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... 

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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. 

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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:

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

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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. 

A to Z Challenge: M

A to Z Challenge

Theme: Creativity Toolbox

M = Margin

Definitions of Margin: 1. An edge or border.

2. The blank space that surrounds the written area on a page.

3. An extra amount allowed beyond what is needed.


Creative thinkers, creative writers, creative artists need margin. Why?


"Marginless is fatigue; margin is energy.
Marginless is hurry; margin is calm.
Marginless is culture; margin is counterculture.
Marginless is the disease of the new millennium; margin is its cure."
- from Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Richard A. Sweson, M.D.

We all know what it's like to feel like we just don't have enough time. We need to create margin in our lives to have time to be creative, time to daydream and time to relax enough to be creative.

Our writing needs the blank space around it, so readers have space for their imagination.

Our art, and music need the margin of an edge so that those who view and listen have a space or a moment to fill in that border with their own art and music.

We all need the extra amount allowed beyond what is needed - that's the beauty of grace.

Do you have margin in your life?

Creativity Toolbox Exercise: Create some margin in your life, writing, and creative endeavors. Allow yourself an extra amount of time beyond what you thought you needed to fulfill a project. Give yourself time to relax. Give yourself grace.


Nearly five years ago, I had the priveledge of hearing Richard A. Swenson speak at my church, and I was impressed by his knowledge of health, science, and Biblical truths. Check out his website here: Richard Swenson