What do you do that you love?
Me? I love playing with my kids. I love walking in nature. I love meeting new people and reading good books. I love writing. The IWSG question this month is:
What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
(I noticed they didn't say "a published writer," but that's how I'm going to answer. ;)
So here it is. When I was young, I told my stories to siblings and friends. There was nothing better than watching them react, and that final, happy silence that followed the conclusion of a tale. We had experienced a journey together with the same emotions, hopes, and fears. We had bonded closer because of our shared adventure. I live for those moments.
Being published and having my books out in the world is like that feeling times ten. Now, not only can I share the adventures playing out in my mind, but I get to make new friends and connect with people I never could have known otherwise. I get to introduce them to the people living in my head, and discover that I'm not the only one who loves them.
And that's it. Writing for me is about connecting with other people.
Do you write? And what do you most appreciate about it?
It's day 2 of the book release blog tour. Yippee!
Tell me that doesn't just make you happy?
MOONLESS is free on Amazon
until Friday to celebrate.
The Maiden of Time Series:
The romance of Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.
In a world where people can heal with a touch, kill with a scream, and rob a person of their memories, Alexia is struggling to find her place and learn her gifts--before the Soulless come for her.
on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or get signed print copies from yours truly!
Tour stops
November 2:
November 3:
(Email address is required for awarding prizes.)
Last week, David P King shared THE UNDEAD ROAD along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie correctly was entered to an eBook.
The game:
1. I target practiced with every weapon mentioned in The Undead Road.
2. I have witnessed paranormal activity.
3. I have eaten insects.
The lie: #1.
From David: I have witnessed paranormal activity. (True ... cool movie!)
I have eaten insects. (True ... and if you have ever eaten the food dye Carmine, so have you!)
I target practiced with every weapon mentioned in The Undead Road (False ... I have never used a pink camou bow, but I totally should!)
From David: I have witnessed paranormal activity. (True ... cool movie!)
I have eaten insects. (True ... and if you have ever eaten the food dye Carmine, so have you!)
I target practiced with every weapon mentioned in The Undead Road (False ... I have never used a pink camou bow, but I totally should!)
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Bish Denham!
Congrats, Bish!
And now, in celebration of All Hallows day, an inspirational offering:
Cling to God is a book of devotionals for every day of the year. The aim is to encourage Christians in their faith, to help them think about their beliefs and learn more about God. The devotions are short and inspirational so that people with busy lifestyles will still be able to spend time with the Lord each day. It will appeal to a wide Christian audience, to those new in their faith as well as those matured beyond milk and honey.
Ready to meet the awe-inspiring author?
Lynda R. Young writes devotionals, articles, and speculative short stories. In her spare time she is also an editor, game developer, artist, and dabbles in photography and all things creative. She lives in Australia with her sweetheart of a husband.You might run across Lynda on picnic at a national park, with a plate of Brie and a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanck.
Lynda gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out either lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook (open internationally):
You have until Tuesday, November 8 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answer (and some FUN trivia) on November 9, 8 a.m. EDT.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. I met the fourth Doctor from Dr Who, Tom Baker, and offered him a jelly bean.
2. In my travels, I have visited over a hundred and twenty cities of the world but haven't traveled around my own country.
3. I have grown rich through my writing.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Lynda? (If not, you must. She's wonderful.) Have you ever done the cheese dance? Any why are you still staring at that golfer? Comment and hit the rest of the tour. It's ALL epic, I promise.
That was my answer! Good, after reading a few others, I thought I'd answered it wrong.
ReplyDeleteLynda's is a trick question. One would say the third is the lie because it's obvious. But she's a technical writer and works on video games, so it's possible she has earned some great money that way. Crap, I have her book anyway, so I'm not going to answer!
LOL. I guess that works. *high five* We rock.
Deletelol you made me chuckle, Alex
DeleteSo pleased you are enjoying your readers and enjoying the new connections. Congratulations on all your achievements, Crystal. I think number 2 is a lie. 120 cities is a lot, even though I know Lynda travels a lot.
ReplyDeleteYeah...except for when they hound me on Facebook about the next book. (LOL. I love that too.)
DeleteGreat answer, Crystal. I love connecting with people through blogging so I can relate. Congrats to Lynda on her new book.
ReplyDeleteIt's the best, right?
DeleteEveryone can share in our adventures.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for highlighting Lynda and her book.
Are you kidding? I had to have Lynda. She's a "king" in my world. ;)
Deleteyou're so funny, Crystal... :P
DeleteHahaha. The lie is #3. I think. Anyway, your book covers look amazing! Congrats!! And congrats to Lydia too.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jennifer! I really do have the best designer. =)
DeleteThe cheese dance totally made me happy. I really like your answer to the question. I've really been enjoying the connections I've been making with others ever since I decided to try to give this whole writing thing a go. Cheers - Ellen
ReplyDelete*dancing cheesy* Right? I remember when I first started blogging, I didn't get it. Now? Wow. What would we do without this community?
DeleteI love your answer to the IWSG question, Crystal! Oh, and that Cheese Dance cracks me up. :)
ReplyDeleteHere's to making connections and chuckling over cheese!
DeleteI also love sharing my work with others. I write for myself, things that I would enjoy, so if someone else enjoys them that means I've found someone who shares interests with me. It's like making friends with words!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your book and tour!
IWSG November
Agreed. Actually, I write more for my audience than myself these days. I know who they are and what they love/expect. It's not even something I saw coming. It just happened.
DeleteI like your answer. Even though writing is supposed to be a lonely occupation, it's the sharing of your stories with others where the real magic lies.
ReplyDeleteIt's as lonely as we make it. Seriously. That's the way the world works, eh?
DeleteIs it too geeky to guess number 1? After all Tom Baker ate Jelly Babies, not Jelly Beans...
ReplyDeleteLOL. It's your guess. You guess however you like. ;)
Deletegood pick up. I'm impressed. Not saying that's the lie or not though. I could've just written beans instead of babies by mistake.
DeleteI'll guess lie #1 also.
ReplyDeleteConnecting with people has been the best journey of all. So true, Crystal!
*high five*
DeleteLove that answer! It is so wonderful to take people on our crazy adventures with us. :) Congratulations to Lynda!
ReplyDeleteAs long as we don't accidentally throw them over the side with all the crazy, eh?
DeleteThat alien golfing on the cheese is too cute! ^_^ I think that's close to my favorite aspect about being a writer, too. Stories are so much fun to share! I'm going with #2 for the lie this week.
ReplyDeleteSo far it seems like people either love getting lost in their imagination, or sharing. Very interesting to see where the divide falls.
DeleteI think #3 is a lie, unless you don't mean monetary. Congratulations, Lynda!
ReplyDeleteSeconded!
DeleteThanks, Joylene
DeletePublished writer, unpublished writer...it all goes for this question. :)
ReplyDeleteYour tour is really great. I wish I had someone to make quizzes and games for me. ;)
I suppose that's true.
DeleteChrys, I wouldn't be in this business without my quiz/game/widget maker. I'd still be hovering on the sidelines.
There is nothing like connecting with someone about writing. It fuels our imaginations and winds me up like nothing else. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Especially when they sit down and want to talk characters. Ooh! That rocks.
DeleteThanks for joining me over on my blog today, and I agree: there's nothing better than the feeling of sharing a good story!
ReplyDeleteYup. Happy times.
DeleteYes, I absolutely love the unexpected emails or comments I get from strangers when something I have written has touched them. It makes dealing with all the negative trolls, rejection and self doubt worth it.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteThanks, Jen!
ReplyDeleteTricky David, tricky... ;)
ReplyDeleteHe is, right?
DeleteCheese Dance!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing characters come to life on a page. The writing community has been the biggest surprise and blessing to me.
Here's my IWSG post for November: YA Author Stephanie Scott
I'll second that. It was definitely a surprise to discover how incredibly supportive everyone is.
DeleteThank you for sharing all your loves. You answered the question so perfectly. And as far as Lynda's lie, I am guessing number 2. I figure she travels a lot for her work and then when your home maybe you just get too tired to travel and want to chill. Lol. I can't wait to read the answer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erika. Next Wednesday, eh?
DeleteI could play wheel of death all day!! How fun!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'm wondering if Lynda is being tricky saying she's rich in spirit from writing...
I know, right? It's too fun.
DeleteHi Crystal, writing for me too is connecting with people. Lynda is a wonderful person, love seeing her book all over the blogosphere!
ReplyDelete*fist bump*
Deleteaw, thanks, Rachna
DeleteCongrats to all, and writing is definitely about connecting to other people--that's the rewarding part. I think Lynda's lie is #3 (assuming like Elizabeth said, that Lyn's not talking figuratively!)
ReplyDeleteAmen and seconded!
DeleteIt's so hard not to say anything...
DeleteGreat post! So many cool things going on right now. So excited for you, Crystal. I'll post the Moonless on my FB page. Love the Wheel of Death too. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mina! You're seriously the best!
DeleteI'm also assuming Lynda means she's grown rich from writing in a deeper way, not monetarily. I'll guess the lie is #2.
ReplyDeleteI'm just chuckling at the logic flying around here.
DeleteMe too!
DeleteThat's a cool cheese dance!
ReplyDeleteI'll guess the lie...it can't be no.#3 because Lynda HAS gained SPIRITUAL wealth through her writing.
So the lie is no.#2!
Happy IWSG Day, Crystal!
Thanks, Michelle!
DeleteMoonless is free? Yay!
DeleteI know. Surprise!
Deletetricksy
DeleteBut which kind of cheese is the best dancer?
ReplyDeleteThe kind you prefer eating. ;)
DeleteThat is a great feeling to see how the characters you created are accepted and enjoyed by others. It's also a scary thing, but mostly good, to put your work out there for the 'judging'.
ReplyDeleteRight? It's nice once you get to a certain point of confidence--when you have your base of readers.
DeleteAh, you're so right. Writing is about connecting to people. If the question had been 'blogging', I would have come up with that immediately.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the free Moonless!
I hear you! It's interesting reading everyone's responses, but that really is what it boils down to.
DeleteHi Crystal - congratulations to Bish ... I guessed right too - but now Lynda's that's a tricky one ... I'd say #2 ...
ReplyDeleteI love meeting everyone via the net and blogging and learning so much, while getting an education ... cheers Hilary
Agreed! All the info you soak in while hopping around is amazing.
DeleteDavid! You sneaky thing.
ReplyDeleteShame on him, right?
DeleteCongratulations, Crystal!!! Love the cheese dance!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all!
Yay! Thanks, Tyrean!
DeleteHoly crap, your covers are GORGEOUS!!! I've got my copy of Moonless downloaded, and I'll try to get it reviewed by the end of November :) THANK YOU! And the Cheese Dance? . . . Very cool.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Loren. Thanks for the laugh and kind words. You rock!
DeleteI appreciate the connection with words and language most in writing. Exploring new ways to not only write about ideas, but think about them as well. What a crazy and complicated gift, language.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I also dig playing with my kids.
Yes! Kids rock. You know, I've often wondered how much I would enjoy writing in another language where ours is so diverse.
DeleteCongrats on the release! Now we all get to continue enjoying your storytelling:)
ReplyDeleteAw, you're so sweet.
DeleteCongrats, Crystal, on your release! Can I just say how much I love your little spinner?! That was so cool! AND guess what I got? A weight reduction... from famine! Lol. I've been wanting to lose some weight! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL! You're welcome. Not for the famine--for the other part. =)
DeleteI would say #3 is the lie if you mean financially. Meeting other people and sharing your stories is definitely a plus in the writing world! Or else why would we bother with this blogging thing?
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It's all about connecting.
DeleteI love the cheese dance. I need to find a way to stick it on my desktop.
ReplyDeleteLOL. It's a gif. You should be able to copy end post it.
DeleteGreat answer to the question. I have to guess #3 is Lynda's lie but don't enter me in the contest because I already have her book. I keep it on my writing desk and read it before I start writing every day.
ReplyDeleteNice. Now that's a great compliment to the author.
Deleteoh wow, that's so wonderful to hear, Susan. You made my day!
DeleteI just received Lynda's book in the mail. I can't wait to start reading it. That block of cheese is too cute!
ReplyDeleteYay! Happy reading!
DeleteI'm doing that dance now...
DeleteMay you gain lots of encouragement through reading the devotional, Elsie
Yay for all the goodness in this post!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSharing our people and their worlds with others is pretty amazing!
It totally is.
DeleteHi Crystal - I just saw you at Lynda's. And now I'm visiting Lynda here. Good think I haven't hit Wine O'Clock yet or I may be confused LOL. Great job, ladies, and wishing you both great success with your new books!
ReplyDeleteLOL. Well, as long as we're both in promotion mode, why not, right?
DeleteI'm confused too.. but then I'm so crouching at my laptop propped on a box because the movers took all my furniture.
DeleteI love readers, too, esp. those who talk about our books. Love the feedback. Connection to people is great.
ReplyDeleteEven the ones that hound us on social media about the next book. ;)
DeleteWriting is magical. Congrats Crystal! Woot woot woot! And tons of cheese confetti.
ReplyDelete*chases after confetti* Wait, did you say something, Mary? ;)
DeleteIt's definitely very rewarding to be able to share our writing gifts with others. Congrats to Lynda! I think #2 might be the lie. I think Lynda has grown rich spiritually from writing if not financially!
ReplyDeleteIt's the best.
DeleteThanks, Nick
DeleteWell said, Crystal!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Lynda and David. Wishing you both much success.
Thanks, Sandra.
DeleteWhew! Lots of stuff packed into this post! Our answers regarding what we like best about writing are very similar. I suspect a lot of other writers are going to say the same thing. (It IS the best!!!)
ReplyDeleteWoo HOO! For a change I guessed the lie correctly two times in a row. Not so sure about this week's challenge, though. Whether or not #3 is a fib depends on how one interprets "rich." Most of us haven't fattened our bank accounts all that much, but that connection with other people is so gratifying, one might consider that to be enriching. (sigh) Decisions, decisions. Okay, I'm gonna guess #2 is the lie. Lots of us are slower about visiting the attractions in our own back yards than we are about visiting other places.
It's true. We've lived in the Orlando area for 7 years and have been to Disney and Universal. Do you know how many theme parks there are in this area and what kind of crazy discounts we get?
DeleteoOOoooh, a cheese dance! Congrats to Lynda on her book!
ReplyDeleteIt's dancing time!
Deletewe are grooving our move... or is that moving our groove? No idea. Thanks, Dezzy!
DeleteI write to tame the voices in my head. ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL! That's how I started.
DeleteLoving the cheese dance! And your answer to this month's question made me smile - I don't have many writer friends IRL, but I love connecting with other writers on my blog/online :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you there! This online community is the best, eh?
DeleteI love running, hiking, outdoors, horses, cats, my family, good food, and the first cup of morning coffee :-)
ReplyDeleteAllergies cut out most of those things for me, but it sounds like a rich life.
DeleteHaha! Love the dancing cheese! And... I didn't realize there was an IWSG question of the month. How'd I miss that? ~Tui
ReplyDeleteLol. It's only been happening for a couple months. Easy to miss.
DeleteGreat answer!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI'll admit it, the dancing cheese DID make me grin and giggle.
ReplyDeleteAs for the great stuff you've got going on, so happy for you and I really like the aspect of being published that you mention. Sharing the stories and connecting with others is so very cool.
As for the truth or lie...I'm not sure. Hmm....
Yay! Laughing increases your life expectancy, you know? ;)
DeleteConnecting with those who read your stories is delightful. Congrats Crystal and replace 'Dancing Queen' by Abba with 'Dancing Cheese' and you have a soundtrack for your cheese addiction. Lovely addiction.
ReplyDeleteAh! You're so right! I love it!
DeleteIt's so nice to have your stories out there. That's great.
ReplyDeleteAs for the lie, I'll go with #3. I hope it's true. And since my track record of late has been awful...
Nice and stressful. You just wait. :)
DeleteI love your favorite aspect of being a writer. It is a shared experience. You, the writer, with the reader. And, with the ease of social media, you can connect with your readers quicker and easier.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words and cheese on my blog.
IWSG Co-host Mary at Play off the Page
I know!!! I've had a few readers track down my personal profile and drill me about future books. LOL. I love it.
DeleteThat's such a wonderful reason to enjoy writing. And really, what else are stories for than to connect some aspect of the human condition?
ReplyDeleteAgreed! It's really all about that.
DeleteYou are a true story-teller, and I'm so happy for you that you're getting your books out there to fulfill your dreams! Congrats to Bish! :)
ReplyDeleteLexa, and same to you! You're cleaning up on the reviews with your new release, which makes me SUPER happy for you.
DeleteExactly! Storytelling opens up a whole new world of connections to readers and writers. I love that aspect of writing too.
ReplyDeleteIt's the best, right?
Deleteconnecting with other people--great answer!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's really how I feel.
DeleteCongratulations on your release, Crystal! Looks like you're going to be all over the blog-o-sphere. I'm thrilled to have won David's book, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAs for Lynda's lie... I think it's #3.
I'm thrilled you won too! (I won't be ALL over the blogosphere, but definitely hanging out at some of the coolest places.) ;)
DeleteI love your new book! Hope you get some sales from the book tour!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry! I'm pretty sure I've already had a few.
DeleteThe lie is definitely #3. I know very few people who have actually gotten rich through their writing. It's an act of love.
ReplyDeleteTypically, yes.
DeleteGetting connected with readers sounds like a nice "side effect" of being a published writer. So far, I have those connections with those few people who read my blog and I have met readers of my published sailing articles in person, but interacting with readers of a published book (or books) that is a whole other dimension, I think. One to strive for!
ReplyDeleteIt is slightly different, but the same in many ways. I think all the early stuff with blogging etc. prepares us for reader relations.
DeleteI love your answer abut connecting with people. I have loved to tell (verbally) stories since I was a child and now (as a old lady) I'm enjoying writing them down. I only hope I will one day be published and be able to share them with the world.
ReplyDeleteI hope so as well. Even if they don't get published, you're leaving behind a legacy for your posterity.
DeleteI think it's interesting that you and I both said we enjoyed "telling" a story, but you meant orally or otherwise, and I meant through word usage, writing style, etc… Obviously you care about those things as well or you wouldn't be a published writer. I guess I just hadn't realized that what I was saying could mean something else?
ReplyDeleteOh I definitely adore words and forming them into a thing of beauty, but they're just the tool for communicating. I compose music as well, another medium for communicating, so that probably influences my thought process.
DeleteCongratulations on your new release and for living your dream! Alas I can't write, I can only read and pretend to be a good critique hahaha!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog the other day and for sharing your "itch". Enjoy the coming weekend :)
Hey, there wouldn't be writers without readers. I'll take it!
DeleteWhat a great answer... Connecting with our readers and new friends is an INCREDIBLE high~
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS on your new release and YAY for a free download of MOONLESS . THANKS Crystal.... have a great weekend!
You're welcome Michael--a little thing to counterbalance the stress, eh?
DeleteCongratulations to the authors on their new releases! For Lynda's book, I'm guessing #3 might be the lie?
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in, Cynthia.
DeleteI love your answer to the IWSG question. Writing definitely connects people and on so many levels. Think I'll go with #3 as the lie.
ReplyDeleteI would have sworn I already commented but I guess not. Great post and answer Crystal.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit