Recharging Creativity

I am posting at the IWSG site today!


When Creativity Ebbs – and How to Recharge It


Including a huge list of creative outlets to recharge you.


Hope to see you over there.

The Insecure Writers Support Group and Food

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The question for today: What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

I read so many books as a child and teen! I could name one author and how her books inspired me to write, but due to the content of some of her books, I probably won’t ever read them again.

But I can name one very influential book – Watership Down.

It didn’t hurt that my cousins raised rabbits and that I also had a rabbit named Chaco. That drew me into the story, but it was the human aspect, rather the humanity, that impacted me. Such a moving story of survival!

Yes, I have seen all movie versions. (The first one with John Hurt voicing Hazel is still my favorite.)

But it set my imagination on fire. General Woundwort – almost Hitler-like in his control. His warren had such a 1984 feel. Everyone equal – everyone oppressed. Made me realize the dangers of government control. The freedom to earn our own paths – that really stuck with me.

Now, if only I could write something so impactful!

Guess I’ll just stick to gardens (sans rabbits) and charcuterie boards.

What book impacted you?

The Insecure Writers Support Group and Food Speciality

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


The question for today: 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?

I think my concerns have to do with my past, earlier efforts. I worry that my first efforts, written about 20 years ago, don’t measure up and those who have read them won’t read my most recent efforts.

Paranormal romance is very popular, but my In Darkness books have not found a large audience. Four separate eBooks or one print/eBook – readers have options. Are they not selling because my previous fiction wasn’t as good?

Or is it another reason? Are the stories too clean? Do paranormal romance readers only want R and X rated material?

Either way, it’s both frustrating and not a moral booster.

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In food board news…

 

And my garden! Growing so well.

What are your fears?

Do you have a garden?

The Insecure Writers Support Group and AI is Using Your Books Without Permission

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

And for the first time ever – I am co-hosting along with Jennifer Lane, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre.

The question for today: What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

I’d just want to hang out with Pippin from LOTR all day! He is all about the fun, naïve and innocent but with a good heart. Think of all the trouble we could get into!

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I have taken on the management of the IWSG Facebook group. We are trying some new things, such as First Line and Marketing Hint.
If you are part of the Facebook group, please get involved and let us know what you think.

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Several of Dancing Lemur Press’ titles are being used without permission to train AI. All authors should check for their titles and complain if they find them being used.

To check - The Atlantic

To complain - Action Network

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And since I am all about the food boards…

I made a meal food board (with two kinds of sliders, pork chops, mini-corn dogs, deviled eggs, and more) for game night followed by that snack board.

All the dips were homemade. Fresh fruit and veggies. I am so enjoying making food boards!

What character would you hang out with and are your books being used without your permission?