Wednesday, June 1, 2022

IWSG Day Wednesday, June 1, 2022 ~ Can You Find Your Groove Again and Another Great Book by Another Great IWSG Author

 




It's the first Wednesday of the month,
the day that members of the
Insecure Writer's Support Group
share their writing struggles
and writing successes
and offer their encouragement
and support to fellow writers.






To visit the IWSG website, click here.

To become a member of the IWSG, click here.

Our wonderful co-hosts who are volunteering today,
along with IWSG Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh are SE WhiteCathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguirre,  Joylene Nowell Butler, and, Jacqui Murray!

I hope you have a chance to visit today's hosts and thank them for co-hosting.
I'm sure they would appreciate a visit and an encouraging comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every month the IWSG announces a question that members can answer
with advice, insight, a personal experience, or a story in their IWSG posts.

Or, the question can inspire members
if they aren't sure what to write about on IWSG Day.

Remember the question is optional.
This month's featured question is: 
When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy June, Everyone!
I hope everyone is healthy and doing well.
All is well here, and it's nice to see some of my neighbors out and about.

A Neighbor Enjoying the Sunshine
Before a Surprise Snowstorm
Aurora, Colorado USA
May 19, 2021
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Twenty-four Hours Later
During a Surprise Snowstorm
Aurora, Colorado USA
May 20, 2021
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved



This month's question is one that I think about more than a little,
because I have abandoned writing at various times over the years.  
I didn't keep writing to the end of a number of things.  

A lot of the writing I did complete, I finished 
because I had a deadline and the piece had to be completed.  
It was a responsibility in some important area of my life.  

Over and over, if I had to make a choice 
between the pressing requirements of life and career or writing, 
I would choose responsibility and duty in my life.  

I can't regret it.  
Those decisions weren't made lightly.  
I am comfortable with my decisions.

Sometimes I indulge in the "What Ifs... ."  
But I am who I am, and if I could do it all over again, 
I'd likely make the same choices.   

© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved


I thought I'd accomplish more writing than I have so far in retirement.  
I certainly didn't factor in pandemics, political upheavals in my country,
the upending of the western world order that I have known all my life, 
and challenging medical issues for my husband and me.
I am the definition for optimism!

I was taking it all for granted on some level, 
almost sleepwalking in my false sense of comfort and security.
And it has been shocking to be rousted out of my illusions.   

But I'm done with beating myself up over what I haven't achieved in writing so far.
I'm taking pride instead in the writing I have accomplished, especially since I retired:  
my blog Standing Into Danger, my journals, my letters, 
my short story "Dare Double Dare" in the IWSG Anthology Voyagers:  The Third Ghost
and the progress I have made on my memoir.  
And I have several other writing projects in the works.

© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved


After flailing and floundering about with erratic writing
during the last two long years, I'm writing daily now.  
Steroids are temporarily decreasing the double vision my eyes, 
so I'm in a much better place.

I won't say I'm back in my groove, but I'm getting there.  
I'd say I'm writing to the end, 
but I don't want to tempt the universe to toss something else my way.
Fingers crossed!  I have a superstitious bent.

Beginning and end: this stylus will perpetually repeat its spiral journey from outer rim to inner groove, extracting music all along. A tribute to the classic record player.





And in a complete change of direction!

Another Awesome Book
by
Another Awesome IWSG Author





  
Kiss of the Assassin
by
Joylene Nowell Butler
Amazon  


While I was in Hawaii during the late winter, 
I had a chance to read a draft of Joylene's latest novel, Kiss of the Assassin,
before it was released by her publisher, The Wild Rose Press, Inc., on March 23, 2022.

I had previously read Joylene's painful, suspenseful, murder mystery
Matowak: Woman Who Cries, 
so I knew I was in for a good read.

I was impressed then with Joylene's ability to create a crime novel that felt authentic,
as if she had served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and had solved crimes herself.

In Kiss of the Assassin, Joylene does it again, 
writing an international political thriller that feels authentic, real.  
I know that Joylene is a Canadian Métis, 
but I'd swear she'd done a tour of duty in Vietnam during the '70s after reading it. 

Imagine meeting the love of your life in Cambodia as enemies
on the opposite sides of the tragic war that was Vietnam!

Can Marina, a Soviet-trained assassin charged with killing 
American Marine Sargeant Mateo Arcusa, forge a lasting romantic relationship with him?

They crisscross the world, running into each other
over and over again on dangerous missions for their countries.
Are they going to survive their missions? 
Will one assassinate the other?
How can they possibly fall in love and find a way to be together?
Questions like these grabbed me from the beginning 
and kept me reading long into the night.

Marina is such a compelling character.  
On the one hand, she is an unsympathetic professional killer 
who murders coolly and efficiently.

On the other, she is the sympathetic survivor of a tragic childhood 
in which she had no choice but to become a skillful killer
for the ambitious, manipulative, and ruthless KGB Chairman Vladimir Kurenkov.
I don't want to give any hint of how this all turns out.
I'll only say that the story is impossible to forget.


Here is an excerpt from the the novel 
when Marina learns how truly manipulative and evil Kurenkov is,
this guardian who may ultimately order her death.
  
“Malyshka …child…there’s no easy way of saying this apart from being honest and direct. I hope you can forgive me, but your father died.”

Marina’s eyes instantly watered, which seemed to surprise Kurenkov. He looked sympathetic.

“When?” The thought that he lived beyond that night and she hadn’t seen him made her ability to keep calm unbearable.

Kurenkov shrugged and admired his cuticles. “You were so young. I was afraid if I told you the truth, you would blame yourself.”

“Why would I—”

“Your father died the night your mother stabbed him. He has been dead for fifteen years.”

“I…I don’t understand, why would I—”

“You were so despondent. Your father asked for your help before he died. What could you do? You were a mere child. I kept the truth from you because I couldn’t bear you taking on all the blame. I knew you would. That night you had already blamed yourself. You told me your papa asked for help and you hadn’t helped him. I’m sure he didn’t mean to abandon you, not as my father abandoned me. Please, Malyshka, please forgive me for shielding you from the truth. I did it to protect[…]" 


It was fun to see Joylene's evolution as a writer.
Her writing flows and is so readable.  
It pulls you forward page after page.
Her plotting is tight, and her ability to turn good research into great narrative is a given.

I certainly hope you have a chance to read Joylene's book!

KISS OF THE ASSASSIN by Joylene Nowell Butler
The Wild Rose Press, Inc (March 23, 2022)
Paperback:  424 pages, ASIN: B09P7T1ZRS 

Joylene is the author of the suspense novels Dead Witness, Maski:  Broken But Not Dead, Break Time, Matowak: Woman Who Cries.  Dead Witness was a finalist in the 2012 Global ebook Awards, and Broken But Not Dead won a silver medal in the 2012 IPPY Awards in New York. 

For more on Joylene and her writing, visit her website and blog, as well as connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.





Happy writing in June!




Till next time ~
Fundy Blue

https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com

My next post will be on Friday, June 3, 2022.




So far from the international stage!
Beautiful Cluculz Lake in British Columbia, Canada
where Joylene still lives part time.

46 comments:

  1. I am thrilled that you are getting back in the groove on your writing. And look forward to reading more.

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    1. Thanks, Sue! I'm glad too! It's the creative outlet that means the most of all to me. Have a great day!

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  2. Just a short answer, I need to be on my way. The book 'Kiss of the Assassin' sounds good, its on my list. Sometimes we have to take life as it is. I was hoping for a happy and active retirement time, but it all came differently, and still I enjoy it. I love the book you recently recommended, the Midnight Library. Thanks. Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Retirement is awesome, Valerie! The gift of having some time for yourself to do things you enjoy whatever the constraints is priceless. One of the best friends in my life died at 35, and it still breaks my heart. It's not the big things that matter or the material things you accumulate. What's important is the day by day interactions with the people you love and care about, and the small pleasures like reading a good book or planting flowers or savoring a cup of coffee in the morning that add up to happiness. I'm glad that you love "Midnight Library." Hugs back at you!

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  3. The past couple of years have been a mess for everyone. You're getting back in the groove and that's good.

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    1. Thanks, Alex! btw, I loved "CassaDark" which I finished a few days ago! I will feature you on my blog, even though your blog tour has ended. I spotted a little opening for a possible future Cassa book ~ not a plot line, but a sentence that provided an in. The last thing you probably wanted to hear right now ~ lol! Take care, my friend!

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  4. I chose responsibility, duty, and my family too. Like you, I don't regret it all even if my writing hasn't taken off like it could have if I devoted more time to it. Don't beat yourself up about not writing all the time during retirement. You want to spend time with your family and doing other things you love too. I live alone now, but it doesn't mean I have gobs of time to write. I take care of my mom, work part-time, and have other things I enjoy and need to do. That's okay.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. It is okay, Natalie! Thanks for the reassurance! I thought I'd have gobs of time in retirement ~ Hilarious! I know better almost ten years in. I've barely crossed anything off my list of retirement activities that I wanted to do. There's not enough time.

      Having a blog never crossed my mind. I never anticipated that I would enjoy being a "homemaker" so much. I never anticipated the IWSG and the pleasure I get from belonging to it. I thought I'd be more organized and less ADHD, but it's harder when you have to impose your own structure. I thought I'd be volunteering and active in the retirement division of my union. Whew! An alarmed Terry talked me out of that one. I am in a happy and grateful place.

      Hugs to you, my friend!

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  5. I like the peace you've committed to about your writing. There is no right amount or right time or right anything other than accepting ourselves as we trundle on.
    That book looks exciting. I'm going to go check it out.
    Thanks and hope to see you this summer ... where peace resides.

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    Replies
    1. "Accepting ourselves as we trundle on ..." Words to live by, Jan! And words that reminds me of home ~ lol! I hope to see you this summer too! Take care!

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  6. Hmm... second go at this.
    I like where you've gotten to - peace with yourself and your process. That is a sweet place to be.
    Joylene's book looks awesome. I'll be checking that out.
    Hope to see you this summer in a place that feels sane and peaceful!

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  7. We can't worry about what we didn't do. My own writing was put on hold to take care of DLP, but after reading and editing so many stories over the years, I feel I'm a much better writer now.

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    1. Oh boy, Diane! I am SURE you've learned a whole lot about writing with DLP!!! I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing. Have a great day!

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  8. I think you've accomplished a lot in your retirement re writing! I'm glad to hear you are feeling more settled now and things are getting "groovy" again!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Debra! Did you feel my presence last night? I felt yours ~ on opposite sides of the rink! Sorry about the Oilers, but go Avs!!!

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  9. We honeymooned in Colorado! We rented a car and drove all over the place. Love that state!! Congrats to Joylene and her new release! Daily life, family and friends comes first, and sometimes I have a chance to write something. During covid, during lockdown, you'd think lots of writing could have been accomplished, but no. Like you I think my imagination locked down too. LOL. Good luck !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do love Colorado, Cathrina, and I'm happy to know that you have fond memories of honeymooning here! Everyone was under so much stress and uncertainty during Covid. It's a wonder we could think clearly, let alone have unfettered imaginations. Have a great IWSG Day!

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  10. Gorgeous pictures! Yay! I'm glad you're able to write more. If the eyes act up, dictate into a recording device for later.

    Congrats to Joylene!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the great tip, Melissa! I hadn't thought of that. I'm so visual. Have a great IWSG Day!

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  11. Accepting ourselves for who we are is a huge step. I still look at myself with disapproval on many fronts, but I've worked my way from being totally critical to being about sixty percent accepting. I have a few more years, so maybe I'll get that other forty percent covered.

    Great post today, and I'm glad to hear that the meds are helping your eyesight.

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    1. Opps! Missed this, Lee! There is always hope that we'll get kinder to ourselves and less critical with ourselves over time. I have as far or farther to go than you!

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  12. Oh my goodness, I wasn't expecting your review. I'm choking up with gratitude. You are the absolutely best, Louise! Thank you!!! Gads, 4 exclamation marks. I couldn't help myself. If you ever need anything, know that you can reach out to me anytime. I'm always here for you.

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    1. Surprise, Joylene!!! I love surprises, and I couldn't resist surprising you! I'm sorry that I wasn't on top of things enough to be on your book blog tour. Dealing with a raging thyroid was interfering with the things I really love to do. It's going much better now. You are such a sweetheart to offer your help. It goes both ways, my friend! Wishing you beaucoup sales!

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  13. Yeah. Lots of things can sure get in the way of writing, especially health crap. Getting the old writing engine going again is a good thing. But only when you want it to get going. Life has to take priority many a time or you lose out on things. I slowed on down with the writing front but elsewhere doing stuff indeed. Just is what it is and one can only do so much. Can't say I regret any choices either way, when writing or when not. We do what we can, don't bother comparing to others, and keep on keeping on with what we want to do. When it comes right down to it, what 99.99% of the world thinks of us doesn't matter, so screw the crapfest and do what you enjoy when you enjoy it. Rest can umm pee up a rope lol

    Kiss of the assassin sounds like a good read too. Great when you can see progress as writer as well. As I know you have with my onward and upward lol still a rhyming cat when i see fit though as out comes the flow.

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    1. Hey Cat, where you're at! I've noticed that you've taken time off to do some other important things. Those darling twin nephews of yours are more important than anything. You couldn't be doing anything better than spending time with them and opening the world up to them.

      You've been through an amazing ten-year-plus writing drive with so many books and posts. Your brain likely needs a rest, although I doubt that your brain ever rests ~ lol.
      I'm going to read more of your books, hopefully before you start another writing jag. (I have one to read right now) and do more reviews. No one has an imagination like you, my friend! Happy IWSG Day!

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    2. Got em today again too so away we go haha. At least I have plenty to choose from. Oh yeah, my brain never shuts off. Still have a few books done, just not edited, waiting to go. Happy IWSG day!

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  14. Love your neighbor 'visiting ~ sweet deer and great photo ~ Xo


    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Carol! I was excited to get the muley's photo, although his little horn bumps make my head hurt when I look at them. I don't think they're painful for the deer though. Thanks for your lovely wishes! Take care! And thanks of visiting!

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  15. Absolutely don't beat yourself up over what you didn't do! It's bad enough regreting the things we did! Love the doe.

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    1. Lol, Jacqui! I can't believe some of the things I've done! Thanks for the kind encouragement. It's good to have that reinforced. Have a great day!

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  16. Being a writer isn't easy. I'm glad you're finding your way through the turmoil. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    1. Thanks, Anna! It feels so good! I hope things are going well for you too!

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  17. You are speaking to my heart. I retired in 2018 to pursue my dream of full time writing. Didn't count on my husband becoming ill, then disabled during Covid, and ultimately dying. Didn't count on getting Covid, then having a heart attack. Didn't count on my mother becoming widowed, as well. So yes, when you say "if I had to make a choice
    between the pressing requirements of life and career or writing, I would choose responsibility and duty in my life," that is what we do. Because life isn't all about "me," it's about relationships. You chose well.

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    1. Thanks, Lee! My heart goes out to you for all that you have come through. I remember reading about what you have experienced in some previous IWSG posts. It truly does come down to relationships. That's what makes life worth living. Please take care of yourself! I'm glad you are still here. Life is a precious gift.

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  18. Hi Fundy Blue. I think most of us choose life - family obligations etc - over ourselves. I can't write if I'm upset about something, never been able to do that. Which explains why it took me so long to publish anything. I wish you every good wish for the future.

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    1. Thanks for your kind encouragement, Denise! Have a happy day!

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  19. You are totally amazing, Louise! Seriously! In all you've accomplished and are still doing. Family is forever first in my obligations. Always was. Always will be. Bravo for placing in the recent IWSG anthology. Way to go! All best to you!

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    1. Thanks for you uplifting and encouraging words, Victoria. You made my day!

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  20. It's so hot, but where do I sign up for the surprise snow storm? 🥵🥵🥵

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  21. Focusing on the achievements is definitely the right way to go. Wishing you all the very best for getting back into the groove. One step at a time.

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    1. Thanks, Lynda! I appreciate the encouragement! Take care!

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  22. That political thriller sounds like it has a fascinating plot. It's good that you dwell on your writing accomplishments more than failures or shortcomings. Something I have to work on more. If you're getting this response twice, I apologise. I wasn't sure it posted the first time.

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    1. No apology necessary, Stephen! I often get mixed up because I forget about comment moderation. We all need to be kinder to ourselves. The world has had a lot of challenges lately. Thanks for visiting! Have a great weekend!

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  23. Hi Louise!

    Wow! I'm in awe of all that you've accomplished despite health challenges and other life challenges too! You are such an inspiration!
    I haven't read any of Joylene's books... YET! I need to remedy this. I just don't know when I'll have the time. Life seems to be so much busier with school-related activities that are even eating into my non-school hours. *sigh*
    Thank you for visiting my blog.

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  24. P.S. Love the photos, especially the vinyl disc - really evocative!
    A reminder of the days when we had LP's and our record player had a diamond-tip stylus which was said to be the best type. Such memories.

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  25. I tried commenting on here ages ago, but blogger was acting! Really enjoyed your post and happy to hear you're getting back into a writing groove <3

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate them very much.