You might think that after being in the writing game for this long, I wouldn’t make any mistakes. Well, that isn’t the case. January and February are proof. But I do have excuses, I just won’t bore you with the long story. There was a computer, a building project, two faucet leaks, and a giraffe involved. I’ll say no more.
I will say that I should have been telling earthlings about Pete and Weasel’s trip to the moon as stowaways on a rocket under the command of Captain Chrys Fey. Yes, the two boys are taking Some Very Messy Medieval Magic to our nearest satellite, and they plan to stay forever.
The reason the boys have to stow away and can’t be legitimate paying passengers is because their author (me) was dealing with things (see above) and missed the deadline to up for the Moon Trip.
The idea is brilliant and due, in a large part, to Susan Kaye Quinn: Writers On The Moon is a lunar time capsule project. “We’ll send a rag-tag fleet of stories to the moon aboard a digital data card. We hope this snapshot of indie fiction from around the world in 2021 will reveal the humanity of today to the readers of tomorrow. Astrobotic and DHL have partnered to deliver “MoonBoxes” aboard Astrobotic’s lunar landers. Our payload will ride on the first Astrobotic lander to reach the moon, the Peregrine Lander. It will remain there permanently, a time capsule for the future.”
Blast-Off!
I’m not finished with trying to mend my January/Februrary Screw Ups. So stick around. I’d looked forward to showing off Donna Galanti’s newest book and telling about her Giveaway, but I lost her post. (Item #1 Computer, See Above), then almost forgot the date to post (#2 building project), cobbled together something at the last minute (#3 two faucet leaks), and forgot the Giveaway (#4 the giraffe, but it was imaginary). Do you see a pattern developing? Anyway, to atone for the mess, I’d like to tout Donna’s book again today.
“An accessible and fast-paced magical adventure.” – Kirkus Reviews
“An all-too-human, enchanting middle grade fantasy novel.” – Forward Reviews
“What begins as realistic fiction turns to a fantastical tale of magical rescue. Fans of unicorns and magic in the real world will enjoy this adventure.” – School Library Journal
Add Donna’s book to your TBR List on Goodreads, and please visit Donna at her beautiful Website.
Now it’s time to rock the neurotic writing world, and rocking this neurotic writer would also help.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
March 3 question – 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?
The awesome co-hosts for the March 3 posting of the IWSG are Sarah – The Faux Fountain PenJacqui Murray,Chemist Ken,Victoria Marie Lees,Natalie Aguirre, and JQ Rose!
If there are pages between covers with a title on the front and you call it a book, I’m very likely to read it. A great cover makes me pick up a novel, an intriguing topic makes me pick up a non-fiction book.
Like so many fiction readers, I like to be drawn in right away; however, I’m likely to give a story with a slow start a little time if the writing is strong and I sense a trustworthy voice. With non-fiction, I really appreciate a sense of humor or well-crafted prose as well as clarity.
As a writer, I love to write, so with the exception of Romance and Erotica, I give everything a shot. I have a lot of failures to show for it, but in each failure, I’ve learned something.
Quote of the Month: With freedom, books, flowers, and the Moon, who could not be happy?
Oscar Wilde
Julie Pick says
Sorry 2021 didn’t get off to a good start, but hopefully things will get brighter when spring is sprung. Your new book cover looks fabulous!
Julie Pick says
Sorry 2021 didn’t get off to a good start, but I’m sure your days will be brighter in the spring. Your book cover looks fabulous!
J Lenni Dorner says
Giraffes! Everyone thinks they’re so cute. But here is yet another one, interfering with a life…
😉
I know the feeling of things falling behind. I feel like I’m already behind on May, and then I remember that it’s March and there’s still time to accomplish everything.
Why is character description important to me?
There are a LOT of books that negatively portray Native American characters. Or as shifters in the paranormal books.
I’d like to say that the “default” of their being no description is that the character could be any ethnicity. But that doesn’t come off as true. For whatever reason, the “default” is that characters are white until proven otherwise. Actually, cis white upper-middle-class male, until proven otherwise. Perhaps because the big publishers have mostly pumped those out for a long time. I haven’t researched it. I’m sure someone has. There’s probably a chart somewhere. https://discover.submittable.com/blog/dear-white-writers-please-stop-doing-these-things/ Here’s an article that mentions it.
Granted, giving this reason doesn’t mean there will be Native American characters. Or that they’ll be well written, or actually from different tribes. (Teepees and totem poles don’t go together, and we’re not all named with a verb and animal.) But the number of novels with a Native American main character in a positive light is still abysmal. So I will vote PRO DESCRIPTION for everyone who still has never encountered an original character in a book that reminds them of themselves.
I’m getting ready for the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge. And hoping to honor the wonderful women in my life on March 8 for International Women’s Day.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
J Lenni Dorner says
Where’s the edit button when I need it? Somehow I hit paste instead of enter, and it used a comment I had copied from another blog. (Because I thought the page would crash before the comment went through, so I copied before sending.)
It’s a good comment. But it has nothing to do with your post. After my line about falling behind, I was just going to wish you a happy International Woman’s Day. Where that line went, I have no idea.
I’m sure my comment is confusing. Ha ha ha. Well, you commented on the same post, so at least you did see the other part of the conversation at one point. Sorry, don’t mind me.
Your computer had issues. My brain is having issues.
C. Lee McKenzie says
If we didn’t have issues with this blogging business, how dull would that be?
Shannon Lawrence says
Congratulations to Donna!
I hope you get all caught up. Very cool that you’re part of the moon project!
Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy says
Failures are only failures if we don’t learn from the mistake 🙂
Victoria M. Lees says
A tough month for you, Lee, but bravo on your beautiful new book and cover. It looks wonderful! And so do the other book covers you talk about in your post. All the luck with your new release. Spring has to be on the way soon.
Chrys Fey says
Hey, I haven’t even posted about Writers on the Moon on my blog yet. So no worries! I’ve talked about it in my newsletter and other social media but just haven’t gotten to creating a blog post. I think I’ll do that for my April IWSG post. 🙂
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – like you #x and #xx etc challenges, so get delayed … but that moon thingie idea is wonderful! Your book ‘Some Very Messy Medieval Magic’ looks delightfully fun – going back centuries and working it all out … brilliant. All the best with gathering all those leaky threads together! Stay safe – Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
It was fun to revisit some British history and work it into a story about Pete and Weasel. The leaky threads are always in need of gathering, aren’t they?
Kalpana Misra says
I love that there was a giraffe! The rest sounds painful. The Oscar Wilde quote is absolutely fabulous – thank you for it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks Kalpana. He did have a way with words.
Luciana says
I’m glad the giraffe made it!
Like you, I don’t read erotica and very little romance, but will read wide range of genres. I have to admit the cover also is a drawcard for me.
C. Lee McKenzie says
There was a certain amount of levity when the giraffe arrived. However, as much as I need a pet, I really want one I can accommodate reasonably well–something with a shorter neck.
Thanks for the visit! Please come back.
Elizabeth Seckman says
I suppose you do understand how things can go south contrary to your best efforts. The problem with writing is that it has a never-ending to-do list. You could work 24-7 and there is always another book to be written or job to be done.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I certainly know the 24/7. When I tell people what’s involved in doing this writing stuff, they glaze over. They really think writers plunk on the computer keys and then take naps.
Toi Thomas says
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Here’s a virtual glass of wine and a “cheers” to moving on despite technical difficulties and small catastrophes. Thanks for sharing Unicorn Island. Love your quote at the end.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Win and cheers are always welcome. Thanks, Toi.
Patty Josephine says
I’m stowing away thanks to Chrys too. =D
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s great!
Sandra Cox says
Yay for stories to the moon:)
Life can certainly be challenging.
Congrats to Donna.
Stay safe. Be well.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It shuld be quite a journey.
Jemima Pett says
There just seems to be so much going on at the moment. My best excuse involves two guinea pigs and the sign of a green dragon, but more about that late rin the month.
Your moon story project sounds awesome!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Those are interesting animals, Jemima. Hope they’re fun to have around. Giraffes really are a challenge. It’s that long neck!
Sheri Larsen says
Writers on the moon is such a cool idea! I wish I would have been around blogging to hear about it. But – probably like your giraffe tale – life has been upside-down for a while.
I tend to read pretty much anything. Write? Probably not anything. I would like to try my hand at a memoir at some point.
C. Lee McKenzie says
We’re all in that situation these days. My friends keep telling me how behind they are or how forgetful or how anxious. At least we’re not isolated cases, Sheri.
Memoir is a challenge. Hope you will do it.
HRSinclair says
It’s those necks. Giraffes can get into everything!
This is the best line “If there are pages between covers with a title on the front and you call it a book, I’m very likely to read it.”
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love your sense of humor! Thanks for sharing it here.
diedre says
What a delightful post, Lee! I giggled and nodded all the way through. It seems the Ides of March showed up early this year for us both. Love your new book, and Donna’s book as well. You ladies pick me up some moonrocks, would ya?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Moonrocks it is! Thanks again for the visit and the giggle. No matter what happens we must laugh.
Rebecca Douglass says
We all have times like that, so I appreciate that you kept your sense of humor—and found ways to fix it! I’m like you about reading, at least in a pinch. I will read anything with words on it if I don’t have anything else (I may be the only person anywhere who actually read every word of the multi-page packet they gave me with my COVID shot, to survive the 15-minute wait period). But there are genres I avoid, especially at book length—absolutely no horror, and I steer clear of thrillers and romance. Never tried erotica 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Only a true reader with a moment of peace would read those packets. But that was probably 15 minutes well-spent.
Like you, I’m not big on horror, although I admit to reading two of King’s books. I did sample Anias Nin’s erotica, and it was more poetry than anything else. But still not my thing. Thrillers put my fur up, and I can’t sleep. I do have limitations.
Gwen Gardner says
Uh oh, not a good start to the year–I’m with you on that and so are a lot of others.
I read widely, but recently I have a hard time concentrating when reading. *sigh*
So Chrys is taking you as a stowaway to the moon! I’m going too, and taking stowaways with me as well. Yay!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, great news! I’m excited that my kids will be on the moon with so many other great characters created by authors I know.
Bish Denham says
Wow! The moon?! Pete and Weasel are going to be on the moon?! Congratulations!!! Those darn giraffes turn up at the most inopportune times…
C. Lee McKenzie says
Wait for the platypus, Bish. That’s when all hell breaks loose.
Tyrean A Martinson says
I’ve had a giraffe poking it’s nose into my life these days, too.
At least you had today’s IWSG prompt right – I didn’t even figure that out. Sigh.
Oh well, I still love to read, even if I didn’t disclose it today. I read 70%ish sci-fi and fantasy, with a bunch of other genres mixed in, from children’s books to adult.
Congrats to Donna.
Love the quote at the end – very fitting.
Let’s hope the giraffes stay out of the rest of March.
Donna Galanti says
Thanks Tyrean! And I read a bunch of genres, too, from children’s books to adult. I go through periods of all one thing like non-fiction or contemporary.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think we all need to cut each other a lot of slack these days. Even the most organized and responsible of us are exhibiting signs of stress. Hang in there. We’ll make it and all will be well–with or without that giraffe!
Pat Hatt says
Pictured something else with the giraffe lol sometimes things just pile on up, or forget to pile up. Sense of humor sure wins with me too.
Sarah Foster says
If you can call it a book, I’m likely to read it– Love that! I think I’ll read pretty much anything as long as it sounds interesting.
Olga Godim says
Sorry for your mishaps, but it happens sometimes. Some months are just better than others.
Love your new book cover. Actually I love both the covers you reveal in your post, yours and Donna’s. Covers are important to me, because I make them too. Lately, I occupied myself more with making covers and much less with writing. Am I still a writer then? Hmm, something to think about.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You have such a talent for design, Olga. I see that in the badges you create for WEP.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
Oh, Oscar, you’re missing red wine and dark chocolate in that list, both of which I’m enjoying right now! I hope things start going easier for you, Lee! I think that we’re all tired, scrambled, and scattered after this pandemic year. Good luck to Weasel and Pete as stowaways. My nickname growing up was Weasel (and my brother still calls me that sometimes). It’s fun to share a name with a character in your books. Take care. Stay safe.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re right. I should stock up on those supplies. They would make it so much easier to get through the rough patches.
I’ll bet there’s a story behind your nickname. My Weasel has one.
Great to read your comment as always.
Jennifer Lane says
I agree that covers are important. I always have good intentions with non-fiction books but it’s hard for me to finish them.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Some non-fiction writers are better than others. Carl Sagan has the knack for making science very digestible and often amusing. Then, of course, there’s Bill Bryson whose travel books I can’t get enough of.
Liz A. says
Ouch. Sounds like things were a bit of a disaster for a bit. But I guess many of us have had issues lately that make getting stuff done difficult. Sounds like you’ve gotten most of it fixed up now, though.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The giraffe’s left the room, so I count that as a major step toward sanity. 🙂
Carol Kilgore says
To the moon! Kudos 🙂
After having major calamities in both 2019 and 2020, I totally understand missed deadlines. Here’s to a disaster free rest of 2021.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, yes! Please.
Anna says
Humor in either fiction or non–fiction always bumps it up for me. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love a good laugh when I read, and there’s a place for humor in almost every book.
Donna Galanti says
I agree! I love it when I am surprised by humor, too. A fun MG mystery, adventure I just read with LOL moments is Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley. Like Knives Out meets Clue for kids!
Cathrina says
It’s definitely a books cover and the title that I’m attracted to. Next, the blurb. But, if I don’t like the blurb, I won’t be bothered spending precious time on a book that doesn’t sound like my kind of read. Although, I have begun a few books that I thought weren’t for me, and I ended up liking them. I guess that old phrase holds true for me sometimes, ‘You can’t tell a book by its cover.’
C. Lee McKenzie says
I guess we need to be flexible in our reading choices. Some days I crave a well-written bio, the next a cozy mystery, and sometimes an in-depth non-fiction fits the bill.
Donna Galanti says
Lee, I am the same way! I have a mix of all sorts of books on my bedside to read depending on my mood. 🙂
Lee Lowery says
Sorry for all your early year troubles. What a PITA. But seriously, now all I can think of is “write a story, any genre, that includes the following: a computer, a building project, two faucet leaks, and a giraffe. Five thousand words or less.” ;D
I’ll read almost anything (no erotica here, either). Covers and blurbs will draw me in, but if the story doesn’t keep my interest in the first chapter or so, I’m out.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, great idea, Lee. Those would make interesting story prompts. I’ll keep that in mind.
The first chapter is a deal maker/breaker for so many. I’ve been known to set aside a dull beginning.
ChemistKen says
With all those things going on, your life sounds like a whirlwind. Be sure to take some time for rest breaks.
I have to be more choosy about the books I read. I simply don’t have a lot of time for reading, so if a book doesn’t grab me quickly, I move on to the next.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Time is definitely a factor for me, too, Ken. More and more, it seems.
JQRose says
Ha–I like to experiment with new genres too. Sometimes I start out with a plan and the story turns out like something I would usually write. Not fair. I want to be daring and bold and pen something usually out of my comfort range. No, I’m talking about erotica. LOL…Have fun with your writing. Sounds like you are.
JQ Rose
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m with you JQ. If it’s not fun, then I’m out of there. And you have to be daring, or try to be. I’m in the boat with you on that.
Donna Galanti says
Lee, thanks so much for having me back on and no worries at all about January and February’s spoof months! I’m glad you got everything sorted out but am intrigued, too, about the giraffe! 🙂 I’m also super excited about Pete and Weasel’s new moon escapades! 🙂 Always love to see what fun those two are up to. Hope you have smooth sailing for springtime!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Donna. You and your lovely books are always welcome here. I hope you’ll return with the sequels.
Elephants Child says
It is not the cover which draws me in usually but the title. And/or the author.
And it is the writing (and to a lesser extent) the subject which keeps me there. Neglecting people and other tasks until my fix is done.
As always, this reader salutes and thanks all writers.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Titles are important. I always struggle with those.
Elephants Child says
Titles and names. Both give me grief and both matter.
Carrie-Anne says
The lunar time capsule is a brilliant idea!
I also love books with gorgeous, intriguing, or original covers, though sometimes the contents don’t live up to their covers. On the flip side, I pass up books with unoriginal covers, like the headless, hairless bare chest.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I really hate it when the covers are the best part of a book. So disappointing.
Loni Townsend says
Ah, I’ve had those times where everything slips away from me. Woot for sharing Donna’s book, though! I see “epic!” at the top of the cover, so I’m guessing this is available through the kids’ digital library? I’ll have to see if my daughter can pull it up and see if she likes it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Great. Donna’s a great storyteller.
Donna Galanti says
Thanks so much Lee! And right back at ya 🙂
Donna Galanti says
Hi Loni, thanks for stopping by! Yes, this is actually the Epic! cover (the hardcover that just released by Andrews McMeel is slightly different) and the story is in a 5-part serial on Epic! right now. Hope you enjoy it there! Book 2, Secret Beneath the Sand, comes out in 5 parts starting on May 10. hope you and your daughter enjoy!
Jacqui Murray says
That was a busy post! I actually did a Ctrl+F to find out what the heck happened with a giraffe! Great saves on your part, Lee. I’m impressed.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Jacqui. I’m slowly digging my way out of the hole. Ctrl+F, heh? I’ll give that a try and see where it takes me. Love new toys.
Jeff says
Let’s try this again… I don’t know where my first attempt went, maybe to the moon with your book 🙂
Sounds like you had a messy few months. I found myself intrigued by the giraffe, but think you answered it toward the end of your post. Hopefully March will be better. With the days lengthening and the air warming, things should be…
C. Lee McKenzie says
Technology afoot again, Jeff. It tricked you into thinking it had eaten your first post. Yes, the giraff was a bit of whimsy or derangement–the residual effects of last month.
Jeff says
I was curious about the giraffe, but I think you answered it toward the end. I hope March is better for you. As the days lengthen and the air warms, things should be good.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
I am not usually drawn by the cover to buy a book but by the first three or four pages at the beginning of the book and how the story ends.
Hope you’re fine.
Take care and have a lovely month of March.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Pat! I hear you have some great news to share.
Jemi Fraser says
I’m so glad Pete and Weasel will be joining the Bloo Moose gang on the moon!
Donna’s book looks great – fun cover!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yay! Our gang will be together!
Donna Galanti says
Thanks so much Jemi! It was a fun book to write. I love writing real world stories with magical elements in them. 🙂
L. Diane Wolfe says
I’m so happy one of your books is going to the moon.
C. Lee McKenzie says
My kids think it’s quite exciting.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
It’s good to see you, dear friend. Merry month of March to you! Wow, your long and convoluted story involving a giraffe rivals my encounter with a platypus, three hippos and a band of pygmies. 🙂 I am usually not interested in reading outside the genres I write. Keeping in mind that many people judge a book by its cover, your Medieval Magic captured my attention immediately and got me interested about what’s inside. I once purchased a vinyl record album without knowing anything about the artist or type of music on the disc. I made a buying decision based solely on the cover art.
I appreciate the parting quote by Oscar Wilde. Let us enjoy all those things while they last. Have a wonderful month, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We must chat about our unique experiences, Shady. I’m sure we could come up with a lot interesting stories to exchange.
I read all over the map. If it’s a book, it’s fair game. I never know what I’ll find, and often I’m delighted and surprised.
Great to have your visit as always. I’ll pop over to hear some great tunes today at your place.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
That’s cool your book is going to the moon!
Covers are usually what draw me in.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I have to admit to being taken by a fascinating cover, too.
Donna Galanti says
I am all about the cover, too! I like being swept away in it and eager to be transported to a new world in my imagination.