Happy 1st Wednesday in November. It’s time for Insecure
Writers Support Group. The purpose is to share and encourage. We can express
doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have
been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for
insecure writers of all kinds!
A big THANKS to Ninja Captain Alex
J. Cavanaugh for starting this group and keeping it going. And thanks
to this month's awesome hosts LG Keltner, Donna Hole, Lisa Buie-Collard
and SL Hennessy!
Like many months, October had its ups and downs. What else
is new? Stress came in many forms. Some I imposed on myself, like meeting the
deadline to release my next book. Other stressors came from health issues. Getting
old(er) isn’t for sissies. But it beats the alternative, as my father-in-law
always said each time he went for dialysis.
I did mention “ups”, didn’t I? Those of us (of a certain
age) remember when we had to go to the doctor to tell us we were pregnant. And remember when you had to wait until the baby was born to know his/her sex?
Things certainly have changed. Now you can buy a box, the insides of which can
tell you if you're pregnant right away. Not me, thank goodness. That would be a medical miracle.
LOL My son and new daughter-in-law called after their third box—just to make
sure the result of the first one was right. As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, they’ve sent ultrasound photos
and, last week, an audio text message (is that a contradiction in terms?) of
the baby’s heartbeat. Now that is a medical miracle. What a de-stressor. My newest
granddaughter will make her appearance in May.
When I let the stress of everyday life or my writing career
start to get to me, I’ll play that heartbeat and remember what’s really
important. Life, family.
Speaking of my writing career, I did meet my deadline and my
first PI mystery was released on October 30th. The Case of the
Bygone Brother is a slight departure for me. I usually write science fiction
romance and romantic suspense. Trying a new genre was a lot of fun.
Blurb:
After taking over O’Hara & Palzetti, Confidential
Investigations from her dad and his partner, Alex O’Hara’s bottom line has
taken a plunge. So when a femme fatale offers her the case of a lifetime along
with a huge advance, Alex sees her finances on a definite upswing. But someone
doesn’t want her to find the long-lost brother. Complicating matters is the
return of Alex’s old heartthrob, Nick Palzetti. Is he really there just to see
her or does he have an ulterior motive? The Lake Michigan resort town of Fair
Haven is abuzz with the news that O’Hara & Palzetti are together again.
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00P1GPR0Q
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/489085
Click here
to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on
Facebook to see who’s
blogging today.
Congratulations on your new release - and even more so on your new grandbaby! I hope things get less stressful for you. Take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Kristen. Your support means so much to me.
DeleteSquee! Grammy again! Congrats to all! And the birth of a new genre - mystery! A very productive month, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI've been grinning about the new baby ever since they told us. Thanks, Nancy. I'll get over to visit you asap.
DeleteAwesome about your release! I love trying new genres too. It totally refreshes you right? I'm so stoked about your granddaughter! It's definitely girl season. Your little bundle of joy will be born about 2 months after mine. Yay!
ReplyDeleteUnleashing the Dreamworld
Congrats on your new baby, too. Stoked is right. You're right about being refreshed by a new genre. Thanks, Crystal.
Deletewhat wonderful news, congratulations!!!! a new baby always brings new joy, and I'm told you get to enjoy grandbabies a lot more than your own babies since you get to return them for diaper changes and fussy times, LOL :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elena. It IS true that grandbabies are so much more fun than our children. A whole lot less stress. :)
DeleteCongratulations on the new baby! What a joy for your whole family.
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck with the new release. I admire you for trying a new genre. Congrats.
Thanks, Elizabeth. We are thrilled. I never though my son would ever marry (I didn't threaten to put up a billboard, though LOL). He will make such a great father.
DeleteCongrats on the release and the new baby. I bet listening to that sweet heartbeat is a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charity. Awesome is the only way to describe that sound.
DeleteThe new "baby" sounds wonderful. May it have a successful welcoming into the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maris. I have high hopes for both babies (grand and book).
DeleteCongrats on the grandbaby news! You're gonna love being a Grammy or Nana or whatever title the little one bestows on you. And congrats on the P.I. book release, too. Multi-published and multi-genres, wow! You rock, Diane!
ReplyDeleteYou made my day, Loralee! I already love being Nana to my 2 here in Michigan. I guess I'll just have to spend more time in Arizona when this new one comes along. Oh, what a hardship during the winter. :)
DeleteThat sounds like a great book, one I'd like to read. The description reminds me a bit of Kinsey Milhoune from Sue Grafton's novels, which I love. Congrats on the new baby. Yes, that puts it all in perspective, doesn't it!
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
Thanks, Mary. I've tried for a combo of Kinsey Milhoune, V.I. Warshawski, and Stephanie Plum--my 3 fav P.I.s.
DeleteCongratulations on both accounts -your new granddaughter and your release!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie.
DeleteGreat news - both the new granddaughter and the new book! One more little girl to spoil. And isn't it fun to branch out and try a new genre? Yes, it's stressful to try and get it right, but I'm sure your effort will be worth the headaches.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patty. Hubs is threatening to hide my credit cards so I don't go to Babies R Us. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by my place and congrats on the new release and the little sweetie. Have you gone Indie? Your book sounds great! I'll take a look.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess. I do both--traditional & indie. This one is an indie.
DeleteIt sounds like things are definitely looking up, Diane. Great news. Congrats on a new grandbaby & new release.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra. appreciate the good wishes.
DeleteI'd say a few more ups than downs for you this month, Diane. Life is indeed good for you! Best of luck with the newests on both fronts. Multi-published and multi-genre. You do definitely ROCK!
ReplyDeleteAw, shucks, Margo. :) Thanks.
DeleteCongrats on both babies...the grandchild and the new book!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news!
Michelle, thanks so much.
DeleteCongrats on publishing something in a new genre. You are gutsy and talented! Enjoy watching your grandchild "develop". You must be over the moon. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. Over the moon is right!
DeleteLots of excitement happening at your place! I wouldn't be dead for quids as my father used to say! Congratulations on your new release and your grandbabies! You are blessed.:)
ReplyDeleteBlessed, indeed. Thanks, Denise.
DeleteCongrats! Family grounds me too. They hold what's really important in my life. =)
ReplyDeleteWell put. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteCongrats on your new family member, Diane. And congrats on taking on another genre. Does it seem weird having your story take place in a different kind of environment and using different vocabulary?
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Annette
Thanks, Annette. Yeah, it do. es seem weird putting my characters in the present day in a familiar place instead of on starships or alien planets. The best part was writing in the 1st person POV. I got to be Alex with all her spunk and adventure. :)
DeleteCongratulations, Diane! Two new babies at once...a grand baby and a new release. What could be better?
ReplyDeleteThe Great Chuck Wendig often writes about how what we're doing isn't rocket science--stories are important, but lives don't hang in the balance if we miss a deadline. Sometimes when the stress gets intense, it's good to remember what really matters...just as you said.
Good luck with the book! It sounds great.
Thanks so much.
DeleteCongratulations on your release!
ReplyDeleteLife and family are important. More so than any of this publishing nonsense.
Thanks, Alex. And thanks for organizing this great group.
DeleteCongrats! What a wonderful thing! I'm so glad you are getting to be a part of the child's life so early!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Melissa, esp. since they are so far away. Technology is wonderful.
DeleteHey, congrats on the book and the granddaughter! How exciting! You're right, it's so easy to loose sight of what's really important. I'm lucky enough to have two young girls who keep me centred and on my toes. May the blessings keep raining on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Georgina. Whenever I need a reality fix, I play with my grandkiddies (ages 4 & 7).
DeleteCongratulations on both the new book and the new granddaughter :D I love how her heartbeat keeps you grounded. It's so important to find those things that remind us of what's important. And yes, it IS fun to try new genres. Sometimes, you find a new love :D
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jen
Thanks, Jen. It's too easy to get all wrapped up in self and career. Grandbabies are such a blessing.
DeleteCongrats on meeting your deadline, and an early congrats on your coming granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynda. Can't wait to meet that little lady.
DeleteCongratulations on your grandbaby news and your new release! What a wonderful month!
ReplyDeleteThank, Shannon. A wonderful month, indeed.
DeleteCongratulations, times two! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa.
DeleteCongratulations on your new book and oh my, Congratulations on having a new granddaughter to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteI remember feeling so bad because they told me if the rabbit died I was pregnant. I didn't want to kill the poor rabbit but I wanted a baby.
Thanks, Doreen. I remember the rabbit. LOL
DeleteCongrats on the new book and the new grand-baby! How exciting!
ReplyDeletelucindawhitney.com
Truly exiting Lucinda. Makes everything else so insignificant.
DeleteLots of exciting news. Congrats Diane.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dolorah. Happy weekend.
DeleteCongrats on both happy events. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
Wonderful book and baby news. Congratulations!
ReplyDelete