IWSG Writing Regrets AND Rest is Part of the Trellis

 

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Many thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh, all of the IWSG, and this month's blog hop volunteers for August 2026.

The awesome co-hosts for the August 5 posting of the IWSG are Shannon Lawrence, Diedre Knight, Liza, and Pat Garcia! 

The IWSG has been a part of my writing journey for over a decade and I am thankful for all the encouragement and support I have received, but more importantly, I am thankful for the community.

This month's optional question is: As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?

My biggest regret is giving into fear and doubt at various times in my writing life, following the "wrong for me" advice that I knew was "wrong" deep in my gut, and not pivoting at times when I knew a pivot was needed - again, not trusting my instincts.

Some of this is that I didn't know what I know now: my strengths (based on the Clifton Strengths test) are ideation, strategic thinking, connectedness, achiever, and learner. There are weaknesses alongside those, but honestly, I process and draw conclusions on data points and ideas that I've taken in from a variety of places without necessarily walking through the "A to Z" logic of it step by step.

Trusting my own "intuition" that isn't really intuition but a lot of ideas coming together has been a huge step forward for me, but I'm still learning how to do that, and learning how to take what I "know" and create systems that rely on those strengths. So, my doubt in my own process is what I think has held me back the most, and discovering how to play to my strengths is both helping me as an author and healing me as a person.

Perhaps that's one of the reasons I've been thinking so much lately about trellises, gardens, and growth.

On my podcast, The Truth About Storytelling, I've started a short series called Growing the Gifts We've Been Given. In the first episode, I talked about how our strengths need trellises like healthy structures and rhythms that support the gifts we've been given instead of leaving them tangled. This week, I've been wondering about something else.

What if rest isn't the opposite of growth?

What if it's part of the trellis?

The more I think about my own writing journey, the more I realize that growth hasn't come simply from writing more words or working harder. It's also come from learning to notice, to listen, to take long walks, to read widely, to pray, and to give myself enough space for ideas to connect.

In other words, I've been learning to trust both the way I grow and the One who grows me.

Rest is a Part of the Trellis

We often think growth comes from doing more.

Working harder.

Producing more.

Trying longer.

But gardens tell a different story.

Healthy growth includes seasons of rest, renewal, and quiet preparation.

This week, I found myself asking a simple question:

What if rest isn't the opposite of growth?

What if it's part of the support that helps us flourish?

Walking, reading, prayer, creativity, listening for birds, or simply sitting quietly for a few moments may not look productive, but they often refill the well we draw from every day.

As you go through your week, I'd encourage you to consider a few questions:

• What truly restores you?
• What helps you notice beauty?
• What leaves you with more hope than when you began?
• Where might God be inviting you to receive instead of striving?

Rest isn't stepping away from growth.

Rest is one of the ways we grow.

IWSG May: Inspiring Feedback

 

Many thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group for this long-running monthly blog hop!

 

The awesome co-hosts for the May 6 posting of the IWSG are Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

Optional Question: What was the most inspiring feedback you’ve received from readers, agents, editors, or beta readers?

This is actually a hard question for me to answer, not because I haven’t received encouraging feedback, but because I’ve been blessed with more than I sometimes remember when sales feel slow.

A few moments stand out.

Several years ago, I received an unexpected email from Hannah Heath asking if she could interview me for her blog because she loved my books. I remember thinking, Who, me? Really? I had no idea how she found my work, but I was incredibly honored—and encouraged that my stories had reached someone in that way.

Last year, I had another unexpected moment. While traveling to Mongolia for my first mission trip—on my birthday, no less—I received an email from a reader who had picked up Dark Blade Forged at a car show I attended. She loved it so much that she asked not if, but when I would be coming to her city in California for another event. That kind of enthusiasm stayed with me. It reminded me that readers are out there, even when I can’t always see them.

And then there was a conversation with an agent last year about a book that isn’t published yet. He saw something in my sample pages—enough to ask for revisions and hand me his card. That moment meant a lot to me. It reminded me that I’m growing, and that there’s more ahead if I keep doing the work.

What encourages me most isn’t just praise, it’s the personal connection. When someone takes the time to reach out directly, it means the story mattered to them. And that’s why I keep writing.

Update:

I’m currently deep in the revision trenches, working on Book 2 of my trilogy. It’s slow, steady progress, but I can feel the story coming together. My goal is to finish revisions and order a proof copy in May, then move on to Book 3.

One step at a time and thankful for every reader along the way.

What inspiring feedback have you received?

IWSG April: Groove Music or Silence for Writing?

 

It’s that time for the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog hop, the longest running blog hop that I know of in the world. We meet to encourage, to share woes, and to wish each other well in our writing journeys.

This month, led by our intrepid leader Alex J. Cavanaugh and a team of regular volunteers, we are also joined by the monthly co-host volunteers: Melissa Maygrove, Cathrina Constantine, Kate Larkinsdale, and Rebecca Douglass!

Our optional April 1st question is: If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

OR, as I have styled it: Groove Mood or Silence is Golden?

As a writer, I prefer natural sounds or “background house sounds” like the dishwasher running for my actual writing time. 

But, before that, I typically turn on my yearly playlist for a mixture of upbeat songs from pop, rock, instrumental, and sometimes full orchestra music. 

I tend toward anything upbeat and happy, but some years, I’ve added some moody, storytelling vibe music and even spoken poetry to my playlist. I create a different playlist for every year, although some songs move from playlist to playlist. 

A true mixture might include: Good Feeling by Austin French, Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, Tempest by guitarist Jesse Cook, Unwritten by Natasha Bedingford, New Creation by Mac Powell, Boots Don’t by Shania Twain and Breland, Watch Me Do by Meghan Trainor, Falling Inside the Black by Skillet, I Like You by Champagne Sunday, Set it All Free by Scarlett Johansen, The Cremation of Sam McGee performed by Johnny Cash, The Warrior by Patti Smyth, Where Did You Sleep Last Night? Performed by Nirvana, Come Undone by Duran Duran, and Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin. 

I prefer positive and upbeat music for getting ready to write, but I’ll listen to moodier music before certain writing sessions.

However, the music goes off when I’m writing. I tend to be an almost “silence is golden” type of writer. 

Music gets me ready. Silence lets me go into the story world.

Kickstarter Update 

Today is the last full day of my Kickstarter for The Dark Blade Trilogy! The Kickstarter met the main goal in less than 3 hours and I am so thankful for that!

From there, the campaign has continued to build, and I’m super grateful for all who have joined. The Kickstarter ends tomorrow at 8:30am PT (Pacific Time).

 If you would like to know more or join in, please feel free to click the link. 

Kickstarter Link

IWSG - Best Writing Gifts

 

Thank you, IWSG and all those who are helping this month!

One of the things I love most about IWSG is how generous all the writers are with their time and energy.

For me, the best gifts I've received as a writer haven’t always been physical—though I do love books—but relational and creative.

One of the greatest gifts has been conversation. Recently, I’ve had the joy of hosting thoughtful  conversations with fellow writers on my podcast, including recent interviews with Sean McLachlan, Tara Tyler, and Sherry Ellis. Each episode reminded me that writing isn’t meant to be done in isolation. Hearing how other authors approach craft, worldbuilding, and perseverance has been encouraging and fun.

👉 Link to the RSS Feeds podcast page. The Truth About Storytelling can also be found on Spotify and other platforms.

Another meaningful gift has been time to read purely for pleasure and inspiration. Last year, I received (and collected) a wonderful stack of books—some fiction, some nonfiction, all inspiring. 

These books were an invitation to slow down, to delight in story again, and to remember that feeding the creative well is part of the work.

Ultimately, the best gifts I receive as a writer are the ones that reconnect me to stories, to fellow creators, and to the simple joy of imagining something new.

I’m thankful for this community and for the reminder that none of us write alone.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Happy IWSG Day and Favorite Stories!

 

Happy IWSG Day!

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!

The awesome co-hosts for the October 1 posting of the IWSG are Beth Camp, Crystal Collier, and Cathrina Constantine! 

Our Fearless Leader is Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our optional question this month is about our favorite stories we've written... 

---

My Favorite Things I’ve Written (So Far)

It’s always hard to choose a favorite piece of writing — usually, it’s the last book I’ve published. But looking back, here are a few that hold a special place in my heart:

• Dark Blade Forged (2024) — My latest fantasy novel, and the first in the Dark Blade Trilogy. It’s a story about a cursed sword, justice, and the power of light against shadow.

• “The Top Hat” (3rd Grade) — One of my earliest stories, and the first time I received real compliments on my writing in school. 

• Champion in the Darkness (2013) — My debut novel, and the start of the Champion Trilogy. Publishing this book taught me courage in stepping into the world as an author.

• “Dragonfold” (2009) — My first published short story. Dragons have always inspired my imagination, and this story opened the door to being published.

• “Seedling” — Another short story close to my heart, about growth, hope, and finding friendship in unexpected places.

• To Speak (coming 2026) — A forthcoming poetry collection in a newly expanded edition. 

---

New Podcast Mini-Series

I’ve just launched a new podcast mini-series about the writing life, blending travel, caregiving, and creativity. This week is all about “Cacti, Camels, and Writing.” I share about the last few days in Mongolia and what these experiences taught me about resilience, faith, and the creative journey. Each week, I'll also air two shorter episodes with writing prompts. If you get my newsletter, you'll hear a few stories about riding camels and sitting accidentally on cacti as a kid. 

Here's a picture of me on a camel, along with the core mission team:

And the cactus part, well, it's a metaphor for some stuff (see below), and it came from finding this anonymous quote in my dad's calendar:

\

You may be given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.

---

What I'm Writing Right Now:

Dark Blade 2 (Title may be changing) is finished as a main draft. 

But I am not ready to release it yet due to some life circumstances. 

I came home from Mongolia to find that I needed to step into a caregiving role for my parents. I am getting help, and I am finding ways to manage this, but I am going to take a beat to figure out how and when to release my next books. They are coming, but not immediately.

Mainly, I am journal writing and writing bits and pieces of Dark Blade 3.

I will let you know as soon as I can work on the release dates, and I may be asking for help. 

How can I keep on podcasting with this? Well, podcasting has been fun. 

And, I'm honestly winging a lot of episodes. Joy + grace = restful enough to do. 

IWSG, Moments, and Landscapes

 Happy IWSG Day to all those who participate in the monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop! You rock!

And many thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and those who are helping out this month: Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Natalie Aguirre, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Olga Godim!

Today, I will be enjoying small moments that feel vast - those momentous moments of joy and gladness we feel in the presence of loved ones. We are visiting my older daughter, her husband, and our tiny grandson today in Montana. Surrounded by incredible landscapes, we are focused instead on a five month old little boy.

Meanwhile, my Kickstarter is going and I haven't been attending to it as I ought.

Too much life stuff has happened. I got sick, I got better. My dad went to the hospital, and he got strong enough I felt comfortable coming on this trip to see my grandson, but there are more appointments in the future. I realized how close the mission trip to Mongolia is, and my focus shifted to packing plans and such. I found out that my family's preference for packing light (one backpack carryon) and doing laundry while traveling might be more than a little strange to everyone on the mission team (apparently, 12 changes of clothes and at least one checked bag are expected). This still has me reeling a bit. I mean, I know we all have different ideas about travel, but packing light has been so much a part of my life that it's hard for me to wrap my head around doing the opposite for a mission trip. But if no one else is planning on doing laundry, then I need to pack accordingly, which means way more than I normally would.

Anyway, as you can see, my brain is full of everything except my Kickstarter, but Kickstarter campaigns are all about intense focus and campaigning. So, I may have to redo my campaign when the dust settles.

But, because I have the campaign going on, I would love to share a few poems with you from the book - which will come out eventually, Kickstarter success round 1 or not. These two poems are from the Wild Grace section of the book.

Shadowed Movement

Shadowed movement

catches my peripheral,

brown against green.

​

I turn to see

deer, normally bold,

ducking into trees.

​

I still,

checking for predators.

The bushes rustle,

stop.

​

I am chilled

when the howls of the hunt

ring my yard as the sun

dips and the sky darkens.

​

It’s not so quiet living

outside the city limits,

but I do appreciate the chuckling

of the owl when the coyotes leave.

​

Driftwood Curves

Driftwood curves echo

bridges spanning sea water

sulushing on rocky shores

as seals glide and seagulls peck

hunting for sustenance.

​

I hunt for the sustenance of peace

through camera’s eyes

under cloud-covered skies,

chased by scolding seabirds,

until sea meets river, and I climb

away from salty breeze and back to reality.

Find my Kickstarter for To Speak RIGHT HERE.

Have you ever done a Kickstarter Campaign? And, if so, how did you maintain that laser focus in the midst of life?

IWSG: Ch-Ch-Changes - Do You Embrace Them or Deny Them?

 

It's the first Wednesday of the month, so it's time for an Insecure Writer's Support Group post. If you are curious about our group and would like to join, all are welcome! Come find the list here.

Started by Alex J. Cavanaugh, bolstered by volunteers throughout the year, the IWSG also has monthly co-hosts for the blog hop. For this month, Joylene, Louise, and I are co-hosts.

Would you change your past work?

Our optional question this month is: Is there a story or book you've written you want to/wish you could go back and change?

My answer: Yes. And I have. While I will not change certain aspects of old stories, I have gone back and made some revised changes to Champion in the Darkness, Champion in Flight, and Champion's Destiny - the first trilogy of books I wrote. These changes were not about the direction of the story or the main content of the story, but when I read these books out loud recently, I found way too many clumsy moments that I felt needed better line editing, so I made those changes. As an indie writer, I think this is okay to do. (Not everyone agrees, and that's okay.)

Embracing Change After a Period of Reflection

I am not always good at embracing change quickly, but I do when I realize it is necessary for forward momentum. This applies to life as well as writing. Our family has had some changes in the last few years with more to come - I'm not going to get detailed, but while many of these changes have been wonderful, some have been a mite hard, and all of them (including the good ones) caused a bit of stress because change challenges the status quo - even the good changes.

New routines need to be embraced, and sometimes traditions need to change or be replaced with new ways of doing things. And all of that works together to strengthen us, especially when we can embrace the changes after a healthy period of reflection.

But, not every change needs to happen. Sometimes, we do need to keep to something steady and sure, like our faith, or our worldview that shapes the decisions we make. But even within that, it's good to consider, which elements are the key elements? I believe in Jesus Christ, but while I like advent candle lighting traditions at church - they aren't necessary to my faith.

A Bit of Thought About Changes in Recent Tech

Speaking of changes, even though I'm not sure I want to have a big dialogue via our group on AI again, have you seen the new law around AI Copyright? I recommend giving it a skim (it's a long, government document filled with legalize): Copyright and Artificial Intelligence. I recommend giving page 8 a close read.

I have played around a bit with some of the AI models, and I think there are good uses for them - whether we use them to generate ideas for social media posts or for analysis of our books and what content might engage more readers, or even with prompts in which the AI is asked to consider five different ways to continue a storyline. If the material is taken and changed by the author, rearranged and directed by the author, then... it is copyrighted material according to copyright law.

 My biggest concern surrounding AI right now is not a Skynet type scenario but the bullying I see surrounding AI in the author world - I think that needs to stop. In fact, I have left Facebook groups because of bullying that specifically targets people for using AI tools for any reason whatsoever. I have seen specific authors attacked and shamed via Facebook groups for even mentioning any of the activity I put in the paragraph above this one, or for even for discussing how they tried it out. Bullying is never okay.

The reality is AI is affecting far more different areas of our lives, like medical advancements.

Is there a way we can consider being discerning, tech optimists?

Can we embrace, or at least consider, the changes happening, with reflection?

And, if we feel a need to deny those changes, can we consider why we are denying them, what the key elements are, and what the outcome of that will be?

And then, can we please be kind to one another, regardless of where we land on these issues?

"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."  - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. JR.

What I've been working on (some of it, anyway):

Dark Secrets - a prequel novella to Dark Blade Forged (not necessary to read before the novel)

Dark Blade Forged

Dark Blade Tempered (Book 2) is one of my February Revision projects and you can read a sample excerpt HERE, but note that changes are still underway. This section does have mild spoilers for Book 1, so read at your own risk for that.

January 2025, Goals with Vision, and IWSG

 

Hello 2025!

As part of my New Year Celebrations, I come up with goals for the year - both broad and specific, all falling under one vision/focus phrase.

This year, my focus phrase is: No Doubt, All Courage.

My broad goals are: 

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Writer.

Developing Worlds and Words

Creative Visibility

I'll be giving weekly and monthly updates on those throughout the year here, in my newsletter, and on my podcast.

But let's jump into today's Insecure Writer's Support Group post:

"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!" (Quote from IWSG Page)

Our optional question of the month is: Describe someone you admired when you were a child. Did your opinion of that person change when you grew up?

Tall, lean, red-headed, always quick with encouragement, a story, and a smile, Mr. Morrison was a kindly neighbor who lived on our street, one of the few I called by last name. I knew he was a teacher at my school and knew he had a fun job in the summers as a National Park Ranger. He moved and I was sad, and then I leveled up a few grades and found out he had only moved neighborhoods. In fact, he became my fifth grade teacher, and then became my sixth grade math teacher - he "moved up" with my entire grade level because my age group happened to be the largest graduating class my school (and district) had ever had. 

But that's getting ahead a bit. 

In class, Mr. Morrison encouraged, told stories, and smiled - most of the time. He loved science, art, history, math, and storytelling. He loved his students. But, he did have an issue with messy desks. One other student and I nearly drove him to distraction... yep. While he was my favorite teacher of all time, I got in trouble in his class. I respected him for actually seeing what was going on in his classroom and on the playground.

When I started having troubles with hyperfocus, he didn't let me get away with showing up late to class. He may not have had any knowledge of ADHD, because that term hadn't been coined then - or at least wasn't known at my school - but he did try to help me overcome it. When I had to stay in class and write sentences about not being late to class because I hadn't heard the bell ring while in the library reading (yes, I hyperfocus whenever there are words in front of me), I told him what had happened. It was the third incident of it that got me the sentences, btw, he was a teacher who believed in second and third chances before he meted out punishment (unless he caught someone bullying someone else). When I told him the trouble I was having, he seemed puzzled - and at first, he said he doubted my story, but he checked in with the librarians and learned I was telling the truth. He told me to a) go outside during lunch recess instead of going to the library because I needed fresh air, but also b) to try sitting in an uncomfortable position to read or only allowing myself to read the last chapters of a book in the library, or to read standing up or by the librarian's desk and have the librarian say something to me. I followed his advice. It didn't always work, but it helped.

When I had him for math the next year, he tried to give me more pointers on how to break my hyperfocus, but again, mostly advised me to get outside at lunch recess because he thought I needed more outside time, and I did like being outside, so I mostly did that. But he knew that I had trouble with bullies on the playground, so he also went outside more as a playground "extra" to supervise. The whole reason I had started going to the library was because of bullies, and he did not like bullying behavior.

And that wasn't what I was planning to write at all when I started this. I meant to write about his amazing and incredibly performance of The Cremation of Sam McGee, a poem by Robert W. Service (complete with dressing up and putting on an accent), his 30 Questions (20 questions with 30 students) game concerning an object in his desk that always had something to do with our science lesson after lunch - a few memorable objects were a goat's eyeball and a owl's pellet, his classroom court in which anyone could take someone else to court (he was the judge complete with robe and wig), his pretend money and checkbook system which we used for biweekly flea markets where we could sell each other free/used items and could earn money through rewards, bank money, and use our checkbooks, his recognition and encouragement that art could be fun (this was news to me, since all my other elementary school teachers made it terrible), and his love of being outside and talking about trees, plants, and animals with wonder and amazement.

And did I ever feel disappointed in him? Maybe once, yes, in fifth grade, when he lost his temper with the other student who had a messy desk. But years later, when I was a volunteer for elementary outdoor camp, I convinced Mr. Morrison and that other student to talk to each other and that redeemed him in my eyes. I'm not going to say he was perfect, but for years, when I went to Mt. Rainier (close to me at the time) I went to the side of Mt. Rainier National Park he worked at because then I would have a chance to say hello to Mr. Morrison, if he happened to be working at the entrance gate or at one of the trailhead areas - where he was known for putting on the best performance of The Cremation of Sam McGee. 

Other strange facts that I could mention here: the other student with the messy desk was also red-headed. I dated the other student with the messy desk briefly (three dates) in high school. And I married a redhead - but not one related to Mr. M or the other student I knew way back. How's that for small town life, and obviously, a bias toward gingers - although I've only written about one ginger character in any of my books. 

The awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Beth Camp, Liza @ Middle Passages, and Natalie @ Literary Rambles!

Happy New Year and IWSG Day!

What are your goals this year? Or your best memories of someone you admired when you were younger?

In Brief: IWSG and Fast News

 

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Hey, I need to be brief today because I'm off and about, plus, Wednesdays have been busier in general this last year. I will do my best to come around to comment.

IWSG is HERE. The awesome co-hosts for the November 6 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Lisa Buie Collard , Kim Lajevardi, and JQ Rose!

Optional November 6 question - What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?

Quick answers: singing, drawing, and painting.

What creativity do you engage in when you're not writing?

News

I'll be at Author Nation and Rave on November 11-15 in Las Vegas! If you're there, let's say hello. :)

I'm taking part in the November Fantasy & Scifi Freebies Bookfunnel with two books this time - Champion in the Darkness, and Dark Secrets: A Prequel Novella for The Dark Blade Trilogy.

Happy Thanksgiving Month! 

IWSG Ghost Stories and New Books

 This last year has contained some busy Wednesdays, many of which I have unintentionally "ghosted" IWSG's monthly blog hop. I love this group, so I am considering how to remedy my MIA status in the next few months, although I know November, again, I will be MIA due to a foreseen event.

This month and recently it's all been unforeseen events, like going with my dad to the ER five times.

Many thanks to all who are helping with IWSG - the admins, the monthly help for October, and for our faithful captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh. You all rock!

The awesome co-hosts for the  October 2 posting of the IWSG are Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jacqui Murray, and Natalie Aguirre!

This month's optional question is: Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What's your favorite classic ghostly tale?

My fast answer: Ghostbusters. Way back when I was in junior high, our local small town theater (a single screen place with history that had been purchased by small business owners who renovated over time), had a free Halloween movie night. My friends and I sat in a crowded theater, a seat broke, popcorn was thrown, everyone laughed, oohed and aahed together during the movie, and that kind of experience is why I love going to the movies, and why Ghostbusters is my favorite ghost story. :)

This month, there are many new books out - including one of my own. All the info about Dark Blade Forged can be found on this page: Dark Blade Forged and I'll add a bit at the end, but first I want to mention Sherry Ellis and the Fifth Book in her Bubba and Squirt Series:

Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearls
By Sherry Ellis

Journey to the past!
Bubba and Squirt embark on their most dangerous quest yet. Whisked away through the vortex to Japan, they must find two fabled pearls that hold the key to saving their father.
To top it off, they must go back and change the events of the past. As they race against time, the fate of their father, and their own lives, hang in the balance.
Will they outwit the cunning creatures that stand in their way or face their own demise trying to save their father?

Release date – October 1, 2024
Print ISBN 9798988625124 $8.95/ eBook ISBN 9798988625131 $3.99
eBook $3.99 in all formats
Juvenile Fiction - Action Adventure / Fantasy & Magic / Legends, Myths, Fables – Asian

Sherry Ellis’ Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China won the Reader’s Favorites Silver Medal for the Children's Grades 4-6 category.

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
https://www.sherryellis.org/
https://www.bubbaandsquirt.org/
https://www.facebook.com/sherryellisbooksandmusic
https://twitter.com/513sherrye

Links:
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTWN8PSS
iTunes - https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6477321103
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940167677777
Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9798988625131
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206994546-bubba-and-squirt-s-legend-of-the-lost-pearls

Congratulations to Sherry!

Meanwhile, I released a book that's been in my files and on my shelves in some way or another since 2016. Dark Blade Forged is a Christian Fantasy novel set in the same world as The Champion Trilogy, and is a sort-of prequel about Dan Torren, one of Clara's mentors in The Champion Trilogy. When I finished that trilogy, I realized I really wanted to write his backstory, about how he received his strange, obsidian blade of power, and why he said he was an angry young man when he picked it up. This is that story.

An ancient blade buried deep within an abandoned tower of the Watch Guard calls for its next wielder.

In a world where ancient powers stir and darkness threatens, Dan Torren seeks to escape his noble family's corruption by joining the mysterious Watch Guard. As Dan and his allies uncover a sinister plot involving the Red Hand, an organization trafficking in human lives, Dan will need to confront his own inner desire for vengeance.

Dark Blade Forged Buy Links:

Books 2 Read Universal Link Updated

IWSG and 3 Lessons I Learned from a Social Media Fast

 

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! 

The awesome co-hosts for the April 3 posting of the IWSG areJanet Alcorn,T. Powell Coltrin,Natalie Aguirre, and Pat Garcia! The founder of IWSG is Alex J. Cavanaugh.

3 Lessons from a Social Media Fast

I decided to do a partial Social Media Fast during Lent, only posting once a week unless I had already committed to post about something, like a Storybundle or a BookFunnel, or for the IWSGPit. 

What I learned: 

My sales numbers didn’t plummet. 

My newsletter subscriptions increased. (Although I did take part in a newsletter subscriber BookFunnel, so that probably helped.)

I am healthier in mind, body, heart, and soul when I only check social media platforms once a week, and not even on every platform.

The Optional Question for IWSG is: How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?

I have blogged since 2008/9 and I have been on Facebook since 2009. I feel it has changed in tone. Since the beginning, I have always felt this need to produce more content to create a stronger platform, but I think this is changing. I think this was encouraged and may still be.

Currently, I am cross-posting over three platforms and “highlighting” my posts on other platforms. This will change drastically this year as I take the three lessons I learned from my social media fast and start applying them over time.

The Deep Work Principle

I recently learned the idea of doing Deep Work and I am implementing it into my writing and media posting. This is my “next” step for online content.

What have you learned lately about writing, blogging, and life?

IWSG, Comic Con, and News

IWSG

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! Find more information at the website: Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Kristina Kelly,Miffie Seideman,Jean Davis, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

March 6th question: Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?

To the first question, yes, I have played with AI to write a synopses, with mixed results. I don’t feel guilty about using AI for ad copy of various kinds because this kind of writing is short, necessary, and not something I am good at. I still have to revise everything - so this is not without work.

For the second part of the question, I think AI has already had an impact on creative writing, when we consider the use of grammar programs. Creative writing includes the joy of knowing the rules and knowing when to break them. AI doesn’t feel joy, or sorrow, or any other emotion. Only humans do. I maintain that this will always be what makes human powered creativity full of depth.

 

An Emerald City Comic Con Reflection

Massive, fun, interesting, overwhelming, frustrating, joyful, and full - these are just a few words to sum up my experience at Emerald City Comic Con last weekend, from Thursday through Sunday.

Authors from left to right: Peter V. Brett, Saara El-Arifi, Django Wexler, Katherine Arden, Terry Brooks, and moderator Madeleine Roux.

It was my first ECCC, and I loved the panels with writers they had for the literary track. I didn’t get to meet, but at least did get to see, Terry Brooks (Shannara, Magic Kingdom for Sale).

Authors: Jasmine Skye and Marissa Meyer on the Battle of the Tropes panel. (Yes, I wish I had a better picture.)

I finally met Marissa Meyer (Cinder, Renegades, and more) and she was also on two panels and a spotlight session I attended. Friday was my best day at the con, when I managed to go to three panels, a spotlight, and a class on fighting in fiction.

Left to right: Moderator, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and John Rhys-Davies

Saturday was the day I only really made one event - the Lord of the Rings event on the main stage, which meant I had to stand in line for two hours. Lines were mismanaged and there were three rows of empty seats in the main stage area, which seats around 5000 people, but even with that, there wasn’t a way for everyone into that area. The crowd of 85,000 people were decked out in awesome cosplay, enthusiastic, and sweet, but I felt overwhelmed, and went home a bit early.

Sunday, in line, and taking photos with a few cosplayers. My friend has been to a number of comic cons before and knows how to pose. :)

On Sunday, my friend and I decided we wanted to meet Sean Astin (Goonies, LoTR, more) for an autograph and so we did that. This meant standing in line for hours, but we met some really nice people who we chatted with about various books, movies, and shows. I managed to sell an audio version of Liftoff and get a pre-order for Dark Blade: Forged, just by talking about writing, which was cool. When we met Sean Astin for the quick autograph session, he was kind and humble - talking about how wonderful the rest of the LoTR cast is and how he never expected so many fans would want to meet him. Then, we wandered through the merch tables, and they announced closing time. Where did the time go?

News

I will be on four panels at Norwescon, March 28-31! This event includes cosplay, panels, interviews, merch, and the Philip K. Dick awards. The panels are: “I Wrote a Song for My Story!” with Amanda Cherry, Metaerie, and Karen Eisenbrey; “Developing Strong Teen Characters” with Lish McBride, Kara Swanson, Karen Eisenbrey, and Anastasia Wilde; “Worldbuilding: The Burden of Being God” with Brenda Carre, Sandra Rosner, Thea Prieto, Lish McBride, and Kate Alice Marshall’ and “Short Stories vs Novels” with Camden Rose, Karen Eisenbrey, Tom D. Wright, and Kendare Blake. I’m excited to be a part of Norwescon this year!

I’m in the revision cave for a project and I will have news about it next month, I hope.

Are you looking for a #free, clean fantasy or scifi read? Check out this Book Funnel with over 70 authors and 80 books! This is only running until March 17th. https://books.bookfunnel.com/cleanepicfiction/c7jutgzu16

I have a book in The Galactic Mystery Bundle, curated by Simon Kewin! You can find out more at the Storybundle Website, but just to note, this sale is on for only two more weeks.

New Year's Post and IWSG Post for January 2024

 Happy New Year!!! 

I am filled with excitement for this year as a writer, as a woman, and as a believer. I know the world has sorrows and we have had our own grief as a family (we lost a few older loved ones last year), we also have shares of joys and I am determined to have the courage to seek out the joy, peace, and healing, while standing firm in faith and love for God and for all my fellow humans this next year. I have seen the ugliness of sexism hurt young women I know in the workplace over the last year, but I have hope that we will see more women standing up and standing firm in their equality for work and life. 

As a writer, I have plans to release some of the books I have been building on Kindle Vella as paperbacks, ebooks, and audibooks. I have a new Youtube channel I am working on for 2024 (and hopefully beyond), and I feel filled with gladness to turn the calendar page. 

I recently shared my Vision board in my newsletter on Substack, and I thought I would share it here again with a brief explanation of each image:

Images “explained”:

• Courage is a main theme for me and it’s time for me to recognize it and showcase it.
• The bridge is about making connections and having courage to cross deep chasms.
• The “healing” rocks image is about my quest for natural healing alongside medical help.
• The “exploding” book is about writing imaginative works that create space, refuge, and wonder for readers.
• The head-to-chalk drawing is about trusting myself as an artist.
• The Bible and prayer images is about staying in God’s word and keeping my faith alive.
• The collage/design table is about trusting my artistic side, but also seeking out other artists to work with or alongside.
• The compass is about seeing every day as an adventure/quest into life, and about traveling.
• The arms out in the woods image is there to remind me to get outside and praise God.

There are so many goals and ideas for resolutions, but these are my main ideas for the year. I do not like to call them goals or resolutions for they are a little more like the foundation under those. 

IWSG January 2024

I am posting a few days early, since IWSG runs on the first Wednesday of every month and today is a Monday, but I want to give a shout-out to all my IWSG buddies, and to say Happy New Year of Writing to you all!

If you are interested in IWSG, here's more about this group:

Insecure Writer's Support Group

A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links – all to benefit writers! #IWSG

Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club
Reedsy Discount / Past Issues

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!

Our original founder and current captain is Alex J. Cavanaugh. 

The awesome co-hosts for the January 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Diedre Knight, and Natalie Aguirre!

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. 

Remember, the question is optional
January 3 question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

Quick response for me: If I notice that readers have followed me, I sometimes follow them back. But it takes noticing, and sometimes, I am a little slow on that. 

NEWS

I participated in the New Year Indie Author Book Blitz hosted by Katherine D. Graham and loved it. Katherine is a rockstar and always spreads kindness to fellow indie authors. 

The Book Blitz is still viewable on Youtube if you want to check it out. 

I have a new Youtube Channel: The Truth About Storytelling. I did a bit of a different "goal" list on there because I was playing around with the idea of Achievable Goals. It was meant to be lighthearted, but of ourse, I was serious about it. 

I will be asking for help soon with book shout-outs this year, for more than one book. If you are interested, please comment below. You can always participate for one book or more than one book. I've been holding onto them for a while.