Many thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and the whole volunteer admin team for keeping the IWSG up and running! Also, thank you to all of the co-hosts for this month's blog hop: Louise - Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!
OPTIONAL QUESTION:
Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?
I've made some writing buddies via the blogsphere, writers whose work I cherish reading, whose blog posts lift me up, whose e-mails are ones I delight in reading. I met an editor who helped me work through my last novella, and who is a joy to work with: Chrys Fey. I met a cover artist and interior designer: Carrie Butler. I have met many writers who have cheered me through my goals and who have helped me market my books with blog tours and shout-outs. Thank you!!!
This month, I'm enjoying new-old opportunities and working my way through some insecurities.
The opportunities: Song-writing and taking part in a church podcast.
The song-writing has been both for faith-based songs and for a collaborative venture with high school alums. It's been rewarding in the sense that I feel like I've returned to some of my old roots - I used to make up songs between the ages of 4-12, and I love singing, so...even if it doesn't go anywhere, I am falling in love with the process of writing music lyrics.
I was asked to help out with a podcast for One Hope Church by doing a few episodes of a reboot Bible study of 100 stories from the Bible. I'll be doing the podcast on Feb. 4, 15, 24, and March 5, 16, and 25. If you're interested, you can find the podcasts uploaded HERE.
My newsletter is off the ground and running. I feel pretty good about it so far. If you want to see a sample and sign up, go HERE.
And yes, I'm still writing fiction, too. :)
The mini-insecurity of the month:
I am attempting to build a number of projects at the same time. This is somewhat normal for me, since if I slog away at one project alone, I often get stuck in a spin cycle and my pace of work slows down until I am treading water.
I am working happily, my calendar feels full, and I'm trying new things.
However, the doubt creeps in now and then - am I doing too much? Will one of these things crash and burn? Is it okay if that happens?
Again, at the same time, I feel pretty happy with all of it so far, so I think I will keep on keeping on....
BOOK DESTINATIONS
Book Destinations is an old-to-new project I have opened up for all book lovers and authors. If you're interested in highlighting a bookstore, library, or book destination in your area, or one that you have visited, please check it out! I am looking for guest posts from book lovers (and authors) from all over the world. Book Destinations HERE The first guest post will be from DL Hammons in Alaska. The posts will run twice a month for 2021, and I am looking for 9-12 guest book lovers/authors for April-December. While this blog will be focused on book places, you will certainly have an opportunity to write a blurb about yourself and your latest book(s) with some links to your sites.
HIGHLIGHTS OF JANUARY
I am a stowaway with the Writers on the Moon project and my novella Liftoff will be going to the moon, thanks to Chrys Fey! More details will come soon.
I had a short story published in a print publication by a local non-profit for writers in the south sound community. Creative Colloquy offers free classes, open mics, and community for writers and artists. My short scifi story "Companion for the Journey" made it into Creative Colloquy, Volume 7.
IWSG HIGHLIGHTS
IWSGPit was fun and successful this year! I hope all the writers who pitched had a good experience.
19 comments:
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! And how great you're returning to those musical roots. As someone who can't carry a tune to save her life, I always admire musical talent. :)
Chrys is so amazing. I'm so glad she's able to help you out.
I enjoy writing lyrics. Haven't done much of it lately, but it's always a fun challenge.
So amazing that your writing is going to the moon! Yes, the IWSG and blogosphere is a boon for making friends and connections. Hope it continues for a long time to come.
I think it's good to have a few irons in the fire. I'm very much focused on one thing at a time, but if something crashes, maybe it's a sign the other projects deserve more time. Glad you're enjoying your music. I dabbled briefly in writing songs aged about 19/20 but the results were dire - I was still very much in my "teen angst" phase, ha!
Music brings me a lot of joy too. I've never written a song though - maybe one day!!
Love that you're coming to the moon as well!
Liftoff going to the moon - that's awesome.
And great you are very involved with your church and writing song lyrics. Now that is spreading the glory of God.
Sounds as if you're busy, but there's nothing unusual in that, Tyrean. You always are up to some great things.
Wow, Tyrean! Your life sounds rich and full. Chrys is another amazing, generous IWSG member. You're not the first person I've heard say what a great editor she is. Good luck with all the projects you're working on, and Happy IWSG Day!
I've been reading your Lift-Off posts on FB. How exciting!
Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
That's wonderful Liftoff is really lifting off.
I still remember a really amazing book store in Columbus, OH. 30+ rooms.
I love that your novella is going to the moon. It's an awesome book and very well deserved :)
Never tried songwriting, sounds interesting. I haven't been able to get into podcasts. I've signed up to follow several, but I usually end up reading and get too far behind to catch up. I love the idea of BOOK DESTINATIONS and will check it out. I too get to stowaway with Chrys. She's such an amazing writer and a wonderful person.
How cool your story is going to the moon. Your projects all sound awesome. But be sure to be realistic on your goals because it's harder to get as much done on one when you've got a number of projects going.
You’re post is also uplifting :)
Congratulations on all of your creative endeavors and all of your wonderful successes! I wish I could handle more than one project at a time but I can’t.
Happy IWSG day :)
Congrats on all of your projects and good luck with everything!
I would love to be able to write song lyrics.
So many talents! I'm sure it seems a struggle to juggle everything every single day. Is it okay to crash and burn? Absolutely! Because from ashes come beauty, and you will rise again. I'm thrilled that Liftoff is going to the moon!
How exciting that you're song-writing and partaking in it for your Church. I'm sure it's super fulfilling! (God does that, doesn't He?) :) I've actually been contemplating starting a blog to share my faith journey throughout my lifetime. Still praying about it.
Yes! I cherish every one of my blogging friends I've met over the past 10 years, even those I'm not in daily contact with anymore. Each has had a profound effect on my life. <3
Hi Tyrean - congratulations on all your projects ... good luck with the church interests ... tell me! are you with Griffin? It sounds like you're happy and cheerful with everything that's happening ... and what I like to read about this blogosphere - everyone's here for each of us ... quite amazing. Good luck and all the best - I'll be so interested re Griffin?! Stay safe - Hilary
OH, that reminds me that I have to get started with writing newsletters myself. Of course, I've been telling myself that for a year now. No real hurry, though. I don't have any subscribers yet. Another thing I need to work on. If you have any tips on newsletters and such, be sure to keep us posted. Thanks.
You must be over the moon with all those accomplishments. Congratulations and Happy IWSG
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