Beth Camp's Blog, page 18

Jan 2022: Of This and That . . .

Just exactly one year ago, relatively early in the days of Covid, Spokane was hit with a wind storm. Some 55,000 people were without power.  Our electricity was restored within 4 hours, but not for many others. Our daughter, son-in-law and the two grands stayed just overnight with us in our little downsized apartment. We set up makeshift beds and chattered away the night, grateful to be

2022: Too late for setting goals?

Am I the only one who feels like our world has changed -- and keeps right on changing? If I'm trying to set goals for 2022 (see below for my best efforts), why does it seem like I should only plan in 6-month increments? That the very floor beneath my feet may just shift again?Will this be the year when we can meet with others without worrying about masks, vaccines, and boosters? My research for

Author Interview: Shannon Alexander

Have you experienced the thrill of creating a short story?This month’s Author Interview brings a specialdelight: Shannon Alexander talks about her love of short story writing –and what led her to write her new book, The Business of Writing Short Stories,a step-by-step guide that takes us through the entire process of writing,submitting, publishing, and marketing.My own writing career

IWSG: Ah, regrets . . . I have not these . . .

Today, or should I say tonight, is the first Wednesday of 2022. What a world of promise in this new year ahead. Don't we all hope for an end to Covid-related drama? Today is also Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) day. Here is our opportunity -- as writers -- to share our thoughts, struggles, and dreams, perhaps to encourage ourselves as much as we wish to encourage others!Now for this

The Last of 2021 . . . almost!

Outside, it's 14F with snow flurries expected throughout the day. We're taking our granddaughter to see Encanto, a lovely way to almost end the year. And what a year it's been. Don't ask her about Covid. When she says Covid, it sounds like she's swearing! So, I'm sending Happy New Year wishes to you! Despite all, we have much to be thankful for. We're warm, safe in our little aparto, dinner is

IWSG: Of Stress and Delights . . .

How did it get to be December so fast? This first Wednesday of the month (and every month) is Insecure Writer's Support Group day! Our group shares thoughts about struggles and concerns, offering support to writers everywhere by reading each others' posts and connecting. This month's IWSG question: In your writing, what stresses you the most, what delights you?Ah, the IWSG gods gave us an easy

Just Today? Frank Zafiro's Crime Mystery for you!

Just thought you'd like to know that Frank Zafiro is running a freebie today (I don't know for how long) on Amazon for his Beneath a Weeping Sky. If you like an engrossing story with characters who immediately engage you in their lives as they face down gritty challenges, prepare for immersion into River City!Frank is an amazing and prolific writer -- with diverse interests. His stories are

IWSG: What Could Be Easier?

The first Wednesday of each month is Insecure Writer's Support Group. This online community of writers is another way to celebrate the writing life -- by sharing our challenges and goals, accomplishments and doubts through posts on our blogs. At times, what can be uncertain becomes more clear. In sharing, we may strengthen our resolve on our own writing path -- and encourage other writers.We

IWSG: Where do we draw the line?

Amazing October! For the last month, we've been staying in an adobe-style house just outside Santa Fe. The leaves are beginning to turn, the temperature at night is starting to drop, and it's far too soon to be heading north to home.Santa Fe has been a delight with its emphasis on art, museums, pueblo culture, and the sheer beauty of its landscape (rolling hills, purple mountains, and incredibly

Revision and re-vision . . .

Henry James (1843-1915), that influential writer and philosopher, distilled thinking about revision into one compelling statement that has echoed over and over again for writers. His words, "the act of revision, the act of seeing it again," take us down the rabbit path that mixes logic with intuition.So many words have been written about how to revise. And yet, here I am, this early September