Wednesday, July 6, 2022

IWSG Day: Wednesday, July 6, 2022 ~ Book Worlds to Live In

  




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 J. Lenni DornerJanet Alcorn, PJ Colando,  Jenni Enzor, and, Diane Burton!

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.

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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: 
If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

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Happy July, Everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well, wherever you are, whatever your season.
I am looking forward to a trip to Nova Scotia to see my family,
including two sisters I haven't seen since before the pandemic.
I can't wait for those special hugs!

My Two Sisters I Haven't Seen In Too Long:
Barb (top) and Bertie (bottom)
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved

What an impossible question to answer this month!
One of the greatest joys of reading for me is being transported
to different places and times, whether on this world or others.
I can't possibly pick one!

Tolkien's Middle Earth?  

The Covers of My Paperbacks for My First Journey to Middle Earth 




Barry Lopez's Arctic Dreams?

 
An Iceberg Above and Below Water
photo by A. Weith ~ License
Dan Simmons' Hyperion?  Julian May's Pliocene Earth?   
Peter Matthiessen's remote mountains of Nepal?
Traveling with Charles Darwin on the Beagle?

HMS Beagle in the Straits of Magellan

The U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701? 
Not a book, I know,
but I'd sure love to roam the galaxy in it.

USS Enterprise NCC-1701

And how about the book worlds created by our talented IWSG members?
I haven't explored as many of these book worlds as I'd like,
but I'm sure to dip into more in the future.
Some I have enjoyed include:

Jacqui Murray's Crossroads trilogy set 850,000 years ago in humankind's prehistory...
Sandra Cox's mysterious Montana in Mateo's Law...
Pat Hatt's scary Disconnective, safe to visit in a book, but maybe not in person...
Roland Clarke's Spiral of Hooves rarified world of international sport horse breeding...
Rebecca Douglass's Death by Donut on foggy, cozy Pismawallops Island
in Puget Sound in Washington State,
complete with delicious sweets and great coffee...

So many interesting worlds!
I can't wait to see how others answer this question.


And in a complete change of direction!


Another Awesome Book
by
Another Awesome IWSG Author




CassaDark
by
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Amazon  


Alex keeps delivering with his militaristic space opera Cassa series!
His latest book CassaDark, the fourth in the series, does not disappoint.

Bassan, son of two heroic and storied pilots Athee and Byron,
is a hero in his own right for saving the galaxy as a child.
But now he is an adult trying to find his place
on his planet Tgren or off-world somewhere else.
Has he already accomplished the best he is capable of as a child?
Should he follow the course his legendary father Byron is pushing him to take,
or should he follow his own and remain on Tgren as he desires.

As Bassan struggles with his self-esteem,
he is paralyzed by doubt following the near death of his best friend.
He froze during a crisis, failed to help his friend, and blames himself for what happened.
Now, reluctantly, he must step in at the last moment as a replacement speaker
at an important conference at Procura Space Station far across the galaxy.

While there, Bassan meets Zendar who persuades him to travel
to his home on Ugar, a dangerous prison planet.
Zendar is convinced that Bassan's unique connection to ancient Kintal ship technology
will help him save his people who are the descendants of criminals abandoned on Ugar.

On Ugar Bassan discovers that the situation is not as clear-cut as it was presented to him. 
As the situation deteriorates, Bassan realizes he could die along with Zendar's people
if he can't evacuate them from Ugar.

Soon the stakes become much higher as the galaxy is threatened once again.
Can Bassan summon the courage to become a hero again,
or will his doubt and paralysis result in terrible death and destruction?
You'll have to read this adventurous book to find out!


As someone who has read all four of the books in this series,
it's been great fun to follow the continuing storyline of Byron and Bassan, father and son:
from young Byron's Cosbolt fighter pilot training and his combat in the Vindicarn War,
to his service as a senior officer on the exploration vessel Rennather
and its mission to delve into alien ruins on the desert planet Tgren,
to his command of the Cassan base on Tgren,
to his coming retirement...

...from Bassan's terrifying childhood nightmares as war breaks out among all the races,
to his rescuing the galaxy from an alien probe that threatens all life,
to his struggle to overcome his personal crisis and failures,
to his struggle to save Zendar's people and the galaxy once again.

Is Alex finished with exploring the galaxy containing 
Cassa, Tgren, Ugar, and other fascinating worlds?
I'd love to know!  
He cleverly left an opening or maybe it was a tease.

If he does write another book in the series,
I want all the exciting spaces adventures and battles to continue,
but I also want more world building, setting descriptions, and moody details!!!
Alex already has character, nonstop action, and building tension nailed.

Alex is the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group where he is known as Ninja Captain Alex.
His Cassa books are Amazon Best Sellers and winners of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
You can find Alex's books at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.CAmazon, and Barnes & Noble.


CassaDark was released April 6, 2022 and is available at online, retail, and for all eBook platforms. 
Published by Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. 
Science Fiction – Adventure / Space Opera / Space Exploration. 
Trade paperback $16.95 ISBN 9781939844842, eBook $4.99 ISBN 9781939844859





Happy writing in July!



Till next time ~
Fundy Blue

https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com

My next post will be on Friday, July 15, 2022.




48 comments:

  1. When all is said and done thanks to talented authors (including ISWG members) I am lucky enough to visit a whole range of different worlds.
    I would like to spend time with the Ents though - and search for the Entwives.

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    1. I would like the Ents to find the Entwives too, Sue! Tolkien's love of trees certainly comes through in LOTR! Happy Wednesday ~ may it be a good one!

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  2. haha yeah, wanting to visit and not stay would be the way with many a book. Unless I could go and get super powers so I wouldn't get offed in them. Even Middle Earth you're likely to kick the bucket. Best to watch from the outskirts.

    Alex sure can create a fun adventure indeed.

    Enjoy your trip back to NS after 2 years. If you hear really yappy dogs out strolling around may be the hooligans and I lol

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    1. If I'm anywhere near the South Shore, I'll be looking and listening, Pat! I'm certainly ready for a visit home. Have a good one, my friend

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  3. Thanks, Louise! So glad you enjoyed the series and the adventures I sent my characters on.
    Really glad you will finally see your two sisters. Up close, one can really see the family resemblance.

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    1. I did enjoy the series, Alex! Being separated from my family has been the hardest part of the pandemic for me. Leaving on a jet plane 🤞🥳 very soon, I hope. Have a great IWSG Day!

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  4. You have picked some interesting worlds. Along with Tolkien, I would add C. S. Lewis' "Narnia". I answered this question already as Mark Twain's "Roughing It", and a desire to see the "Sagebrush State" in an earlier time

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    1. "Narnia" is another marvelous world that I have enjoyed, Jeff. C.S. Lewis is my favorite Christian writer. I have not read "Roughing it," and now I have added it to my list of books I want to read. Nevada is a fascinating state. It must have been something when it was really wild. Have a great day, my friend!

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  5. I thought of Middle Earth too. That's great how you used the question to feature IWSG members' worlds.

    Have fun on your trip to visit your family.

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    1. Thanks, Natalie! We have some amazing world-builders in the IWSG, and it was difficult to pick just a few. Enjoy visiting around today!

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  6. It will be so special when you see your sisters again.

    Thank you for featuring Alex's book - I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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    1. I can't wait to see them, Diane! I didn't mention it in my review of Alex's books, but it was fun to see him develop and improve as a writer. The teacher in me can't help it. Have a great IWSG Day!

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  7. "Death by Donut" -- what a great name for a mystery and I love that cover illustration! Have fun in beautiful Nova Scotia seeing your family!

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    1. Thanks, Debra! Rebecca's "Death by Donut" was a fun mystery. I'm glad I live in a sunny state though. When I first went North and saw the blue skies of winter, it was a stunning experience for me. Give me big blue skies, low humidity, and wide open spaces. Have a great day!

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  8. I can see that you're never going to be able to choose one book world, but you have a great selection to consider!

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    1. I'd happily live in any of these worlds, for a while anyways, Lee. Well, except for Pat's scary, but fascinating world. Maybe I'd zip in and out of that one really fast before anything noticed I was there. Have fun visiting around today!

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  9. I am so happy for you. Sisters are a wonderful gift. I lost my sister Robin two years ago. I miss her madly. I can still hear her laughter.

    Great list of books, Myrtle Louise. Till next time... stay safe.

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    1. I'm so sorry for your loss of your sister Robin, Joylene! I dread the day I lose a sibling. Of course, as the eldest, I could go first. I can still hear my parents' voices and laughter. I hope Robin's laughter never leaves you! Have a fun day!

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    2. Well, I feel so dumb, Joylene! I couldn't figure out how to post a comment on your blog post. I know my brain has been pretty foggy as I've been dealing with Covid for almost two weeks. I've forgotten, messed up, or couldn't figure out too many things recently. Thanks for sharing your insecurities, although I'm sorry you're feeling them. "Kiss of the Assassin" was great. I haven't been back to a movie theater yet. Definitely I'd like to see "Top Gun" on the big screen. I get your exhaustion and falling asleep after supper. I haven't been able to sleep after supper, but I can sit there zoned out looking at the tv mindlessly because I'm too tired to do anything meaningful. Good luck with your landscaping. I don't envy you the lugging of rocks!

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  10. You picked a lot of good books, and I wish I'd thought of Julian May's Pliocene Earth and
    Peter Matthiessen's remote mountains of Nepal. Even Traveling with Charles Darwin on the Beagle

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    1. I loved the Pliocene Earth series, Jacqui. I have to live a long time so I can go back and reread some of the amazing books I've loved. Fingers crossed there are libraries in heaven. Take care, my friend!

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  11. Great choices! Middle Earth has been popular. I chose Pern, and Narnia would be another choice for me.

    Enjoy your trip! So great to be with family again!

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    1. I had to google Pern, Lee, because I didn't know of it. I had heard of Anne McCaffrey, but somehow I had never read one of her books. My list of books to read grows ever longer. I think I'd really enjoy reading these books, starting with the original trilogy. I hope you are having a fun day!

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  12. Enjoy your time with your sisters! How lovely that you are from Nova Scotia. I hope to make it out there sometime to visit where Anne was set.:) I loved how you used images. What a fun post!

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    1. Thanks, Jenni! I'm glad that you enjoyed my post. Thanks for visiting!

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  13. Great pics as always. I love the Tolkien paperbacks! I wonder what edition they are. Thanks for sharing. :)

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    1. I wish I still had them, Adrienne! They were the first edition Ballantine paperback printing in 1965. I bought them in Antigonish, Nova Scotia with money I earned babysitting. I read and reread them until they fell apart. I hope you've been having a fun time today!

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  14. There are so many wonderful worlds to choose from :)
    Enjoy those special hugs!!!

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  15. You can't go wrong with Middle Earth, though I confess that there was a bunch in Tolkien's books, especially Fellowship, that I skimmed over.

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    1. I'm sure you're not the only one, Donna! Me, I devoured every word, every time I read the books. Have a great day!

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  16. Enjoy your trip to NS. How wonderful to be able to visit your sisters after so many years. You mention some great worlds. I'm with you on the Enterprise. My fav place to be.

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  17. Well darn. My comment disappeared into the ether. Wishing you a great trip to NS and a wonderful visit with your sisters. You mention some great worlds. I'm with you on the Enterprise.

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    1. Both showed up, Diane! Sometimes Blogger has me tearing my hair out. All the best to you!

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  18. I love the list of worlds you have mentioned. A great list of intrigue :D

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    1. Thanks, Damyanti! I hope you enjoyed visiting around on IWSG Day. Happy writing in July!

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  19. Thanks for the mention, Louise. What a lovely surprise and to be in such great company too:) I'm so glad you are getting to visit with your sisters. You can definitely see the family resemblance.
    Have fun, fun, fun.

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    1. Thanks, Sandra! I'm counting the days! Enjoy your weekend!

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  20. Lots of good answers there. It isn't easy to pick.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog on IWSG day. I hope we'll keep visiting each other.

    J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author

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    1. Thanks, J! I will keep visiting. Have a happy weekend!

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  21. Oh my, your LOTR paperback covers brought back memories. Classics! That was the set I originally had. In answer to the question, I think I'd have to choose one of the Little House on the Prairie series.

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  22. It's so generous of you to promote the worlds created by your fellow IWSG folk! I hope your trip and visit with your family are wonderful.

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  23. Louise, I love your new haircut in the pictures with your sisters. We so need to stay in touch with our families, don't we? I know I'd be lost without mine. Yes, it was tough to think of a story world to live in other than our world. You have many great choices. Have a beautiful Sunday!

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  24. Louise, I love your new haircut in the pictures with your sisters. We so need to stay in touch with our families, don't we? I know I'd be lost without mine. Yes, it was tough to think of a story world to live in other than our world. You have many great choices. Have a beautiful Sunday!

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  25. I agree it is one of the toughest question specially passionate reader and writer like you dear Louise because reading boosts our imagination a window to see hidden worlds so with eacj new book readers set off a new journey of an unseen world.
    Thank you for sharing some amazing reads with us .they sound really compelling wow .i would love to read Alex work as well which feels so powerful through your magical words. Hugs and blessings

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