Categories
IWSG

#IWSG June 2019: Keep’n the Faith

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: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?

I think I enjoy writing science fiction the most. There’s something about the limitless possibilities of it that appeals to me. Plus, science fiction has a practical side to it. Many things that were once considered science fiction have become a reality. Without someone first imagining that people could fly in automated machines or talk to people across the globe in real-time, we might not ever have developed aviation, space travel, the telephone, and certainly not the Internet.

For me personally, there is a thin line between science and faith, and some will argue that the two are opposites, but I see things differently. I do believe that there are some absolutes in this world that can only be explained by either faith or science, but most of the time it’s all perspective. It’s mostly about the way each individual sees and experiences the world and their existence. So, yeah, I enjoy writing science fiction first, then fantasy/paranormal, clean romance, mystery, and so on from there.

****

Newsletter Member Spotlight

Congratulations to Eliza March on her June spotlight. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi.

IWSG Anthology submissions are still open.

Click here for details.

IWSG Book Club News

Goodreads

This book was voted on by our members as a great example of Dialogue. The discussion will start July 24th and will go to the end of the month, but it will be up indefinitely, so you can hop in whenever you’re able. Join Us!

WEP-IWSG News, Changes, Submissions

I haven’t submitted my entry yet, but I am working on something. If I can’t pull it together soon, I may just pass on submitting this month and simply enjoy the other entries.

****

Now, on to the personal updates.

Well, I’m backlogged again, but that’s nothing new. I have several projects I’m working on that aren’t really going anywhere so I figured I’d start blogging about them and see if that helps. I guess I’ll be starting that next week. Also, I have months of book reviews to catch up on. I’ll have to forgo my usual more thorough reviews and post something short and sweet to make up for it. I guess I’ll be working on that this weekend.

I’ve decided not to give up on my dream to start a book fair, but instead to take a different approach to it. I’ve talked to a few people in my area and I think we have a pretty good plan. So, in time, I’ll be sharing some of those updates as well.

Today’s optional question got me thinking about some of the story ideas I’ve not yet pursued, most likely due to fear, and have decided to just start writing them. Whether or not I ever publish these ideas doesn’t matter right now. There’s no reason I should let fear keep me from at least writing and developing these ideas for myself. The challenge for me has always been the same. I’m a person of faith with many and varied interests. Mixing faith and fiction doesn’t always work out and, thus, I’ve developed an insecurity to explore freely. Lately, I’ve challenged myself to break out of my comfort zone and write in different POVs, try out different genres, test out stories targeting audiences I don’t really relate to, and so much more. It’s time I take the plunge and write something just for me. I hope you will too.

If you missed the June Newsletter, you should check it out, for some insightful words from our founder concerning sharing your beliefs and opinions as a writer.

****

Have you written content that you’ve been meaning to share but simply haven’t?

Do you ever get behind (understatement) on book reviews?

Have you ever been afraid to write something just for you, knowing others may not like it or ever see it?

Thanks for stopping by. It may take some time, but I will stop by your blog too.

****

After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Diane Burton,
Kim Lajevardi,
Sylvia Ney,
Sarah Foster,
Jennifer Hawes, and
Madeline Mora-Summonte!

****

Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #45).

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
Author Insights Videos

What do mothers think about reading? #MothersDay

This is a question I’ve asked of my friends and family, but have now decided to extend to any mother willing to share her option. I made a video asking three simple questions and asked mothers or mother figures to send me video, audio, or simply written answers to share with the world. I posted my video to Facebook hoping I’d get a response from those closest to me, but they are not the only ones liked like to hear from.

If you are interested in helping me with this project, you can send me your answers to the following three questions at author@etoithomas.com. If you’d like to see my video plea, click here to view it on Facebook.

1. Why or is reading important to you as a mother?

2. What book has inspired or impacted you as a mother or do you think other mothers would like?

3. If you could write a book what would you write: something autobiographical, something fictional, or something for children, etc…

This is an unoffical Author Insights post.

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
Guest Posts

Teen Writing Challenge by Brita Skinner

My 1st ever Author Spotlight author, Brita Skinner, is back for more. Here’s what she’s sharing.

While awaiting the release and the influx of positive reviews (hint, hint, wink, wink 😉 ) for Daybreaker, I am currently holding a writing contest for high school students. I believe in giving encouragement and opportunities early on.

Story Submission Criteria

1. Based on or have Christian values

2. Must be a high school student in grades 9 – 12

3. It must be a non-published, in any form, story.

4. Must be a minimum of 10 pages long

5. Maximum length is 50 pages

6. Submitted stories must be original.

7. Submission may be in any genre.  No erotica or offensive content.

8. Please don’t put your name on your manuscript. Please put all information the body of your email.

9. Each submission must be typed, single spaced, using Times New Roman 12 pt font, in an 8 ½ x 11 document.

Winner will receive:

1. a day with me to work on anything you are currently writing.

2. an opportunity to speak with my agent about the publishing industry.

3. a Free Signed Copy of My 1st Novel “Daybreaker”, pending its release.

Deadline for Submission is: January 15, 2014.

Winner will be announced on: February 15, 2014.

To submit your entries, please email them to this address: authorbritaskinner@gmail.com.

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