Close Encounters - A WEP Challenge

 

Are you ready for the next 

WEP Challenge?

Wondering how to go about

preparing

writing

submitting?

Photo by Dare Artworks on Unsplash

Then Go HERE!

For all the details!

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html 

Photo by Matej Pribanic on Unsplash

Close Encounters

Our next challenge prompt

are you ready to share

give us a scare

a connection made

don't be afraid

whether love or hate

you have an open slate

friendship or enemy

emotion or entity

with or without a sci-fi slant

don't dare say you can't

it's all up to you

as imagination's your brew

so until the 21^st

I bid you adieu

now get to work

prizes are the perk!

***

YRS © 2023

XXX XXX

Smiling Out Loud by Robert Jacobs

My guest today is Robert Jacobs

Author of Smiling Out Loud

A book of poetry –

Take a poetic journey, from darkness to light. 

There is occasional terror, 

appeals to the heart, and laughs to delight.

You can read my review here.

1.   The hardest scene to write –

Big Hurt, Big Heart is a poem about a schizophrenic and his loneliness.  My brother, 11/2 years younger is schizophrenic.  I tried to capture some of his feelings, his inherent loneliness.  It started as something different.  I feel I can still edit it and rewrite it.  I did not quite get what I was looking for.  Just writing about it now makes me realize how much I missed.  I will probably try again.

2.   What makes you run screaming?

Poetry that only expresses feelings but doesn’t describe the person being written about. Tell me about the person you love (or hate).  We all have feelings.  We all don’t have Rene, or Eileen, or Dennis.

3.   Dropped in a remote spot, survival test, 3 tools.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York. 3 tools, my cell phone iPhone 11 Max Pro, a cigarette lighter, a Swiss Army knife.  The idea of a truly remote spot doesn’t appeal to me.

4.   Behind the scenes tidbit. 

In spite of being a good student, I quit going to high school when I was 15 years old. Later went back and finished and went on to college.  I’ve never written about that but I can see doing something in the future.

5.   Living anywhere and writing a book about it.

I’d like to spend the time between London and Paris.

6.   What would I tell my younger self?

Write every week.  Set goals. Get into the habit of writing. Read poetry. Be disciplined in developing a plan to develop writing skills.

7.   What does literary success look like to you?

Having people ask me when my next book will be out and what is it about.  Basically, having a following. It can be relatively small but it needs to be present. Also, having someone, a publisher, perhaps, assist with marketing.

8.   The book I’m working on.

I have enough unpublished poems for a second book. The problem is I want it to be better than the first book. I am a better writer today so I probably would need to rewrite many of them. I am also thinking of a book of short stories. I have started several, finished maybe two. My problem is I have the opposite of writer's block. I have no shortage of ideas. My life is my canvas.

What is "Smiling Out Loud" about?

It is not about depression or pining over a lost love.

It is not about grieving although it is about recovering from loss.
It is not an outpouring of emotional cliches.
It is a celebration of good lives, lives intertwined in love.
It is about finding humor in all aspects of life.
It is about growing up in Brooklyn.
It is about loving a time, a place, a family.
It is about loving the people in your lives.
It is about memories and a fertile imagination.
It is about Smiling Out Loud and laughing out loud.
It is universal because it describes what everyone yearns for.

Robert Jacobs was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. That wonderful experience shaped his personality, helped to form his views, and gave him his sense of humor (or lack thereof). He writes poetry, short stories, started a few novels, written essays and has the opposite of writers’ block. He is an optimist, in spite of some of the dark poetry, and he has been loved his entire life. Some people may think that is a disadvantage for a writer. He thinks it is a wonderful advantage.

         Talk to me so sweetly
         Though I am hard of hearing
         Shouting is okay
                                           That would be endearing

                                            I love to hear your voice
                                            You are my ace of spades
                                            Think how much fun we’ll have
                                            When I find my hearing aids

You can find Robert here:

                                          Facebook

Please note: Robert has been trying to answer your comments but isn't having any luck. He'll try reaching you via email.

A Musical Influence

Does music influence your writing. 

Is it the music, the words, or the atmosphere it creates?

Josh Groban's album.

Closer

was the influence for the

love story in my first novel

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE.

Two songs:

My Confession

&

When You Say You Love Me

The two songs that influenced my writing of the first book in the Detective Quaid Series.

There were other songs, and they're all mentioned in the novel, but these were the two that were specific to Steven Quaid and Sarah Davis.

Another song that follows the characters through all the novels is

You Are My Sunshine

It's a song that Sarah sings when she's troubled, and in future novels, it's a song that foreshadows bad news when ever it's mentioned in the novel.

So do you have a favorite singer, or song that helped make your novel come together?

IWSG - PET PEEVES

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website

Question:

What are your pet peeves when reading/writing/editing?

My biggest pet peeve regarding READING is when the story ends in a cliffhanger. In other words, buy the next book, and I’ll let you in on the real ending. HATE, HATE, HATE that!

Setting up the next story in the series is great, but I think a writer needs to tell a complete story in each book!

I’ve no real pet peeves regarding WRITING other than the fact that it takes me much longer than I’d like, but I’ve never been disappointed in the result.

I find the EDITING process the most fun. I’ve found that the true story reveals itself after I’ve handed off what I originally considered a finished story to a talented editor.  Once they’ve made their suggestions the real work begins, and the book really begins to shine.

Thanks for stopping by. I can’t wait to read your pet peeves!

***

The awesome co-hosts are Christine Rains, Dolarah @ Book Lover, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Yvonne Ventresca, and LG Keltner!

Be sure to say hello and thanks!

***

There’s a new WEP Challenge this month.

REUNIONS!

An interesting prompt – think class reunion, family reunion, long lost friends reunited – where does this prompt take you?

Sign up and share your story here!

IWSG - PLANS & GOALS

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH

Today's Question: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?

I plan to have at least 10 books in publication, and I'll get there by continuing to write.

However my non-writing goals are a whole other story and means another paragraph or two. Maybe another time.

Good luck, everyone. May you all reach your goals, writing and otherwise!

Be sure to say hello to these awesome co-hosts:

Jennifer Hawes, Jen Chandler, Nick Wilford, Juneta Key, JH Moncrieff, Diane Burton, and MJ Fifield!

*****

Have you signed up for the latest WEP Challenge?

Do you set goals?
Create lists? 
Know where you're going and how to get there?

Or are you flying by the seat of your pants!
How's that work'in out?

IWSG - NaNoWriMo

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Alex and his gang have revved up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, they'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Today's Question:

What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?

The unlimited creativity! You get to be anyone or anything at anytime or place.

Pure and simple. J

I know that's cheating. Such a short answer, well, maybe it is, and maybe it isn't. All I know is that this month is National Novel Writing Month and I'm all up in it!

I've set  a goal and that's to finish Motive for Murder and I'm sticking to it.

J

So you may or may not see me around for the rest of the month!

Good luck fellow NaNo Writers!

Be sure and say hello to the awesome co-hosts

Joylene Novell Butler, Jen Chandler, Mary Aalgaard, Lisa Buie Collard, Tamara Narayan, Tyrean Martinson, and Christine Rains!

The Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

Have you read the 

WEP Constellations/Halloween

Entries?

Now's your chance!

The winners are announced!

Congratulations to all the winners!

IWSG - QUESTIONS?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers 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!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

As Alex say's, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

And the crew is revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, they'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Today's Question:

What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

My answer:

When they compared my writing to that of Stephen King, an author I've always respected. Although, it was also the reason given by a few readers for why they would not finish my book, Memories of Murder. 
Still, I'll take it as a compliment!

The co-hosts are ME, Tyrean Martinson, Madeline Mora-Summonte , LK Hill, Rachna Chhabria, and JA Scott!

The IWSG is also gearing up to announce the next anthology topic
and you get a vote on what that topic will be.
Just go HERE!

Today I have a question regarding reviews: 

When someone posts a review on their blog should you respond with a comment - a thank you? I've always tried to hit the 'like' button on Goodreads, and thank a blogger that I know with an email message, but will leaving a comment 'thank you' mean that the Amazon police will see it and delete the review? 

How do you respond to a great review from someone you know 

vs. someone you don't. 

Is there a certain etiquette to be followed?

HOLIDAY DISPLAYS

I'm truly pleased to welcome L G Keltner to my blog today to discuss her latest release and the all time holiday favorite 'outdoor lighting display.'

Take it away, L G!

I’d like to thank Yolanda for letting me stop by to promote my novella Self-Help 101 or: How I Learned to Take Over the World Through Tolerating My Family.

To get you all in the mood for some holiday fun, I’d like to celebrate outdoor lighting displays.  Most people keep them to a reasonable level, but we’ve all encountered the people who go a bit overboard.  You may even be that person.  I’ve compiled a short list of signs that may indicate that you’ve gone a bit too crazy with the holiday illumination.

#1-Planes keep trying to land in your backyard.

#2-There’s been a sharp increase in the number of car accidents outside your home, and they’ve been caused by sudden-onset blindness or distracted driving.

#3-Angry neighbors have been stealing or vandalizing your decorations.

#4-Family members and friends no longer wish to be seen at your house.

#5-News crews show up to document your lighting display.

Do you put up outdoor lighting displays?  Do you like your displays to be subtle, or do you like going all out?

Now I hope you enjoy a brief snippet from Self-Help 101 or: How I Learned to Take Over the World Through Tolerating My Family.

*     *     *

“Don’t blame yourself for this mess.  Other people’s issues are responsible for way more of it than you could possibly be.”

I laughed.  “You have to say that.”

“No, I don’t.  You can’t punch me through the phone.”

Then we were both laughing.  It was nice.  This felt normal, and it took some of the pressure off.

*      *     *

Blurb:

Dani Finklemeier has decided to write a self-help book about how to take over the world, but she’s not sure where to start.  After all, she’s only seventeen and looking for a better way to make money than babysitting.  She buys a self-help book that promises to teach her how to write a self-help book in the hope of getting the job done.

Not that it’ll be easy to get any work done this holiday season.  Her family is staying at the house for Christmas, and fights break out almost immediately.  Dani also has to deal with the fallout from an unexpected kiss with her best friend Seth and the feelings that go along with it.  On edge around her family and unsure how to interact with the one person she’s trusted with everything in the past, she can only take what inspiration she can from the crazy circumstances surrounding her and see what happens.

One way or another, it should be an interesting holiday.

 * * * 

  

L.G. Keltner spends most of her time trying to write while also cleaning up after her crazy but wonderful kids and hanging out with her husband.  Her favorite genre of all time is science fiction, and she’s been trying to write novels since the age of six.  Needless to say, those earliest attempts weren’t all that good. 

Her non-writing hobbies include astronomy and playing Trivial Pursuit.

You can typically find L.G. lurking around her blog, on Twitter, or on her Facebook page.

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

CreateSpace

Add it on Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

IWSG - SOCIAL NETWORKING

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP

Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh 
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers 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!

The co-hosts for the August 5 posting of the IWSG are Nancy Gideon, Bob R Milne, Doreen McGettigan, Chrys Fey,Bish Denham, and Pat Garcia! 

Yes, you've seen my greatest insecurity before – social networking. But thanks to Alex J Cavanaugh, and the IWSG, and all your cool suggestions regarding networking and blogging, I'm making headway.

Even though I don't own a cell phone, I'm even getting things done via twitter. Although, I'm far from an expert. I did join a few flash fiction challenges @writingprompts and the 6 word challenges WOW! Yeah it's an addiction.

Have you made any headway with social networking - 
have a new success story to share? 
Please do...

Tweet me @yolandarenee

If you still don't know enough about me I'm doing an interview with Ann Noser at the Black Cat Blog today. Stop by and say hello!

Also, Ricardo Sanchez is guest posting on Murderous Imaginings today and it's all about murder - SHARKS ARE WIMPS.

******

Nilanjana Bose is one of the authors in this Love Story anthology.

Nila is an awesome poet, an amazing writer.

CONGRATULATIONS NILA!

 Pre-order now!

IndiBlogger is a free online platform with over 35,000 Indian bloggers and five lakh articles. IndiBlogger was formed to promote the art of blogging. Every day, bloggers submit their writing from poetry and stories to articles that elaborate on their life experiences and give their creativity an outlet. This book is a collection of short stories of some of the best writers registered on the IndiBlogger platform.

*****

The WEP has posted the link sign up for the first challenge this year Spectacular Settings. Have you signed up? If not, why not, it's the best way to write, get immediate feedback, polish, and then send it off for publication. Ideal! Check it out HERE!