Wish I did have unlimited time and energy to write. It snowed earlier this week, reminding me that seasons change and that all things have beginnings and endings.
Today, the first Wednesday of the month, is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. If you are a writer, today you can post your thoughts on your own blog (see question below). This IWSG online community is a very encouraging place to share our writing journey -- and encourage each other!
Some 90 writers participate each month. Why not go to the Insecure Writer's Support Group web site and read a few posts? And consider checking out the very generous co-hosts for today's posting: are Tara Tyler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, Liza, and Natalie Aguirre!
TODAY'S IWSG QUESTION: As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?
The most wonderful gift I have received is encouragement all along my writing journey. There's something pretty amazing to hear from readers that they have fallen captive to my stories, even if sometimes the compliments come with a bit of a caveat: "I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed your story!" An honest review remains the very best gift any reader can give -- and I try to reciprocate for those stories I read.
Looking back, my aunt made it possible for me to begin college classes, opening up a world of new ideas and dreams. My husband has encouraged me over the last five decades by reading and critiquing nearly every draft. And, we have traveled everywhere to research my stories (Scotland, England, France, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, South America, and throughout the United States). And I have appreciated working with other writers to exchange crits as we revise and revise again our stories.
What's next? I'm not sure. On December 6, I'll be 82. I hope to finish my current draft, maybe in the first quarter of 2026. If you read The Seventh Tapestry: An Art Crimes Mystery, set in Scotland, please let me know. For my next book is Honeymoon in Cairo. Sandra and Neil got married and somehow wound up investigating thefts of priceless artifacts as the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza prepared to open. Here's the working cover!
May 2025 end with good memories and new dreams for the coming year for us all. Happy New Year!
Still young! Keep writing and traveling. That is very cool you have been to all of those countries.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments -- and for your leadership in keeping the IWSG a community of nurturing!
DeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteI have traveled to England, France, Italy, and Scotland, and thirty-two states in the U.S and I have enjoyed every bit of it. I would like to visit Italy and Scotland next year.
I also have your book< The Seventh Tapestryn sitting in my iPad but haven"t read it yet. It will be a part of my Christmas reading and I will leave a review. 82? You look awesome for 82!
All the best and have a Merry Christmas and safe crossover into 2026.
Shalom shalom
Thank you, Pat. We loved both Italy and Scotland and found them so different. If you have a choice, visit Scotland first. It's a bit more formal and has so much history. When you go to Italy, be sure to include Naples as well as Rome. The personality differences between those two cities is stunning. Both have amazing historical/cultural sites and great food, but Naples is exceptional for its personal warmth in welcoming travellers. Thank you for reading my stuff! I agree 1000% about that safe cossover into 2026. May it be so! Consider yourself virtually hugged!
DeleteYou're right: encouraging words are priceless. That's why I like IWSG. Mutual encouragement is built into it.
ReplyDeleteOlga, thank you for visiting. I'm glad to be your IWSG friend!
DeleteHow wonderful to be able to travel to so many countries to enhance your writing journey. Certainly, visiting is so much more rewarding than simply reading about them.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Beth. I hope you enjoy the snow's beauty, the rabbit tracks, the sparkling tree limbs, that unique quiet ambiance. I'm going to have a look at your books. Thanks for visiting my blog. Blessings
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, 2 days late. I hope you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteLet's hear it for book reviews, Beth. They are truly valuable for writers. I recently left reviews on Goodreads and Amazon for your Standing Stones (The McDonnell Clan Book 1) novel. Brilliant novel. I learned so much about crofters and fisherman and Scotland. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!