The Little Blogger that Could

A lot of ink (and RAM space) has been spent on writer’s block of some sort or another. There are also plenty of techniques people swear by, from writing prompts to mindful walking. Each writer has to figure out what works best. But I’ve yet to see anything about what to do about blogger’s block. Bloggers are told time and again that besides finding a topic to write about, consistency is the key to creating a meaningful social network presence. If you post every day, then (kudos to you for having that kind of stamina) for better or worse you have to keep that up. That’s a rather demanding demand, doubly so if you’re also working on other writing and a day job. When I waded into the blogging waters, I knew every day was too much to ask. I only started, reluctantly, because I learned it was the best way to reach potential readers for my fiction work. So, I limited myself to once a week. Slowly (sometimes painfully) I built up a modest following. Yet even with that small ask, there are days I draw a blank. I focus on fairy tales, but sometimes there isn’t anything I want to say about it. Blogger burnout is a very real thing and there’s no proscribed fix for it. But I’ve found my own fix. Posts like this one. Readers do like consistency and a topic to follow, but I find that they also like honesty. The occasional post that veers from a topic will be forgiven if you share something honest about your posting—things you enjoy, struggles with your writing, and even current affairs if you can do so authentically. I won’t lie. It doesn’t always work and then you may have to try plan C—revisit a topic with a fresh perspective. Or even asking someone else to write it for you—there’s no fresher perspective than someone else’s point of view! For now, I have another week’s reprieve. And there’s another post done 😊

100 Word Challenge

Once upon a time (almost seven years ago) there was a woman who wanted to see her name on the spine of a book. A secret smile appeared on her face anytime she walked the aisles of a bookstore knowing one day she would see her book on the shelves.But her road to publication wasn’t an easy one. She thought writing the book was hard, but it was nothing compared with trying to get it out in the world. The first bit of advice she received was to create an online presence and so she started a blog. This blog...It’s been a long time with lots of starts and stops (most notably when I ended the blog in 2015 and then brought it back like some celeb who retires too early), but I’m writing my 100^th post. I wondered what to write about. Something about consistency or how to deal with rejection through fairy tales, but nothing yielded more than a paragraph or two. Instead I gave myself a challenge. Write a story of 100 words. StoriedThe statue was erected in the village square. It was done under the cover of darkness and the sculptor remained as mysterious as the subject.The villagers spoke among themselves and speculated. What did it mean? Who had created it? It could have come from anyone, but who was less important. Wondering what became a pastime. Before long the statue and the stories became part of their way of life.One day a scream tore through the town. The statue was gone without a clue as to how or why it had disappeared. All that was left were the stories. Have you ever written a 100 word story? Try one today and thanks for reading! 

Things That Are Erased...

How long can fairy tales last?It’s a strange question for a person who writes a blog about fairy tales, like a chocolatier wondering how long sugar will be in vogue. But both are valid questions. Sugar has become the new taboo white powder with rising numbers in diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.Now we have increased awareness of how women are portrayed in culture, is it any wonder that I question the validity of fairy tales. I’ve written countless posts about the lack of agency, the belief that all a woman needs is a man to solve her problems, and the general lack of dimension. How can a genre that runs counter to our new “woke” society honestly endorse such a dated view? My answer is Auntie Mame.One of my favorite old movies is Auntie Mame (1958). It stars Rosalind Russell in the title role of Mame Denis, an upscale bohemian with progressive views who takes in her orphaned nephew and expands his as to now narrow horizons. It’s fun and quotable and Mame is a hero of mine.But there is a dirty secret in Auntie Mame. His name is Ito. He’s Mame’s butler and the worst version of a stereotype. Whenever he’s on screen I cringe and think about all the old movies I love that have gross stereotypes of Asians, Latinos, African-Americans, and homosexuals. Despite taking such progressive views of unwed motherhood, alternative lifestyles, independent women, restrictive country clubs and “zoned” neighborhoods, it still falls back on an offensive representation.So how do I keep calling it my favorite? Well, uncomfortably and I think that’s how it ought to be. I won’t dismiss it out of hand because that’s like erasing it and things that are erased can be forgotten. And I won’t forgive it for those cringe-worthy moments because it means ignoring how hurtful stereotypes can be to everyone. I suppose the same goes for fairy tales. I’ve always read them with a sense of unease and will continue to do so. Fairy tales, like Auntie Mame, will stay in our collective consciousness, but hopefully we’ll collectively read (or watch) them more thoughtfully and challenge ourselves to address our discomfort. And that will ensure they last forever.  

A Writer's Winter Fairy Tale Come True

Now that the Christmas season has come and gone, I can make a confession.I really don’t like “It’s A Wonderful Life.”I didn’t see it until I was in college and my roommate expressed horror at my lapse in film viewing. I explained that one Christmas I saw it listed in the TV Guide (does anyone remember those?) over twenty-seven times! Colorized, black and white, even dubbed en Español.The over exposure of it made it unpalatable, like a song that gets too much radio play. So, I studiously avoided it. Until that year at college. I sat and watched, ate popcorn and…I still didn’t like it. The premise was great—who doesn’t like a little magical realism? But it didn’t grab me. I’m more A Christmas Carol kind of girl—scared straight for the chronically unlovable. George Bailey was too self-pitying for me. Scrooge is angry. It’s more active. I prefer proactive characters.Then I learned the story behind the story.Did you know that It’s a Wonderful Life is based on a short story by Philip Van Doren Stern? He called it "The Greatest Gift". It was rejected by several publishers and then he printed up about 200 copies for friends and family with his Christmas cards. One made its way to Frank Capra, who shared it with Jimmy Stewart. The story was sold for $10,000 to RKO in 1944 (over $140K in today’s money) and the rest is history.Now that’s a Christmas story I would watch every year! Here’s hoping today’s overlooked story becomes tomorrow’s beloved classic.

Breadcrumbs and the Dark Woods, the "What If" Game with Hansel & Gretel

I like playing the "What If" game. If you don't know it (see what I did there?) it's the game you play with yourself (or others, rules are optional) wondering what can or did happen. It's especially gratifying with fairy tales. For me, happily ever after isn't enough of a denouement to satisfy.One of my favorite to play the game with is Hansel and Gretel. Spoilers ahead! I usually forget the ending where they return to the parents who essentially left their starving children in the forest to be eaten by roving carnivorous animals. I think when you're a kid the idea of some old woman in the woods eating small children makes it pale in comparison. But as a parent, the ending horrifies me. The pictures we take away are of the gingerbread house and the crone luring them in, but it should be the picture above--Hansel and Gretel alone in the darkened woods left by their parents.But they do go back, with no idea what kind of reception they'll receive. They fill their pockets with jewels and money and return to their home, hoping that the windfall will gain the access to their beds. Tragic, right? So, I like to play the game. Imagine trying to ask them to do anything after that, like, "No, I didn't take out the trash because I thought the door would be locked when I got back." Or, "Remember when you left me and my brother in the woods? Yea, not going to collect firewood for you." Snarky, I know, but wouldn't you be if you'd live through abandonment and near cannibalism?But maybe Hansel and Gretel can teach us something. Resilience, ingenuity and even forgiveness. They went back not knowing what to expect. Hansel and Gretel could be a tragedy, but what if it's more about courage?What if 2019 is the year we look at things differently? By the way, visit my sister site, Books By I.L. Cruz to read this month's MAIAM guest, Azaaa Davis!

A New Year's Resolution #YDSF2019

Welcome 2019! Like most people, I have big plans. At least they're big for me. Book 2 is due by mid autumn, I have a novella due (hopefully) no later than Valentine's Day, and the usual...exercise more, find new fairy tales and folklore, etc. And it's also a good time to take stock of my reading.There’s been a lot of articles about diversity in the publishing industry. It’s the idea du jour—people want to see themselves reflected in the art around them, be it writing, movies/tv, music, etc. It’s something I think about more now that I’m a parent and want to make sure that my daughter sees herself in our culture. But just like wanting to have better citizens means raising them, wanting to see more diversity in culture means seeking it out.So, in that vein I’m setting a myself a task for 2019. I'm calling it my Year of Diversity in Speculative Fiction--#YDSF2019. I will read one book a month that features people of color as main characters. Since one of my favorite genres is speculative fiction, I’m going to concentrate on that corner of the market (just as I tend to read about women in historical novels). I think it’s a genre that has the best opportunity to expand the mind and therefore should allow for a wider world of characters.I hope you will do the same, or just send ideas for books I should consider. And if you’re looking for a book to consider, A Smuggler’s Path follows a Latina noblewoman and smuggler of magical contraband who uncovers innate magical abilities she must hide or be executed for war crimes.Whether you read my book or read someone else’s, traditional or indie make it a year of mindful reading. And if you choose to participate, let everyone know with #YDSF2019 Happy New Year and may it bring you new and exciting reading!Books I read:January: The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha KlaphekeFebruary: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida CordovaApril: This Time by Azaaa DavisMay: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca RoanhorseJuly: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi AdeyemiSeptember: The City of Brass by S.A. ChakrabortyDecember: The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

Holiday Hellos and a #Reindeer Roundup

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought I'd create a book tag post. Anyone up for a Reindeer Roundup?Rules:

1. Thank the person who tagged you
2. List the questions and answer them (I know ob-v)
3. Tag at least four people

 You know Dasher?

• Name a book you couldn't put down and read in a flash.

And Dancer?

• A book you think would make a good musical?

And Prancer?

• A book that made you feel good?

And Vixen?

• Favorite steamy scene?

Comet?

• Favorite sci-fi/fantasy book?

And Cupid?

• Favorite literary love story?

And Donner?

• Book that you waited for impatiently?

And Blitzen?

• Book that truly surprised you?

And don’t forget---Rudolph?

• Overly popular book that you secretly loved despite the hype?

 My Answers:Dasher: The first book I read in one sitting was Forever by Judy Blume. I even faked a cold to stay home from school and finish it!Dancer: For some reason, I would love to see Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, the Musical--probably scored by Stevie NicksPrancer: Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Kory Stamper really fed my word nerd soul!Vixen: <<SPOILER ALERT>> When Jamie and Claire find each other again when she returns to the past in Voyager (Outlander series) by Diana Gabaldon. Something about reconnecting sex: heat + heart= steamy!Comet: I'm sure I've said this before, but The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley has been my favorite fantasy book so far and I read that my freshmen year of college. As for sci-fi, there's something about the humor in A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams that I keep coming back to.Cupid: It's a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a story that ticks all the boxes: a witty, strong protagonist; an intense man, and elegant language.Donner: I rarely pre-order books because I know it'll still exist after it's publishing date, but the books in The Great Library Series by Rachel Caine I mark in my calendar. Ash and Quill was particularly painful to wait for.Blitzen: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder was a present from my godmother and I thought I would skim it just so I could say I read it. It became my favorite book and I've reread it more times than I can count. Who knew philosophy was entertaining?Rudolph: My best friend insisted I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and I was reluctant to say the least. A YA novel with a movie tie-in and merchandising by Mattel (I say this knowing full well how ginormous the Potterverse has become)? But he lent it to me and I really loved it. I read all three and even saw the movies! Hurray for my inner teen fangirl. And I tag Rachel Farrimond, Rebecca Howie, Elizabeth Russell and Azaaa Davis Merry Christmas Everyone!! And just one week until #YDSF …Stay tuned!!

The Emperor's New?

I have a question for you at the end of my story.Once there was an emperor who ruled an empire. Except he didn't. He spent most of his time throwing parties and surrounded himself with men and women who flattered his vanity. But he saved his greatest passion for clothes--of all shades and for all seasons. Satins, silks, brocade and every costly fabric adorned his body at all times with multiple changes daily.One day a pair of con men arrived in the capital. They'd learned of the vain emperor and his penchant for clothes. They made it known that they were renowned tailors who only designed for the most fashionable and important. The emperor had his advisors bring the men to court and asked for samples of their work.The men were clever. They explained to the advisors that not only was their material the finest in the world, it was also magical. They claimed that only the most worthy could see it. They showed them pictures of nothing, but the advisors feared being called unworthy and instead praised the beautiful creations (and they were accustomed to praising inaction). The men were escorted into the throne room and gave the same account of their enchanted fabric. The emperor was just as reluctant as his advisors to admit he saw nothing. He promised bags of gold and jewels for a complete wardrobe.Weeks passed and the men appeared to work diligently, often into the night until the day of the unveiling. The emperor was overjoyed to hear they had completed the task and announced a parade to present his subjects with his new clothes. The "tailors" promised an opulent suit of clothes and the emperor dutifully oohed and aahed over clothes he couldn't see.The parade began and the emperor's subjects were perplexed by the emperor's appearance. He walked up and down streets with his head high, posing and twirling for the crowds. Finally he turned a corner and a young child seated on the shoulder's of her father and yelled, "The emperor isn't wearing any clothes!" The crowd was silent for a moment and then erupted in laughter. The emperor realized it was true, but for his pride, continued his procession.But the spell was broken. His advisors knew the truth and so did the people.In all the versions I've seen (and there are several from various countries), no one says what happens to the emperor. I like to think he realized the error of his ways and became a more worthy ruler.So here's my question. Do you ever hope that we're just two con men and a naked parade away from better leaders?Just wondering...

On the twelfth day 'til Christmas...

Okay, it's really the thirteenth day until Christmas, but I post on Tuesdays. Nevertheless, on Wednesday, December 12th we're twelve days away from Christmas Eve. My family has asked for my Christmas list, but what I want, they can't buy. But you can.For those twelve days the digital version of my book, A Smuggler's Path, will be half off! I like to think of it as an early Christmas present to anyone who wants to take a chance on an epic fantasy series with a Latina heroine in a world based on myths, fairy tales and nursery rhymes. And it's the gift that keeps on giving because every sale is like a present for me!I'm getting the word out and hope the holiday price of $3.99 (3.49 GBP and Euro; 5.99 CAD) will help me get my Christmas wish--sales and reviews!Get your digital copy today!Excerpt from A Smuggler's Path: An Enchanted Isles Novel (Book #1 of the Enchanted Path Series:His breath came in tight, short bursts. The pain was the worst at his throat and in his lungs. This was a powerful spell. Old magic. Mage magic. He prayed to the Goddess that he’d die before he hit the ground.The instant before he died, Delaware Humphrey considered himself lucky. Death meant release from all his secrets, all his troubles. Their slow suffocation a torture in comparison to a relatively quick death.It was his fault, but it wasn’t his problem anymore. And there was plenty of blame to go around.But for Canto and the rest of the Enchanted Isles, Delaware knew his murder would start the unravelling of secrets and troubles that could bring all the Isles tumbling down...      

Choose Your Own Adventure?

Do you ever wonder why you write? A recent comment left on a previous post reminded me that most writers (mind you I haven't taken a poll) write because they looked for a particular story and didn't find it. The lack became so irksome that they decide to fill the void themselves with a story of their own making.It was the same with me. As much as fairy tales can leave me feeling unsettled, it's nothing to some of the modern stories I find about women. More often than not, women (or girls) don't go on adventures willingly. They're dragged along because they're the smartest one in the room or they're trailing some boy. And they're never Latina.I'll be honest, I say that last line with reluctance. It can be tiring banging the drum for an entire people because then you become the drag in the room reminding everyone to acknowledge your existence. Exhausting, isn't it? But I'd be a terrible protagonist in my own life if I didn't tackle the hard topics.It made me think about one of my favorite book series, Choose Your Own Adventure. At times it was like playing The Oregon Trail--all paths led to death (or dysentery). Nevertheless, it was so much fun to go back and pick a way to finish the story. Were you feeling dangerous? Cautious? Curious? You were the protagonist and so you chose what happened next.All those early female protagonists bothered me so much because they never chose their own adventures. They went from one situation to another because they were chosen. That's why I enjoy the new princesses (Hurray for Ralph Breaks the Internet!) so much--agency. Isn't that a great writer word? Becoming instrumental in the story of your own life. Worthy of the Logophile. Agency is the most important thing to a writer, especially if you were driven to write because you wanted to take control of a story and then share it. It's even more profound when you're a indie author.Anyone else choosing their own adventures in writing? Or any other creative endeavor? 

Fairy tale Endings and a Passel of Princesses

Fairy tales like drama, specifically uncertainty. They fixate on main characters who often are in situations most of us would consider cruel and unusual and then give them over to situations that sound better, but just as unsure. Why are they okay with this and more importantly, why are we?Last weekend I saw Ralph Breaks the Internet and it was great. My favorite part was (no spoilers) the princesses. They were fierce and capable, and it makes me wonder why they even needed princes. Is that unfair?I’ll admit that I’ve made cynical comments after reading the “happily ever after”, but honestly, what does that look like for someone who was treated as a scullery or a man who spent who knows how long living in a pond as a frog. What if Prince Charming fell in love with the next girl who had an enchanted wardrobe? Is it really too much of a stretch to assume the selfish princess was still an oath-breaking egoist even though the frog became a prince?But I want to be kind. Or at least understanding. Fairy tales were made to teach. What better lesson can anyone learn than always be prepared for the unknown? I think we’re quick to dismiss princesses and fairy tale endings. What if we looked at it in another way. Leaving one bad situation for the possibility of a better one is brave especially if that new situation is the unknown.

Doubt and a Dancing Centipede

When I first started writing, my schedule was lax. I didn’t worry about how much or how little I was writing because it wasn’t something I intended to pursue in a professional way. It was a hobby and only for me.

The change happened over time and soon I knew I wanted to make writing my career. I started reading up on other people’s writing habits, learning all I could about world-building and character arcs. I attended conferences, workshops and participated in more than one webinar. With each new lesson learned, I improved my craft.

But each improvement brought a kernel of doubt.

How many times did I read about people juggling multiple responsibilities, marketing, and still finding time to write a bestseller? I can fill pages with the names of writers who claimed to write everyday, no matter what! Not to mention the notorious show, don’t tell.

Is this something I can do? That was never a question. The real question was how did I write a book before I knew all that? Did I need to analyze my writing techniques that much?

I keep thinking of this story I read in Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder (one of my all-time favorite books)about the Dancing Centipede and the Jealous Tortoise. If you want the complete story and haven’t read Sophie’s World (which I highly recommend you do) the blog, Just Alchemy does an excellent job.

Essentially, the centipede, Ghawazhee, questioned her methods, methods that had won her acclaim, because she was asked how she danced so well. It paralyzed her and she never wrote again. Tragic!

The point to my rather rambling post is to encourage anyone (including myself) to remember is that sometimes it's okay to block out all the lessons and doubts and just write. In my opinion, writers are inspired more often than they like to admit. Discipline may have helped me publish a book, but imagination made the book possible.

The Goldilocks Problem

So, I finally did it. I’ve joined Twitter. I resisted for a long time because deep down I don’t really enjoy social media. Oh, there are bright spots—those rare days when I get real comments from other bloggers and readers—but mostly, I consider it a chore. It’s something I do for my career, like peeling, cutting and cooking apples (painful tedium) and ending up with delicious homemade chunky applesauce.I decided on Twitter because, like a blog, it’s basically text-based. I don’t have to specially curate photos of impossibly beautiful food or tear-jerking sunsets or create videos of cats (that I don’t own). Now I have a Goldilocks problem.What is a Goldilocks problem, you ask? It’s deciding what’s just right. Not too much, not too little. When I started blogging, I thought it best to post only when I had something to say. I quickly learned that I have plenty to say, but little I want to share. Therefore, I had to create a schedule. Once a week was all I could muster. The thought of tacking on another commitment, set my teeth on edge. Am I alone?But now that I’m a published author (!) I know I must work on marketing in all forms. Also, this solitary profession makes one crave community. Twitter has become the Wild West and adds to my trepidation, but I’m hoping to find my own civil corner. And if the bears come home and scare me from my cozy bed, I’ll leave just as quickly as Goldilocks.In the meantime, feel free to say hello @ILCruzWrites.

Plans and Villainy

I'm a person who likes preparation. I've always said my superpower is research. It comes from my curiosity and imagination--two things essential for any person, but especially a writer.This past weekend I attended a writer's conference for fantasy and needless to say I was underwhelmed. I spent months preparing. I researched the speakers (where possible because the panels weren't announced until a week before), I printed out marketing material for my current book, A Smuggler's Path and for my upcoming novella, The Cemetery Circle (unrelated to my Path series), and ordered a box of my book to sell at the consignment table.The night before I packed and made sure everything was ready both for my conference and at home. And it was... well...I was a great student. I don't say that with any conceit, but it was something I was really good at because it was the culmination of my all my strengths--preparation, curiosity, and imagination. I knew that if I worked hard, I'd get good grades and inevitably praise from my teachers. Sadly, I've discovered that's not how writing works. All the plans in the world does not guarantee that I'll be either praised or noticed. Not an uplifting thought, but a true one.That got me thinking about villains. Have you noticed that they're the one's that make plans and prepare in fairy tales. The Evil Queen didn't just wing it and poison Snow White--that took planning! You think Rumpelstiltskin hadn't run that "straw into gold" scam on some other desperate waif? He was way too practiced for that. The angry fairy in Sleeping Beauty had weeks to seethe about not getting an invite. Girlfriend had a plan! It's why they end up monologuing--they need to share all that hard work with someone.Only heroes get to make it up as they go along. They're saved because of good looks or charm. They show up with skills, but no preparation.So where does that leave me? With twenty unsold books and wondering if plans are really the way to go. Or maybe it gives me a little insight into the mind of fairy tale villains. When so much planning goes into an idea, is it any wonder they go a little mad?

MAIAM Day

Hey FF Readers,Just wanted to let you know that today is my monthly holiday (no, not that) on my other site, Books By I.L. Cruz--MAIAM, Meet An Indie Author Monday! This month's guest is Rebecca Howie, mystery writer. Check out her interview and I'm sure you'll be inspired to read her books.Happy MAIAM!

OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals, part V--The Finale

October is almost over and with it's departure comes my last entry for OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals. I hope it inspire at least one or two of you to unearth some old stories or come up with some new ones.My finale is inspired by my yearly Halloween costume--a night fairy. It's more a concept than a reality. I imagine them to be the fairies that are in charge of rules, even if fairy rules are different than our own.Siduenya

OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals, part IV

Here we are again, dear readers!October is winding down and before you know it, the end of the year will come and go. I hope some of you have been inspired to dust off some of your shelved work or even start working on some new stories destined for the drawer until the time is right to unearth them.My penultimate offering for OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals is one of my favorite topics. Witches always top the list, but this is a close second.BaggageA woman returns from a trip only to discover her journey has barely begun.

OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals, part III

I don't know about you, dear reader, but here summer is finally in full retreat and autumn has arrived. It's my favorite time and also my most creative. The first short story I wrote when I decided to call myself a writer out loud was inspired by this picture:It made me think of an ocean completely composed of fallen leaves. And it gave me an idea for a story.The Edge of Leaf Lake            A children’s game turns from whimsy to wondrous when 11 year old Julia realizes that helping a friend means braving the unknown.

Writer's Tag and I'm it!

There's still four weeks for anyone to participate in OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals and I really hope you guys will help it catch on!This week I have a double post because I was lucky enough to be tagged by Ari Meghlen for a Writer's Tag, created by Ari and Lorraine Ambers. Thanks Ari! If you haven't checked out her blog and you're a writer, do so immediately and thank me later. Her blog is chuck-full of useful information about the art and business of being a writer. Now, here we go:Name one novel that inspired you to write.I can’t say that a novel ever inspired me to write. An emotion did—frustration. I had an enormous crush on a boy and the only way I could work it out was to write a story with me as the protagonist and with him as my love interest. Spoiler alert: He professed his love to me...in the story. What’s your favorite genre to write and read?I mostly write fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal stories, but I also write mysteries and historical fiction. My reading reflects that, too. Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?I have a soft spot for sagas, so I tend to write characters that have LONG arcs. I haven’t written anything about generations yet, but it is an ambition. I guess that means series. Use 3 words to describe yourselfFocused, messy and impatient. Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.This is Inez Garza by day as the duchess's daughter and by night as a smuggler of magical contraband in my recently released book, A Smuggler's Path.[gallery ids="652,653" type="rectangular"] How long did your first MS take to draft?The first draft took maybe a month, but the project took years! Why doesn’t anyone tell you that when you tell them you’re going to be a writer? Who is your author idol?Diana Gabaldon. Her works have history, fantasy, romance and just excellent writing. And she writes tomes, not books, that grab you from beginning to end. I’ve reread most of her books two or three times. Her research is meticulous and I hope to write like her someday. Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.I have an uncommon first name and a friend in middle school once said that with a name like mine I should be famous (which is belied by the abundance of actors named Chris in the Marvel Universe--all famous, boring names). I didn’t become a writer to become famous, but it’s a thought that follows me. Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.I recently learned that my strange idea that numbers and letters (and months of the year and days of the week) have personalities and assigned sex has a name—Ordinal Linguistic Personification. I really thought I was the only one until I looked it up. Anyone else? Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.Knowing when I’m done. It took forever to release my book even after I finished rewrites because I kept thinking I needed another opinion, another reader. Then I realized I was chasing perfection, which is impossible (even my favorite stories have flaws). I had to look at this as a career that will (hopefully) span decades and a less than perfect first offering won’t keep me from writing another book and another. I had to remember to celebrate that I’d done something most people talk about but never do. What’s your favorite social media and why? Share your link.The only thing I participate in is blogging. I’m weird because my generation is the one that uses Facebook, twitter and dating apps. I still use my cellphone for calls! Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.Wisdom usually starts after six words. ;) And here are my nominees:Catherine Green (SpookyMrsGreen)Rachel FarrimondSuzanne Rogerson, fantasy authorBrenda Davis HarshamAmber's Angle BlogConnie J Jasperson ...And the questions:

• Name one novel that inspired you to write.
• What’s your favourite genre to write and read?
• Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?
• Use 3 words to describe yourself
• Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.
• How long did your first MS take to draft?
• Who is your author idol?
• Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.
• Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.
• Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.
• What’s your favourite social media and why? Share your link.
• Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.
• Nominate six bloggers!

Hope you enjoyed!  

OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals, part II

The only thing scarier to a writer than sharing their work, is sharing work you assume is less than perfect. For this week's offering, I'm sharing some bad poetry. I'm not a poet, but sometimes the feeling hits me to write in verse. Maybe my regular muse takes a break and trades off with her rhyming replacement.My point is, don't be afraid to share and tag it OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals, be it snappy short stories, exciting excerpts or bad poetry (or good, your choice).Here's a touch of whimsy. The Fairy BallA girl and her mother caught in a sudden storm pass the time with the fairies.