S.A. Larsen's Blog, page 2

IWSG ~ Receiving the Unexpected

Here we are at another edition of IWSG monthly question and post!  Is it really May, already?
 Have any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you? Yeah, that they actually liked it! 😂😂😂 On a more serious side, I guess the response that effected me the most was when I received my first award for one of my novels. In all honesty and humility, I was shocked. Many of the strong points they highlighted about my writing were things I hadn't noticed, like strong character development and my snarky use of humor. I just write that way. LOL *Side Splat: I've been struggling with my writing since Covid began. It's not from fear, though, but from the realization of how short life is, how precious my family is to me, and how each of us has a purpose here beyond ourselves. I've been concentrating on that, NOT ignoring you all. I will forever keep you in my prayers and well-wishes. Hoping to write a longer post on this at some point in the future. 

MORE PARTICIPANTS And a huge 'Thank You' goes out to our co-hosts for this month. Make sure you stop by to pay them a visit, too! Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Tonja Drecker, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine!  So, what about you, fellow writer? Anything a reader mentioned about your writing surprise you?
SHERI~💖
  

IWSG~Do You Dare?

Welcome to another spotlight of our Insecure Writer's Support Group community! This week, we're asking the question: 
Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?  To address this question, I need to define what I believe the term risk-taker means.  According to Merriam-Webster, a risk-taker is:

a person who is willing to do things that involve danger or risk in order to achieve a goal

Hmm . . . danger is not my forte; however, I am open to stretching my current skills to make them grow.

In my research, I found some common characteristics that risk-takers possess.Constant learnersTrust their gutEmbrace changeAccept defeat & learn from itSet high goals*somewhat of a gambler
 
I believe that my evolution as a writer is where any risk-taking has come into play. When I first began writing, I had zero idea who to write. I had zero idea how to structure a paragraph or chapter let alone an entire story. But I wanted to learn. (That covers setting high goals element. And yes, it was a high goal at first. LOL)  
And I love continuing to learn. (That covers Constant learner.)  Embracing change and Accepting defeat/learning from it was the hardest risk-taker characteristic for me to take. And I did so, at first, with my head hung low, my heart in my gut. It was when I separated from my first agent. I was down, but soon realized I wasn't out. So I eventually sold both my manuscripts on my own.(Here's where I embraced my inner gambler.)   And with things going so well . . . they soon fell apart, again, with the closing of my middle grade publisher. That was my true defeat. But only until I accepted it, brushed myself off, and learned to read myself better. Which brings me to the final point. (Trusting my gut.)
 I'd say trusting my gut has been the element I've most recently embraced. I might not know the future or the outcome of my decisions, but I do know my-writer-self much better - what I'm willing to do or compromise, what I'm willing to wait for, and what I'm willing to risk. 
What about you? Do you trust your gut?
  MORE PARTICIPANTS 
Thank you goes out to the awesome co-hosts for this posting: PK Hrezo, Pat Garcia, SE White, Lisa Buie Collard, and Diane Burton! You all RAWK! SHERI~

IWSG~Mount Katahdin & Genres

Here we are at our third IWSG post of the year. Crazy, right?
I've decided to veer from our optional question for a minute to share a little of my recent snowmobiling weekend in Maine.
 This is MOUNT KATAHDIN

 Here's a few interesting facts.     The trails were like highways. Amazing!

 Lastly, here we are in front of Mount Katahdin. This IWSG optional question is:  Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice? I tend to gravitate to romance and/or character based stories and also middle grade fantasy, adventure, and coming of age stories - all are what I write. But I'm always open to reading any story if it's well-written and enticing. I also like to read articles and short stories that are completely out of my norm. Sometimes I purposefully pick up books like that as well, using them to challenge myself through content, structure, craft, and technique. I always learn something knew when I do that, so I'd totally recommend it. One last thing, I'd love for you to meet the newest member of our family - ASHER! He's a nine-week-old German Shepherd puppy and new little brother to our current two-year-old GSD Sadie. 

Have an amazing month, everyone!  More Participants

 Major Kudos goes out to our co-hosts for the month of March: Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen Jacqui Murray, Chemist Ken, Victoria Marie Lees, Natalie Aguirre, and JQ Rose!

It's World Read Aloud Day!

Here we are at our second Insecure Writer's Support Group post of the year. Don't know what IWSG is? Have no fear. Click on the image below to find out how to participate and to read other posts today.
I do want to give a major shout-out to this month's co-hosts because without you this day wouldn't run as smoothly as it does. Thank you! Louise - Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!
I've decided to forgo this month's optional question to share something special with you! But please, feel free to share your answer with me in the comments to this month's optional question: 
 Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?  Okay, so I fibbed. A little. I have to answer this question. Yes, yes, & YES! I've been blogging for over 10 years now, and it has afforded me some of the most amazing and cherished friendships of my life. And it doesn't matter where our writing journeys have taken us. Some of us are still writing full-time; others have cut to part-time or moved on to other endeavors. None of that matters. We will forever be linked as writing sojourners in the land of the blogosphere and friends forever.  So, my share today is - IT'S WORLD READ ALOUD DAY!!!  Many of us, especially those who write for younger children, middle schoolers, and high school students, will spend this day online visiting classrooms and groups of students! We share who we are and read to students. We read from our own work as well as those we admire or those books we'd like to recommend to the kids. It's a wonderful time for all. Say a little prayer for me to get through this day. (Students are exhausting, but super fun!) I'll say a prayer for you, too!  More Participants
Many Blessings,

 

IWSG~Do You Finish The Book or Put It Down?

Happy New Year!
Knowing that, for most people, Covid put a huge damper on any New Year's celebrations, I still have to ask - Did you do anything special, anyway? How did you ring in this new year?
Me - my hubby and I went out to dinner with friends and called it an early night, thankful that we could go out at all.

IWSG ~ Endings and Beginnings

With every ending comes a new beginning.
This can be applied to every aspect of our lives from friendships, employment, projects, preferences, and relationships to the actual rising and setting of the sun. Some elements in our lives can come to such a sudden end it can even feel like death has stolen them away.  But the hope we live in is that Death has no power of over us, no matter what type of death, that we can always begin anew. "That all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

This is my humble prayer for all of you. 2020 has not been kind to us. We were all at a specific place January 1st, 2020. We're not there, anymore. Even though it might be hard to see, we have grown. I choose to reflect on all I've been through and all that

IWSG ~ Why I Write

We've come to yet another IWSG posting day. I'd like to thank this month's co-hosts -  Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria - for all their efforts!

I've decided to answer this month's optional question.


Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write.  Why do you write what you write?  As I was searching my heart for this answer, I realized that I have numerous reasons for writing. Some reasons have been with me from the beginning, while others have evolved, changed, and grown as I've moved forward as a published author. When I first began writing, I did it as a teeny vacation from my main life job as a stay-at-home mother, raising my four children. I eventually grew a true love for writing that forged me into thinking I could/would/should, just might be able to learn this craft for a greater purpose. Then I completed my first short story, and it got published. And then my first novel, which also got published. Through all of this, I also experienced and grew to need the amazing folks in our writing community.  Participants
So in short, I write for the friendships and support I receive and give, for the need to push myself beyond my comfort zone and challenge my physical, mental, and spiritual growth, and for the blessing (and the honor) of being in a position to help, comfort, and influence others by the stories I tell.

 What about you? Do you write? Why do you do it?  

IWSG ~ Definition of a Working Writer

I feel like it's been forever since I've chatted with you. Back in the days when I had no worries - writerly speaking - other than writing posts and blogging, I can remember being so excited to scan everyone's blog posts to converse.
I miss that. And I'm sorry I haven't been around much. Like most of you, the world's current situation has jumbled up a lot. But it's also been an important time of self-reflection, life pondering, and a deepening in my faith in God. All this is necessary, and we so often allow ourselves to get distracted by the business of our lives that we neglect what is truly worthy of our time and attention.
This all plays into today's IWSG monthly question:   
When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?  The term working writer is an evolution of each writer in their own right; at least, that is what I've come to believe from my own author experience. Whether you're self-published or traditionally published, with a large or small publisher, agented or going it alone, each time you sit to write you are a working writer. The results may be fast or slow, easy or hard, but those writing times will always come with interruptions - even for those without an outside job or other major responsibilities. Some interruptions could be considered a writing break, while others end up being hours or even days because of life duties beyond (and above - like family) writing. None of that makes you less of a working writer. WE need to think of our writing journeys like our life journeys - WE are a continual work in progress in both. Many blessings to you all and happy writing, you working writer you! :) 
    
Thank you to this month's IWSG co-hosts:
Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!MORE PARTICIPANTS
                 

A Must See YA Boxset ~ Wielder's Storm Trilogy!

I've been less than a blogger over the past year, and that's being generous. But that's a post for another time. Today, I have exciting news for you. Our very own Lynda R. Young aka Elle Cardy just released the most gorgeous boxset of her trilogy Wielder's Storm! 
Let's take a peek . . .
FREE on Kindle Unlimited - Amazon | Website

Whoa . . . I normally don't include an image this large in my posts, but I had to. Doesn't the cover hold an urgency about it that makes you just have to read?!
Here's the description:
The Wielder's Storm Trilogy is an action-packed epic fantasy that will sweep you across the high seas on a thrilling adventure full of exciting twists.
 This complete box set contains Wielder’s Prize, Wielder’s Curse and Wielder’s Fire.
Wielder’s PrizeSnatched for what she isn’t. Hunted for what she is.Despite having an abusive cook as a father, Jasmine wouldn’t change her life on the high seas for anything—until that life is shattered. When she’s snatched from the only home she’s ever known and forced to crew a different ship, she learns a terrible truth. She is an untrained magic wielder who is a threat to everyone if she can’t control her power. But she’s not the only out-of-control wielder on the high seas, and the secret of that wielder could change everything she thought she knew—if she can survive.
Wielder’s CurseA dark vision. A dangerous curse. A fierce girl caught in between.Jasmine thought her adventures were over, but terrifying visions continue to haunt her.  When a loved one’s life is threatened, she risks everything to hunt down the would-be assassin. What she finds is not what she expected. Too late, she realizes she’s endangered the ship and crew. On the run, she is pursued across the high seas to an unknown land. If she can’t master her power, she won’t be able to protect anyone. If she can’t accept help, then she could turn into something worse than the thing that hunts her.
Wielder’s FireJasmine’s secrets have been laid bare, her magic stripped. All she has left is a fire in her soul to defeat the oncoming storm.Shipwrecked on a forsaken island, Jasmine has nothing but her anger and determination to keep her warm at night. Without her magic, she must find a way to defeat a powerful enemy that can raze townships and summon sea monsters. When she discovers an ancient magic, she embraces it. But it may not be all it seems, and she could be exchanging one sword to the throat for another.
For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, who love exciting tales with dark secrets and unexpected twists. Lose yourself today in Elle Cardy’s epic fantasy adventure.
Elle Cardy is the pen name of Lynda R Young. She is a writer, editor, game developer, 3D artist, graphic designer, photographer, gamer and so much more.
She has a number of speculative short stories published in print and online. She has gone independent with her debut young adult fantasy adventure, Wielder's Prize, now available on Amazon. She’s a relative newcomer to sunny Brisbane and lives with her sweetheart of a husband who is also her best friend.
Under the name Lynda R Young, she has a Christian non-fiction out called Cling to God: A Daily Devotional.Website | Twitter | Instagram | Instagram | VIP Club

I hope you check out this Elle's website. It's beautiful! Congratulations to Elle.Much success to Wielder's Storm Trilogy!

IWSG~Letting Go To Your Story's Voice

Coming to you from northern New England where the Atlantic is still chilly, the lobstah' is as tasty as ev'ah, and the lighthouses shine on. My family is currently on a much needed vacation at a camp on a lake in Maine we rented for two weeks. 
In Maine language that's Up'tah camp.
I'll share photos in my next post, but for now I'll move on to this month's IWSG optional question.

Quote: "Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don't write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be."  

Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn't planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?

The second half of this quote spoke to me; that's why I highlighted it. I hadn't thought about why I write a piece as a short story, poem, or full-length novel. I know some stories are meant to be shorties, while others need a longer and more twisting road. For me, each has always inked the page the way it felt more natural. But that last part ". . . write your truth . . . your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be," rings so true with the middle grade novel I'm currently working on.

I like order. It's my nature. Plans get accomplished. Ideas/Intentions don't. But maybe it's not that simple. Maybe it's about having an idea of a plan and where you're going, but letting go to the freedom writing avails. We've all heard '. . . Let the story speak to you . . .', right? So I guess my answer to this question is yes I have. And it's teaching me more about myself, which is a good thing.

OTHER PARTICIPANTSA big Merci! goes out to this month's amazing co-hosts Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane,Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey! 

Want to know more about the Insecure Writers Support Group? Clink on the image to find out and read more participant's post, today.