ARE YOU HERE FOR THE #YASH? YOU’LL FIND IT HERE!
The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?
The co-hosts for the April 1 posting of the IWSG are Diane Burton, JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard! Be sure to visit and thank them for stepping up and co-hosting today.
My answer to this question is quiet. I’ve been walking every day at least 4 to 5 miles since the governor asked us to self-isolate. Self-isolating is easy because there are so few people out, I’m able to find deserted streets and trails everywhere. When I do meet people, we keep our distance, but manage a good morning and a smile. What I love seeing are the families walking together. Maybe they did this before, but maybe this is a new family activity and I applaud that. I know this virus has changed my life pattern, and I’m finding I really love my walks. I’ve been posting about them on. Facebook and once in a while Instagram since I started 15 days. And as of today, I’ve logged 64 miles. Maybe I don’t need a gym?
This is a busy month online at least. I’ll be doing the #YASH (Young Adult Scavenger Hunt) again with 80 other authors. This year I’m on the BLUE TEAM. I like this hop because I have a chance to meet other authors and find out something “Exclusive” about them or their books. I even like to do the HUNT. It started yesterday and will end April 5 at 12 P.M. PDT. If you like FREE BOOKS and you need some DISTRACTION during these isolating days, join us HERE.
Like many of you, I’ve been reading even more than usual. I finished Margaret Atwood’s Testaments, and liked it even more than her Handmaid’s Tale. Maybe I just like to see perverted religious cults crumble. I also read an oldie Ballad of the Sad Cafe and other Short Stories by Carson McCullers. I didn’t care much for the other stories in the collection, but Ballad will stick with me for some time. It has all the human foibles that make fascinating characters as well as love, betrayal, loneliness, and abandonment. Steph Cha’s Your House Will Pay is a dynamite story told from two points of view, both American born, but from different cultures-one Korean and one Black. The setting is L.A. after the Watts Riots. Highly charged drama that leaves you wondering if forgiveness is ever possible. Right now I’m reading Roland Yeoman’s newest book, French Quarter Requiem (Dark Hollywood). Roland’s living up to his reputation for capturing some of Hollywood’s nobility when the last thing they are is noble. Of course, there’s a New Orleans haunted mansion, ghosts, and Turkish demons as well. Give it a read and a review! David P. King has a new book out today. The Dragon’s Heart: A LaVondian Fairytale is out today April 1st! You can check it out (Amazon and Goodreads). It’s a clean fantasy, excellent for young readers and for anyone who may be in the mood for a fairy tale adventure. Another book to add to your TBR list.
Don’t forget there’s a new ANTHOLOGY CONTEST coming soon from IWSG. The genre is Sci-Fi, and take a look at the judges who will read your material:Dan Koboldt, author and #SFFpit founder, Lynda Young, author, Damien Larkin, author, Julie Gwinn, agent, The Seymour Agency, David Powers King, author, Ion Newcombe, editor and publisher
Quote of the Month: “Nothing makes me more nervous than people who say, ‘It can’t happen here.’ Anything can happen anywhere, given the right circumstances. Margaret Atwood.