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
along with IWSG Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh are
Stop by their posts and thank them for hosting.
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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.
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 optional question is:
Is there a genre you haven't tried writing in yet that you really want to try? If so, do you plan on trying it?
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Happy July, Everyone!
I hope all is well with each of you.
I have never written romance.
I could write about sexual assault, but not romance.
I'd like to break through that barrier.
We shall see.
On an entirely different topic, I like to read books written by IWSG authors,
and I've read a fair number.
This month I've read two new books and reread a favorite.
The first is the short story "The Power of Touch" by Pat Garcia.
I may not have written romance, but I enjoy romantic stories,
and this one is refreshingly unusual.
For Gianluca Abate, "One single, gigantic blast
had blown up everything he lived for." (from "Power", page 3...)
But at a train station, he meets a stranger,
someone unlike the cold-hearted people in his life,
someone who might redirect his despairing course.
This story will make you believe in the possibility and the power of love.
The second is the inspiring memoir "Determination: A Mother of Five Conquers College"
by Victoria Marie Lees, another longtime active IWSG member like Pat Garcia.
"Funny thing about dreams," Victoria writes.
"You can try to hide them in your heart, but they never truly die." (from "Determination", Introduction ...)
This determined woman finally sets out to prove to her children,
the naysayers, and herself that dreams can come true.
I connected with this memoir on so many levels.
It reminded me of my mother's struggle to earn her degree as a mother of five,
and of my own nontraditional path to my Masters degree and beyond.
by a second Pat, my friend and a fellow IWSG Admin, the irrepressible Pat Hatt.
Pat and I
Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
July 27, 2024
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
"So what do you want to do with the rest of your life? ...
The Researcher patiently waited for my response."
"I'm going to continue my writing
and hopefully bring a little imagination back to the world.
People are stuck, unable to use their imagination because they lack it
or they are stifled by the big wigs.
I'd like to show it can still be used." (from "Imagine Hatt", page 103 ...)
I think those few sentences are the key to who Pat is as a writer and why he writes.
And Pat's imagination is in full use, as Orlin, the irreverent and funny cat,
erases his human's boring emails to a penpal
and replaces them with zany tales making fun of humans instead.
Even though the novel is funny, outrageous,
wildly original, poignant, and, in places scatologic,
I had trouble remembering that it was fiction and its characters fictional.
And it has changed forever how I look at planes flying overhead.
I'm the first to admit that this book isn't for everyone,
but if you're broad-mined, imaginative, and uninhibited,
you may enjoy it as much as I have.
Wishing each of you a great IWSG Day,
and a big thank you to our awesome co-hosts.
(I'm patting myself on my back, because I'm flying as I co-host.)
I'll share this and why not?
I've been listening to this as I write (over and over).
Here's a link to a classic guitar solo by Jimmy Page and song by Led Zeppelin.
Jimmy's solo in "Stairway to Heaven" starts at 6:00 minutes.
Robert Plant (left) and Jimmy Page (right) of Led Zeppelin,
in concert in Chicago, Illinois, 1977
We've been in Las Vegas, a seven-day break from the renovation.
The end is really in sight.
I caught a favorite band, Alter Ego, three nights in a row on Fremont Street.
I do love great guitar playing.
This is Kevin Vecchione playing the lead guitar in the Eagles' classic "Hotel California,"
accompanied by Rick Embry on the acoustic guitar.
Alter Ego Performing on the 1st Street Stage, Fremont Street
Downtown, La Vegas, Nevada, UA
Have a healthy, happy, and creative July!
Take care!
My next post will be Friday, July 11th 🤞
Just so you know, I monitor my comments before publishing them. This means your comment won't appear immediately. I will not publish mean spirited or commercial comments.
Hello Louise, you have an amazing talent 👏 for writing ✍️ I love ❤️ the photos, especially the ones with you in them. Everyone looks great, and your beautiful smile radiates warmth and sincerity.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment, Linda! You're the best!
DeletePat has another book? I have many of his but have fallen behind.
ReplyDeleteAwesome you read Victoria and Pat's stories.
And thanks for co-hosting today!
You bet, Alex! Yes, Pat has another book and a draft of another in the works. Of course our plane was delayed over an hour, loaded and at the gate, because of weather problems. And the lineup of planes to take off and land because of the delays was like getting on and off the same exit on I-25 at rush hour. Then the reno guys arrived shortly after we arrived home and needed our input. 😂 I think it's going to be a late night. But I'm up for it!
Delete..."Stairway to Heaven" and "California Dreaming" are classics!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG, Tom, thank you for your comment! You made me realize that I had the title of the Alter Ego cover wrong. I listened to the Mamas & Papas singing "California Dreaming" so many times in high school in rural, gray, gloomy, snowy Nova Scotia, never dreaming that I would live in sunny California for seven years. The song is branded on my brain.
DeleteThe Eagle's classic is "Hotel California," which I love even more. I was so tired when I wrote this post long after midnight. And the next morning we were moving from the Plaza to the D. The Plaza has great internet while the D's is awful, and I knew I couldn't work on it at the D. Our friend Jon was waiting to pick us up at valet, we had to checkout in minutes, and I was trying to finish the edits. 😵💫 I thought I would improve with age, but I'm even worse now. It's getting harder to burn the candle at both ends. 😱 Wishing you all the best!
I love the excerpt you shared for Pat's book. It really hit me well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanie! I love that excerpt too. To me, it explains Pat perfectly. I hope you are having a great week!
DeleteI LOVE Stairway to Heaven. =) I love your support of these wonderful authors. Romance, eh? I had 5 brothers so writing that genre was a journey that took some breaking -- of mental barriers and growing-up notions. Whew! Good thing we need all the genres, eh?
ReplyDeleteOMG, Crystal! ~ five brothers! I have one whom I love dearly, but boy can he push my buttons. We do need all the genres. I hope you're having fun visiting around today. Happy July!
DeleteGood luck trying a romance. That genre isn't for me. And I'm glad you enjoyed Pat G., Pat H. and Victoria's stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalie! We have a lot of talented authors in the IWSG, and I do love reading widely. Have a Happy 4th!
DeleteI appreciated your great interview with another IWSG author, Kate Larkindale about her book "Standing Too Close." Another book I want to read! 😂
DeleteCongrats to those authors. Still neat that you got to meet Pat.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane! Pat and I have become good friends over the years ~ an unexpected benefit of the IWSG! Have a great holiday weekend!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I thank you for reading The Power of Touch. I too read the books that are published by our IWSG Authors, so I will definitely pick up a copy of Pat Hatt book, because I like a book with humour and with cats. The memoir, Determination, by Victoria Maria Lees also sparks my interest.
Finally, I am a music freak. I love music and have a beautiful friendship with two of the best Electric guitarists in Germany. They are absolutely outstanding, and it is always a joy when I can sing with either one of them.
Thank you for co-hosting.
Shalom shalom
Hi, Pat! I really enjoyed your story about a relationship between two unusual people who connect. The fact that you are a music freak shines through in the story, as do other things about you, but I don't want to give away too much about the story! I love music too. I can't imagine life without music. Happy creating in July!
DeleteGlad you had a little renos-getaway to Vegas!
ReplyDeleteSo am I, Debra! When we returned home yesterday, the carpet in the bedroom and on the stairs was in and the shower doors installed. Now it's just touchups and a professional cleaning (Thank goodness!). I hope that you had a fun Canada Day!
DeleteHappy IWSD Day Everyone! I'm sitting here in the Capital One Lounge in Las Vegas trying to wake up (Thank goodness for coffee!). 😂 I'll will visit around as much as I can before my flight and then return once I am home. Terry surprised me with a trip to Vegas ~ of course on IWSG Day when I'm co-hosting. 😵💫 We did not get hit by the Las Vegas sandstorm on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. 🙏🏼 I hope that you all are enjoying today! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you for highlighting those books by IWSG writers. My to-read pile just keeps getting bigger and bigger. And I'll be waiting for that romance book you will write one day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! After visiting around for IWSG Day, my to-read pile is growing. 😂 Happy creating in July!
DeleteGood reviews. I definitely want to read Victoria's book. On the list... Season One--let's see. On your list--broad-mined, imaginative, and uninhibited--I'm one of three. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteTwo out of three might be safer, Jacqui! 😂 Pat's book is definitely out there! As are many of his books, but I'm fascinated with seeing where his imagination ranges. I like reading and doing reviews of books written by IWSG members. It's one way we can support each other. Happy 4th!
DeleteI'm writing romance for the first time right now, and I gotta say, it's a delight. Optimistic, and mushy-gushy--just what I need right now. @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Way to go, Samantha! And I think we all need optimism and love right now! Happy July 4th!
DeleteGreat post. Enjoy your getaway and IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Thanks, Anna! The break was just what Terry and I needed. I hope you are having an awesome start to summer!
DeleteYou made me realise that I read a lot of IWSG authors, and people I've met on the web. It's why I go into the library and can't find any interesting authors I want to read. Well, one or two... Thanks for co-hosting today :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jemima! I think reading each other's writing is a good thing to do. All the best to you and happy summer!
DeleteRomance is a tough genre for me as well. I like reading romance, but writing it is a challenge for me. I've only written one romance - a regency novella. I didn't even try to publish it commercially, but put it on wattpad for everyone to read for free. Judging by the number if 'reads' it shows - 74K - it must be successful. :)
ReplyDelete74K?! Awesome, Olga! I hope you had fun visiting around on IWSG Day. Happy 4th!
DeleteThank you, Louise, for co-hosting. I will be sure to look at Pat Garcia's book, The Power of Touch. She's a great author and has helped me with some writing stumps. :) Blessings
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, FS! I'm not umpired to hear that Pat has helped you with some writing stumps. She strikes me as a very giving person. Happy summer!
DeleteHahaha yeah, may not be for everyone as the cat tends to push the realm of reality a little bit. Thanks for the shout out. Guess I'll have to get to work on season 2 at some point. Almost got The Cove first draft done. Slacking these days as I've had the kiddos a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering when you'd skip to Vegas again.
I'm sure you could get romance down. Just gotta give it a go.
Hopefully renos are soon complete and no 50,000 chandeliers ever needed lol
I cannot wait to read "The Cove," Pat! I was shocked when Terry pointed out to me that we hadn't been to Vegas since last December (except when passing through between connections). And I've discovered a new table game that I love ~ Well, I've played it before, but now I know the strategy and it is so much fun ~ Ultimate Texas Hold 'em. Our lights are in, our carpets laid, and just touchups remaining. Yay! Then comes moving in. I'm taking that slowly, and only after our place is commercially cleaned by the contractor. I am so ready. Nova Scotia is still up in the air. It might be September that we come. Enjoy the kiddos. They'll be back in school before you know it. Take care, my friend!
DeleteI loved "The Cat Who..." series by Lilian Jackson Braun. Your description of "Imagine Hatt: Season One" by Pat Hatt makes me want to read it.
ReplyDelete"The Power of Touch" by Pat Garcia sounds interesting, too.
Are there links to both books? I couldn't find them.
I searched Pat Garcia's site. I didn't see Pat Hatt's website.
I have cataracts and waiting for surgery...so I could have easily missed them.
BTW, your music choice inspired me to play an a couple of my old favorites:
“Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” By Andrea Bocelli
“Wand’rin’ Star by Lee Martin
Thanks for co-hosting this month!
https://la-vita.us/insecure-writers-support-group/
I'm glad that my music choice inspired you to listen to some of your old favorites, Lynn. I've had cataract surgery on both eyes. It really makes a difference. I hope your surgery is soon and goes well. Happy summer!
DeleteYour journey through words whether diving into raw memoirs, daring to explore romance, or dancing to guitar solos under Vegas lights feels like a vibrant, fearless embrace of life’s many voices and colours
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roentare! I do love to be alive and to enjoy all that I can! The older I get, the more I want to live. Terry and I were just out on our deck enjoying the early summer afternoon. Tonight I hope to see lots of fireworks. May your winter pass quickly, my friend!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month. And I absolutely love the pictures, especilly Zep and Stairway. I wore my records thin in school (yep- vinyl). Have a great month!
ReplyDeleteI wore my records out too, Miffie! 😂 Now I just play them over and over on YouTube music. I love being able to see the musicians perform. Happy creating in July!
DeleteYou knocked it out of the park this time!
ReplyDeleteAgree about The Power of Touch. I read it, too. Very original.
My hat's off to anyone who can do college while taking care of a family.
And I'm with Pat - down with the gatekeepers! #GoIndie!
Perfect music accompaniment. Takes me back to my youth.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Your comment put a big smile on my face, Melissa! I don't think that I could live without music. Have a happy summer!
DeleteMany thanks for co-hosting, Louise! Looks like you've been having fun adventures. How cool you're supporting IWSG authors!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer! My pile of books to read grows ever higher. We have so many talented writers in our group. Happy creating in July!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in writing a romance story if you decide to write one!
Never been to Vegas, but mentioned about going as a family vacation before the kids go on their own paths. And get busy with their own lives that family vacations together won't happen as much. Of course, do plan to tell the boys deuces and go away to enjoy ourselves without them.
Sounds like a great plan, Lidy! I always enjoy Vegas. It's one place that really keeps me in the moment. I hope you had fun visiting IWSG members. Happy creating!
DeleteHi Louise!
ReplyDeleteTo write romance in the right way- it's really hard though there are many stupid people who despises the genre. Anyone can write romance but to make it feel natural rather than cringe or forced, is a big challenge. I've been on it for 3 years I guess and the thing is, it gets better every time.
Happy Writing and happy July<3!!!
Hi, Rida! Natural is definitely a challenge. If I live long enough I will try it. It's nice to know that writing romance gets better with time. Happy creating in July! ❤️
DeleteHi, from a UK dead zone, Anonymously Esther O'Neill, East of the Sun, still with no signal , not surprsied Google doesn't get this. ( Why ? Local extremely big wigs oppose the ' visual impact 'of a mast - Like that highly visual mast in Paris ?)
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting, - Secrets of your 48 hour day ? Teaching a very tough course in our Open University, every one of my adult students was awesome, including the young mothers, determined to pick up their education - and others, serving long sentences..
Can't write romance, share the craziness of our current lives with my Californian cousin
Hi, Esther! Technology can be so frustrating! I'm so glad to be back online after problems here at home and lack of access for a good part of my trip to Vegas. I think that many nontraditional students are more many motivated than younger students. My mother graduated the fall of my freshman year. I was able to go to her graduation. She was one amazing woman! There is no secret to my extra long days except the motivation to get through what I need to do under the circumstances. I've gotten some good sleep now that I am home. We'll see if I get around to romance in the future. Meanwhile I hope your dead zone disappears! Happy summer!
DeleteThank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month. Your Vegas trip looks like fun. You must be so relieved the renovation is coming to an end and you can enjoy the fruit of your labours.
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely that you showcased books by all these IWSG authors. It made me want to read them and encouraged me to keep working at getting mine published. Maybe with an indie publisher. Great to be part of this vibrant community.
Hi, Kalpana! Yes, keep working on your book! It is great to be a part of the IWSG. I'm so glad I found it. I remember the first time I made a comment on Alex Cavanaugh's IWSG blog post. I thought why would a published writer like him want to answer my comment. It was the beginning of so many rewards of belonging to the IWSG.
DeleteA great line up of books, Louise, and I loved seeing you and Pat together. What fun. Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeletehttps://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/
Thanks, Lee!
DeleteOops! My first comment vanished. Try #2. Loved seeing you and Pat together, and your pictures of Las Vegas were great fun.
ReplyDeletehttps://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/
Thanks for being persistent, Lee. I've added a comment to indicate that I monitor my comments, and that comments don't appear immediately. I really needed that Vegas break. It was nice to sleep in a bed and not have to do dishes in a downstairs bathroom sink. Pat is a good friend of mine. He's been with me as an online buddy since I began blogging. He is a riot! I admire him for a number of reasons, and I appreciate his friendship. Wishing you a happy and creative summer!
DeleteSubstack is not letting me comment. It keeps wanting me to update my profile. My comment was: I loved your story, Lee! You are such a great writer! Such a fun use of Othello.
DeleteHi Fundy Blue! Have I ever told you how much I enjoy your posts? Ha, only every time I visit! Thanks for co-hosting this month. Oddly, I avoid writing romance. If I ever did get the inkling, I'm sure I would. One of the perks of writing, I guess ;-)
ReplyDeleteThere are worse places than Vegas to hang out if you have to be away from home (ha!) I hope you enjoy every day!
I think I'm going to get a copy of "The Power of Touch" the title alone 'touches' me.
Have a terrific July!
Your comment put a big smile on my face, Diedre! I do love Vegas, and it's hard to believe I've been going for 52 years! 😱 I hope that you have a terrific July too!
DeleteHey! I love a great guitar too! My very favorite is when our son had a guitar solo during one of his songs, when he performed as part of "The Sevens" about 10 years ago. And I saw the Eagles in the 1970's, they were so very good. x
ReplyDeleteHey, Kay! How lovely to see you! It must be really special to hear Chris playing a solo beautifully on a guitar. I'm no more on top of things and together than I was ten years ago. 😵💫. I hope all has been well with you!
DeleteBeautiful post
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rajani!
DeleteOh my gosh, Louise. Thank you with all my heart for talking about Determination: A Mother of Five Conquers College in your post. This means the world to me. So glad you liked the memoir.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow! You can write about sexual assault but not romance? You are very brave. But somehow, I think you can do whatever you put your mind to. Go for it! Thanks for cohosting. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you for your uplifting comment, Victoria! I loved your memoir! You are inspiring! ❤️
DeleteSo nice of you to feature our authors. I love the pic of you and Pat:)
ReplyDeleteSandra sandracox.blogspot.com
I'm not sure I could write a romance, either. But one of my favorite writers, Edward Abbey, did write one, "Black Sun". I loved Zeppelin when I was in high school
ReplyDeleteGenre hopping won't be in my cards
ReplyDeleteAdam
NEKORANDOM.COM
AND....:) I love Pat's book cover. Is that purrfect or what?
ReplyDeleteHope you're having wonderful weather and enjoying yourself.
Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
I won't genre hop anytime soon but mysteries sound the most fun
ReplyDeleteAdam
NEKORANDOM.COM