IWSG Anthologies

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Inspiration for the Upcoming 2020 IWSG Anthology Contest ~ Part 1

Last Wednesday IWSG founder Alex J. Cavanaugh gave us a sneak peak into the 2020 IWSG Anthology Contest, revealing the science fiction genre and the amazing judges. The theme will be announced when the contest opens on May 6th. I bet I'm not the only excited IWSG member already considering ideas. As an author featured in the 2020 IWSG anthology Voyagers, I encourage everyone to go for it. I never dreamed my story would be selected; yet here I am, waiting to see it in print on May 5th.

Inspiring Quotes About Writing:

Today five of the authors in Voyagers: The Third Ghost are sharing their favoriting writing quotes, and, as an extra treat, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the founder of the Insecure Writers Support Group, is sharing his. Let's rev up for the 2020 IWSG Anthology Contest with some inspiring quotes!

Katharina Gerlach
"Winter Days"

My favorite writing quote is:
"Safe never starts. Perfect never finishes."
–Holly Lisle: (the best writing
courses I ever took)

Katharina currently writes stories of varying length in fantastical and historical genres. She runs the Indie Authors’ Advent Calendar each year, a free for all story feast.

Website|Advent Calendar|Facebook|Pinterest

Yvonne Ventresca

"The Third Ghost"

Yvonne is the award-winning author of Black Flowers, White Lies, (IPPY Gold Medal for National YA fiction) and Pandemic (SCBWI’s Crystal Kite Award). Her other works include two nonfiction books and several short stories selected for anthologies, including the previous IWSG anthology, Hero Lost: Mysteries of Death and Life.

Sherry Ellis

"The Ghosts of Pompeii"

My favorite writing quote is:
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."
–Maya Angelou

Sherry's books include Don't Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Mama is a Grouch; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China; and Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure.

Bish Denham
"The Blind Ship"

My favorite quote is:
"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen." –John Steinbeck.

I love this quote because that's a problem with me. I have so many ideas I don't know which one to pick. They're all jumping around in my mind like a bunch of rabbits yelling, "Me! Me! Pick me!"

Bish is the author of two middle grade novels and a collection of retold Jamaican Anansi stories.

Blog| Facebook| Goodreads| Twitter| Amazon

Beth Anderson Schuck
"The Orchard"

Here’s one of my favorite writing related quotes:
“Once you’re into a story everything seems to apply- what you overhear on the city bus is exactly what your character would say. Wherever you go, you meet a part of your story.”
–Eudora Welty.

Beth writes historical fiction featuring willful female characters.

Instagram| Twitter

Alex J. Cavanaugh

a.k.a. Alex Ninja Captain

Here are favorite quotes from our inspiring leader, the founder of the Insecure Writers Support Group, Alex J. Cavanaugh. A successful writer himself, Alex is the author of Amazon bestsellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and Dragon of the Stars.

“It's better to die in pursuit of your dreams than to live a life without hope.”
–Terry Brooks

“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. ” –Joss Whedon

“Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” –Mark Twain

“You can make anything by writing.” –C.S. Lewis

“You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” –Ray Bradbury

And of course my own writing quote “Thou shall not suck!” –Alex J. Cavanaugh

Coming on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 . . .

Next week the remaining five authors in Voyagers will share their favorite writing quotes, along with another surprise guest.

Till next time ~
Fundy Blue

* * * * * * * * * *

Blog Interviews and Virtual Tours:

1. March 16 - Yvonne Ventresca http://bookshopwithstaceyhoran.libsyn.com/bookshop-interview-with-author-yvonne-ventresca-episode-063

2. May 4 - June McCrary Jacobs https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com/

3. May 6 - C. Lee McKenzie, Author https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/

4. May 6 - Literary Rambles – Natalie Aguirre https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

5. May 11 - Juneta Key https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

* * * * * * * * * *

The release date for VOYAGERS: The Third Ghost

is May 5, 2020,

but purchase links are available,

and you can preorder a copy now.

Print 9781939844729 $13.95

EBook 9781939844736 $4.99

Juvenile Fiction - Historical / Action & Adventure / Fantasy & Magic

Dancing Lemur Press/Freedom Fox Press

Amazon - Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857

ITunes - https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Good Reads for Challenging Times

The world is very different from what it was at the beginning of the year when this blog began featuring the authors in the IWSG anthology Voyagers: The Third Ghost. We're all trying to adjust to a new reality, which for many of us includes staying at home, perhaps for weeks or months. My fellow authors and I hope that the world gets through this crisis with the least suffering and death possible. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone, everywhere, as the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Every individual has a part he or she can play in mitigating the impact of the coronavirus, no matter where he or she is in the world. Fortunately the world is filled with countless, selfless people risking their lives to perform essential functions. Others, who must stay at home, are helping to slow the spread of the virus in an attempt to prevent health care systems from being overwhelmed. Each of us, by our actions, may prevent the suffering or death of someone else. That is a profound responsibility and a real opportunity to make a true difference.

For those of us tasked with staying at home, we are the lucky ones. Yes, it can chafe to feel confined, but so many others are being asked to carry much heavier, more dangerous burdens. Being unexpectedly at home is challenging, but it is a chance to enjoy being together with the people we love and to spend more time on activities we enjoy or to explore others we haven't tried in the past.

For me, this time under a stay-at-home order is freeing me to indulge in a favorite passion. I am one of millions of people around the world who love to read. Good books launch me into adventures throughout space and time and make the real world disappear. They enrich my mind and feed my curiosity. I literally can't go a day without reading. From my earliest memories of my mother reading to me to the fabulous novel I finished last night, books have been my constant companions and friends. Ask any of my fellow authors in the anthology, and you will find someone who is passionate about reading.

If you are looking for something new to do as a family during this difficult time or if you are a family of avid readers, my fellow authors and I have some great books for you to read together or individually. Because we have written a collection of short stories for middle-school-age kids, we are sharing some of our favorite books for that age. Good books are ageless and timeless. There is something here for readers of many ages.

Piqsels ~ License

Good Reads for Challenging Times:

Note: For links to the books and other information, click on the light purple words.

Yvonne Ventresca
"The Third Ghost"

Some favorite middle grade novels that I’ve read recently include Front Desk by Kelly Yang, The Wanderer by Sharon Creech, and The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.

Katharina Gerlach
"Winter Days"

My favorite children's books were the translation of the Wizard of Oz (The Magician of Emerald City) and its sequels by the Russian writer Alexander Wolkow. They were so much better than the originals by Frank Baum, and they continued the adventures of Dorothy and Toto. I loved them as a child, and I love them still.

They have been (re)translated into English as "Tales of the Magic Land" and are still available in three volumes of two novels each:

Tales of Magic Land 1: The Wizard of the Emerald City and Urfin Jus and his Wooden Soldiers

Tales of Magic Land 2: The Seven Underground Kings and The Fiery God of the Marrans

Tales of Magic Land 3: The Yellow Fog and The Mystery of the Deserted Castle

Roland Clarke
"Feathered Fire"

My favorite middle-school-aged book?
A five-star read that was magical.

A story that resonated with me—wolves, Russia, revolution, adventure, and the wolves. Plus, prose that was masterful. An encounter with middle-grade reading with unexpected but amazing results: The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell. It was my top 2019 read, and I reviewed it here.

Sherry Ellis
"The Ghosts of Pompeii"

My favorite middle-grade book is The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks. It's an action-packed adventure of two brave kids who outwit some very smart art thieves. I love the twists and turns, and the cool thing is that it's interactive. Readers can scan QR codes throughout the book to see what the Van Gogh masterpieces look like.

Charles Kowalski
"Simon Grey and the Yamamba"

When I first read the Harry Potter books, I thought, "Where were these when I was growing up?" I loved fantasy worlds that I could disappear into, like opening a wardrobe door and stepping through into a magical realm, and I was enchanted with the thought that a nondescript pub, or a pillar at a train station, could be a gateway into a whole other world.

Bish Denham
"The Blind Ship"

It's hard to pick just one book that I liked when I was of middle school age. Here are four. I was into animals and read them because my mother bought me the books:

Call of the Wild by Jack London
Kazan the Wolf Dog by James Oliver Curwood
Rascal by Sterling North
The Dog Who Wouldn't Be by Farley Mowat

Rebecca M. Douglass
"A World of Trouble"

Rebecca wasn't able to contribute to this post because she has just arrived home after a harrowing adventure at the tip of South America and Antarctica.

But never fear, Rebecca is the incomparable Ninja Librarian, and she has recommended and reviewed an amazing list of books for kids of all ages. You must check out her website!

Beth Anderson Schuck
"The Orchard"

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson is my pick for a favorite book for middle school age readers. The setting and predicaments encountered by Hattie, a 16-year-old girl
who inherits a homestead claim in faraway Montana are riveting. Strong willed females who face difficult challenges always engage me and keep
me turning those pages. It's a classic!

L.T. Ward
"Return to Cahokia"

My favorite middle grade book was and is "The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes." The adventures, creativity, and loving support inspired me to strive for a life filled with weirdness and excitement.

Louise MacBeath Barbour
"Dare Double Dare"

One of the great pleasures in my life has been reading aloud to many, many kids during my teaching career. The books I shared with my students are like friends to me because of the laughter, the tears, and the adventures we experienced as we read and learned together.

These are middle-school-aged favorites that I will never forget:
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry,
Kokopelli's Flute by Will Hobbs,
The Prince of the Pond by Donna Jo Napoli,
and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Take care! Stay healthy!
Until next time ...
Fundy Blue

* * * * * * * * * *

Upcoming Blog Interviews and Virtual Tours:

1. March 16 - Yvonne Ventresca http://bookshopwithstaceyhoran.libsyn.com/bookshop-interview-with-author-yvonne-ventresca-episode-063

2. May 4 - June McCrary Jacobs https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com/

3. May 6 - C. Lee McKenzie, Author https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/

4. May 6 - Literary Rambles – Natalie Aguirre https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

5. May 11 - Juneta Key https://www.junetakey.com/#writersgambitblog

* * * * * * * * * *

The release date for VOYAGERS: The Third Ghost
is May 5, 2020,
but purchase links are available,
and you can preorder a copy now.

Print 9781939844729 $13.95
EBook 9781939844736 $4.99
Juvenile Fiction - Historical / Action & Adventure / Fantasy & Magic
Dancing Lemur Press/Freedom Fox Press

Amazon - Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857

ITunes - https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

In the Spotlight: L.T. Ward ~ Author of "Return to Cahokia"

Over the past nine weeks, the IWSG Anthology blog has featured posts

from nine of the authors in Voyager: The Third Ghost.
Our author today is, last but not least, L.T. Ward.

L.T. Ward on her short story "Return to Cahokia" ...

Before January 2019, I was not a writer. I had been a stay-at-home mom with four children, working part-time in marketing. My eldest, a teenager, had come home one day the previous December and told me that her dreams of becoming an actress were stupid. Before my frustrations at her dismissing her aspirations settled in fully, I asked her why she felt that way. She explained that everyone in her life said it was foolish, lacking pragmatism, and that she should focus on a more reliable future. When I said acting made her happy and that I supported her in her creative goals, she said it didn’t matter and couldn’t be done.
I asked why. She said because no one in her life ever did anything they wanted, just what they were expected to do, especially me.
That set me off, because NO ONE, not even me, was allowed to convince my children they didn’t deserve to go big with their lives. So I started writing.
For my first novel, I had researched Cahokia Mounds, the pyramids located outside of St. Louis, MO were fascinating. To see them firsthand, I took my children to visit the mounds during a vacation. The pyramids were beautiful and the history there, rich. I wanted to learn more, but found there was a lot of missing history as the city had demolished so much of the land during urban development. I went home inspired and a little sad, but the images and feel of the sites wouldn’t leave my mind.
Back home, I started a second novel, completed it, then tried to figure out my next step. Both novels needed heavy editing, but I wasn’t ready to tackle that. Yet, I had found in writing what I saw my daughter has when she is on stage--satisfaction. I googled “insecure writer help” and found The Insecure Writer’s Support Group. It was everything I needed to push me in my aspiring writing career.
The IWSG put out a call on Facebook for their upcoming middle grade anthology. The theme for The IWSG Anthology was Historical-Fantasy/Adventure. Both of my novels were young adult fiction, but they each maintained speculative fiction. I still had that needling idea about Cahokia Mounds from my visit so I decided I had to write a short story to submit.
To begin writing, I thought back on what had inspired my novels. Weather. I live in an area fraught with erratic weather. I’d seen the damage of floods, F5 tornados, and violent winters. Mother Nature is powerful and magnificent. Each season, I’m in awe of the effects the sky has on the land and people below. Weather isn’t common small talk because it’s convenient; it’s because we all care about it. During long walks, I watched the skies, felt the winds, and the idea for “Return To Cahokia” grew.
To my extreme surprise and thrill, my very first short story will also be my first publication. The story and its creation are very near and dear to my heart, which adds to my joy at its upcoming release.
An added bonus: My eldest has resumed her big dream aspirations.

The Birdman Tablet

The Birdman is etched on a lot of the artwork and pots that have been found at Cahokia.

Cahokia Mounds State Park, Collinsville, Illinois, USA

Photo by L.T. Ward

Blurb

Will Tonalli, her mother, and her siblings, Warm Weather Gods, complete their spring journey back to Cahokia, and what will happen if they don't?

Excerpt from "Return To Cahokia"
by L.T. Ward ...
“Tonalli, my daughter,” my mother calls, “have you prepared yourself for our journey?”
“Yes, Mama,” I tell her. Mama knows my siblings and I are all ready for our return to Cahokia. It has been nearly eight months since our last visit, and we are--literally--bursting with anticipation to return.
Since our departure from our summer home, my family has traveled long distances over the earth, until we reached the dark, chilly waters in the east. We rode the clouds south, toward the warmer climates, as is our duty as the Warm Weather Gods. We spent our winter lounging and resting over the lands, providing the luxurious humidity and heat our people need. Wintering over the southern lands, they reward us with offerings of their bountiful harvest. Cocoa is my favorite, but my mother, Yolotl, loves the offering of guava.
But now, spring is nearing and we get to finally return to our favorite home.
“Come along, Tonalli,” my mother says. I follow her obediently, walking carefully atop the clouds. My father, Yaxkin, never joins us. He has to remain behind to lighten the days, reflecting his warmth to his brother, Metztli, to brighten the nights. Mama will guide us, though. My many siblings and I will make the journey every spring to Cahokia without Papa, but he will visit as best he can. He usually makes time several weeks in the late summer, just before we prepare our eastward trek to the sea. And he will join us for the Arrival Celebration.

Bio

LT hails from the Land of Corn,
otherwise known as Central Illinois,
where weather inspires her literary works.

When not writing speculative fiction
shorts and novels, she spends her days
raising a brood of plague monsters
(a.k.a. her children) as well as
satisfying her never-ending thirst
for knowledge through reading,
meeting people, and first-hand life experiences.

Twitter

Coming on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 . . .

Our authors will share their favorite middle grade books.

* * * * * * * * * *

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Inspiration for the Upcoming 2020 IWSG Anthology Contest ~ Part 1

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Good Reads for Challenging Times

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

In the Spotlight: L.T. Ward ~ Author of "Return to Cahokia"

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