IWSG: Something new???

 

Summer has truly begun with a blast of hot days up past 90F. We stay cool in our cozy apartment with a high of 70F, first floor, and haven't turned on the air conditioning (yet). This morning, I'll be visiting a dear friend, bringing her a collection of quilting projects to share. 

Over the years, I've enjoyed taking classes and learning new skills (sashiko, hand-turned applique).  The end result was a small pile of tabletoppers without backing, settling in the corner with no home. With a commitment to 'get 'er done,' I've begun adding batting, backs, and binding. My first pile of 5 finished tabletoppers went to a fundraiser for a local community center. Only 2 left. And maybe that scrappy blue quilt top will go next. 

There's something truly relaxing about putting random pieces together just to see what happens next -- something like writing. Although, I will admit both writing and quilting require discipline as well.

This month's challenge question from IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) asks us: Is there a genre you haven't tried writing in yet that you really want to try? If so, do you plan on trying it?

This month's question made me laugh. Nearly out loud. Mostly because I've written in nearly every genre I can think of, from historical fiction, to art crime mystery, to science fiction, to simple fantasy. One genre immediately popped in my head. I haven't written erotica. Blush! Some 'things' just belong behind closed doors. Private. I'm not being Victorian. Dark edges appeal to me. Just not erotica. 

I'd rather write about how we commit ourselves to a better world and how we find our way there. Especially these days.

And then someone asked me if I'd ever written time-slip stories. Hmm. Never have followed Alice down the rabbit hole to a different time and place. So, maybe that's my next challenge.

Update on the writing. I'm taking a break, even with 50K words calling out to me from that art crime mystery in progress, Honeymoon in Egypt. Family issues have been emotionally draining. Maybe next month, I'll have better news for you. 

For now, I wish you a summer filled with warm (not hot) days, and good times with family and friends. And maybe, some quiet mornings for writing!

About IWSG: The first Wednesday of the month, nearly 100 writers take to their blogs to post their thoughts on writing or in response to this month's questions. Consider visiting this month's generous hosts Rebecca Douglass, Natalie Aguirre, Cathrina Constantine, and Louise Barbour -- and participants HERE to read and perhaps leave a comment!  You just might be inspired . . . to write!

Sounds of the Past . . .

 You know how it is when an old photograph pops up, and suddenly, you're remembering something from decades ago. That happened this week when I spotted a picture of Fats Domino.

He played just the piano at a small high school dance back in 1961. I was a senior, thrilled to 'bop' to his energetic rock and roll, all of us motivated by his music and his enthusiastic smile. I knew he lived in New Orleans. What I didn't know is that Fats Domino was a little shy. Elvis called him the 'real king of rock and roll.' He passed away in 2017, but I can't listen to his music without smiling and reappreciating his gifts.

Read more about Fats Domino HERE and listen to his greatest hits HERE.

As long as I'm looking back, here's another favorite from Simon and Garfunkel to enjoy:  The Sounds of Silence (1964). Ah, another blast from the past! Enjoy.

IWSG: Books????

First Wednesday of the month means time to post a response to The Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s monthly Blog Hop. Here's the June 4 question: What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

Books were an escape for me. I could fall into a book and ignore all else around me -- even meal time. Libraries were quiet. Each shelf beckoned. Once I could check books out, I started with "A" and kept going. Even today, when life becomes chaotic and I don't want to watch the news, a new story beckons. Maybe this is why I became a writer many decades later, entranced by words and the mystery behind an unfolding story.

I remember reading Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea in my school library and trying to hold back my tears. I was drawn to adventure and now can't remember the book that spawned my dream to travel by ship around the Horn. Other favorites included: Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (somehow I was Jo and Beth at the same time); George Orwell's Animal Farm, Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land, Frank Herbert's Dune, and pretty much anything by Ray Bradbury. As a teenager, I used to babysit for one family who kept a box of science fiction in the basement. I read them all. 

Today, i-pads beckon. My grandchildren might start reading. The thirteen year old is carrying around two library books, one Japanese manga, and the other a non-fiction book about police work behind crime scenes. At least, she's reading.

Image by jenikmichal

Changes. . .

Mid-week, and this May morning brings intermittant sun and rain-darkened clouds, switching between sun and shadow, much like me. Since learning Allen has Parkinson's disease, I feel optimistic (maybe he'll remain in the early stages for a long time), and then those darker thoughts come. I try to write and yet end up stepping away from my current project. That goal of writing 300 words a day, 4K a month seems unattainable, and, yes, I feel inadequate, despite having reached 50K already and setting a date to finish the first rough draft by December 2025.

Later today, I'm Zoom meeting with a group of writers to talk about chapbooks. Yes, I have poems, have already published one chapbook, but what will I do with these poems, a few hundred, that remain unread? And when Allen needs me, I don't care about the writing, the morning, I just want to be there for him, steady and strong. Even if I feel like crying.

If I say nothing can be changed, that feeds into inadequacy. The reality is that change comes to us all. So, today, I shall float along with those clouds, feeling the sun, ready to make a commitment: Work to be positive. Take those small steps that create order and peace and harmony in a world that will keep changing.

May the change that comes your way strengthen you.

For now, I'm working on today's menu and grocery shopping. I've given up on that weekly major shopping. Too much gets simply tossed aside. I'd rather do smaller trips, twice a week. Found a recipe for Baked Eggplant Rolls stuffed with ricotta pesto. Nice salad on the side. Probably leftovers for tomorrow.

Cherry tree spotted on a walk near our home

IWSG: If I could . . .

If I could sleep sitting up on the overnight train to Abu Simbel along the Nile River in Egypt, would I? Or climb beneath a pyramid, tons of stone above me? Or sail around the Horn, walk the same path with penguins skirting the sandy rocks, or stand in awe before Van Gogh's self portrait in Paris, tour groups passing at breakneck speed around me?

Yes, I have done these things and more. I have not been afraid. I felt privileged to see the world with my true love beside me. Would I choose such travel over that house in the suburbs? Yes. Journal in hand, I have written my way all through my life. 

You might ask what began your writing life. I can answer quite simply. In high school, so many decades ago, reading books and writing were an escape. I grew up in a family of alcoholics, frequent moves in and out of foster homes, and nightmarish incidents (the night one of my stepfathers took down the front door with an axe being one). I left at seventeen and never looked back. Worked my way through college. Became a writing teacher, and on retiring, Allen said, "It's time for you to write those stories, truly." For the last twenty years, I've written 11 books and hundreds of poems as an indie writer. The shoe fits.

Along the way, I've come to understand that every decade has its own challenge. Now 81, I realize this decade may well try to break me, but I refuse to bend. We learned this week my dear husband of 50 years has Parkinson's. I fear his loss more than anything else. My job now is to be strong, positive, and take care of him, as he has taken care of what matters most to me -- that inner life that sees and seeks beauty in all things. Even cooking.

So this post is my roundabout way of answering this month's question for the Insecure Writers' Study Group. Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them? 

My response and hope is that you follow YOUR dreams, honor your own creative spirit, and persevere! For each day is precious, as are you and your gifts.

Spring at Manito Park

Here's a little about the Insecure Writer's Support Group! The first Wednesday of each month is officially IWSG Day. Some 90 writers talk about their progress on their blogs, offer tips, or answer the question of the month. Everyone tries to visit about 10-20 other writers to show our support. And, each month, several writers volunteer to be co-hosts. This month, the generous co-hosts are:  Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn, Rebecca Douglass, Jemima Pett, and Pat Garcia!

Why not consider participating? For spring is truly on its way. May you celebrate each day and find many words for your stories. 

IWSG: Fantasy or real life?

Today's challenge question is: What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

If I were twelve, this question would be easy. I'd love to sail on a pirate ship in the 19th Century, smell the sweet, free scent of the sea, and search for treasure. The reality? Cramped quarters, no showers, hit or miss food, and no computer for writing.

At eighty-one, I'm not interested in fantasy. Okay, maybe book fantasy. But real life? I would love to travel to Peru or Paris just once more with my beloved fellow traveller who's been by my side for nearly fifty years. Is that possible? I'm not sure we could survive the plane trip! Let alone climbing up five flights to our temporary apartment! We content ourselves with postcards, photos from long ago, and travel the world vicariously at local international restaurants, celebrating each day.

And about the writing: Steady progress. IF I'm able to keep writing 4K a month, Honeymoon in Egypt will be finished by the end of the year. This is the second book in the art crime series, following The Seventh Tapestry

Just one writing tip: When I'm drafting, I normally jump around whenever a scene occurs to me. Maybe other writers do this. Sometimes, I end up writing duplicate scenes. So, I now like to use a simple list at the top of each chapter. This helps me remember the who, what, when, and why as the story develops. What's your favorite writing tip? 

So marketing experts, my question is: Should I follow experts who suggest my price should stay at $4.99, OR drop the first book in a series to 99c -- or permafree???? What do you think?

Here's a little about the Insecure Writer's Support Group! The first Wednesday of each month is officially IWSG Day. Some 90 writers talk about their progress on their blogs, offer tips, or answer the question of the month. Everyone tries to visit about 10-20 other writers to show our support. And, each month, several writers volunteer to be co-hosts. This month, the generous co-hosts are: Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

Why not consider participating? For spring is truly on its way. May you celebrate each day and find many words for your stories. 

Spring at Japanese Garden, Manito

Letting go . . .

 Recently, I read an article. Can't find it now, but the underlying message stayed with me: Consider what you have. What do you treasure? What do you use most? And, why are you keeping the rest? 

I looked around in the clutter of my office and three bookcases, I began to sort them out. Surprisingly, I just didn't need, read or plan to read many books. So, a few bags later, and they're off to a new home (friends, library, and donations). Part of following this process led me to think about when these 'things' were important. Good memories of teaching, but I'm not teaching any more. Good stories, but I'm not going to read some of these books again.

One half shelf of books is about those wonderful codices from the Maya and Aztecs, precious and sacred books written with hieroglyphs and intricate pictures. The Spanish burned these books, yet a very few remain. I couldn't let these books go . . . even as I learned today that new codices are being discovered -- which means new books will be written!

Pages from a Mayan Codice (Source)

New Aztec codices have been discovered (Source)

The office feels less cluttered. I feel lighter. Now I'm beginning to look at the rest of the house. What do I truly need? What do I treasure and why? Do I really need two kitchen scissors? Okay, in that case, yes. But this is kind of a fun process. 

What would you keep? What would you consider letting go?