IWSG – January 2022 – New Releases
IWSG was created by Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh — because Alex understands we need a safe place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.
On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.
If this sounds like a good place to be, sign up here.
IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, a question is announced that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a 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.
February 2 question – Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn’t around anymore? Anyone you miss?
The awesome co-hosts for the February 2 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, Lee Lowery, and yours truly.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!
I want to answer this month’s question, but it’ll make me cry. I’m already teary thinking about them. There are so many people who supported me and aren’t around any longer. And while that is the circle of life, it’s hard to bear sometimes. For that reason I won’t be answering the question, however, I will visit your blog and learn about the special somebody in your life.
I know I’m repeating myself… but I’m excited. I have a fourth novel coming out on March 23 titled KISS OF THE ASSASSIN. What makes it special is I wrote it in 1992. I tried for many years to have it published, so this release is particularly thrilling. Why didn’t Kiss of the Assassin get published before now? I’m not sure. Numerous publishers said no one was interested in the Vietnam War. But maybe it was my less-than-impressive query letter. Or maybe it simply wasn’t the right time.
30 years later — the lesson: N E V E R G I V E U P!
If political thrillers are your genre and you think you might be interested in reviewing Kiss of the Assassin, please contact me at joyleneDOTbutlerATgmailDOTcom and I’ll send you an epub version and my undying gratitude.
Marina Antonovna, a Soviet spy, and Mateo Arcusa, an American homicide lieutenant first meet in Cambodia during the Vietnam War as enemies. Fearful that the most powerful man in the Soviet Union, KGB Chairman Vladimir Kurenkov, has ordered her death, Marina risks everything to defect to the United States. She promises Mateo that her days as an assassin are over. Vladimir is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back and, by threatening Mateo’s life, forces Marina to break her promise.
Warning: Mature subject matter and some coarse language.
Recently my husband and I and six friends travelled three hours south of Bucerias back to Cabo Corrientes and particularly Hotel Mayto.
It’s a very special place and I returned home refreshed and invigorated. The beach was all but deserted and we had the place to ourselves. It was lovely. The second day the tide came in and I was enthralled. Six to eight feet surf pounding to shore … hypnotizing.
SHOUT OUT!!!
MY MAGIC SUMMER is available now!!!
My Magic Summer
With the Moon Maidens
By Brian Carmody
Print 9781939844804 $17.95
EBook 9781939844811 $4.99
Young Adult – Contemporary Fantasy/Coming of Age/Boys & Men
Who are these moon maidens?
Summer of ’94 and Connor Whelan is excited to spend the last three months before his senior year with his uncle in Texas. Aware this trip is due to his mom’s cancer treatments, he still hopes this will be a season of magic.
He gets his wish when he encounters three magical women one night. Claiming to be from the moon itself, bewitching Iluna, flighty Eiru, and motherly Cassiopeia are about to make Connor’s last summer of childhood one to remember.
However, his interest in local girl Laura puts him in hot water with her tough boyfriend. His fascination with Iluna also confuses him. Will the moon maidens’ lessons about joy, wonder, and hope get him through this crazy summer?
An award-winning screenwriter and author, Brian Carmody is a dreamer, a wisher, a hoper, a prayer, a pretender and a magic bean buyer. He’s had moondreams from Texas to Virginia, and now California, where he has plenty of other flax golden tales to spin by his fire. www.brianzwriter.com/
Links:
Dancing Lemur Press – http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/new-adult-young-adult
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0965XBJ7Y
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-magic-summer-brian-carmody/1139629159?ean=9781939844804
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1573280572
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844811
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844811&language=0
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58346132-my-magic-summer-with-the-moon-maidens
Congratulations, Brian!
Comments 70
Late visitor here. Thirty years ? That’s very inspirational.
I love the snapshots, and will be back for more soon!
Author
Thank you, Damyanti. See you soon.
Hugs on the loss. Congratulations on the “new” release. I have a book I first wrote in 2010. Maybe I should dig it out and patch it up.
Author
I hope you do, Elizabeth. Never hurts to take a second look.
Hi Joylene!
I’m rather late visiting your blog… but as the cliche’ says – better late than never!
Thirty years later? Wow! I’m inspired. There’s hope for me yet. But I can’t leave it for thirty years or else I’ll be well into my eighties! LOL
I love the pictures!
Congrats on the new book! So exciting!
Author
You’re okay, Michelle; you’ve got loads of time. Thanks for visiting.
What a testament to perseverance, Joylene! I wish you the best with your release. Those photos of Mexico(?) look gorgeous.
Thank you for cohosting this month, Joylene. What beautiful photographs. I can see why you visited the beach. Amazing.
Great book cover. All the luck with the new release, Joylene. Dynamite title. Have a beautiful weekend!
Author
Thank you, Victoria. And best of success with your memoir. You are a hero.
Thanks for co-hosting this month and for stopping by my blog.
Congratulations on your next release. Hope the release goes well.
Thanks for sharing those lovely pictures.
Thanks for sharing Brian’s book.
Author
My pleasure, Toi.
Awww, that sounds like some special support. *hugs*
Congratulations on the release of your new book!
Author
Thank you, Gwen!
Cheers to your successes! So sorry for your losses. They are tough. Writing my post this month was hard, for sure. But I’m grateful I got to honor those who have taken this journey with me, even though many are no longer on it. It took me MANY years to feel ok about some of those losses. I still got teary writing my post.
Author
I can totally relate. Thanks, Heidi.
There’s nothing better than persisting and finally getting success! (Okay, it might be better if it’s accepted on the first go…).
Author
Haha, yes, the first go would have been nice. But probably everything worked out as it was meant to.
It is a tough question!
I wish I hadn’t started reading these now as I have to go out to appointments next and I’m all puffy-eyed.
I think it’s fantastic that you kept the faith with your book and now you get to take it to fruition. Good on you for continuing to submit, Joylene. Your faith won out. Whoopee.
Also, those photos are stunning!
Author
Thanks, Yvette. And thanks for being brave and sharing the story of your mum and dad.
My pleasure. Such pieces are always cathartic.
Lovely photos. Reminds me that I need to update my passport. Don’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon, but it’s good to have it if I need it.
Congratulations on the new release!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Author
They have 10-year passports now, which help. I’m due to renew next year.
Congratulations on your upcoming release!! Love that title. And what determination!! Oh, those gorgeous pictures. I can’t pick just one as a favorite. Sounds like a great time.
Author
Thanks, Janet. Best to you on all your endeavours.
Congratulations on the new release. And to Brian as well. Thank you also for co-hosting the IWSG this month.
Also, I loved the photos of your holiday. What a stupendous beach.
Author
Thank you, Kalpana, especially I know you come from a beautiful part of the world.
Congratulations on your new release. Now, that’s a happy ending! @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Author
Thanks for visiting my blog, Samantha. And thank you for your post about Jean.
Congrats on your new release. Just goes to show it’s worth never giving up. And sometimes it is just about timing. Cabo Corrientes looks like a beautiful place.
Author
Thanks, Lynda. It feels like we’ve been blogging buddies for decades. Have a great day.
What a lovely post. Congratulations on all, including your latest, successes!
“What is now proved was once only imagined,” ~ William Blake
Thank you for co-hosting!
Author
I love that quote. Thank you, Diedre.
You’re right. The world wasn’t quite, yet, ready for the Vietnam War era, but they are now. Congrats on publication and perseverance!
The pictures/trip look wonderful.
Author
Thanks, Mary! And thanks for sharing your story about Lois.
Congrats to you and Brian on the new releases! *Nobody* was interested in books about the Viet Nam War? Please. It sounds like a fascinating read, so kudos for not giving up and getting it out now.
The photos are lovely – what an awesome way to relax and rejuvenate.
Author
Thanks so much, Lee. Best to you.
Hi, Joylene. Such lovely, peaceful pictures! I’m glad you and your husband had an opportunity to recharge in a place you love! I loved your “Kiss of the Assassin.” It was a fun read! I am fortunate to read your book and Brian’s in advance and thoroughly enjoyed both! Hugs to you, my talented friend!
Author
You are so kind, Louise. Thank you for all your support. I love your blog.
Congrats on sticking with it. You earned this sweet success. 🙂
And answering this month’s question made me cry too. I don’t usually go there.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Author
Your post about your baba was lovely. Thanks for visiting my blog, Anna.
Congrats on the book, and those are some great pictures!
Author
Thanks, CD. And thanks for visiting my blog.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Congratulations to you and Brian on your books! They both sound awesome!
The pictures are gorgeous!
Author
Thanks, Kathy. I loved the Tweety children’s book.
Many congratulations on your new release, Jolene. That’s wonderful.
AND
Heartfelt condolences on your losses.
Author
Thank you, Sandra. Best to you.
Your pictures are lovely and look like a great place to visit! I hope your release is a smashing success, and thanks for being a cohost!
Author
Thanks for visiting my blog, Loni. Best to you.
Author
Loni, I really appreciated hearing about Anne.
Hi,
I can understand not wanting to talk about the losses in your life. It is the circle of life but we forget that the circle will close not only on those we love but on us too.
I love your pictures. They beam out serenity.
Thank you for co-hosting, and congratulations on your upcoming release.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Author
Thank you so much for all your support, Pat. Namaste.
Thanks for plugging Brian’s book.
I’m so glad that story found a home.
Author
Thanks for all you do, Diane! Best to your mum.
What a busy post! Congratulations on your new book! I’ll look for its publication. The beach pictures are gorgeous. There is something about waves, isn’t there?
Author
I know, waves are so spectacular. It’s amazing how mesmerizing they are. Thanks for visiting, Jacqui.
Congratulations on the “new” book! Me, who isn’t too much into thrillers, believes I’d be interested in this one.
Looks like a really lovely place to visit and recharge the batteries.
Author
A special thank you to you, Bish, for all the support over the years.
How wonderful to have a book in print after waiting for so long. Huge congratulations. I’m sure it will be well received and make the wait worthwhile.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
Author
Thank you for your good wishes, Lee. Best to you, too.
Congrats on your Book!!!
I need a vacation like that! Awesome!
Thank you for co-hosting.
Author
Thanks for visiting, Cathrina. Sorry about the mix up with your blog. The link was staring at me and I couldn’t see it.
Lovely pictures! I can see why you enjoyed your trip so much.
Best of luck on the new book. Thanks for co-hosting.
Author
Thanks, Melissa. And thank you for the lovely tribute to Jeremy.
Congratulations on your book. That is the definition of persistence and such an inspiration!
Author
Thanks for visiting, Liza. Happy IWSG day.
Congratulations to both you and Brian!
My first book sat around thirty years before it was published. Guess it was our time.
Looks like a beautiful place.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
Author
Thanks for giving us IWSG, Alex.
Hi Joylene. I read about Kiss of the Assassin earlier and I’m so impressed by how so many years down the line it’s all set to come into the world. I guess being set somewhere in history makes it relevant even today. Best wishes to you. Thank you for sharing those lovely pictures. And thanks for co hosting today.
Author
Thank you, Sonia. Thanks for visiting. I enjoyed your post.