Joylene Nowell Butler's Blog, page 2

IWSG – FEB 2024 – Feeling Bored, Unmotivated, and Uninspired?

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

February 7 question: What turns you off when visiting an author’s website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author’s books? Constant mention of books?The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, SE White, Victoria Marie Lees, and Cathrina Constantine!
Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!I’ve mentioned, too often I’m sure, that I’ve been lacking inspiration. I’ve lost my muse. Well, turns out I’m not alone. My friend and fellow author Hank Quense is also suffering. So! What is one to do? We’ve decided to reach out to other authors experiencing this problem through media. Here’s an invitation from Hank:

I have a problem and it’s one I haven’t encountered before.  But first some background.  I’ve been writing stories since the last century,  I’ve sold 45 short stories and published a dozen novels.  Several years ago, I started writing non-fiction and wrote books on fiction writing, self-publishing and book marketing.

My problem is I’m un-motivated to write more books or stories.

I’ve run out of nonfiction stuff to write about: any new nonfiction book will just be stuff I’ve previously written rearranged.  Besides that, I can’t get interested in writing fiction. Actually, I’ve developed storylines for three new novels, but when it comes time to start writing scenes in one of those stories, my brain goes into overdrive and comes up with a list of stuff I can do instead.  The odd thing is that the storylines are good.  The completed novel would be a great story. Unfortunately, I have no inclination to write those stories.

Much to my surprise, when I told my friend and fellow author, Joylene Butler, about this, she said, “Me too!”

Here’s how Joylene describes her lack of motivation:

My entire career as a novelist, I’ve always begun a new book during the final stages of my current one. Until now. For over a year, every time I sit down to write a word, I find myself up again and off to do something entirely different: wash floors, walk the beach, watch Youtube. What’s wrong with me? Where’s my muse? I can’t describe how weird this feels… it’s like walking into a room and forgetting why I’m there.

Joylene and I had a few Zoom meetings to see if we could come up with a project to get us back into writing.  We thought about a joint Youtube channel but that didn’t go very far.  Joylene mentioned that we can’t be the only two authors who have this problem and suggested we try to find others.  Her thinking was that new faces and perspectives could kick off an idea or a project to get us all back on track.

That idea led to the idea of Unmotivated Authors Anonymous (UAA) and this article.  If you’re an author who is currently unmotivated, why not get in touch with us by leaving a comment. We can all set up a chat and brainstorm together.

Learn more about us at:

Joylene’s webpage: joylenebutler.com

Hank’s webpage: https://writersarc.com

If you’re shy and would rather not leave a public comment, please contact me privately at cluculzwriter at yahoo dot ca.

The only thing that sometimes frustrates me while visiting an author’s blog is when I can’t find their name anywhere on the site, and/or it takes me several minutes to find the link to their comment window. A few times I’ve had to leave without adding a comment because I couldn’t find the window.

 

The post IWSG – FEB 2024 – Feeling Bored, Unmotivated, and Uninspired? first appeared on Joylene Nowell Butler.

The post IWSG – FEB 2024 – Feeling Bored, Unmotivated, and Uninspired? appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – Jan 2024 – Crow, anybody?

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

January 3 question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

The awesome co-hosts for the January 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Diedre Knight, and Natalie Aguirre!

 

  Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!

Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

First of all, Feliz Ano Nuevo everyone! I hope 2024 brings you happiness, peace, and inspiration.

I don’t belong to BookBub, so I don’t have an answer to this month’s question. However, I do have a blog and an Author FB page,  and as such I’m a strong advocate of the rules of Netiquette, the Golden Rule of treating others kindly. This applies to anyone, regardless if you’re a blogger or working the counter at Revenue Canada. I’m not suggesting you stand still while someone kicks you in the teeth, but sometimes when we’re stressed or unhappy, we forget that the world is filled with people with feelings that hurt just as badly as ours do.

Years ago, when a new author and blogger asked me how I managed to attract readers to my blog, I told him I replied to emails and visited my visitors’ blogs.

Exasperated he replied, “I don’t have time for that; I have a book to promote and more novels to write.”

I politely suggested that attitude was a mistake.

Today his Amazon BSR scores are quite high, but should any of his novels hit the best-sellers list, I’ll eat crow.

For your viewing pleasure, below are photographs of my neighbours:It’s hard to discern but both yachts are over 60 meters long. Its helicopter went to PV and came back with several guests. As a writer, I’m having a difficult time imagining what life must be like aboard such a vessel.

The post IWSG – Jan 2024 – Crow, anybody? first appeared on Joylene Nowell Butler.

The post IWSG – Jan 2024 – Crow, anybody? appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – Dec 2023 – To Review or Not To Review

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

December 6 question: Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book review do you review for the Reader or the Author? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?

The awesome co-hosts for the December 6 posting of the IWSG are C. Lee McKenzie, JQ Rose, Jennifer Lane, and  Jacqui Murray!

Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!

 

I’ve been away from writing for so long that I’m struggling to even write this post. Please bear with me while I sort out my muddled thoughts…

I review novels I enjoy for two reasons: As an author, I understand the value of a review. As a reader, I appreciate hearing about good books. Writing a novel takes tremendous effort and time, so if the story is compelling and the writing is exceptional, I want to share the news.

I can’t write a review for a novel I can’t finish. I don’t believe it’s up to me to dissuade anyone from reading a book just because I didn’t enjoy it. I don’t have a monopoly on what is good. ..

 

Flowing from there…

I spent the entire month of March 2023 querying literary agents–to no avail. I expect that’s what took the wind out of my sails.

My first novel (Dead Witness) was published in 2008. I’d been dreaming about getting published for twenty-six years, and when it finally happened, it was a surreal experience.

Many times over those years, I wanted to quit writing; I had a family, a job, a marriage, and no extra time. But, I persisted. I wrote late at night and early in the morning. I spent years refining my craft. And that was before the WWW. I studied, researched and read. You have to be obsessed to be a writer, and I was.

These days, I’m often referred to as “an old-timer.” And I feel like one.

Last April, I decided to take a six-month sabbatical because I had lost my muse and my confidence. When I flew back to Canada in April, I stepped away from my dying Macbook and spent my summer working on our property. Fast-forward to November, and I still hadn’t returned to writing. To make matters worse, I made pathetic excuses:

“I’m tired, I’m old, and the humidity is sucking the life out of me.”

“I’m in no mood to write.”

“I’d rather take a nap than sit at a computer.”

When I dug deeper, I felt the sting of a lingering fear: the failure-slash-rejection syndrome.

I’m sharing this because it’s important to note that most creative folks feel this way at some point in their careers. Fluctuating between feeling confident and insecure is normal. It can also be humbling.

But because I’m no quitter, (and we did accomplish a lot on our property) I’m returning to the hunt. One day, I’ll post (soon?) about finding that perfect agent. I may be tired, but I’m also stubborn.

On a different note: My current manuscript was titled “Shattered,” but three authors I admire published novels with that title, so I changed it to “The Silent Man.”

My editor’s response was, “He’s not silent.”

Good point.

This brings me to ask you a favour.

Could you tell in the comments what you think of  the following choices:

“An Ambiguous Man”“The Quiet Man”“A Vengeful Man”

I left out a blurb on purpose.

–Abrazos!joyleneps. For those who don’t know, I write Thrillers.

The post IWSG – Dec 2023 – To Review or Not To Review first appeared on Joylene Nowell Butler.

The post IWSG – Dec 2023 – To Review or Not To Review appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

Book Review: The Falcon, The Wolf, and the Hummingbird

The Falcon, the Wolf, and the Hummingbird by Martha Engber

I’ve read four novels by Martha Engber and this newest one is as beautifully written as the others. The Falcon, The Wolf, and the Hummingbird is about courage, integrity, and redemption. And an almost {…magical sisterhood}. Think “The Hunger Games” slash “The Woman King.” I couldn’t put it down. Once you’ve read this wonderful story, look for “The Wind Thief”, “Winter Light”, and Engber’s memoir “Bliss Road”. There’s also her self-help book “Growing Characters from the Ground Up”. A must-have for any writer.

The post Book Review: The Falcon, The Wolf, and the Hummingbird appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – Sept 2023 – Sabbatical living

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

 

 

September 6 question – The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra,J Lenni Dorner,Pat Garcia,Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!
I don’t remember how I discovered IWSG. It’s been many years. I do remember how pleased I was when Alex asked me if I would be an administrator. The entire experience was awesome. Back then I was a relatively new author, feeling overwhelmed and isolated. IWSG changed all that. Today I have many dear friends in IWSG and nothing but good memories. What I learned from other members has been more valuable than my expensive university education.Now: what’s happening in my life these days…When I arrived here in Canada in late April, I decided to take a few months’ sabbatical for two reasons: I knew I needed a break, and second, my Macbook was dying.But of course, life has a way of taking you in a different direction, and five months later, I’m still on a sabbatical and not yet in possession of a new Macbook. I’m indecisive. What I have managed to do is concentrate on my overall health. Upon arriving in Canada, I felt depleted, drained and basically lousy.  Four months later, after starting an elimination diet, I feel better than I have in years, and this week I’ve begun pricing the new Macbook Pro. I should mention that I’m creating this post on my dear old Mac, who is being a very nice laptop and not scaring me by doing bizarre things.Now: I’m off to visit your blog. I’d add some pics, but my very nice Macbook won’t allow that today, which is absolutely fine.

The post IWSG – Sept 2023 – Sabbatical living appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – August 2023 – Difficult Scenes

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

August 2 question: Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?

 

The awesome co-hosts for the August 2 posting of the IWSG are Kate Larkinsdale, Diane Burton, Janet Alcorn, and Shannon Lawrence!

In answer to this month’s question:

I don’t set out to write scenes that leave me conflicted. I respond to the question posed and write the story that follows. There’s no focus on the message, nothing profound going on except to let the story unfold.

We’ve all heard the saying: Write What You Know. I’ve witnessed firsthand how dark and lonely the world can be, a world full of contrast: joyful, devastating, and serene.  In my novels my protagonist confront their greatest fears and, in the end, understand that suffering is part of life. Contentment and peace are a choice.

I was conflicted when I wrote the opening to Maski: Broken But Not Dead because my protagonist Brendell Meshango is the victim of a home invasion. A masked perpetrator physically and mentally abuses her for 24 hours before vanishing.

Violence against women in Canada is a serious problem. Over 25% (probably more) are Aboriginal. Across the world, 137 women are murdered every day. The thought that my scene would be construed as exploitation makes my insides cringe. I find violence against anyone abhorrent—no matter the justification.

When I completed Maski I reread my draft and pulled the scene. Three weeks later I toned down the brutality and put the scene back. A month later, I pulled it again. Five months later I reread the manuscript and knew that because of who Brendell is (50 and full of rage) she’d have to be pushed in order to take action. My publisher agreed. (smile)

I’ve struggled with other scenes in other manuscripts. I probably always will. I’m a writer; I’m occasionally insecure. Luckily, I have good instincts and know enough to trust myself. The themes of my novels are basically the same: No matter how horrible life gets, never give up and never surrender.

On another subject, I’ve thrilled to be back after some serious issues with my laptop. Unfixable glitches, so I’m crossing my fingers that my computer continues to run until October when I hope to replace it. Or maybe I’ll get lucky and my MacBook will make a full recovery!

I could say more on so many subjects but I’ll spare you. Leave a comment and I’ll be sure to visit your blog.

–namaste

joylene

ps. We have another set of twins in the neighbourhood. I tried to download a short video but my Macbook wasn’t having any of that. Hopefully, a pic does them justice. They’re mule deer and instead of trotting across our property, they bounce. It brings joy to my heart every time they appear. When the deer are gone, mama bear and her three cubs stroll by. My MacBook wouldn’t let me upload the pics.

Mama at the end of our driveway.

I zoomed in for the cubs; no idea why.

 

I respect their space, and I won’t get closer unless I’m filming from inside and they’re outside the door.

No. 4 was the smallest.

 

 

The post IWSG – August 2023 – Difficult Scenes appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – May 2023 – Beautiful British Columbia

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Victoria Marie Lees, M Louise Barbour, and me.

 

Be sure to visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!

Happy IWSG Wednesday, fellow IWSGers. Having just arrived back to our home five days ago, I’m helping dear husband fix our busted water lines and replace the hot water unit in our RV. Consequently, I won’t be answering this month’s question; but I will be one of your co-hosts. Please enjoy some photos of our trip from Abbotsford to our home in Cluculz Lake in central British Columbia. I should warn you — there are shots of the white stuff. Sorry.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Abbotsford, BC

 

Kelowna:

 

 

 

Home:

 

 

 

 

The post IWSG – May 2023 – Beautiful British Columbia appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – Apr 2023 – Looking Back

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Nancy Gideon, and Natalie Aguirre!

April 5 question – Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you’re at the start of the journey, what are your goals?

First of all, a huge THANK YOU to all my beta readers. I am more grateful than words can express. You know who you are, so please remember I’m here to reciprocate if you need some help.

April’s Question…

Truth is, I’m not where I thought I’d be. Looking at that face in the photo to the left, I remember how excited I was when Dead Witness was published 15 years ago. My face hurt because I was trying so hard not to smile for fear I’d explode. I was beside myself with joy. I’d done something most people only dream of and I wanted the world to know.

Now, I’m what they call seasoned. Haha. In more ways than one. I could whine about not reaching the heights I thought I’d reach, but I can’t succumb to negative talk. It’s too hard to get back up from it. Better to reiterate that I’m not a quitter. My journey’s not over, not by a long shot.

I published Dead Witness in 2008, which lead me to a contract with a publisher for my second novel and another publisher for my third. Last year, my fourth book was published. My fifth is very close to being ready. Today my goal is to take a step out of my comfort zone, find a literary agent for my next novel, and keep reaching for the stars. Along the way, the plan is to help promoted fellow authors. So, before you leave, please check out Martha Engber’s new book: Bliss Road. 

★★★★★ “Illuminates the complicated path of a neurodiverse family.” Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome

Martha Engber lives a charmed life in the suburbs with a husband and two kids where everything is fine, fine, fine until suddenly she’s… completely broken. She’s so used to lying to others and herself that she has no idea who she really is or how she feels about anything. What happened? Why is her life smooth driving one minute and totaled the next?

In this sometimes funny, often devastating memoir, Martha describes the arduous journey toward discovering the invisible roadblock that ran her life off course: her psychological distress is the result of being the neurotypical daughter of a dad with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder, a condition that affects over 75 million people worldwide.

Martha uses personal anecdotes and research about the emergence of ASD as a diagnosis to explain the psychological, emotional and social challenges she faced as a child, then as an adult and parent. Along the way, she shows the sometimes harrowing, but eminently rewarding, route others can follow to chase down the source of their family angst and so reach a more blissful future.

About the Author
Martha Engber is the author of ‘Winter Light’, ‘The Wind Thief’, and ‘Growing Great Characters from the Ground Up’. A journalist by profession, she’s written hundreds of articles for the Chicago Tribune and other publications. She had a play produced in Hollywood and fiction and poetry published in the Aurorean, Watchword and other journals. A workshop facilitator and speaker, she lives in Northern California with her husband, bike and surfboard. Visit: marthaengber.com.

Review
“Bliss Road is a raw and real memoir, illuminating the complicated path of a neurodiverse family fixed in a legacy between trepidation and tenderness; a legacy that may well have repeated itself had it not been for Engber’s ability to face the mirror and find the answers to the questions she didn’t even know she had about autism and the power of love.” Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal: Living with Aspergers Syndrome

“With bracing honesty, and rare insight, Martha Engber’s courageous, highly readable account of her experience as the child of a parent with undiagnosed ASD is compelling, joyous and inspiring.'” Byddi Lee, author of The Rejuvenation Trilogy

“In Bliss Road, Martha Engber takes the reader on a candid and poetic journey through her life with a neuroatypical father. A glorious blend of insights and wisdom, this memoir may just be what we need to deepen our human capacity for love and understanding.” Imi Lo, author of Emotional Sensitivity and Intensity: How to Manage Intense Emotions as a Highly Sensitive Person

“Engber skillfully integrates current knowledge about autism into her own engaging story as the child of a parent on the autism spectrum, giving readers an understanding of the challenges those children face-and making the case for further research.” Patti Isaacs, author of The Second Long March: Memoir from a Witness to China’s Transformation.

As an added bonus, if you clink on the link below you have 4 weeks to choose a free book from the list provided.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/becomein...

The post IWSG – Apr 2023 – Looking Back appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – Feb 2023 – Seeking Beta Readers

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

 

The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are  Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and  Gwen Gardner! February 1 question – If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover?

I’m not answering February’s question because it’s been 15 years and everything was done old school. Instead, I’m seeking beta-readers for my mystery/suspense THE SILENT MAN. If you enjoy mysteries and would be interested in reading my manuscript, (99,600 words; 13+) please email me privately at joyleneDOTbutlerATgmailDOTcom and I shall send you THE SILENT MAN as a word doc.

I’ll also be available to swap jobs if you need a beta reader in the future. Or if you know anyone who might consider reading my work, please pass this request along, and I shall be eternally grateful.

THE SILENT MAN, Elevator Pitch:

When his wife is murdered, a grief-stricken professor refuses lifesaving brain surgery and instead hires an ex-FBI agent to help him find her killer to bring closure to his estranged daughter. The investigation sends them from Vancouver to England.

I’m horrible at pitches, so here’s another one:

Professor Jason Sinclair has always known he’s different. But it didn’t matter. His wife made sense of the world. Only now she’s been murdered and he’s racing against time to find her killer before the tumours in his brain take him down.

Sadly, time is a factor. I would need the ms back within the month. Or ASAP. Thanks. Even if you’re only able to read the first 10 chapters that would be a huge help.I’m interested in feedback on the plot, characters, clarity and pacing. Line-by-line editing is not necessary; I’ll leave that to my editor.–bestjoyleneps. Meanwhile, here are some photos of my neighbourhood in and around Bucerias:La Cruz MarinaOur apartment – top right-hand corner

Our Apartment

 

Mayto Village:La CruzMeet The Author event 2018

The post IWSG – Feb 2023 – Seeking Beta Readers appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.

IWSG – Jan 2023 – Clean Your Refrigerator Day

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!

January 4 question – Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finish my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?

In answer to this month’s question:

Optimism. 

2023 snuck up on me. Here I sit drawing a blank, feeling a bit glum. I want to inspire not whine… maybe you should grab some cheese.

Tired Computer

My 2012 MacBook is wearing out. In computer years, 2012 is old. Why? Because Apple has this relentless need to make the MacOS obsolete every year. They call it progress. They haven’t heard the old adage: If it’s not broken, leave it alone.

Last week, I was compelled to install Mojave. The result: now my Macbook runs poorly, and I don’t dare go back to High Sierra, or who knows what will happen. And yet, Apple keeps demanding I install Catalina if I want the new plugins and drivers to work.

When was the last time you heard that a 10-year-old car had to be ditched because new tires would not fit, or the lifetime guarantee replacement on pistons ended? Or shifting into reverse was no longer an option?

I know I’m missing the point of this month’s question. All I can think about is my poor Macbook. If I could upgrade I could solve so many problems. But alas, my computer is too old.

I can’t select photos in the photo app. My spellcheck can’t spell. Right in the middle of typing a sentence, my cursor jumps up a few lines or goes back ten digits and types like it’s some crazed zombie cursor. The messenger app blinks, making it impossible to read messages. Apple Store suddenly will not accept my credit card. And every other day I’m denied permission to make changes to my computer.

Since the Millennium:

2001 – Cheetah2001 – Puma2002 – Jaguar2003 – Panther2005 – Tiger   (My first)2007 – Leopard2009 – Snow Leopard – 10.62011 – Lion – 10.72012 – Mountain Lion – 10.82013 – Mavericks – 10.92014 – Yosemite – 10.102015 – El Capitan – 10.112016 – Sierra – 10.122017 – High Sierra – 10.132018 – Mojave – 10.142019 – Catalina – 10.152020 – Big Sur – 112021 – Monterey – 122022 – Ventura – 13

In computer years, Dear Husband is a Dinosaur/Cheetah, yet you don’t see me rushing out to find a new model.

I’ll eventually be dragged to the local computer store kicking and screaming; what choice do I have? Not until May! Please! Computers are very expensive in Mexico. Extremadamente caro! 

On an optimistic note, I did find a local tech guy who fixed the sidebar on the right. (I had done an upgrade that magically made the sidebar contents vanish.) And a technician from South Africa gave Kiss of the Assassin its own unique page.

Last week my fridge quit again. This will be the 6th time in 3 years. We lost the food, the repairman brought me a temporary replacement, and now the food is freezing. If you’re laughing, that’s okay.  I’ve been opening the door more often. and it seems to help.

 

 

T oday is “Clean Your Fridge Day.” I think I’ll start w ith cake and ice cream.     

What’s big and white and can’t climb a tree? A refrigerator.

If the refrigerator had an Instagram, what would be on his story?  “Just chilling at home.”

Why was the ketchup in the refrigerator embarrassed?  He saw the salad dressing!   Thank you thank you…

 

HAPPY 4th NEW DAY, EVERYONE!!!

 

The post IWSG – Jan 2023 – Clean Your Refrigerator Day appeared first on Joylene Nowell Butler.