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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
IWSG

#IWSG July 2016: Compliments on your #writing, Celebrity followers, & hashtags.

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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: What’s the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

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This seems like a simple enough question, but it’s sometimes difficult to know what other people really think of your writing. It’s not just my insecurities, though I do have those, but knowing what people really think of your writing is in many ways based on trust (Are they just saying they like it or do they really mean it?). Outside of the reviews we receive on individual publications, there really isn’t a forum for letting authors know what you think of them unless you happen to be one of their followers. While I have many followers, few of them are fan-followers. I did actually receive fan mail once and it made my year. Outside of that, here are some of my favorite quotes from reviews people have left of my book, Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel.

“…thank God for Mira, who didn’t fall into that trap of accepting everything without a second glance. She actually confronted Giovanni and made him fess up, which was a welcome change of pace from usual tropes.” ~Kayla Sanchez

“She is able to write realistically about a subject that has lived in myth for as long as humans trot this earth, and she makes you believe anything is possible.” ~McKerley & Schippers

“I must admit the first couple of chapters were a little slow for me but I am glad I did not stop! It has turned into a OMG book!” ~ReadsterQuilts

Wikipedia

Speaking of followers, I got my world rocked when I discovered that actor Taye Diggs was following me on Twitter. Since then, I’ve learned that it’s just something he and a few other celebrities do; they follow random people. Random or not, I still think it’s awesome that such a great actor, and let’s face it- gorgeous man, is following me on Twitter. RT @TayeDiggs daily 😉

This is where I would normally give an update on my WIPs, but there isn’t much to actually report on at the moment. I am writing. I’m trying to do some illustrations. I’m outlining and planning. It’s a work in progress (somewhat pun intended).

On a completely random note, I wish more IWSG members would use the hashtag (#IWSG) when they posted their entries. I like to tweet these things out, but I can’t get to them all. I’ve tried to visit ones that are shared on the Facebook group, but that list gets really long really quick. I would like to share the posts even if I don’t have time to read them by plugging them into my auto-retweet app, but there just aren’t enough of the hashtag for the app to populate any content… Sorry for that. I know that was a pretty lame whiny fest.

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Has anyone touched you with kind words about your writing?
Got any celebrity followers?
Do you use the hashtag, #IWSG?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Yolanda Renee,
Tyrean Martinson,
Madeline Mora-Summonte,
LK Hill,
Rachna Chhabria, and
JA Scott!

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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 #73).

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
IWSG

#IWSG April 2016: In a good place

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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.

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With the A-Z Challenge in full swing and me preparing for Con season, I don’t have much time to focus on anything else. I’m catching up on my blog reading. Reading a book for review. Preparing for two Cons. Editing a 2nd edition of one of my books and working on the outline of a long neglected WIP.

I’m actually in a good place right now; busy but not overwhelmed (for the time being).

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How are you faring at the moment?
Doing the A-Z?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Megan Morgan,
Chris Votey,
Viola Fury,
Christine Rains,
Madeline Mora-Summonte,
L.G. Keltner,
Rachna Chhabria, and
Patricia Lynne!

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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 #81).

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