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Time for my monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) post. It’s a cold, snowy day in my neck of the woods, so I’m cuddled up under a blankie as I write. I hope you’re warm wherever you’re reading this post.

The awesome co-hosts for February 2nd are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery. Check them out!

February 2 question – Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn’t around anymore? Someone you miss?

Yes. When I started out, I met a writer named Lexa Cain. She was a huge support in my early days, and she led me to IWSG. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I haven’t heard from her in years. I miss her very much. A little melancholy post, but true. I hope somehow she sees this.

Time for some news.

If I ever get stuck on mudflats, use cupcakes. 😂

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dog-saved-by-drone_n_61e9e1d8e4b044598d2d120e

Apparently, in order to create biological machines that are self-perpetuating, you start with PAC Man. I heart scientists!

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/tiny-living-machines-xenobots-replicate-copies-frog-cells

I leave you with a wintery song. Well, at least it is in my head. Enjoy, and a I’ll see you in seven.

Hello all! It’s Wednesday once again, which means it’s time for another posting of my weekly news. I’m a little sleepy tonight. It was cold and gray here all day, and I am tucked under a blanket typing this. I’m going to get to it, so I can snuggle even lower under my blankie.

Up first—na, na, na, na, na Batman. 😉

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/missouri-state-police-batman-alert_n_61e838b7e4b01f707dab5950

My science find today is fascinating. Our eyes may be able to reveal far more than our souls. I heart science!

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/01/18/health/eye-reveals-true-age-wellness/index.html

And, of course, a song to round things out. Enjoy! I’ll see you in seven.

Welcome back to another Wednesday. We’re already twelve days into 2022. The weather over here is mild, and I’m rocking a pretty good mood. So, it’s a music night. Enjoy the selection and I’ll see you in seven.

It is time for another posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG). Not only is it posting time, but it’s also the day when the contributors to the anthology are announced. So, without further ado, please join me in congratulating the authors of First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts:

The Art of Making Doughnuts – Linda Budzinski
Paper Faces – Sylvia Ney
The Real Thing – Sammi Spizziri
My Heart Approves – Melissa Maygrove
Oliver’s Girl – Michael Di Gesu
Clyde and Coalesce – Kim Chan
My First Love(s) – Templeton Moss
How to Save a Princess – Katie Klein
The Castle of Ohno – SE White
Marmalade Sunset – Denise Covey

I’m keeping it short but sweet today. Check out the authors above, and I’ll see you in seven.

I’m taking a couple weeks off for the holidays. See you all in the new year.

Welcome to another Wednesday news roundup. It’s raining in my corner of the world. Yep, I said rain–in December. Weird is another w word for this particular Wednesday, but I’ve got a treat to share for any of you who are also dealing with weather. Later. But first, some news.

This first story involves a cat and a sit upon a pole. 🙂

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cat-on-pole-rescue_n_61b49ba7e4b0030da7d59295

Next up, the science of squirrels and their parkour moves. I really adore this story for some reason. 🙂

I leave you with the treat I mentioned. This week I’ve included a roaring fire with your music. Enjoy, and I’ll see you in seven.

Happy Wednesday! It’s the second Wednesday in December already, and yet, Colorado is snow free. Longest stretch of snowless days we’ve ever had. So weird. You know what else is weird, my stories today.

This first story has a giant brownie with a kick.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/850-pound-brownie-mari-med_n_61afc956e4b0eb35170a40b4

In science today, repairing the spine with dancing molecules. I heart science!

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211111153635.htm

I leave you with a little Billie Eilish. Enjoy, and I’ll see you in seven!

Welcome back to another monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) post. Believe it or not, it is the beginning of December, and we are wrapping up yet another year. Shock, awe, and possibly curse words belong here. Use your imagination as to which words I used. 🙂 The amazing co-hosts for the December 1 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Diane Burton, Louise – Fundy Blue, Natalie Aguirre, and Jacqui Murray! If you haven’t already, check them out.

The optional question this month is– In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?

Ohhhh, interesting. Stress is the easy part. I get stressed as I’m struggling to build elements of voice and story that support both the characters and the idea I’m noodling. These stressors are often recurring. I may think I have the overall arc developed, but when I attack subsequent drafts, a new piece can slip into place that causes massive shifts. Talk about stress.

But, and this is the weirdest part of growing as a writer, it is those same processes that lead to the happiness at the center of my writing. Working through the change characters, story elements, and my brain needs to make to accommodate what needs to happen to make readable scenes, is at the heart of why I love writing so much. There’s an inherent pleasure in figuring things out, especially challenges which I didn’t think I could. Perhaps I’m a masocist. At least I’m a masochist with a some fun news stories up my sleeve.

This first story needs next to no commentary from me. I wish them a safe journey, even if it may be a big squishy.

https://www.npr.org/2021/11/07/1053383188/a-broken-toilet-on-spacex-capsule-means-astronauts-will-return-to-earth-in-diape

This next story is the epitome of a gargantuan task. Can you imagine mapping 100 billion cells? I heart scientists so much!

https://theconversation.com/mapping-how-the-100-billion-cells-in-the-brain-all-fit-together-is-the-brave-new-world-of-neuroscience-170182

I leave you with a little holiday music. See you in seven.

See you in fourteen.

It’s time for another posting of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG). I’m helping co-host this month along with these awesome writers: Victoria Marie Lees, Joylene Nowell Butler,Erika Beebe, and Lee Lowery! Check them out!

The optional question this month is — What’s harder to do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?

Absolutely the blurb. Titles are easier than blurbs for me. That’s the quickest I’ve ever answered one of these.

Time for some news.

I’ll just drop this happy story here. We need more of these. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/2-dogs-save-owner-on-mountain_n_6180f016e4b0ec286d3124ea

The physics of baby ducks. So cool! https://www.sciencenews.org/article/physics-why-ducklings-swim-row-behind-mother-duck-waves-energy

I leave you with a fun song. See you in seven. https://youtu.be/mW1dbiD_zDk