing. I will be honest; I’ve avoided Twitter and have only engaged on Facebook and Instagram.

4) Apps. I’ve been using Zoom for years, but I think it’s great so many other people are discovering it. Here are some of my favorite apps at the moment: Pluto, YouTube, Goodreads, Dropbox, Google Drive, Weather Puppy, You Version (Bible), ASL, and Web Toon.

5) Faith, family, and friends. In the end, this is the greatest blessing of all.

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So, how are things in your world?
Read any good books lately?
It may take some time, but I promise, will 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:
Diane Burton,
JH Moncrieff,
Anna @ Emaginette,
Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter,
Erika Beebe, and
Lisa Buie-Collard!

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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 #39).

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

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About Toi Videos

Here’s What’s New & Some Videos

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
    1. Instagram @CarnieTheBookworm
    2. Facebook @ToiThomasAuthor, and
    3. YouTube Toi Thomas & Carnie the Bookworm.
    4. I’m also active on Goodreads 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.
  4. 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