Genevive Chamblee's Blog, page 2

The Relationship Between Marketing and Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome…Don’t Be Fooled

There’s a restaurant in town that gets all the love. The line for the drive-thru was insane—backing traffic up for half a mile literally. People were willing to wait for more than thirty minutes to place an order. Since I’d never been, I was excited to go. So, when I was in the area and saw that the line was a decent wait, I turned in. And that’s where the excitement ended. The servers were friendly, but the food was meh. No, not true. Let’s face it. It was nasty. It was a huge letdown, and I found myself asking what was wrong with me. Why was I different? Why didn’t I like it? How come everyone else enjoyed what I didn’t? I felt bad—like an outcast. When people asked me about my experience there, I was reluctant to tell them. I was embarrassed to admit that I didn’t like it. Later, when I began analyzing the situation, I realized it was similar to imposter syndrome.

Now, don’t misconstrue what I’m about to say. It’s no shade to anyone. It’s also not something many novice or lesser-established writers are willing to share. There’s a real fear of being judged, criticized, or labeled as bitter. It’s amazing how it’s becoming less common to tolerate diversified opinions. But some things need to be said to allow others to know they are not alone and that there’s not always a “right” or “correct” view.

So, here’s a true story. Once upon a time, there was a book that became a bestseller. Readers went wild for it. Literary critics…not so much. The book had many grammatical errors—more than acceptable by industry standards. Okay, let’s pause here to dispel the gaslighting that is bound to come. Even the best books edited by top-notch editors may have errors. Being professionally edited does not guarantee an error-free manuscript. What it does do is reduce the number of errors to a minimum or acceptable number. It seems to be a go-to for some reviewers to say a book needs “editing” simply because he/she didn’t jive with the story and assume it is an indie author when in reality the book was professionally edited (regardless if the author was indie or not). It leaves other readers to believe the writing is terrible. And just because an author is not well-established does not mean the author is indie.

Indie authors work hard to be taken seriously and get their work out there. Mad love goes to anyone who can do it professionally. Let’s face it. Anyone can type words into a computer program (or have AI do it) and upload it to a publishing site. But an authentic writer is going to put in the effort to do all the things to create and publish the best story possible. It’s not easy or cheap being an indie author. They invest in their craft.

Small press authors are often overlooked. Because they are traditionally published, they are sometimes dismissed as not having “indie author” struggles. The truth is it’s hard for many of these writers, too. No, they may not be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for editing and cover art, but they still face the same marketing issues. Small presses generally do not have the budget to promote authors the way the large publishing houses can. Due to contracts, small press authors sometimes are limited in how, where, and when they can promote their books.

The book that I was referring to previously was poorly edited. On every other page, there were multiple grammatical errors. I mean basic errors such as subject-verb agreement. However, let’s overlook all of that. The biggest issue was the technical errors. Now, I’m big on creative freedom and authors taking wide liberties in their writing, but it still has to make sense. If a writer describes a contemporary medical scene, the description needs to be in the range of being close to what the procedure actually looks like. For example, if a character has a separated shoulder unless the story is in the future or fantasy, it would be farfetched for readers to accept the character’s shoulder was relocated into the socket by taking an aspirin.

The writer in question did not research the topic he was writing about. The kidney is not the organ responsible for breathing. A category five hurricane’s maximum wind speed is not thirty miles per hour. This writer got the basic facts wrong. But at the end of the day, readers didn’t care. They were entertained. They enjoyed the story. And that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with that. A person is free to like whatever he/she wants.

The reason I mentioned this is not to shame the author. On the contrary, it is to point out to writers that: A. There is a market for everyone. And B. Never compare yourself to another writer, especially not a well-established one. If you’re struggling, that does not necessarily mean something is wrong with your story. It likely means you haven’t found your target audience. If you’re new to writing, it can be difficult to find your people.

What I’m about to say next is controversial. Do not take it as gospel. I urge writers to research it for themselves. One piece of popular advice for new writers is to give away free copies of your book(s) to gain exposure. This is awesome in theory, and it does work. It can also backfire, and when it does, it can be devastating. Some sites hold promotions where they offer books free for download. It costs the site nothing (other than promoting the event) because the author isn’t paid. Where this goes south is that these sites do not restrict who can download. This means the book can get into the wrong hands.

For example, a colleague participated in one of these free promotions. Her book was a not-quite-dark romance. She listed trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. The story was dragged for the subject matter covered as if no warnings were mentioned. Words like “gross” and “cringe” were used. It’s perfectly fine not to like a book or to say a subject wasn’t executed well. It’s not okay to buy a book about fishing, that says it about fishing, proceeds to discuss fishing, and then criticize it for being about fishing because the reader doesn’t like to fish. Free promotions are a wonderful way to advertise. However, it does not work if the books being promoted are not getting into the hands of the right readers.

Another example is from an associate who is an atheist. He is very public about his view, and he depicts it in his writing. He participated in a free promotional event, and you guessed it, his book landed in a fundamental Christian book club. It went over like a dud. The book was panned not for the story but due to the author’s stance on religion. Why would they even think they would like a book like this? It’s okay that they didn’t. But why waste everyone’s time? They were not his audience. If he based his writing ability on those reviews, he’d never write another word. The reviews were vicious.

Now, let’s talk about commercialism. One well-established author who had such a large fanbase that her publishing house allowed her to do whatever she wanted. What she wanted was not to have her book edited by anyone. The book was one of lowest selling and readers complained about the poor quality. However, the book still sold millions. How was that possible? Because this author had such a following it didn’t matter what she wrote. People were going to buy her book. Others were going to purchase it because they wanted to be in on the trend. This particular book wasn’t about “quality.” Thus, a lesser-established writer shouldn’t think their book isn’t as good as a well-established author. Of course, that could be the case but maybe (and most likely) not.

I’ve said it before. Well-established became well-established (most of them at least) by working for years to get where they are. Some of them had help and didn’t do it on their own. Some were in the right place at the right time. While accessing books for many people is so easy now, some research has indicated the number of readers has decreased while the number of books on the market has increased. This has made it even more difficult for new authors to get noticed unless they already have celebrity status. Thus, the odds are worsened when they are hit with less than stellar reviews out the gate. Moreso, many review sites do not regulate what is being posted. This means trolls and people who purposefully leave harsh, vicious, and negative reviews for the sole purpose of harming, discrediting, or disrupting sales are left unchecked. And yes, there are people who do this. There also are reviewers who write spoilers, and the site does not blur or warn against those spoilers. As a result, potential readers lose interest.

Additionally, Some reviewers leave erroneous reviews. For example, one reviewer left a review slamming a book for its story plot. The only problem was the plot the reviewer described was not the plot of the book. In fact, nothing in the review happened in the book. It may have been an honest mistake of confusion or uploading in the wrong area. However, the results remained that it brought down the author’s overall rating and the review site refused to remove it. Authors are encouraged not to engage with reviews as reviews are for readers and not the authors. Yet, at the end of the day, books, stories, poems, etc. are the jobs of authors and writers. Negative reviews can hurt writers and interfere with their livelihoods. Well-established authors have the fanbase and publishing house interest to squash these types of issues. Most lesser-established authors do not. Once again, this demonstrates the importance for authors to target their books appropriately. There are many things outside of an author’s control. Marketing does not have to be one of them. And when one really looks carefully with a scrutinizing eye, a lot of the imposter syndrome stems from feeling inferior due to not having the following, popularity, contracts, endorsements, and/or advances of a well-established author. But really this boils down to the amount of time in the industry and marketing.

That’s a wrap on today’s topic. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button, and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

TikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeLemon8: CreolegurlNolaFacebook: Genevive ChambleeInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorThreads: Author Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidso

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Fiction in Writing

I have returned to the land of the living with wisdom and thoughts. Okay, that sounded a bit grandiose even by my standards. Let me clarify since I like to begin my blogs by explaining the inspiration for the topic. I can almost summarize it in one word: holidays. However, that would be too simplistic of a reason. Yet, it is a good place to start.

The holidays always mark a stressful time of year for me. There’s so much to do, organize, buy, plan, decorate, and whatnot. I find myself ripping and running to no end. And by the time everything is said and done, I’m wiped out mentally and physically. But it wasn’t until several years ago that I realized just how wiped out I was. Each year, I’d find myself ill (usually something respiratory) on or shortly after Christmas Day. It had been occurring for years, but I’d never paid attention until a close friend asked me if I’d enjoyed the holidays and I’d responded with an honest answer. Does that mean all the previous years I’d answered dishonestly? Yes and no. Here’s what I mean.

It’s kind of like when someone asks, “How are you?” Most people give the default answer of, “I’m fine. How about you?” It’s an unspoken understanding that the question is one of politeness and social etiquette rather than a true inquiry about one’s well-being. Many people would become annoyed if someone responded with, “Well, my bunion has been acting up, and since lunchtime, I’ve been quite gassy.” For most people, it has become a habit (and quite frankly, easier) to respond all is well and move on. But sometimes, the person asking does want a genuine answer. In my case, that is what occurred—my close friend was concerned. Thus, I explained to him what was going on with me, and as I talked, I began to reflect on previous holidays. The pattern was evident.

The leap to the cause of my illnesses wasn’t difficult to conclude, either: stress—the wonderful gift that keeps on giving. Although I’ve been trying my best for the last several years to relax during the holidays, I have failed miserably. This past Christmas was no different, and to make matters worse, Mother Nature decided to cosign and ride shotgun.

As a friend put it, Canada seemed to have left its doors open, and its pets (Winter and Cold AF) got out and ran away from home. How they managed to find their way to the Bayous is anyone’s guess. Rest assured; we are more than happy to return them. The tag team took me out for the count. For nearly three weeks, I was mostly out of commission. The first week I felt drained and sluggish and didn’t feel like doing much. The next week I trudged along until I couldn’t, and the last week I caved and fell into bed. After a shipload of decongestants (most that didn’t work), headache relief medications, and muscle pain relievers with fever reducers, I crawled back to the land of the living. But it is my time on the boat with Charon that brought about today’s topic.

I spent my time on the couch or in bed either reading or streaming movies. I caught up on a lot of popular movies everyone in the world except me has seen. However, there are two that got my mind churning—Wicked Part I and Gladiator II. Both of these are sequels… kind of. Wicked is kind of a prequel retelling or reimagination maybe. I don’t know what it is, but that’s beside the point. Both of them left me a bit confused, but it weren’t the movies’ fault. Let’s start with Wicked.

I’ve seen The Wizard of Oz too many times to count. Thus, I’m extremely familiar with the stories and the characters. I’ve also seen and read other books and movies that are sequels, retellings, versions of, and so forth. Therefore, I have plenty of source material for reference. My issue began when I mixed up the timeline, erroneously thinking it began with the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. (Yes, I know the movie clearly stated the WWW, but my mind jumped back to The Wizard of Oz and the WWE. My bad.) I was more than thirty minutes in before my mind began to autocorrect.

Gladiator was released in 2000, and that’s probably when I saw it. It could have been some years after that, but I know I haven’t watched it in at least ten years. I can only remember watching it once. Thus, I remember the gist of it but not every detail. And here’s where the rabbit hole opened and down I plummeted.

I don’t like being confused, and when I am, I seek to unconfuse myself. So, after I watched these movies, my brain couldn’t handle the not knowing. I flocked to the internet to seek answers—to fill in the holes I’d created (e.g., Who is Maximus Decimus Meridius and Commodus? I just remember Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.) What I found was shocking. The majority of articles and videos I found focused on the “inaccuracies.” For example, (**SPOILER ALERT**), Gladiator II had sharks in the Colosseum. Now, I admit, when I was watching, I questioned how there was water in the Colosseum. Then, I watched some historians explain that the Romans did in fact flood the Colosseum to reenact ship battles. I wasn’t so much interested in if it was possible but rather, how they had achieved it. I would have been interested in a small clip in the movie showing them doing it. But apparently many people were up in arms because there were sharks and no way was that possible. Um… it’s fiction. Very possible. Go with it maybe?

One Wicked reviews criticized that the movie color scheme was muted and dull. Excuse me? As opposed to what? Comparison to the 1939 technicolor movie, shouldn’t be a thing. I mean, one of the main reasons The Wizard of Oz is a standout movie is because it was one of the first movies ever to incorporate color. It literally goes from B/W to color. Now, color is standard. It’s rare to see a film (other than indies) shot in B/W. People are used to color. The movie is bright! If it’s muted, then what about the latter Harry Potter movies or the Dark Knight series or The Matrix? What do we call those movies? How bright does color have to be to be considered not muted.

In listening to criticism of Gladiator II, the movie Napoleon was mentioned multiple time. I’m assuming this is due to both being directed by Ridley Scott. The words historical inaccuracy kept cropping up like an overripe zit (and in my opinion just as gross). It’s fiction. Fiction means authors and writers make stuff up. It doesn’t have to be real or accurate. It only has to fit into the world that the author or writer creates. And since it’s their world, just about anything goes. Of course, there are rules because authors and writers have to be consistent. If, for example, an author writes in chapter one that only faeries have magic, then they can’t have elf or goblin magic without an explanation.

Likewise, it’s unfair to say that the WWW in Wicked can’t be “pretty” because it was proclaimed in The Wizard of Oz that all evil witches are “ugly.” It’s a reimagination of the source material. As I understand it, Wicked is based off the stage production musical by the same name, and the stage production is based off the 1939 film. The film, of course, is based of the L. Frank Baum book published in 1900. Liberties were taken with the film which is what many accept as the original source because they’ve never read the books. But in 1978, there was a little movie called The Wiz where (**SPOILER ALERT**) Dorothy is a teacher in New York; the flying monkeys ride Harley Davidsons, and the WWW (named Evillene) gets flushed down a toilet. Y’all, it’s fiction.

It seems many writers are being called to the carpet and dragged for using their imagination. Critics want to argue that there are no new ideas. Yet, when authors and writers dare to imagine they are cut off at the knees for not following the status quo. Or if they do follow the straight and narrow, they are called copycats, boring, unoriginal, and unimaginative. And that’s the point. For many new writers, it is difficult to stand a fighting chance because the criticism is so harsh for the beginning. They are compared to well-established writers with distinctive styles. Well, there is only one Stephen King. I would argue the majority of people who dare imitate his style will fail. Why? Not because they aren’t talent writers. It’s because its his style and not theirs. Each writer should be allowed to write where they are comfortable. Not every book is for every reader.

Many years ago, I was a member of a book club. Each month, we voted on a book to review. I won’t go into detail about how books to be voted on were selected, but the end result was most months the books that won were in the steampunk genre. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with steampunk, and I kept getting tripped up on aspects that were indicative of the genre. I quickly realized that I wasn’t the targeted reader and that my reviews would be unfair due to my lack of understanding. As a result, I kept my comments limited to the technical aspects such as grammar, pacing, and character development and not on the story per se. I eventually dropped out of the book club, and here’s why. The authors gave club members ARCs in exchange for an honest review. If I failed to enjoy a story because I lacked knowledge of how the story is constructed, that’s not on the author. That’s on me. I didn’t feel I should be writing reviews which could be misconstrued as poor writing by the author when it’s not.

Additionally, I’ve seen reviews criticize writers for being “poorly edited” when I know for a fact their books have been properly edited by some of the best editors in the business with years of experience. These types of reviews can and often do hurt newer writers far more than the big names. There was one big-name author (who I’m not going to name but I’m sure many people are familiar with the story) who had such a large fanbase that he/she refused to allow one of her books to be edited. The book was criticized as one of his/her worst and did the poorest in sales. Yet, this book still sold millions of copies because the fans were going to buy it regardless. There’s no way a debut author (traditionally published) would be allowed to get away with doing anything close to that unless that author was already a celebrity.

So, what is fiction in writing? It is more than the author’s imagination. It is the acceptance of the author having the freedom to use his/her imagination. It allows the author to create freely within his/her own space without comparison to anyone or anything else.

That’s a wrap on today’s topic. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button, and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

TikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeLemon8: CreolegurlNolaFacebook: Genevive ChambleeInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorThreads: Author Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidso

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Create a Reading Journal

This is a different type of entry than usual. Since it’s the beginning of a new year, I thought I’d share something I’m doing that may interest or inspire others.

Believe it or not, 2025 is the first year I’m keeping a reading journal—well, officially, that is. Last year, I unofficially began. Call it old age, but I’ve heard many people much younger than myself make the same complaints.

The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth

I’m going to make a confession. I love reading. I love books. I’m addicted. There, I said it. My love of books started in childhood; although, teachers practically prevented that from happening. I know it’s weird that educators would stand in the way of a youth wanting to read, but that’s what happened. Scouts honor.

History

See, my school had a wonderful library which seems to be a rarity these days as my child’s elementary school didn’t have one. Now, they will argue that they do, but I’ll let you decide. They had a room with books. It wasn’t that large, but it was decent. Then, they moved computers into the area for state testing. To add the computers, they had to remove books. They started referring to it as the “media center.” Grades began with library days, but that tapered off. Students weren’t allowed in the room when testing occurring, and testing was always occurring. When testing wasn’t in session, the room was locked. The only time that it was opened for students to check out books was thirty minutes before first bell for thirty minutes, and that was only if they had a teacher available to unlock the door and check out the books. So, does that sound like a functional library?

My school didn’t have that problem. My love of reading really kicked in around third fourth grade. Before then, I was given books to read. I didn’t choose them for myself. As a result, I didn’t always enjoy what I read. Thus, I didn’t gravitate to the pastime. But back then, we had book fairs, and I loved the book fairs. My parents didn’t, and usually, I only allowed one or two books. Then, I would have to wait for weeks until they arrived. It was such a bother that often I just didn’t bother.

When I was in fifth grade, my classes were upstairs, and this made all the difference in the world. The library also was located on that floor. It made going extremely convenient, and if I completed my classwork early, I was allowed to go. But there was a problem. The library was divided by grade levels. So, if I wondered to a section that wasn’t my grade, I got verbally reprimanded. And when I would complain that I could read it, the teacher would point out a difficult word and ask me to read it aloud and the definition. If I didn’t know back on the shelf it went like they had never heard of a dictionary. I had enough sense to look up words that I didn’t know. I also knew how to ask my parents or another adult what words meant. The problem was I would never learn those words if I weren’t exposed to them.

Now, some of you may be thinking, maybe the subject matter was too advanced for me, and the teachers were protecting my wee little innocent mind from corruption. Well, if the Little House on the Prairie series was corrupt, my soul was doomed to hell because those are the books I wanted to read. Their interference was a true turn off.

In junior high, I joined a book club, and this was my savior. Books were delivered monthly to my front door, and I didn’t have to jump through hoops. I quickly became addicted and looked forward to the first of the month.

I didn’t notice it back then, but many of the books I read, I soon forgot them once I finished. I didn’t really have anyone to discuss them with, so I read them and they went on a shelf. I arranged them by order and my favorites. But then, book clubs began to fade away like so many other things of yonder year, and my life got busy with other things. However, my love of reading never faded.

Fast forward to present. I became a member of Booktok. One of the best things about Booktok is that readers make recommendations. Another great thing is people actually discuss books. The number of books I read in a year increased. But then I found that I was confusing books, characters, and plots. Or I would look at a title on my Kindle and couldn’t remember having read it.

The Inspiration

Enter YouTube. I’ve been using planner for years. Around the time that the world broke, I discovered that a planner community existed, and many of those planners kept book journals.

In 2024, I decided to write small summaries to trigger my memory about books so I could discuss them later. But then, I thought, if I was going to do that, why not fully invest. So, began my journey to find a reading journal. They are plenty, and some of them are quite expensive. However, I couldn’t find one that meat my needs.

The Plan

First, I wanted the ability to add, remove, or rearrange pages. That meant I needed a disc-bound planner. Yet, a lot of the disc-bound planners I found had a lot of pages that I knew I wouldn’t use. I would be throwing away money. Therefore, I decided to create my own—which cause I didn’t do it right, almost became more expensive than if I just bought one premade. The only difference is now that I have it mostly set up, I will be using this journal for years. It’s not a one and done.

I took ideas from others that I saw online such as particular reading challenges and a battle of the books page. But it’s also a place track my reading stats, my wish list, my TBRs, and author series.

How to Create the Journal

Decide the system you want to use (e.g., bound, coiled, disc-bound, electronic, etc.)Decide the size (e.g., pocket, mini, classic, big, A5, A6, B5, B6, etc.)Determine the medium you want to use to decorate. This is important because if using a paper system, some inks (and decorations) will bleed through the paper or not adhere properly.Determine the type/weight of paper you want to use. Remember, pages do not have to be white and can come pre-decorated.Decide how you want to decorate your journal. Do you want to add miniature covers of the books you read? Will you use watercolors, stickers, inks, etc.?Decide what you want to track. Do you want to track stats (e.g., how many pages read, how many hours read, how many hours listened to audiobooks, etc.)? Do you want to track the genres you read, authors, series, etc.?Do you want to do reading challenges (e.g., book bingo, cover color, alphabet, season, 50 state challenge, etc.?)Will you use it for book club participation?Do you want to list who recommended the books?Do you want to monitor where you’re getting your books (e.g., brick and mortar book stores, Libby, library, thrift shops, rescues, free library, Amazon, etc.)?How long do you want to use it? Do you want to start a new one each year or add to the current one?Finally, watch videos of other people sharing their reading journal to get an idea of what and how you wish to create it.

So, that’s a wrap on today’s topic. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button, and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidso

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Let me begin with a disclaimer to prevent anything from being twisted. I’m not a physician, and this post is not offer instead of proper medical advice from trained professionals. These are tips that may assist in maintaining health during the holiday season.

Generally, I begin posts by listing the inspiration or reason for the post before getting into the meat of the subject. I won’t deviate from that pattern today.

Last year, I wrote a similar post as a guest for another blog. This morning, I awoke with sinus issues (or something), and it occurred to me that I should be taking my own advice. I figured others may benefit from my tale as well. Thus, this post is serving as a reminder. But what inspired me to write it last year. Several years ago, I began to recognize a pattern in myself of becoming sick on Christmas Day or shortly after that. Initially, I thought it may have been some psychosomatic way to avoid those family members I didn’t wish to interact with. While this was a convenient offshoot, it wasn’t the reason it manifested.

After brief introspection and evaluation of circumstances, I quickly realized my very real illness was a byproduct of stress. Mentally, I would compile anxiety regarding creating a wonderful Christmas experience for everyone. This included everything from preparing holiday snacks to cooking to cleaning and preparing my home for visitors to decorating (interior and exterior) to purchasing the perfect gift to picking out the perfect seasonal outfit with all the cosmetic trimmings.

To accomplish these numerous tasks, I would run myself ragged and jump through a football field of burning hoops. And the worst part is that I had no fun doing any of these things—just stress. By the time Christmas arrived, all I felt was tired and relieved. This is when I both mentally and physically would crash. My body responded the only way it knew, and that usually was with some type of respiratory illness. A physician informed me that my immune system was pretty crappy, and he suspected that when stressed, I would weaken it so much that it could not fight off infection. As a result, I was catching anything airborne that blew in my direction. He suggested that I should do less over the holidays and allow myself more time to rest. Now, I had heard stress could make a person sick, but I never believed it could be respiratory in nature.

Now, for those who just screamed, “Bah humbug!” and that I get sick because my immune system is in the toilet, I’m not going to argue. But if a person is shot in the leg and develops gangrene, he/she wouldn’t have developed the gangrene if he/she hadn’t been shot. The point is moot. Once the gangrene sets in, action must be taken. However, preventing the onset (i.e., avoiding being shot) would be the simplest solution.

Here are some easy (and sometimes commonsense) ways to avoid onset.

Handwashing. This is so important yet often not thought as such. Most people wash their hands when cooking or after using the restroom. But what about all the other times? How many surfaces do we touch when in public (e.g., opening doors, removing items from shelves, handshaking, etc.)? Even in our homes with pets tracking in germs from outside and/or kids… Well, I’m going to leave the kids thing there for readers to fill in that blank. These acts can transfer germs from a surface onto our hands. Then, without thinking, we may touch our mouth, eyes, or nose—increasing the probability of making us sick. Now, let’s be clear. Will failing to wash one’s hands after touching a public surface always result in illness? No. Does it sometimes happen? Yes. Does handwashing help prevent it? Yes.Hand sanitizer. The next best thing to handwashing is using hand sanitizer. This is convenient because hand sanitizers can be stored in cars, wallets, purses, pockets, etc. Just whip it out when needed. The real con to using hand sanitizers is that many can dry out the skin Some come with moisturizers in them but still can be drying. One solution could be to also carry and/or have available moisturizing lotions or creams. You just need to be sure to allow the hand sanitizer ample time to dry and do its thing before applying the lotion. Otherwise, the lotion/cream may neutralize or lessen the effectiveness of the sanitizer.Rest. Being well-rested can help stave off illness. It’s just that simple. When we push our bodies to the limit and do not allow enough time to recoup, we reduce our ability to fight off illnesses.Nutrition. This goes hand-in-hand with rest. We must give our bodies the proper fuel with a balanced diet to recharge and energize. Vitamins and supplements may also be options. I personally have learned to up my Vitamin C intake during this time.Climate change. Hang on. Wait a minute before yelling at me. Not that climate change. My fellow Southerners will likely be able to relate. One day it’s hot and the next it’s freezing. Or you have officemates who are flashing and turn down the air to negative fourteen degrees in the office, but it’s eighty degrees outside. For some people, constant and frequent changes in temperature can throw the body off. Now, some people are going to argue with me to the grave that this isn’t possible. Go ahead. But I’m one of those people who gets sick from sleeping under a ceiling fan or going to sleep with wet hair.Avoid crowds. Oh, I know this is a touchy one. When the world broke in 2020 and people had to social distance and self-contain, this became a hot topic. I’m not here to preach. Do what you want. Believe what you want. Viruses and bacteria can loom anywhere, and some are airborne. If there was no evidence to airborne illnesses physicians and dentists wouldn’t have developed masking up as standard practice long before the world even heard of Covid. Even recipients of organ transplants and persons receiving radiation and chemotherapy are encouraged to wear masks. Now, I’m not advocating going back to wearing masks. I’m simply expressing that some viruses are airborne. And let’s face it. Some people do not cover their mouths or noses when coughing and sneezing. If avoiding crowds is something you can’t or don’t wish to do, disinfectant sprays may help reduce risks. Also, being in open spaces (e.g., outside) likely is better than being enclosed when there are crowds.Reduce stress. Give yourself the grace to not have to do it all during the holidays. When possible, delegate tasks to people you trust and know will get the job done. Simplify tasks (e.g., purchasing prewrapped gifts, doing meal prep in advance, reducing number of purchases, etc.). Every little bit helps.

So, that’s a wrap on today’s topic. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button, and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidso

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Reasons to Be Thankful and Grateful

As I’ve written about many times, the holidays can be polarizing. For some people, the holidays are pure joy; for others, they bring nothing but misery and gloom. For those who do not find the holidays celebratory, I suppose I’ve made it a mission to make them a little more tolerable.

For years, I would become ill during or soon after the holidays. I didn’t immediately realize the pattern; when I did, I didn’t know why. However, it didn’t take rocket science to figure out the cause: stress—stress that I put on myself and that I felt from others. I worried about how to stretch limited funds to purchase gifts (and nice ones) for everyone on my list, decorate to the perfection of an Instagram photo, serve a meal worthy of a Martha Stewart blessing, and interact with family and friends. Prepping for the holidays would begin in October and continue until the day after Christmas. By New Year’s, I was always wiped out. What I eventually realized was that I didn’t enjoy the holidays. On the contrary, I had come to dread them. The meaning and joy of them had been sucked out by commercialism and a handful of toxic individuals. I decided changes were needed.

The first change I decided to make was inspired by a trend on Facebook. People were listing one thing a day that they were thankful for. It took no time for me to stumble onto the first hurdle. Posters were using the terms thankful and grateful interchangeably. Then, someone pointed out the two are actually different. However, making the distinction between the two was more complicated than I anticipated. Yet, I did find some highlighted points.

Thankful

Focused on action (e.g., thanking someone for something they did)Immediate expression of appreciation for a specific action or eventOften directed toward someone elsePlace more emphasis on the relief felt by the person who was helped

Grateful

Appreciation encompasses a wider range of life aspectsDeeper more profound sense/emotionFelt more internallyMay not require immediate outward expressionOriginates within usPlaces more emphasis on appreciation toward others

The second hurdle was far more complicated. The objective was to state one reason to be grateful/thankful. This was to be done daily for the entire month but each reason could only be listed once. So, while I might be thankful for family every day, I could only use it one day. For someone with a relevantly uneventful life, I ran out of reason quickly—or rather, what I thought were good/valid reasons. I felt a little silly saying I was thankful/grateful for bubblegum or cellular service. It seemed frivolous and/or trivial as if I weren’t taking the moment of reflection each day seriously. Because see, that’s really what happens during this time. It’s evaluating and reflecting on all aspects of one’s life to find the good.

There’s a saying to accept and appreciate the small wins and victories. Not all accomplishments and successes are going to be grand and over-the-top. Well, neither are all the things that make life tolerable and good. I’m grateful for cell phone service because it prevents me from being bored and connects me to loved ones. I’m thankful for bubblegum because the repetitive chewing helps me to focus and prevents dry mouth. Basically, each of us may have small things in our lives that we take for granted or overlook. Yet, these things make life comfortable. So, here is a list of things that we shouldn’t mind saying we’re grateful to have or experience.

FamilyFriendsSunshineComfortable mattressMusicFuzzy socksCoffee/teaPetsBooksNoise-cancelling earbuds/headphonesCozy sweatersHeat in the winterMinty toothpasteManicure/pedicureDrinking waterReliable transportationMeans to connect with othersBeautiful sceneryHappy memoriesChocolateFresh fruitFreedomGood healthEmployment to pay the billsHome/roof overheadHot showersForgivenessGrace from GodPeace of mindReasons to laugh

The list is endless. So, if you’re struggling to find reasons to be thankful and/or grateful, consider all the small conveniences of life.

That sums up this post. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Was this post helpful? Do you think you’ll ever visit? Have you visited there? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How to Reduce Holiday Blues and Stress

It’s that time of year again when clocks are set back and the Christmas décor prematurely begins to line our subconscious with commercialism. It’s the time of year when we are reminded to be grateful and that it is better to give than receive. It is also the time when many people begin to feel the most loneliness and sadness—partially due to diminished sunlight and partially due to the emphasis on family and friend relationships.

A close associate acknowledged although she attends church services for spiritual peace, it, at times, is a source of great loneliness. “There is a part of the mass that parishioners offer each other the Sign of Peace. Spouses, parents, and children turn to each other and embrace as I stand alone. When they are finished, some may turn to me to shake my hand. In that moment, I’m reminded that I’m no one’s priority. I don’t have family, and my friends are with their families. I’m alone. Socialization and fellowship are not the main reasons to attend mass. In fact, they are not even in the top five reasons. But I can’t help but notice, and it stings. When people do turn to me, sometimes I feel awkward. I see pity in their eyes. Usually, I’m unaffected, but it hits differently during the holidays.”

Her story is just one of many that I hear this time of year. Many call it holiday blues. This post seeks to give suggestions as to how to make the holiday season less sad, or at least, tolerable for those who are suffering.

Check on friends, family, and neighbors who you suspect may be struggling. Give them a call or send them a text. Even mailing them a holiday card letting them know you are thinking about them may go much further to help them than you think.Volunteer. This falls into the category of it’s better to give than receive. Helping others does not only make others feel it, sharing your time and talents with others can also be self-rewarding. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities and ways to volunteer such as serving a meal at a shelter, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, donating a present to the Angel Tree, writing a letter to deployed soldiers and/or military personnel, helping to decorate the town square, etc.Don’t forget the reason for the season. At this point, it’s cliché to say, but that does not make it any less true. It is easy to get wrapped up in the commercialism of the holidays. However, the holidays are about people and quality time with people you care about. With the economy the way it is, many people are unable to afford gifts, and that is distressing to them. Or some people may not be able to have a large holiday meal. But those are not the important things, and that is what needs to be remembered. A PB&J sandwich shared with loved ones can be more meaningful than a feast alone or with people who are indifferent toward you.Holiday spirits may not lift the spirit. Many people forget that alcohol is a depressant. Therefore, taking a drink to feel better may actually cause a person to feel worse. If one finds his/her mood taking, perhaps limiting the spiked eggnog is the way to go.Remember television is fictional—even the documentaries and biographies have been altered to maximize drama for an exciting story. I have to remind myself of this frequently because I’m easy to get sucked into spending an evening watching Hallmark movies and then the next day depressed because reality isn’t like a holiday baking show or in ninety minutes every major problem I ever had will vanish. Repeat after me. It’s all fictional.Occupy time with activities and events that are not seasonally related. This is self-explanatory. If one is engaged in other activities, he/she isn’t focused on the holidays.Sunlight and sun lamps. Depressive Disorder with seasonal pattern (formally known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD) is a real diagnosis linked to deficiencies in vitamin D. Vitamin D is absorbed through the skin by the sun. Thus, being outside in the sunlight and sun lamps can be beneficial in relieving depressive symptoms.Superheroes are part of the Justice League. Don’t try to do everything. People have limits. Delegate. Ask for help. Do not load yourself down so much that you become overwhelmed. Set realistic expectations.Think positive. Focus on the good and not anything negative.Talk to friends and family. Seek professional help if needed.

That sums up this post. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Was this post helpful? Do you think you’ll ever visit? Have you visited there? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

How Is Halloween Different?

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays; however, this wasn’t always the case. When I was young, I hated Halloween. It wasn’t because I was scared of the costumes. In fact, I found those fascinating. My dislike was twofold: my lack of understanding of mental health and blurring the lines of stranger danger. I struggled with these back then because I was a child. However, as an adult, I see many adults walking that same misguided path. I was inspired to write this post, not to convince anyone to change their belief system but rather to provide some insight to others who may not face struggles. So, let’s get into it.

Halloween and Mental Health

We’ve all watched movies where the main character (likely a preteen or teenager) stumbles upon or is challenged to knock on the door/enter a “spooky” house. The house appears rundown in disrepair, shabby, and/or abandoned. However, it is inhabited by a recluse (usually an older eccentric person) who the town has deemed “weird” or “unbalanced.” The trope is that the two characters befriend each other, and the “weird” person turns out to be “normal” but has withdrawn from society.

When I was young, there was an older woman who people called a “witch,” and children were warned to stay away from her. She was a person who when children played near her home would scream at them. She rarely came outside, and no one was ever seen to visit her. Kids thought it was fun to knock on her door and run or throw rocks at her home. The most vicious rumor was that for Halloween, she made candy apples with razor blades inside and gave them to trick-or-treaters. I can’t recall ever seeing her face. That’s because I kept my distance and was not curious to know more about her. The interesting part is that she kept to herself and that people bothered her. Others were dangerous, not her.

As an adult, I came to realize the woman suffered from mental illness, most likely paranoid schizophrenia. She was afraid of people and hid away from others in her home. She didn’t have family or many people to check on her. All she seemed to want was peace, which wasn’t what some people gave her. One day, her home caught fire with her trapped inside. Some men tried to save her, but her doors were barricaded with wood from the inside. Her body was located near a back door as she tried to escape. The fire was ruled an accident but was believed to have occurred due to something being thrown in her window that knocked her curtains on the open flame of her gas stove. When she heard people outside of her door yelling for her, she likely assumed they were attempting to harm her and fled to another area of the home.

Now, I don’t know if the razor in candy apples were. I tend to think they weren’t since most kids wouldn’t treat or treat at her house. However, the fact that someone could think to do something like that scared the bee-geez out of me, and I wanted no part of it.

Halloween and Stranger Danger

Sometimes I wonder what it is with parents. The mixed message of this one still baffles me. I’m not going to say I had overprotective parents, but they did keep a watchful eye on me. From an early age, I was taught never to talk to strangers and that people who looked nice could be dangerous. I was also warned that “bad people” would lie and try to trick kids into believing they were friends of the parents or they had a hurt puppy in their car. I knew not to trust people. I was even told not to go with adults that I knew unless my parents had told me specifically to go with them. So, why on earth would my parents want me to go to strangers’ homes to beg for candy? It made no sense to me. I could get candy from the store. And why wouldn’t they keep the candy and eat it themselves? Why were they giving it away? What was wrong with it? Was it poisoned? Did it have razor blades? I refused to knock on doors because I was afraid of the people trying to give me candy.

It wasn’t until I became a teen—mainly because of my friends—that I began to discover the fun of Halloween. By then, I was too old to door-to-door, but I enjoyed passing out candy and seeing the smiling faces of the recipients. I also felt compassion for those who were forced by their parents to come. As a teen, I got into dressing up for theme parties and eating foods made to look weird (e.g., eggs made to look like eyeballs and cakes to look like dirt with worms and bugs). Cosplay became a thing. I was in college the first time I attended Rocky Horror. I ended up with a gallon of water thrown on me…in a white t-shirt, so that was a bit of poor planning on my part. But I knew I was in a safe environment.

And then, I became an adult.

I enjoyed years of Halloween bliss. But after college, I relocated for a job, and oh baby, it was the thing of Halloween nightmares. Envision the original Footloose as a reality, and all of the adult characters in the movie quadruply uptight and sanctimonious. Total Scrooges of Halloween. The holiday was branded as evil and Satanic and practically banned. Growing up this wasn’t something I’d ever heard. In fact, I’d been taught the opposite…that Halloween had originated in the eighth century from the Christian feast of All Saints Day. All Saints Day is celebrated annually on November 1. As the name suggests, it was created to celebrate and honor the saints. October 31 became known as All Hallows Eve which eventually was shortened to Halloween.

A more expansive origin explanation is that Halloween stems from a Celtic pagan festival called Samhain. This festival was to honor the dead and participants offered sacrifices of animals and crops to the pagan gods and goddesses. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that Samhain was influenced by the ancient Roman festivals called Pomona (harvest festival) and Feralia (day of the dead festival). All Saints Day was moved to November 1 to give Christians an alternative to these pagan celebrations that occurred at the end of October. Later, the Roman church designated November 2 to be All Soul Day, which honors the dead. So, if both All Soul’s Day and Halloween were created to honor/remember the dead, what’s the difference between them? And how is this different from El Día de los Muertos (Mexico), Día de los Natitas (Bolivia), O-bon (Japan), Chuseok (Korea), or Finados (Brazil)?

In the town where I had relocated, to prevent children from going trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treat was developed and/or endorsed. This is where people decorate the truck of their car and pass out candy in a church parking lot. So, instead of going house-to-house, children of car-to-car. Now, how this is different, I don’t rightly know. It’s still passing out candy to kids in costumes. Yet, it supposedly is somehow not the same. In fact, it is billed as being superior. And if the argument is Halloween is what one makes it, then how come it can never be made “good?”

That’s all I got. Was this post helpful? Do you think you’ll ever visit? Have you visited there? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Why Pantsers Struggle with Outlines

What is a pantser? It is someone who writes without using an outline. Yet, it is not unstructured or undisciplined. However, some pantsers may wish to plot/outline but find that is a struggle. Many will assume it is because outlining stifles the creative process. That could be. But it also could be something else.

Today’s post is inspired by a ha-ha moment for me. Being that it’s Preptober (October being the month that many writers begin preparing for November writing to draft a 50,000-word novel in 30 days), I thought my pantser heart would once again attempt to outline my next WIP (work in progress). Anyone who knows me just doubled over with laughter. Yeah, I know. It’s hilarious. I’ve always considered plotting to be a four-letter word. But this time I thought it would be different. Here’s why.

Plotting doesn’t work for me—it never has. I applaud the people who are capable of doing this. Kudo to you. However, this has always been a “no dawg” for me. I thought it was because I write stream-of-consciousness-type writing. I sit and let the ideas flow, and my story goes where my thoughts lead me. But recently, I heard about a five-sentence outlining method that sounded cool. Not only that, it made sense in my wee little brain and, at least in theory, sounded like something I could do. Why? Because it’s about math, and math is concrete. Writing is creative, abstract, and imaginary (unless you’re writing nonfiction). I learned about this method from watching a Rebecca Thorne video on TikTok. However, she credits the video with using methods from several others. Now, I’m not going to try to break the method down as she did, but I’ll give a quick overview.

Basically, the five-sentence outlining method involves breaking down the three acts into five major plot points or story beats:

Inciting incidentBeginning the adventureMidpoint reversal/PivotPoint of no returnConclusion/Resolution

One sentence is written for each beat. Simple enough, but it goes further. Each beat is broken down into percentages on where they approximately should begin in story. According to the method, the inciting incident should begin around the 5% point in the story. Beginning the adventure should be around the 25% point in the story. The midpoint reversal/pivot should happen around the 50% point. The point of no return should occur approximately at the 75% mark and the wrap-up around the 95% point. How a writer figures out where these points are by assigning a word goal to each story beat. Thus, in a 70,000-word story, the inciting incident should begin around 3,500 words. The point of no return would begin around 52,000 words in. I love this. There’s just one problem… story development.

Plotters are going to plot, and pantsers and going to…well, do what we do. Now, I can’t speak for all pantser because each writer has a different writing process. However, I feel that I’m not the only pantser who has experienced this issue when attempting to plot. And since it has taken me this long to identify the root, I figure I’m not the only person with that issue, either. That’s why I’m sharing what I discovered.

First, I’m not a person to use word count as a goal. A story is finished when it’s told completely. If I do it in 10,000 words, then it’s a 10,000-word story. If it takes 50,000 words, then it’s a 50,000-word novel. I do not limit myself by restricting my word count. Now, I tend to be an over-writer, meaning I’ll end up cutting a lot during editing. More specifically, I’m not cutting but refining words to make better word choices and rearranging scenes for flow and continuity. One can see where this would be problematic using this method. Yet, that isn’t the biggest issue.

When I sat to try this technique, I discovered the heart of my outlining problem. I’m a character-developing writer and not a concept, or rather, not a plot concept. Let me explain. My ideas for stories generally begin with the idea of a character and not the idea of a plot or a concept. I begin by writing scenes that develop the character. As write, I begin to formulate who this character is (e.g., what he/she would do, say, look like, etc.,). Eventually, that will evolve into a scene, but the scene may have no context or direction. It’s an isolated event that I expand upon. So, when I begin, I may not know any of the story beats, and to figure them out is like writing in reverse for me. I become lost and my mind goes blank.

For someone who writes in this manner but wishes to use the five-sentence technique, the key will be figuring out how to quickly formulate the plot from the beginning. As a pantser, I’m going to go ahead and put it out there that it’s easier said than done.

That’s all a wrap. Was this post helpful? Do you think you’ll ever visit? Have you visited there? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

Advice that Doesn’t Work

I think we’ve all experienced a dilemma so overwhelming that we’ve turned to others for advice. Some people are fortunate enough to have knowledgeable or trusted people in their lives to assist with answers. The luckiest of people have both. But sometimes our tried-and-true resources aren’t enough. They may not be able or available to give advice. Or maybe for some reason, you do not want to share with your usual support panel. Still, for others, they may not have anyone in this category. In those times, we may turn to “experts” or the internet for answers. This isn’t always a bad thing, but can be tricky and risky. So, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Vet any source of information. Ask others who are trusted and knowledgeable if the source is trustworthy and for referrals. Read reviews and others who have used the source. Look at education and experience.

I’m a pantser. Every now and then I like to pretend I can be a plotter and give outlining a go. To do so, I frequently need a refresher course in plotting. Now, it would make sense that I would review the information that I’ve used in the past, and I do. However, times change. The information I used previously may not be as relevant. (For example, the use of periods in abbreviations has changed—PhD is not acceptable when Ph.D. used to be the only correct way.) Thus, it’s beneficial to use current sources. Since the topic was plotting, I didn’t think the information would vary a lot from source to source. It’s all pretty basic. However, after watching one video, I had to pause. As the creator said something that I knew not to be factual—at least, not in all cases. And in the past, generally when I heard statements as such it was from persons who had little to no experience in the area. Sure enough, when I checked, this person had zero experience. It was fine for me because I knew it was incorrect. But people who don’t know may accept what was said as factual. You don’t know what you don’t know.

Look at who else is using the source. This information can be extremely revealing.

A previous coworker was notorious for spreading misinformation on just about every subject under the sun. Most recently, she fell for a joke and said that this year Halloween would fall on Friday the 13th. It took me nearly thirty minutes to get her to understand that since Halloween always occurred on October 31, it couldn’t be on the 13th. I’m constantly telling her to check the credibility of her sources, but she doesn’t because she wants to believe what these sources say. It reaffirms what she wants to hear. For example, she doesn’t celebrate Halloween. She thinks it’s evil and Satan’s holiday. She wants to believe the worst. Thus, anything negative said about it supports her narrative. Now, she is free to believe whatever she wants. I have no problem with that. To each his/her own. The issue is when she comes to work and attempts to spread the misinformation. She had other coworkers who weren’t necessarily the brightest color in the box nodding and agreeing. It was madness. It would have been hilarious if she’d gotten the joke, but she was serious.

Ask questions. I call this do the math. Some people say that numbers don’t lie. But numbers can be manipulated in a way that they tell a lie or, at least, present a false narrative.

Now, take this example for what it’s worth because there are several ways to view it. This pertains to social media followers. An “expert” arguing against the “follow for follow” trend. He made some excellent points. However, the one that didn’t hold for me was the ratio of following only 10% of total followers. His argument was that a higher percentage of follow-to-follow rate would lower a person’s views in the algorithm. He may be correct about that. I don’t know and can’t argue one way or the other. But consider this. Most people posting on social media are there for the engagement. They are creating content for others. When I follow someone, I’m interested in their content. I would hope they would be interested in mine. Why? Ever have a conversation where only one person talks? Well, that’s not much of a conversation. In fact, many people call that a lecture. Sometimes, that’s all a person wants—for someone to give them information or entertainment. That’s why people go to movies or read books. But a lot of social media is different. People want to make social friendships. I’ll be the first to admit that I have made some of my closest sports friends through internet sports groups. We first got to know each other through forum posting, and then, when we realized we’d be at the same games, we would find each other tailgates. I have maintained many of those friendships for over fifteen years. But that would have never happened if “following” had only been one-way.

Understand that if it’s advice for advancement and it’s coming from a public source, the chance is the information isn’t going to have much value. Usually, the creator gives just enough information to keep the consumer coming back but does not divulge trade secrets.

I’m not a marketing whiz by any means. In college, I only took two business courses, and they didn’t have anything to do with marketing. So, when I found myself needing to promote my books and develop a marketing strategy, I headed to the library, bookstores, and the internet for resources. The majority of what I found was repeated, generic information that most people could figure out on their own. For example, who doesn’t know social media is where most people get their information these days? Yet, this was the advice—join social media and make engaging content. How about defining engaging? Or what about breaking down demographics. Yes, I know my target audience, but what platforms do they use the most? What hashtags work? I quickly learned that the answers to many of the questions I wanted to know were purposefully being evaded.

Once information is made public, it usually stops working.

On TikTok, there was a trend to use #teamwork to gain followers. Millions of people jumped on this trend, and people’s follows were going up. Well, this created an imbalance in the algorithm. So, people began complaining that they were being shadow-banned. Shadow banning is when videos or content is suppressed from allowing others to view them. It’s no different when someone leaks a coupon code to the internet. The first people that see it will be able to use it. Eventually, the company will notice and block it. This is with most things. Once what works is put out there, something goes into place to make it irrelevant. Think about car speed detectors. Those were the rage at one point. Each time a speed detector hit the market, the police speed detectors would be upgraded to make them harder to detect. Then the personal speed detectors would be upgraded to meet this change. It was a constant chase for an unwinnable race. Why was it unwinnable? The people designing the detectors for law enforcement were also the same people who created the detectors sold in stores to detect those detectors. It’s smart because the designers are getting paid on both ends.

There’s no shame in admitting you’ve received bad advice. Give yourself grace. You don’t have to keep using it if you do. Learn what you can from it and move on.

Sometimes, we have to take hard lessons on the chin. They may even knock us down and drag us for a bit. But it doesn’t mean we’re bound to remain down or that we can’t change direction. I remember wanting to resign a job. I had many people in my ear telling me it was a bad idea and to wait it out because it would get better. But it didn’t get better, and needless time was wasted. Although, deep down, I knew this was bad advice, I stuck with it because I allowed fear to get the best of me.

Advice that didn’t work the first time should be given a second chance or tweaked before abandoning it. However, there comes a point when enough is enough.

I had a strange thing happen with my phone. The screen with black. It’s a touch screen; so, when it blacked out, I was unable to use it. One would think there’d be a button on the side to adjust light, as there’s a button on the side to adjust sound. But there wasn’t. For several hours, I was attempting to resolve the problem. I searched all over the internet for solutions. The very first piece of advice didn’t work. However, later, I was inside a business and a call came. In the dimness of the store lightening, I was able to see the faint outline of icons on my screen. It was enough to allow me to reattempt the first piece of advice. This time it worked. The advice wasn’t bad or incorrect. I had applied it under the wrong conditions.

That’s all a wrap. Was this post helpful? Do you think you’ll ever visit? Have you visited there? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee

[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]

[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

The New Preptober

It’s that time of year again. Many writers begin preparing for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo or NaNo) in October. NaNo is a writing challenge in which authors attempt to complete a novel of at least 50,000 words in thirty days during November. (Over the years, I’ve written several posts about the origins and history of NaNo; therefore, I won’t be rehashing that in this post. Anyone wishing to learn more about the organization is encouraged to visit their website.) However, the challenge’s rules are flexible; therefore, writers tweak them to meet their personal writing goals. For example, instead of focusing on one poem, a poet may focus on writing multiple. Or if a writer has completed a first draft, he/she may set a goal to complete editing in thirty days. I, for one, never focused on word count. My NaNo goals were percents of completed writing tasks. For example, I may have a goal to write four blog posts or design a marketing campaign. Basically, the NaNo challenge is what the writer needs it to be.

NaNo also brought writers together. Many writers write in isolation. What I mean is they go into rooms, shut the door, and are alone with their laptops or pen/paper for hours upon end—jotting and scribbling their thoughts. And, for the most part, they are accountable to no one but themselves. But NaNo formed a writing community where writers could share their writing journey with other writers and be supported. They could ask questions for advice. The website also monitored progress and offered rewards for meeting goals.

Writing 50,000 words in a month may not seem all that difficult if the words are random with little to no structure. Writing 50,000 words in a comprehensible and cohesive draft, on the other hand, is extremely challenging. Often, before any writing is begun, writers need to conduct research or create an outline. Or they may need to take time to mentally prepare themselves to undertake such a task. Thus, October has come to be known by many writers as “Preptober.”

As a ten-toes-to-the-ground pantser, I frequently find the need to prepare for NaNo. Although I do not outline, I do have a need to organize. My writing preparation frequently is in the form of research and note-taking. What slows me down the most is when I’m in the “zone” and realize I don’t know something to complete the thought. My not knowing something can lead to falling into rabbit craters. By the time I find my way out, I am no longer in my writing zone. Last year, one of the projects I worked on in Preptober was writing the glossary and author note for Demon Rodeo. I knew these would be nowhere close to 50,000 words, but they were important and needed to be completed. Thus, they became two of my NaNo goals.

This year Preptober is looking a little different for many writers. DISCLAIMER: This section may contain sensitive and controversial content. It is not written to incense or influence anyone’s beliefs or thoughts.

It is no secret that NaNoWriMo has been involved in multiple controversies over the last several years, and as a result, many members have elected to cut ties or step away. This post passes no judgment on those who have stayed or those who have left. The choice is personal. This post also will not go into the details of any of those controversies. However, I did question if the NaNo challenge would happen this year. It is my understanding that it will be, but don’t quote me on that. Despite whether it is held or not, I do know several writers who will not be participating. They are what prompted this post. What will they be doing in November? Now, is the time to answer that question.

On the red button known as YouTube, I’ve seen multiple videos about alternatives to NaNo. Thus, for writers wanting to participate in a writing challenge in November but deciding NaNo isn’t for them, there are options. I’ve also seen alternative challenges on X (formerly Twitter), Threads, TikTok, and BlueSky. I’m sure there are social media outlets that have posted similar content.

So, how do writers prepare if they are unsure of the challenge they will be participating in? Well, here are a couple of tips.

Set a personal goal. Many of the alternative challenges are moving away from the 50,000 word-count goal. One challenge will have word count levels (10k, 20k, 50k, 70k, and 100k… although 100,000k feels like a stretch in thirty days. However, I’m sure talent superbeing can manage it). Setting a goal will narrow down what writing challenges to search for.Research. It goes without saying that having conducted the necessary research before sitting to write is always useful. When writing Demon Rodeo, there were several items that I needed to fact-check to prevent having to rewrite during edits.Preparing a music playlist. Not everyone uses music as part of their writing process. Sometimes, I search for a specific song or type of song to write to, and other times, I allow the music to guide my mood. Whichever way I choose, I found the most important thing is to have an array of music. I have an eclectic taste in music; therefore, diversity isn’t an issue. However, variety sometimes is. If I forget to update my playlist, I don’t always have new writing experiences. What I mean is I (and I’m willing to bet others do the same) associate certain songs with specific events, activities, feelings, people, places, or situations. Thus, each time I hear the song, I’m transported to that associated mood. As a result, I might subconsciously write similar characters or setting descriptions. Updating my playlist regularly reduces that from happening. Preptober is a perfect time to find new music.Ordering supplies. Let me tell you. In the last few months, I’ve had the worst time with USB flash drives. I don’t know if it was due to brand, age, or something else. All I know is that I had two breaks and took with them all my files (some that hadn’t been backed up… forget what you heard about automatic storage on the Cloud). As if losing data wasn’t bad enough, I thought I’d pop into an office supply store to replace them. The markup was crazy insane. I’m talking stupid. I knew they would be priced higher there than at Walmart or Target, but these prices were through the roof. The reason I went to the office supply store first was I didn’t want to fight parking and the crowd at the other stores. Well, now I know why their parking lot was empty. They showed their colors. This is how crazy it was. One USB flash drive was priced for members for $8.99. Now, I knew I probably could get this same product from Walmart or Target for $5.99 to $6.99, but I was willing to pay the extra. But I wasn’t sure I was a member and didn’t have time to go through becoming one. Plus, there were no signs to indicate if there was a fee for becoming a member. Well, I expected the non-member price to be maybe $10.99 ($12.99 pushing it). But no. The markup for non-members was $39.99. No freaking way! I walked out and ordered a 5-pack for $19.99 with free shipping. (And businesses question why brick-and-mortar stores are fading away. Because of dumb crap like that. Yes, I understand about making a product, but that was ridiculous.) The point of that rant is to get what you need or might need before beginning. When my first flash broke, it was the Friday before the Fourth of July in the evening. Most businesses were closed, and others didn’t carry the product. That slowed down my writing for many reasons. Having a backup flash would have been helpful. Other writers have “must-have” tools when they write. Like checking a car before leaving to drive hundreds of miles to a vacation location, writers should check to ensure they have all their writing tools.Have backup supplies handy. This goes along with the previous point. A couple of years ago, I had a laptop issue which required a visit to the computer hospital. Fortunately, the issue was resolved quickly and didn’t break the bank. However, shortly afterward, my cord malfunctioned. Here’s the thing. When went in to drop off my laptop, I didn’t take the cord because the laptop was fully charged. The worker said he needed it, and I had to retrieve it from my car. I wasn’t thinking that I needed to put my name on it. Now, I can’t put my hand on a stack of Bibles and swear this wasn’t my cord, but I do remember when it was returned to me looking at it and thinking it looked different. And of course, this all would have to happen a weekend before a holiday when most places would be closed. This could have caused a four-day delay, but I was fortunate to have another computer to use. When I replaced the cord, I purchased two. To some, this is overkill, and maybe it is. However, if a writer is serious about a writing challenge, setbacks such as not having writing supplies, can prevent a writer from reaching his/her goal.Make a schedule. This is a huge one for a lot of writers. In the big scheme of things, few writers have the luxury to support themselves with their writing. And even if they do, most have other obligations (e.g., family and friends). For this reason, many writers find themselves in the position of having to write around these other things. It is easy to become distracted or feel too fatigued to write. It also is easy for others to not respect the writer’s writing time and interrupt or make demands. Since the challenge is time-sensitive, time isn’t a friend. Making a writing schedule will help one remain on track.The writing doesn’t have to be perfect. At its core, the 50,000-word challenge is about completing a draft. It is a mistake to think that it will be a final copy unless it previously has been completed. Plenty more work will need to be done after the challenge ends. Attempting to make it perfect may hinder progress by interfering with the creative phase. This is not to say that some writers do not prefer to edit as they go.For plotters, Preptober is the time for outlining, completing character development worksheets, mapping out worldbuilding, etc. For pantsers, this may be broader (e.g., deciding on a trope, determining a point of view, etc.).Participating in a group writing challenge can be fun and does have advantages. However, a writer shouldn’t feel this is the only option. Writers can gain inspiration from online challenges but not officially join. Plenty of writers do this. Some writers dislike checking in or find they do not use many of the features of the website.

That’s all a wrap. Was this post helpful? Do you think you’ll ever visit? Have you visited there? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

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[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.