Wednesday, February 29, 2012

KOMF Winners!

The Knights of Micro-Fiction (KOMF) are steadily growing in their ranks.  If you missed this month, that's ok, join us next month (the last Monday of the month), click here to add your name to the linky list. We'll send an email reminder to everyone on the list.  

We had some great entries this month and it was hard for Jess and I to narrow it down to only two winners but in the end we chose:  

T. Z. Wallace from One Year Until Book Launch    
Aldrea Alien from Thardrandian Thoughts

Yay ladies!  You did a fabulous job!  You two will be getting an email from Jess and me so we can feature you on our blogs!

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us.  

Also Rosalind Adam has a great post about Plotting and Life Lessons.  Head over and check it out.

Blog Make-Over

In other news you probably have noticed a different look to my blog.  Jess made my new header and helped me give it a more clean look.  I'd love to hear what you think about it now.  And if you have any other suggestions for making it look even better I'd love to hear them.  Do you change the look of yours often or has it stayed the same since the beginning?  

Kathy :)

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Catch Fire!



Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex’s site for details:http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

I found Alex's blog last year just before the A-Z Challenge.  I hesitated to enter but he inspired me to do it anyway which has taken my blogging to a whole new level!  He also started the Insecure Writer's Support Group which has helped a lot of us realize we're not alone in our fears.  Thanks Alex for all you've done!! 
His blog tour runs from Feb 27- March 9.  Anyone who comments on his posts during that time has a chance to win a copy of CassaStar and CassaFire and some other goodies, so head on over today and check it out!

CassaFire
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities. 

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Available today!
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

You can visit the author’s site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Watch the book trailer here:


Monday, February 27, 2012

Knights of Micro-Fiction

Today is the last Monday of the month which means it's time for the Knights of Micro-Fiction prompt! :)  

Here it is:
Write a micro-fiction/flash fiction story of 250 words or less beginning with these words:
After all this time, there it was...

Remember you have until Tuesday night to post your entry.  Jess, from Write. Skate. Dream., and I will choose 2 winning entries who will be interviewed by us later this week.  I can't wait to read what you come up with!  If you haven't signed up yet, click here, to join the linky list so we can check out your entries.

Here's mine:


After all this time, there it was.  "Look Shen, on the wall." Nakyte saw a small opening between two carved panels.  She passed through this hall every day but had never noticed the gap in the carvings.   Maybe there was a latch.  She handed the torch to Shen.
"Be careful, it might be rigged," he whispered.
"So you do care?" She asked.
"Hey, if you set off a trap I'm going to be stuck too."  He hoped she couldn't detect his true feelings for her.  It would never work between them.  It couldn't.  Their worlds were too different.  It was much easier if she didn't know. 
"Hey, I think I got it!"  Nakyte whispered.  There was a loud click and the wall opened to a dark passageway.  Nakyte and Shen peered into blackness.  Shen stepped in and held the torch high to illuminate their way.   A rush of cold moist air filled the space around them. 
"Come on," Shen motioned.  A maze of passages appeared before them.
"Which one do we take?"  Nakyte asked.
"It's the propehcy…we must choose the 'glowing path in the darkness to find answer which lies in the inner chamber.'  Shen remembered the prophecy that old Lorian had taught him so long ago. 
"That doesn't help Shen, I don't see a glowing path.  And doesn't the rest of the propehcy say we die if we pick the wrong one?"
"Yeah, well I have a good feeling about this one, for now that will have to do."



Hope you enjoyed it!  And check out the other entries.






Kathy :)

Friday, February 24, 2012

Dreams

First of all I want to say a huge Thank you! to all my new followers.  I can't believe I'm almost to 200!!! Yippee!

In other news, a few days ago I was awarded the Dream Launcher Award by Jess over at Write Skate Dream.    Rena over at Dr Faerie Godmother created this award in order to thank the people who have helped you become the writer you are today, the people who have helped launch your dreams.


I love getting awards but to me this one was extra special.  I'm honored that Jess gave me this award.  It isn't every day that a 15 year old shouts out to the world that her mom has helped inspire and launch her on the path to her dreams.  But we have quite a special relationship and I feel truly blessed.  I remember teaching her how to read when she was 5.  The word "the" always gave her problems, but we sat together on the couch and read "Go Dogs Go" over and over again until she got it.  I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to homeschool her and as we worked on her writing she helped reignite my passion for it which I had put on hold.  Now we wake up early and sit at the table together noveling and drinking our tea/coffee before the school day starts.  So while I may have helped launch her dreams, she has fired up my engines again and relaunched my own.  Thanks Jess!

I'm lucky I don't have just one awesome daughter I have two!  So I'm passing this award on to Alyssa from Life is Good, who is always encouraging me to reach new heights in coaching and writing.  Thanks Alyssa its such a pleasure to work with you on the ice and off! :)

I'm also passing this on to PK-Hrezo who was my first real follower.  I was ecstatic that I had actually met someone who thought my writing was worthy enough to follow and even comment on!  Thanks PK for being there for me!

And to Talli Roland who is always there with an encouraging word.

Thanks so much ladies!  I hope I can give as much to others as you have given to me.  :)

I'd love to hear who helped inspire/launch your writing dreams.  And what are you working on now?

Kathy
 
And don't forget to stop by on Monday to join in the fun for the Knights of Micro-Fiction! (If you like flash fiction that is!)


Monday, February 20, 2012

First Campaign Challenge!




Today is the first day of Rachael Harrie's Fourth Campaign! Stop by Rachael's blog for all the official rules. Here's the prompt for today:


Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count. 
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:
  • end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)
  • include the word "orange" in the story
  • write in the same genre you normally write
  • make your story 200 words exactly!


Here's mine in 200 words exactly:

Shadows crept across the wall as my eyes shot open.  Faint guttural sounds of the Durgan people echoed around me.  Where am I?  Damp musty air filled my lungs.  I was in a cave.  I tried to sit up but searing pain shot through my shoulder.  I slumped back on the hard ground hoping to remember what happened but nothing came.  It didnt' matter now.  I was a captive of the barbaric Durgans.  I had to find a way out.

A campfire's orange glow seeped around the large rock blocking the entrance.  I crept to it and peered outside into the darkness.  15 Durgans slept around the fire.  Others busied themselves with their weapons.  Two guards approached.  I hurried to where I'd been laying and pretended I was asleep.  This was my chance.  With ease the two hulking creatures pushed the stone aside and entered.  Their primitive language was unintelligible but I knew they were fighting...over me.  One leaned over me, his hot breath caustic against my neck.  The other pulled him away angrily.  Before they could react I bolted into the night.  I ran through the forest until I couldn't breathe.  I lay down hidden from view and everything faded.  

Hope you enjoyed it.  Vote for me if you liked it! I'm # 30.  Check out all the other great entries here
And if you love writing flash fiction check this out.

Kathy

Friday, February 17, 2012

"Oh Great, I Shrunk!"


My son is a skinny little guy.  He's one of those kids that doesn't even think about eating until he's famished.  He would rather do just about anything other than eat.  When we do get him to the table he takes a bite of food then runs off to get a Lego piece, takes a few laps around the table, and finally returns to his food only when I've told him to sit down.  (Oddly enough this trait must run in the family, because my little brother used to do the exact same thing!)  We tell him he has to eat to be big and strong but he just isn't interested.

But a couple of weeks ago he went swimming at the gym with his dad.  He put on his swimsuit from last summer.  It hung loosely around his protruding hips.  I had to pin it tighter with a safety pin so it wouldn't fall to his ankles.  "Oh great, I shrunk!" He said with frustration.  Then we both laughed at the predicament.  I didn't tell him that the elastic had lost its effectiveness.

He came home after swimming and the first thing he wanted to do was eat!
And he ate and ate and ate like the Hungry Caterpillar.

He's swimming almost every night now and though it's still hard to get him to sit down at dinner and he occasionally runs around the table, he is eating lots of food.  The shrinking has finally reversed!  Oh and we did buy him a new swimsuit.


Hope you have a great weekend!

Kathy :)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Sweet Treats and Awards


 Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day.  After 17 years of marriage my husband and I have gotten pretty lax on celebrating.  I used to make him a special dinner and he used to make me a card, but last night I decided to take it easy and make a big pot of chili and a spinach salad (ok that is his favorite salad).  And he said, "Oh yeah, that's right today is Valentine's Day."  Ahh men!  But don't worry I'm ok with that because throughout our marriage he has supported me in all my crazy endeavors and opened my mind up to even more wonderful possibilities.  I've come to believe the every day stuff is more important than the once a year events!

Our daughter Alyssa had special plans for us though so she enlisted the help of my son Ryan. They made Red Velvet cupcakes, got out candles, picked out a pink cyclamen (flower) from the store and made little paper heart decorations.  Alyssa also spent time cleaning up the kitchen so it would look sparkly clean for dinner.  It was a wonderful treat!  Thanks Alyss and Ryan! and Happy Valentines Day Sweetie.



Other sweet things:  Awards!  Yeah!


 A few days ago,  Nick Wilford bestowed the Kreativ Blogger and the Versatile Blogger Awards on me.  Thanks so much Nick!  So here are 7 random facts about me:

1.  I love fishing.  I used to go fishing every weekend with my Gramps, we'd sit in the boat talking and watching the sunset and we'd even catch some big fish sometimes. Now I try to go with him at least once a summer, he's 90 and still fishin'.  Wish I could make it to Michigan more often!

2.  I used to be a terrible cook, but now after 17 years of cooking for my family I can actually devise my own recipes that everyone loves.

3.  I'm a nut about eating organic or home cooked foods.  I totally believe in the healing power of fresh fruits, veggies and yogurts and dark chocolate.

4.  I get overly sentimental when I see a delicate rose opening its petals, a sunset painting the heavens pink,  or a soft blanket of snow sparkling like crystals in the sunlight.

5.    I'm terrified of spiders and sharks but snakes and bats are ok.  I even had to save my husband from a bat once.

6.  I love traveling with my family!  We've been to lots of great places including: Japan, India, Mexico, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and some great Canadian cities- Whistler, Toronto, and Quebec.

7.  Last Fall we "moved" from Ohio to Seattle.  We drove the entire 2600 miles and saw Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Devil's Tower and all the corn in between.  Then we decided Seattle wasn't quite right and drove the 2600 miles back to Ohio seeing Sun Valley, Id, Craters of the Moon.  We got stuck in a snowstorm at the Grand Tetons and saw a bear and a moose!

And a bonus number 8 because my son says I have to add this.
8. My son says, I'm the worst at playing video games--even his grandma is better; but one day I beat a level in Mini Ninjas that no one else could! :)


I'm passing these on to the following wonderful blogger buddies:

Julie at Rosewood Pencil Box

Jess at Write Skate Dream

 Fair Betty at Fair Bettys World

Melissa Sugar at Fiction Tool Box

Rena at Dr Faerie Godmother

Alyssa at Life Is Good

Have a great day!

Kathy :)


Monday, February 13, 2012

Origins Blogfest!

What started you on the path to writing?  That's what the Origins Blogfest created by DL Hammons is all about.  It's co-hosted by Alex Cavanaugh, Katie Mills (Creepy Query Girl), and Matthew MacNish (The QQQE).  Check out their blogs for links to other great Origins stories.
Here is mine:

I don't know exactly when it started for me, maybe I was 5 maybe I was 7.  It doesn't really matter, but whenever we took long car rides (almost every weekend to go up North in Michigan), I would stare out the window and make up stories in my head that fit the landscape we were driving through.  I didn't write anything down yet.  They were stored simply in my brain.  

Later on, in fifth grade I had an inspiring teacher who made us use our spelling words to write sentences. I'm not sure if she told us to weave them all into one complete story, but that's what I did.  It was my favorite class.  I came up with some pretty weird stuff.  It's hard to fit in all twenty words ranging from "lint, wallow, comb, heiress, etc" into something that made sense. (I guess it was a great preparation for all the flash fiction in Rachael Harrie's Campaign.) ;)  My favorite yarn from that class was the lint ball that ate the school.

Then my Mom and I started writing picture books together.  We never got any published, but we had so much fun working on them together.  We sat at the kitchen table sharing our imaginations.  We probably did more laughing than actual writing. But the experience was priceless, and I was hooked.  We started going to local writer's conferences. I took a creative writing class in school and then at the local university as a Saturday class.

Everywhere I went, I took a notebook to jot down ideas or write a quick poem. Every scrap of paper, even my college calculus class notes were covered with thoughts, things I noticed, and story snippets. (Maybe that's why I failed Calculus!)

Eventually, I got married had kids and life kind of got crowded with other duties and sadly my writing went on hold.  Then a couple of years ago, I decided I had to make time for writing again.  I started up with picture books because my three kids had given me so many wonderful ideas, but I couldn't quite get them right. So instead I worked on an article for a national magazine and to my surprise it was actually published!

It's my only publishing credit to date, but at least I'm writing every day now and I'm loving it!  I'm also sharing the fun with my daughters Jess from Write Skate Dream and Alyssa from Life Is Good.  Even my 7 year old son Ryan has been inspired to start his own story.

Well that is my Origins story.  I hope you enjoyed it.  I'd love to hear what got you started on this crazy path to crafting stories. And don't forget to check out everyone else's stories too!

Kathy :)                


Friday, February 10, 2012

I'm Hearing Voices--Emotion!



Today is the last day of the I'm Hearing Voices Character Blogfest hosted by Cassie Mae and Angela Cothran.  It has been lots of fun reading what everyone else has written.  It's also been quite challenging to create pieces I'm satisfied with.  Today's challenge was to write an emotion in 250 words or less.


I hope I was successful.  Here is mine (at the end I'll let you know what emotion I was going for):



"Would you stop that!  You're making too much noise!"  Elodym says in a loud whisper.  "They're bound to hear us."  Ryn continues tinkering with something.  "Hey, I'm talking to you!" She nudges him in the shoulder with her fist.


He looks up as if waking from a dream.  "What was that for?" He asks rubbing his shoulder.


"You're being too loud!"


"You're the one talking!"  He fires back.


"I don't understand why we're waiting here in the middle of the forest.  We should be out there helping.  Instead I'm stuck here with you.  It's so stupid.  We're wasting our time!"  She throws her arms up in the air and paces like a caged lion.


"Hey it's not like this is my favorite assignment either sweetheart.  But we follow orders and both Shen and Nakyte want us here."


 "What are you doing with this thing anyway? It looks like a piece of junk." Elodym grabs the contraption he is working on and it breaks into a hundred tiny pieces.  Her mouth drops open.


"OHH come on!  What did you do?  You ruined it!"  Ryn says.  He fights to keep his voice low.


"I didn't do anything!  And SHHHHH!"  She bends down to pick up the pieces but he bats her hand away.


"Stop that!  Don't touch anything.  Go over there and be the lookout.  We're supposed to be watching to see if there is movement in the camp."


"Well if anyone is around, they surely have heard all of your racket!"



I hope you were able to guess the emotion was annoyance or frustration.  If not let me know what you did think.  I'm looking forward to read what you guys all came up with for this one.

If you really enjoy writing flash fiction pieces like these click here to sign up for a monthly flash fiction blog hop.

Don't forget Monday is the Origins Blogfest you can find out all the details here.
And if you haven't already, sign up for Rachael Harries 4th Campaign here.

Have a great weekend!

Kathy


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

I'm Hearing Voices Dialogue!

Today is the second day of the I'm hearing Voices Character Blogfest hosted by Cassie Mae at Reading Writing and Lovin It and Angela Cothran at Live to Write...Edit When Necessary.  Head on over to check out all the details.  It's been a great way dig a little deeper into our characters personalities and see what makes them tick.

Today our prompt is to have two characters introduce each other using only dialogue--no backstory, no internalization, just dialogue between the two.  Max 250 words.



Here's mine:

"Elodym, I'm shocked to find you here in this rat-infested squalor."

"Let go of me Jedrik! You know nothing about me."


"I know when all this is finished you will be my wife."

"Never! I'd rather marry a wild boar! You are the most vile power hungry loathsome creature I've ever met!"


"When I've destroyed both the Sunayas and the Kyerdens, I will be this world's only hope.  People will come to me for leadership."

"You couldn't possibly...you don't have the mental capacity of a frog! With what I overheard between you and your "friends", I'll put an end to your treachery."


"You spy! You think I'm going to let you out of here?! You won't be able to tell your precious Princess anything.  You are stuck with me my dear.  And your friends will fall."

"But the Prophecy. They'll find and destroy you."


"Ha the Prophecy is nothing more than ancient stupidity and lies.  It means nothing."

"Get your slimy hands off me!"


"Such a temper does not suit your beauty. You used to have feelings for me. Why do you want me destroyed?"

"I never  had anything for you!"


"Five years ago, when we first met, we walked happily through the gardens together. I remember everything like it was yesterday. That was the day I decided I would make you my wife."

"Jedrik, I didn't mean to lead you on, that's just my way with men."


"You will pay for your seductive ways and you will be my wife!"


Thanks for reading!  Hope you enjoyed.  Hop on over to Cassie Mae or Angela to check out all the other great entries.

Kathy

Monday, February 6, 2012

4th Campaign!

Rachael Harrie is at it again!  The 4th Platform Building Campaign has officially started!  Check out all the details at Rach Writes.  The challenges are lots of fun and it's a great way to meet new bloggy friends! :)


If you're here for the I'm Hearing Voices Character Blogfest, read below.

Thanks for stopping by.  :)

Kathy

Character Blogfest!

Today we packed everyone in the van and took a road trip to Indianapolis.  Not the most scenic drive in the country but at least it was a bright sunny day and there wasn't much traffic.  Unfortunately this made my post for the beginning of the Character Blogfest hosted by Cassie Mae at Reading Writing and Lovin It and Angela Cothran at Live to Write...Edit When Necessary slightly late.

The prompt for today is: 

Characters on the couch:
Have one of your characters answer the following questions:


  1. What is your biggest vulnerability? Do others know this or is it a secret?
  2. What do people believe about you that is false?
  3. What would your best friend say is your fatal flaw? Why?
  4. What would the same best friend say is your redeeming quality? Why?
  5. What do you want the most? What will you do to get it?
Today I'm introducing you to Nakyte Sunaya.

Me:  Good evening Nakyte, sorry for the late hour of this interview.  Our readers would like to know, what is your biggest vulnerability? and is this a secret?  

Nakyte:  I hate to admit this, but I guess confidence in my own abilities.  I try my best to hide it.  My father has trusted me to a mission that I'm not certain I can carry out.  In order to be successful in gaining the trust of the Kyerden's and helping our people, I need to make them believe in me...which means I need to believe in myself.  


Me:  What do people believe about you that is false?

Nakyte:  Well, they think I know what I'm doing! Other than that, I've had to pretend I'm someone I'm not.  If the Kyerden's knew I was the daughter of the King Sunaya, they would have my head.  They would believe all the lies that have been told about me and not see who I really am.

Me:  Wow, I guess that puts you under a lot of pressure.  

Nakyte:  Yes it does.

Me:  What about your friends?  What would your best friend say is your fatal flaw? and Why?

Nakyte:  Hmmm, I guess two things, I'm stubborn and I trust people too easily.  Those two qualities always get me into trouble.  I'm always taken by surprise when someone betrays my trust.  

Me:  So tell me then, what would that same friend say is your redeeming quality? and Why?  

Nakyte: I'm loyal.  I will do anything to protect the people who return this loyalty. 

Me:  Okay the last question, what do you want the most? and what will you do to get it?

Nakyte:  Wow that's a big one.  Being the daughter of the King, more than anything I want my people to be safe and live without fear for their lives.  Right now my biggest priority is to foster peace between our nations.  But I know there are many people secretly working against me.  They want to keep us all vulnerable until they gain enough power to take over.  I will do anything to protect my people.  

Me:  That's all the time we have today.  Nakyte, thank you for joining us and good luck on your mission.


Thanks everyone for stopping by!


Kathy  
         




Friday, February 3, 2012

KOMF Winners and Interview

Congratulations to Julie over at Rosewood Pencil Box and fairbetty at Fair Betty's World for winning the inaugural Knights of MicroFiction (KOMF for short) blog hop!  Yipee!  Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Julie.  Check out Jess' blog Write Skate Dream for an interview with fairbetty.

Alright let's get down to business and find out more about Julie.

Hi Julie, I hope your having a great day let's begin. 
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?


I've been scribbling story ideas and character sketches in notebooks (oh my gosh, so many partially-filled notebooks) for as long as I can remember, but it was never in the foreground because I was so involved in theatre and church and summer camp.  Around the time I got married, when all those things started to change, my long-time love for writing returned with a vengeance and has not let me go.

Oh I know what you mean by those half-filled notebooks! So what's your current WIP?


Uh...haha.  Right now? A lovely hot mess.
But behind that, it's a young adult adventure/fantasy about a boy named Bell. I've been thinking about it since college, and finally drafted it last year. Now I just have to make it...make sense.


I love YA adventures! Do you have any specific goals for this year?


Ooh, goals are scary for me. I need them, though, so I'll give it a shot. My number one hope for this year, writing, wise, is that I will have a working second draft of Bell's story by my birthday in June.

That would be a great birthday present.  Speaking of special days... you have one approaching, right? How long have you been blogging and how has it helped your writing?


My second blog-iversary (do any two people spell that the same?) is in April, and this whole experience has helped immensely.  I studied writing a bit in college, but in all honesty, I've learned more from author and agent blogs than I ever did in school (I was never the best student). Plus, I've gained precious crit partners, friends and readers. Also, confidence, opinions, and a fuller understanding of how fiction works, in general.

Is there anything else we should know about you?


I'm a vegetarian, a cat-owner, and this is the second time I've won a contest alongside fairbetty (also a vegetarian, cat-owner and real-life, pre-blogging friend, which is awesome). Hey girl, hey!

 Well that's all the time we have for now.  Julie, thanks so much for being here and we're looking forward to hearing more about Bell and his adventures in the future.  Thanks everyone for stopping by and have a great weekend!  
To sign up for next months Knights of MicroFiction blog hop fun click here.


Kathy

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

KOMF Winners and IWSG


First off this morning I'm announcing the winners of our inaugural Knights of MicroFiction winners.  
Drum Roll please..... and a big round of applause to Elisabeth over at Fair Bettys World for her entry about the dangers of using incense while doing yoga; and to Julie at Rosewood Pencil Box for her entry on sibling rivlary, for her post click here.  Ladies we will be contacting you to do a short interview/feature.  Thanks to everyone who played along and we hope to see you again at the end of February!  


Moving on to:

Today is the first Wednesday of the month so that means it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh.  The purpose is to get together monthly and talk about our fears, insecurities and also our successes.

This month I have a couple insecurities.


Last week, I had one of those days where nothing was going quite right and a funky mood settled over me.  
I sat down at my computer and began working on my next scene, hoping I could write my way out of it.  But the scene before me required love and tenderness.  How could I paint a picture of affection with my words when my heart and mind were full of tumult?
I could have whipped out a chase or fight scene with ease.  I tried listening to music, but soft, smooth words did not leave my fingertips.  Instead I closed the file and worked on something else.

I know I shouldn't let my own mood affect my writing.  I know if I want to succeed at this I have to be able to write under any circumstance, but how do you distance yourself from your own emotions and still write with the passions of your heart?

Second:
 As you can see, I've finally taken a leap of faith and started co-hosting my own monthly blog hop with Jess from Write Skate Dream., called the Knights of Micro-Fiction, where we provide a monthly prompt and then we can all enjoy reading each other's works.  I think the best part of blogging is to be a member of this great writing community and now I feel like I'm helping foster that community spirit.  But I've never hosted anything before and I hope I can make it work.


I'd love to hear your thoughts, encouragement, and advice.

Thanks

Kathy

Jess just made us a linky list (she's awesome!), click here to join us