Tag: #Writing

Who Is Your Favorite Artist? #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

Jan 27, 2025

Who is your favorite artist? (Painting, photo, sculpture…)

You know what’s coming.

At least, if you have hung out with me for very long, you might figure it out. This artist is multi-talented. She practices painting, sculpture, and music, as well as other forms of art. Her followers find inspiration for their photos and poetry in her work. She is known worldwide, but can be found in your neighborhood.

She’s as old as the hills, and as young as a snowflake drifting from the sky.

I’m talking about Mother Earth, of course.

She’s the original.

And the one all other artists borrow from, but she willingly shares. Thanks to digital photography, although I’m an amateur, I have thousands of pictures I’ve taken from all over the US, from many years, stored on various drives. (and copies of copies). Trying to pick just one to share was an impossible task. But here is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.

I took this out my back garage door when I lived in Wyoming. (several years ago.) It’s all snow. I don’t know what the science is behind the formation, I just think it’s weird and amazing. If I remember correctly, it was created in an April snowstorm.

These are redwoods. (Not huge ones, as redwoods go.) But I wanted something to contrast with the snow picture.

One more. This one to share some of Mother Earth’s glorious colors.

Oh, if anyone asks about the music part. Have you ever listened to the wind whistling through the trees? Or water rushing down a mountainside stream?

There you have it. Mother Earth is my favorite artist.

How about the other authors on this hop? Follow the links below to find out. (By the way, if you’d like to add your own blog on the topic, use the InLinkz setup.)

As always, until next time, please stay safe.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Jan 27, 2025

Who is your favorite artist? (Painting, photo, sculpture…)

Childhood Heroes #IWSG

  By IWSG
January 8 question

Describe someone you admired when you were a child. Did your opinion of that person change when you grew up?

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Beth Camp, Liza @ Middle Passages, and Natalie @ Literary Rambles!
January 8 question – Describe someone you admired when you were a child. Did your opinion of that person change when you grew up?
That was a long time ago! I would say that most of the people I admired were my teachers. I had some great ones. They gave me the direction and guidance I needed to be successful in my studies.
But I lost track of all of them once I went away to college. Far away. Like 1500 miles away with only infrequent trips back home. So I didn’t keep in touch with any of them. (That was in the Dark Ages, before email or the internet.)
So, for this post, I’m going to talk about a celebrity I followed as a young adult. I was introduced to the music of John Denver after high school. In a way, his songs are what led me to move to Wyoming, where I met my husband.
It wasn’t until I was older that I delved into his life story. I was saddened at finding out how human he was. His cheating, possible abusive behavior, potential but unproven prescription drug misuse.
But his faults were softened by the good he accomplished. His work for the environment and ending hunger. Adopting two children.
So now, I am able again to appreciate his music. The quality of his voice, the depth of feeling he shares, the pure artistry of his singing. It was a journey through a spectrum of feelings to come full circle to admiration. Indeed, I often use his recordings as inspiration to write by.
To check out other authors on this hop, please visit of a few of them in the links below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.

It’s Obligatory – Setting Goals #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

Dec 30, 2024

Setting goals for 2025: what are your writerly New Year’s resolutions?

It’s that time of year.

Everyone will tell you so. If you haven’t done it already, you should set your goals for the New Year.

Bah. Humbug.

I hated the whole goal-setting thing even when I was in a paid position. Too often, the team goals were artificial and based on factors outside of our control. Yet, they were used to help determine our pay raises. So, why would I want to set goals for myself?

Sure, the idea makes sense. Goals can create a sense of accomplishment when they are reached. But they also carry the taint of disappointment and worse, self-deprecation if circumstances interfere with them. We all know life happens. And writing can be hard. We don’t need to put obstacles in our own path.

But I have things I plan to do.

I’ve committed to writing a short story for an anthology supporting K9s for Warriors. (service dogs for disabled vets). The second book of the Edwards Investigations is taunting me. (After writing the first chapter I was stumped, but I think I know where I went wrong. I started in the wrong place.) If all goes well, there’s another story in the Free Wolves series that is hanging out at the back of my brain.

I won’t finish all three. (That’s what is called a stretch goal and is doomed to failure.)

If I want to pad my goals, I could include this weekly blog hop post, the critiquing I do for other writers, and my social media involvement. I would include the numbers of festivals and book signings I participate in. (No goals on how many books I will sell. Experience shows it’s impossible to predict.)

So those are my hopes for 2025. Not goals.

How about the other authors on this hop? Do they set goals? Find out by following the links below. (New links will show up mostly on Monday, but could show up all week long.)

And, as always, until next time, please stay safe.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Dec 30, 2024

Setting goals for 2025: what are your writerly New Year’s resolutions?

It’s the Merriest Time of Year #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Book Hooks, Open Book

Dec 23 2024

What My Characters Would Give (and Get) for the holidays?

It’s that time of year.

We’re doing the hop a little differently this week because of the upcoming holiday. Not all the authors may participate, and the ones that do may cover different topics. But I hope you’ll take the time to visit the other authors. 

I’ve avoided writing holidays into my books. It wasn’t done on purpose, it just happened. I’ve considered trying to craft a Halloween story in my Free Wolves world, but it hasn’t come to life. Yet.

But what about the series I’m currently working on, The Edwards Investigations? What would Annie McGregor and Mike Edwards get for each other? (For those who haven’t read the book, the story is set in the mid-1980s.)

Annie would be easy to buy for. She’s lived a minimal lifestyle since her divorce, aware that her vindictive ex might force her to move again. Since Mike, her boss/mentor, has been there several times, he’s well aware of her lack of “extras.” Things like pillows for her couch or a set of matching glasses. Since they are friends as well as co-workers, he wouldn’t get her anything too personal. 

So what would Mike get Annie for Christmas?

Knowing her fondness for Western books, Mike might buy Annie a collection of Louis L’Amour stories. She has an almost-empty bookcase, so they would be a welcome addition. Plus, it wouldn’t seem critical of the lack of personal touches in her apartment.

It might be tougher for Annie to figure out what to get for Mike. He lives a very private life, and Annie has never been to his place. But he has a Camero that is his pride and joy, and although it’s a very generic gift, getting him a gift certificate to a local car shop would be the perfect gift.

I wish buying gifts was always that easy to figure out!

Here’s wishing that you have a happy holiday or holidays. As always, please stay safe until the next time.

Image by Bianca Van Dijk from Pixabay

Dec 23 2024

What My Characters Would Give (and Get) for the holidays?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Favorite Writing Quote #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

November 4, 2024

Do you have any favorite quotes about writing?

There are many good ones that encourage writers. “The scariest moment is always just before you start.” (Stephen King) A word after a word after a word is power. (Margaret Atwood)

But my favorite is one from Toni Morrison. I’ve seen the meme on social media many times. “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

I think that’s what most of us on this blog do. We’re trying to get the stories out that need to be told but don’t currently exist. The ones the characters in our head keep insisting need to be recorded. We hope we will earn some money from our stories, or at least break even on publishing costs, but we will write them no matter what.

At least, that’s my goal.

New York times

New York Times

Even writing these blog posts can seem like a thankless task if they don’t get the views we hope for, but several of us have been sticking with it for years.

Which is why I’ve already started writing the second book in the Edwards Investigation series, Annie McGregor, my main character, wasn’t satisfied with just one book. But I knew that before I’d finished the first book.

I guess this is a good place to remind you that the first book, Edwards Investigations – The Rimer File, is now available through on-line retailers. Here’s a link to the book’s page on this site.

https://www.pjmaclayne.com/?page_id=18282

Now back to the blog post.

When I’m out at various events, I frequently run into people who express their desire to write a book. Which reminds me of how many stories out there will be lost because no one ever wrote them.

Do you have a favorite writing quote? Feel free to share it in the comments. And don’t forget to check out the favorite quotes by others on this hop by following the links below.

In the meantime, as always, please stay safe!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


November 4, 2024

Do you have any favorite quotes about writing?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

It’s Almost Here! Edwards Investigations – The Rimer File

  By Uncategorized

Only two more days until you can join Annie McGregor in her quest to become a private investigator.

 

 

It was time to turn the tables, go hunting, and to visit as many of Ian’s old haunts as possible. If anyone could track him down, it was she.

The man outside tossing a bag into the garbage bin looked familiar, but Annie couldn’t place him. There were lots of residents in the building she hadn’t met. She’d probably passed him in the hallway or shared the elevator with him. He spared her a sideways glance and a nod and nothing more. He didn’t seem to recognize her, either.

Nothing unusual happened on the stroll to the shop, but Annie didn’t allow herself to relax. If Ian had hired Lucky, he might have another accomplice in place. Her revolver tucked into the small of her back and covered by the oversize blouse was cold against her skin and reassured her she was ready for anything.

Annie had exchanged pleasantries with the elderly female clerk at the store on several trips, The lady, involved in her normal game of solitaire, studied the playing cards and barely gave Annie a glance. The store smelled like old people, and the racks held a colorful selection in styles Annie’s deceased grandmother had worn. Nothing she’d ever choose for herself, which made them perfect for the occasion.

The bell over the door rang, and from the far corner, Annie peered around a stack of brightly colored flowered blouses to check out the newcomer. At first glance, he looked like the man by the garbage can, but his silhouette reminded her of someone else. She ducked behind the rack. What the hell was Mike doing here?

She had two options. Three, when she thought about it. Slip out the rear door. Hide until Mike gave up, deciding she wasn’t there, and left. Confront him.

She slithered through the clothing racks until she was back-to-back with him as he held up a brown suit that appeared to be several sizes too small. “The brown isn’t bad, but it won’t hide that Dick Tracy profile, Mr. Edwards,” she said, pretending to browse through a rack of polyester pants with elastic waistbands.

“And you need to change your perfume, Ms. McGregor,” he replied.

Coming November 2nd to major e-book retailers.

Choosing A Color Scheme #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

Oct 7, 2024

Do you favor certain color schemes for your book covers?

This will be a short post because I leave the design choices of my covers to my cover artist, K.M. Guth.

And I lost internet last night after a major thunderstorm blew through our area. Plus she is on vacation and overseas!

Anyway, I am always amazed at what she comes up with for my covers. There is a different scheme for each series.

The Free Wolves series features strong, bright, colors. Since the books feature action, the colors reflect that. And how she finds the perfect images for the cover models amazes me.

She went a totally different direction for the Harmony Duprie stories. Instead of repeating the background, she chose muted colors with subtle background pattens (you have to look closely.)

Then, for the Jake Hennessey books, although they are tied to the Harmony books, she designed covers that were reflective of the main character’s personality.

The cover of my new book, Edwards Investigations, The Rimer Files, hearkens back to the era in which is takes place. (1985-ish) I can’t show it here, but it’s coming soon. Let’s just say she did a marvelous job of picking elements of the story to add to the design.

I know a few of the authors on this hop design their own covers, so I am looking forward to their posts. Check them put by following the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe!

Oct 7, 2024

Do you favor certain color schemes for your book covers?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Tales of the Dark #IWSG

  By IWSG
 

It’s the first Wednesday of October, and time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post.

 
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
 
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
 
The awesome co-hosts for the  October 2 posting of the IWSG are Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jacqui Murray, and Natalie Aguirre!
 

October 2 question – Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What’s your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.

 
I’m not a big fan of ghost stories. I’ve come close to the edge of the other side a few too many times to be comfortable with them. But the one that has always fascinated me is what I call the wanderer. Others may call him the walking man. The story has variations in many places across the United States, from Pennsylvania to Wyoming to Oregon.
 
But the basis is always the same. The man (well, almost all the stories I’ve heard make it a man, not a woman) seen on the side of the road. Sometimes he’s hitchhiking, many times just walking. He may be a figure of goodness, but most often he’s to be feared, a cautionary tale about not picking up hitchhikers. He’s always ragged, skinny, with wild eyes.
 
He’s been the basis for stories and statues. A solitary man, alone in the night, in the shadows, almost always older. One tale speculates he’s looking for his wife who was killed in a car accident. If you turn to get a second look, he’s gone. Seemingly, only a figment of your imagination.
 
What happens if you stop and talk to him? Offer a ride? The tales differ from place to place. Most often, he simply vanishes.  Or you do, and no one knows what happened.
 
He’s a modern-day ghost story and I’ve never heard what older tale he spawned from. If you know, tell me in the comments. Of course, some tales warn that even talking about him can be a bad omen. Does that extend to writing about him on the internet?
 
To hear more ghostly tales, follow the links below. And, as always, until next time, please stay safe.
 
 
 
 

My Favorite Word #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

Sept 23, 2024

What’s your favorite word in the English language? Any other language?

What makes it my favorite?

I’m an author! I play with words almost every day. How can I pick only one? I fought with this for several days. Is it based on sound? How much I use it in my life? What it means?

I choose peace. 

It’s not the prettiest word in the English language, but the meaning is what counts. I’m not a big fan of confrontation, although for the right reason or cause, I will make a stand. But if there’s an option to choose peace, I will always choose peace. Well, at least I try.

It’s not always easy. But it’s always worthwhile.

I have a second choice.

No.

In my family, we were taught (by example) to do our best to help others. I’ve also worked a lot of jobs where I was expected to tell people yes, no matter how I felt about it. But at some point in my life, I discovered the joy of being able to say no. It’s a freeing feeling to turn someone down and not have the moment overshadowed by guilty.

It’s a word that must be used with caution. You know, the whole with great power comes great responsibility idea. You don’t want to overuse it, or it loses its impact.

You may think the two words-—peace and no—contradict each other, but I don’t believe so. After all, being able to choose peace means allowing yourself to enjoy it yourself. And sometimes that means saying no to demands,

In the comments, tell me about your favorite word. And then check out the other authors on this hop by following the links.

And, as always, please stay safe until next time.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Sept 23, 2024

What’s your favorite word in the English language? Any other language?

 

Writing Rules That Are Wrong #IWSG

  By IWSG
 
 
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
 
The awesome co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Beth Camp, Jean Davis, Yvonne Ventresca, and PJ Colando!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

 

September 4 question – Since it’s back to school time, let’s talk English class. What’s a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer?

I’m really lucky. Through grade school and high school, I had excellent teachers who taught a broad curriculum. We were exposed to a wide variety of literature, not only from English and American culture, but from other backgrounds as well. They started from the basics—spelling, grammar, and sentence structure,— and moved into full essays with footnotes and bibliographies. (We used the MLA format.)

The difference was apparent when I got to college. 

The essays I needed to write for the first-year courses were a breeze, compared to the requirements of my high school senior assignments. Not all my classmates felt that way, and I was thankful for my previous classes.

 

Granted, the classes were aimed mostly towards non-fiction and literature. Still, the basics apply to fiction as well. I haven’t had to unlearn anything, but there was still plenty to learn when I started writing my stories.

So, there’s nothing I learned that messed me up. I got a great foundation for future writing. I may be a rarity, but we can find out by checking out some of the other posts on this hop.

As always, until next time, please stay safe.