It is possible at any age to discover a lifelong desire you never knew you had.
~Robert Brault, rbrault.blogspot.com
Well, the inspirational quote above made my day. I want to keep discovering “no matter” what the age. Thinking this way gives me hope. Thanks for reading. ~MJ
A couple of weeks ago I shared the first part of Cindy Knoke’s post “Hope on the Horizon: Pandemic Anxiety Management.” Today I’m sharing the second half.
I thought this fit in with my Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse topic. During all the anxiety we most certainly are all feeling, our muses might not speak to us. I’m sure they’re working behind the scenes, but these days there is a lot of clutter to get through. Maybe I’m speaking for myself and my muse… Yes, I think so.
I hope you can take something away from Cindy’s post to help you get through this too. The koala’s are so adorable!
I think this koala is sending a message to you and I about anxiety!
In the midst of darkness,
there is light.
Good people are working,
to help.
Countering,
pandemic anxiety,
with realistic hope,
is powerful medicine.
Hope floats,
and flies.
Let’s move on with building our toolbox to manage pandemic anxiety.
ANXIETY TOOLBOX:
Self Talk Reframing (Cognitive Therapy)
Guided Imagination/Visualization
Exposure Management
Progressive Relaxation
Distraction in Action
Self Soothing
Spiritual Meditation/Prayer
Second Voice
Exercise, Diet & Good Health Practices
We covered the first three in the last post. Here are the next three.
I would love for you to add tools of your own that are, or have, worked for you. With your help we could build a truly awesome anxiety busting toolbox so people can pick and choose what is comfortable for them. If you have some tools that work let me know. It will…
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Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve written a Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse post.
Well, I titled this edition Reading Challenge. Yep, this year I signed up for the Goodreads Reading Challenge after fellow bloggers Jacquie Biggar and D. Wallace Peach inspired me with the amount of books they read in 2019.
I’m proud to say, I’m on a roll now too.
What else has inspired me enough to write this post? The Virginian. Plain and simple. A book and the man. You’ll find various versions, but this is the digital edition I purchased.
This isn’t a review. It’s more like I’m bragging about how good it is and how this western of old, inspired me as a western romance author. Not only as an author. As a reader, I got a lot of pleasure from this book in the cold month of January. I read some parts over and over because I loved the way Owen Wister wrote them in 1902.
This is the the first book I read in 2020 and I’ve added more old westerns to my Kindle. Why old? It’s obvious I love westerns and cowboys. When I read what I’m writing, it makes me think I have to be working on my own, so I stop reading to write. The old ones might have a touch of romance tossed in here and there, or a pretty girl that catches a cowboy’s eye, but it isn’t contemporary western romance, and it allows me to read with full enjoyment. However, I do still read contemporary western and enjoy what I read. I have to–it calls to me. However, I read it slower, and then have to go back to catch up where I was when I return.
The Virginian:
I Loved the author. Loved, LOVED the book and will read it again. Lordy, I fell in love with the man who was the “Virginian.”
Owen Wister (July 14,1860 – July 21,1938) was an American writer and historian, considered the “father” of western fiction. He is best remembered for writing The Virginian and a biography of Ulysses S. Grant.
From Encyclopedia Britannica: The Virginian, in full “The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains,” Western novel by Owen Wister, published in 1902. Its great popularity contributed to the enshrinement of the American cowboy as an icon of American popular culture and a folk ideal.
A chivalrous and courageous but mysterious cowboy known only as the Virginian works as foreman of a cattle ranch in the Wyoming territory during the late 1870s and ’80s. The gunplay and violence that are inherent in his frontier code of behaviour threaten the Virginian’s relationship with a pretty schoolteacher from the East. The novel’s climactic gun duel is the first “showdown” in fiction. It also introduced the now-classic phrase that the Virginian utters when pushed to the limit by an adversary: “When you call me that, smile!”
Oh, I love that last line as much here as I did in the book.
Inside the digital copy, “To the Reader: The Cowpunchers ungoverned hours did not unman him. If he gave his word, he kept it.” Wister, Owen. The Virginian. Kindle Edition.
I’ll say it again. I LOVED this book and the hero.
Some of my favorite lines. I highlighted many:
“Lacked! Are you acquainted with cow-boys?”
This was the door of Molly’s own room. And there she sat, in floods of tears. For she could not bear to hurt a man who loved her with all the power of love that was in him.
“Oh, pshaw! When yu’ can’t have what you choose, yu’ just choose what you have.”
“This hyeh train?” The Virginian consulted his watch. “Why, it’s been fanning it a right smart little while,” he said laying no stress upon his indolent syllables. “
You’ll find a variety of editions available, but my digital version is from the original storyline. Check out this cover (and price).
In addition:
Before I finished the book, I searched for the movie, since The Virginian isn’t showing on TV at this time of year. Oh, I didn’t search to watch before reading the end. Uh-uh! Wikipedia says about the TV show: “While truer to the book, the timeline was advanced as the series developed for production.”
On one of the free apps on my TV, I found multiple movie versions of The Virginian. One version and the most current, featured Trace Adkins–a country singer/ actor in real life who makes a great cowboy. I love Trace Adkins (and his long hair). The man himself did a great job of acting in the movie, but the storyline didn’t follow the book and made the Virginian out to be a different man than what Owen Wister created.
That particular movie left me disappointed. This is why I’ll read the book again. So, folks, even though this isn’t a review, I think I gave Owen Wister the credit he deserves for his western novel and the hero he created. Enjoy your day.
In in my new single title holiday romance novella, Secret Santa’s Rundown Sleigh, I mention “Mighty Mac” or “Big Mac” referring to the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. The Mackinac Bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac connecting the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. It was built in 1957. The bridge is shy of five miles long, so “five” miles. Ha-ha. You can walk across it on Labor Day—the only time pedestrian’s are allowed to stroll, run, walk on the bridge. I’ve done it and plan on doing it again.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority says:
The center section of the bridge is much higher than it looks in the photo. Freighters go beneath it with lots of room to spare. In the book, Terra, my heroine, mentioned waving down at the ship’s captain when she walked across Big Mac. In deed, I did the same thing. It was “awesome to see the captain standing on deck and waving back,” as Terra says, wink wink. Mind you, I have a fear of heights, but I did this walk and stood at the railing to look down. Oddly, I’ve ventured up to many high places that still give me tummy tumbles to remember. Nope, I don’t regret one of them.
I forgot to mention that the two inner lanes of the bridge are a grid. Spooky!
In addition, the bridge closes during high winds. In fact, there was a high-wind warning on their website yesterday when I wrote this. Today it’s all clear. On June 25, 1998, it had its one millionth crossing. Find more Facts and Figures at this LINK.
Here’s a cool website LINK with pictures and live cam links. Plus, a gorgeous sunset picture of the bridge.
I’ve taken numerous pictures from every angle I could think of, but I don’t know where they reside at the moment. Meaning they’re packed away. LOL
I didn’t name the village where my story takes place, but I do mention other “real” places such as Mackinaw City where Terra’s mother lives. St. Ignace, which is right across the bridge, Mackinac Island, Gaylord, and Cheboygan are briefly mentioned. South Haven is where Terra has resided since she graduated from college.
I’ve had trouble with this blog post not separating paragraphs. Hopefully, it’s finally corrected and will look as good as it did in the preview. If not, I apologize for a bad layout.
Thanks for reading this little tidbit from one of my newest releases.
Here we are at Tuesday again. Can we pretend this got posted on Tuesday? I fell behind yesterday and forgot to go back to proof this post. I need to plan better. LOL.
Yesterday’s idea originated when I visited one of my Facebook groups. This group came together months ago. We’re authors who write in a variety of genres. We’re self-published, hybrid published, and traditionally published. We write with different heat levels from sweet to spicy hot. Why am I telling you this? Well, because there are over one hundred of us taking part in a group project. Sorry for being vague, but we aren’t saying a lot about this project yet.
My point for using Group Projects for my title and inspiration for my muse is because working on a project with a group can be fun and beneficial. (And maybe a little stressful.) Think of the exposure a group of authors can provide. For my November release, imagine the promotion with this large group of over one hundred. I’m looking forward to publishing this book. No, I’m down-right excited! ❤
It’s inspirational and exciting when a member will post a cover image of their book, or tell us they finished their book. You know they’re champing at the bit to release it. They inspire me to have my cover made.
When this project came into existence, it inspired me to breathe life into a book I had started many years ago in a different genre than what I write now. However, nothing is the same except the hero’s name. LOL. The original idea sits back and waits for me to, one day, use that storyline.
I’d like to take part in more group projects because of their inspiration and encouragement.
Multi-author anthologies and boxed sets usually entail writing shorter stories, and we all know I struggle with finding the time to pull away from a current work in progress, and writing short. This project allows us to write whatever length we want. We aim to please. 💙
Of course, we’ll have a logo on the books to make them easy to find and to stand out as part of the group, and we’ll have a website.
Authors, how do you feel about taking part in an anthology, boxed set, or group project? What inspires you to do this?
Instead of coming up with ideas for weekly Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse posts, which I’m not good at, anyway, I’ll start posting for this topic monthly. I’ll have to brainstorm ways to fill in this spot so there isn’t a long gap between my posts. I won’t make promises because, hey, I have books to write and a business to run. Thanks for reading.
Images are from Pixabay. Inspiration for the Muse graphic is my creation using a Pixabay image.
Obviously, the two western looking images are hints at the location for my setting in the aforementioned book.
Over the weekend while praying 55 mph winds didn’t take down trees surrounding me, crush my comfy abode, and smash my car, I caught up on a few newsletters. You know the ones filled with book ads? The same ones I use to promote my books.
The lists of other books inspired me. After viewing them, all I wanted to do was get back to writing my current work in progress. One finished draft (except for the ending) is on the back burner to rest. This was the perfect time to continue another one, and lo-and-behold, the words are spilling out of my head.
I had started this book earlier, but I didn’t want to work on two books, so I let it sit after writing around 10,000 words. Now I’m up to over 22,000. Ranch matriarch Judy and her family are raring to get their book out there.
Another thing inspiring me this week, happened while reading group posts from authors who have three or four series books ready to publish via rapid release, and others finishing a series for a rapid release.
I have high praise for authors who do this. Congratulations to every one of you.
How do you wait though? When I have a book edited, formatted, and ready, I want and NEED my baby published. If I waited to write three or four books before publishing, I’d starve to death and end up on the street. What am I missing?
As I think about this, I might have an opportunity to at least write a prequel to a book due out in November and release them close together. This upcoming book could become a series. Authors, does it make sense to write a prequel to a book that won’t be a series?
I’m a full-time writer, but I can’t get books written quickly unless I set the word count at around 30 to 35,000 words. My readers are used to longer books from me. I’d like to write shorter books.
Yes, this is inspiring, but scary too. If this is the way publishing is going now, I’m in trouble. However, I don’t think it’s right for me.
I say, do what works best for you.
This week, I thought with so much inspiration from other authors surrounding me, I could write a short post to fit into my Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse spot. This is it. Keep on keeping on, y’all, and Happy Writing and Reading.
What can be more inspirational than to share in giving thanks. I might not have a chance later to wish all of you who celebrate the season a happy holiday. So, I’m posting this heartfelt greeting early by saying Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
To those of you in other countries and to those of you who don’t celebrate, I’m thankful to have you here to share not only my “heartfelt” thanks for reading my posts, but to also thank you for your visits, comments, and Reblogs.
Some of you have been with me the entire eleven years of blogging on WordPress. I’m grateful for all of you, and for those of you who may pop in unexpectedly. (not the spammers) Thanks!
Love and appreciate what you have.
May you have warm words on a cool evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door. ~Irish Toast
Be safe in whatever it is you will be doing this week and weekend.
Well, isn’t that a long title now. ☺
One thing I love about autumn is walking in the fresh air and viewing colorful landscapes.
Another thing is having a camera with me. Lately, I haven’t been walking alone so conversations keep my muse from focusing. She sneaks out sometimes. I’m happy when she finds her way through the chatter. However, my muse works in mysterious ways like stopping me when leaves filled with raindrops lay in my path. I stop a moment to use my phone to snap pictures.
It’s hard for those who don’t take pictures, to be with a person who stops without warning, to take a picture. Sometimes this bothers me that others don’t get it. Other times, I don’t care. Photography is my hobby, and there are times it calls as much as writing. For the past few years, I haven’t given in to the photography nudge because writing takes precedence. My camera bag sits in my closet and the DSLR camera hasn’t been out for a couple years. However, my little point and shoot went with me on a day trip last week. So did the chilly rain. And wind. The camera remained in the car. LOL. I took one picture with my phone while walking Main Street in a quaint little town a few hours from where I live. One is better than…none? Hmm?
While walking alone, ideas for a current WIP can come into focus or new storylines pop into my head for something brand-new. I usually prefer to walk alone for this reason, but I have a friend who recently started walking. She uses a walker. Good for her! It’s encouraging having another person urging me to get out from under my laptop, literally, and move my behind. If she can get out and walk, then I damn well better get out there and do it, too. My doctor would be so proud.
For those of you who made it to the end, thanks for reading. I appreciate every visit from you. Now, back to the keyboard. Enjoy the rest of your week.
What are some ways you’re inspired to use your craft?
Images are copyrighted and my own. Excluding the Inspiration of the Muse image. Graphic made by me.
Thought I’d share this image and note of inspiration with you all today.
*Let your dreams be bigger than your fears.
In my opinion, fear steals from us. It does steal strength from me. There are fears I don’t mention, and sometimes they do stand in the way of moving forward to make some of my dreams come true. Regardless, I do my best to keep fear away from my creativity. Otherwise, I might never create. (Remember, my muse carries a lasso and knows how to use it.)
Fear can be inspiring, especially if you’re a stubborn soul like me, so yes, sometimes it drives me. Sometimes it keeps me safe.
There are times when fear is good. It must keep its watchful place at the heart’s controls. ~Aeschylus
Do you let some fears stand in your way? Am I alone in this?
There are other fears I overcome like when I’m ready to publish a book. Fear and nerves rule me for a few days before and up to the day of publication when I hit publish with a shaky finger.
Authors and other creatives, do you feel the nerves and maybe a tinge of fear of what happens after your baby goes out into the world?
Oh, there are other fears I can accept. Let’s use “change.” I know I need change in my life and have learned to deal with what comes. That doesn’t mean I always like it, but I accept. Deal. Live with it. Albeit, I’ve had plenty of major changes in the past decade. Well, longer than a decade to teach me this.
How about you? Do you think about change or take the “whatever happens, happens” path?
“Let your dreams be BIGGER than your fears.”
Is it safe to say this is easier said than done? However, I believe it’s a great goal to work toward and consciously strive to let our dreams be bigger than our fears.
#WritersLife
*I’m unsure who to credit for the quote. I’ve found a longer version of this quote with two different names as the author and also as “unknown.” I’ll leave it as it is for now. If someone knows who wrote it, please let me know.
Image credits: Pixabay.
Enjoy your summer!
I’m sure it all started with the library and reading. For as long as I remember, I loved the books themselves as much as what I found inside of them. I knew… It seems like forever that I knew my name would be on books one day. Maybe the idea stayed in my head on purpose. Did I keep the thought there on my own accord so I wouldn’t give up the dream? If not, why and how did it continue to nag at me until I did something about it as a grown woman with a family? It doesn’t matter—the dream or calling came true.
Pixabay
My parents fought a lot. Reading, and writing poetry helped me to escape the noise. As a young child, outside of school I didn’t have many kids to play with while growing up in Detroit. There were no kids in my neighborhood. Brothers and cousins were my friends and playmates—all males by the way. It was no wonder I grew up a tomboy starting out reading comics and climbing trees with my youngest brother.
It wasn’t until we moved to a suburb while in third or fourth grade, that I had kids in my neighborhood and developed friendships, a boyfriend, and my first kiss at around eleven. Haha. As a youngster, I’d walk to my small-town library as often as I could. Then magic happened when I grew old enough to drive. I took myself to larger libraries and bookstores.
Pixabay
My toddlers grew into youngsters and they always accompanied me to bookstores and libraries, and they were encouraged to go as young adults. Today, only one of my boys will read a novel. The other one reads more technical kinds of things like magazines/blogs to feed his own interests. One of them used to write poetry, but I don’t think he has time anymore. I’m glad in a way because his poetry, like much of mine, stemmed from sad happenings in his life like a broken heart, for instance.
Without having the opportunity of having books at hand at a young age, who knows if my dream of writing books would’ve come true? I like to believe it’s more than libraries and books that brought out the writer, but the combination and the life experiences dished out to me, both good and bad, along with perseverance, a calling, or what have you, contributed to fulfilling a lifelong dream.
So, what do you think?
As children, some of us liked magic and fantasy, more than reality. So, we became writers. ~Dr. SunWolf, professorsunwolf.com
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance 
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