IT'S #NANOWRIMO TIME: No Wrong - Just WRITE-WRITE-WRITE!

Gail's stock picnic lunch
during NaNoWriMo 

 

This year, I've decided to have a "no cook" month of writing. All my meals will be grab-and-go picnic foods like lettuce salads with chicken or salmon chunks, tuna salad, PB&J on English muffins, protein drinks, hummus with baguette slices, yogurt, cottage cheese, Cup O' Noodles, and fruit cups.

Of course, there are the "Write-In" days at Pa'ina Café downtown with our NaNoWriMo tradition of Frozen Hot Chocolate drinks and poke (raw tuna) bowls! That's every Saturday. On Thursdays, we'll be meeting at Coffee Talk in Kaimuki where they serve mega-choices of fresh baked goods and croissant sandwiches.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure if my excitement is more about writing my next novel or choosing my next meal. One thing is certain, though. I'll be supplementing my food choices with plenty of

C * H * O * C * O * L * A * T * E

 

And my goal? To get another one of these:

 

 

 



 

**********

Trick-or-Treat HALLOWEEN SALE 99c #Mystery #Suspense #LegalThriller ebooks * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OCTOBER 29 - 30 - 31, 2016 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HALLOWEEN SALE
with Una Tiers and her non-ghoulish author friends

Gail M Baugniet  *****  Maria R. Riegger  *****  Laurie Hanan

  

BOOKS ON SALE FOR 99 cents each

 OCTOBER 29, 30, 31, 2016

​​​Fiona Gavelle expected fame, fortune and glory after law school. However she finds herself working in a dead end, dusty law office where she does more secretarial than lawyer work.
One snowy Chicago night, she learns she was fired from her miserable job and when her miserable husband doesn't support her plight, she walks out.
However, after attending the funeral of a man she only met once, her luck turns. She gets new office space, and is taken in by her favorite Aunt.
She struggles to prove the practice of law does not include car chases or running down the alley at midnight. 
Join Fiona to see where she leads you.

BUY JUDGE VS NUTS AT AMAZON 99 CENTS CLICK HERE

*****     *****     *****

Dog nappings have doubled on O`ahu over the past year.

Brazen thefts of beloved pets from their

homes have the community on edge. A beautiful, mysterious Chinese actress is distraught when her Pomeranian is stolen. Mail carrier Louise Golden finds the missing pooch, only to learn the actress is suddenly gone, with her belongings. Dogs are disappearing. Street people are being abducted by aliens—or so claims Louise’s homeless friend, Frankie. Clues point in different directions. Nothing adds up. A masked man appears out of nowhere and warns Louise to mind her own business. What did he mean? Everyone is a suspect: her boyfriend who tells stories for a living, the ex lover who once betrayed her, the acting coach skilled in the art of deception, the shameless stalker in the yellow Tweety Bird van. At the polo field, tempers flare. Someone’s bound to get hurt. Things heat up for Louise, as well, when a sexy Brazilian polo player befriends her. Is he truly a friend, or a rake intent on seducing vulnerable women? Can Louise even trust her own spiritual awakening to help her find a path to understanding—or is she faking it and running blindly to a dead end? What will she do when she comes face to face with her greatest fears?

BUY ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE AT AMAZON 99 CENTS CLICK HERE

*****     *****     *****

 What would you do if you met someone who defied all of your stereotypes? 

Outspoken and abrasive, law student Isabel enjoys arguing with just about everyone, including her friends. It's 2010, and her strained relationship with her mother, less-than-stellar job prospects and frustrations with the conformist political culture of Washington, DC have left her resentful and unfulfilled.

Only her sisters and a few good friends are able to keep her semi-grounded. When she meets a new fellow student who dares to challenge her, she is intrigued but skeptical. While Isabel is risk-averse where her feelings are concerned, she is also becoming increasingly curious. She's afraid to get close, because being vulnerable always lead to being hurt, doesn't it?

BUY MISCALCULATED RISKS AT AMAZON 99 CENTS CLICK HERE

*****     *****     *****

Within hours, Insurance Investigator Pepper Bibeau's planned fishing trip turns deadly.

Her head is already spinning over a marriage proposal from Homicide Detective Rick Janus, father of her 14-year-old son. A last-minute assignment to investigate questionable medical claims on preteen sisters adds to the tension. Before she can relax, someone sends her tumbling into a storm-swollen river, a crude attempt to conceal a dead body.

With a young girl's life at stake, she must uncover an unlikely connection between an abandoned rifle and a litany of environmental complaints. Unearthing a killer may depend on Pepper’s unbridled curiosity, and her ability to stay alive.

BUY NESHOTO JUNCTION HOMICIDE AT AMAZON 99 CENTS CLICK HERE

*****     *****     *****

LAST CALL: Squealing Kids #61

ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING

70 Poems for 70 Days 

 is a collection of linked poetry I wrote as a birthday present to myself and gifted in book format to 70 of my friends and family members. Over a period of 70 Sundays, I am submitting the poems in the order of composition, along with a short comment about the poem’s style or theme,
often including a complementary photograph.

With linked poetry, a form of Japanese Renshi poetry,

the last lines of one poem are used to form the title of the next poem,

then the next poem shifts to a different topic..

I hope you find a few entries that bring a smile to your face or a long buried memory to the surface of your consciousness. Poetry is like that, whether you are the reader or the author.

61

Last Call 

Dinner on the stove

Pie in the oven

Kids squealing

Outside, “You’re it.” 

Dad pulls in

Young ones run

to push

The garage door up 

Rusted chain

Sounds like

a game

Of squealing tag 

Hugs all around

“Why aren’t you washed for supper?”

“Mama never called.”

And now the pie smells burnt.

 

This is one of those “Twilight Zone” endings where the reader must determine the final outcome.

 

 

 

Thoughts On 'A Reading Challenge,' October Cancer Month, and bonus Haiku

 

When I set my Goodreads challenge to read and review 71 books between October 22, 2015 and October 22, 2016, I saw no problem in reaching the goal. Reading is a large part of my life, never a chore or a drain on my time and energy. If anything, I should feel guilty for reading while the laundry awaits. But Stephen King gave all authors the green light by saying we should write for four hours and read for four hours every day. Thanks, guy!

The Importance of Book Reviews

 

Book reviews are helpful to authors but are especially important for readers. A review can help a reader decide whether a book will be worth their allotted reading time. It can also raise their awareness of a story that will thoroughly entertain them. Your review can save another reader from thinking, "It wasn't at all what I expected."

 

Setting goals gets me a lot farther than not setting them. Although my bar for 2017 won't be quite as high, I'll never stop reading and reviewing books. 

 

Book #71 of my 71-Books Goal for 2016

 

During the Makiki Community Library 40th Anniversary Celebration in September, a local author introduced herself to members of the Sisters in Crime/Hawaii Chapter. We were holding discussions on various writing topics over a two-day period. Janet attended a couple of the sessions. During open forum, she shared her experience about being diagnosed with terminal cancer -- twenty-five years ago. She told us about the short memoir she had published on Amazon as an e-Book. After hearing about her ordeal, along with everything she is doing now to enjoy life to the fullest, I couldn't wait to read the book. My 5-Star review follows.

 

 

SURVIVING "TERMINAL CANCER"
by
Janet R. Shaw

 

The amount of information included in this short book is amazing. The author shares her experiences, from the time her doctor informs her that she has terminal breast cancer and will soon die, through the emotional upheaval to the life-saving decisions she made on her own. I purchased the book after meeting Janet at the Makiki Community Library 40th Anniversary celebration in September. She didn't stay long because she didn't want to lose her spot in the community pool where she swims on a regular basis.

Nothing overtly supernatural presents itself in the author's story of SURVIVING "TERMINAL" CANCER, but she gives readers enough information to form their own opinion as to whether there is a miracle involved.

 

 

Pink hibiscus smiles
Greetings on my autumn walk
 Honolulu style


 

 

 

October

is

Breast Cancer Awareness month

 

Why not treat yourself to Janet's book today!

 

 *****     *****     *****

Link to my Goodreads Challenge list and Janet's book:

https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/show/3890-2016-reading-challenge

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS #59 and #60 REASON LACKING

ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING

70 Poems for 70 Days 

 is a collection of poetry I wrote as a birthday present to myself and gifted in book format to 70 of my friends and family members. Over a period of 70 Sundays, I am submitting the poems in the order of composition, along with a short comment about the poem’s style or theme,
often including a complementary photograph.

With linked poetry, a form of Japanese Renshi poetry,

the last lines of one poem are used to form the title of the next poem,

then the next poem shifts to a different topic.

I hope you find a few entries that bring a smile to your face or a long buried memory to the surface of your consciousness. Poetry is like that, whether you are the reader or the author.

59
What Is
 

Now is not back then

When trees grew in place, from seed

The river flowed, free

Though not all humans were.

 

Sun shone straight to earth

No buildings scraped the sky

What is here today

Is just more of the same.

 

Not more love back then

Or hatred less by far

Satellites or

Internet connections.

 

Reveal the world

In Technicolor lights

Dust of skeletons

From closets once secured

Information blast

Power, with reason lacking.

 

 

*****     *****     *****

 

 

60

Reason Lacking

 

Friday night

Time to cruise

Deer in the headlights

Wine at the Fawn

 

Dance with sweat

Lining your bra

Cigarette break

Before you split

 

Back to The Hall

A quick stop for smokes

Lead foot heavy

And eager for more

 

Late, a few too many tipped

Sweat dried, reason gone

Rev the engine, hemi strong

Port or bust

 

Take the curves at speed

Blinding headlights clear the road

Not an obstacle in sight

To keep you from last call

 

This poem reflects the 50s and 60s when the jukebox and pinball machine ruled. Small town Friday night didn't vary much from state to state. If the place was too small or too poor to have a movie theater and the football game ended early, win or lose, it was party time! And everyone knew that kids don't die young so there was no reason to worry. Right?

 

*****     *****     *****

 

 

AT LONG LAST #56, FRONT ROW SEATS #57 #58 Purple Socks All Winter

ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING

70 Poems for 70 Days 

 is a collection of poetry I wrote as a birthday present to myself and gifted in book format to 70 of my friends and family members. Over a period of 70 Sundays, I am submitting the poems in the order of composition, along with a short comment about the poem’s style or theme,
often including a complementary photograph.

With linked poetry, a form of Japanese Renshi poetry,

the last lines of one poem are used to form the title of the next poem,

then the next poem shifts to a different topic.

I hope you find a few entries that bring a smile to your face or a long buried memory to the surface of your consciousness. Poetry is like that, whether you are the reader or the author.
 

56

At Long Last

 

 

 

Waiting, when there is

nothing to anticipate

every conversation leads

to war 

Socks the wrong color,

heat set too high, too low

too much garlic, not enough salt,

and the gas tank’s dry, again. 

At very long last,

free to be the real me

purple socks all winter,

floor fan after March 

Gone the need to capitulate,

with no control on topics

ranged from condiments

to front row seats.

  

Of course, this is written “tongue-in-cheek.” If only all conflict confined itself to difference of opinion in sock color and choice of condiments! Then again, any mystery writer worth their salt, and pepper, could execute a story that involved death by choking on a gold-toed stocking or asphyxiation by chili powder.

*****     *****     *****

 

 

While some of the poems in this collection were written with a bit of humor, others focus on more serious, and often, quite emotional topics. The topic of the following poem falls into the latter category. These thoughts did not come easily and were not written with a light heart.

57

Front Row Seats

 

Back yard

Saturday night

Full moon rising

Open to the force, electric

In its delight. 

Twirling dancers

Shining stage

Violin concerto

Emotions swell, the pleasure

Uncontained. 

Front row

Thursday morning,

Silence trickles down

Incomprehensible, to view

The tiny casket.

*****     *****     *****

 

 

58

 

#IWSG When Do You Know Your Story is Ready?

 

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!

 

Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Beverly Stowe McClure, Megan Morgan, Viola Fury, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Angela Wooldridge, and Susan Gourley! 
 

 

http://bit.ly/2bPS6rQ

 

 

This week, I am in the middle of editing a short story for an upcoming mystery anthology. My critique group has offered their opinions of soft spots, drawn out narrative, and spotty dialogue. After applying all agreeable edits, I will read through the story several times so any rough areas or inconsistencies have a chance to surface.

 

Seeing the question for October's IWSG brought a smile to my face. How timely to consider when exactly I will know that my story is ready.

 

October 5 IWSG Question: When Do You Know Your Story is Ready? 

 

Determining that my story is ready isn't something I take lightly. I don't suddenly one day say, "Enough already. I don't want to look at this story one more day or I'll become physically ill."

 

Well, okay, I do say that, but that isn't when I mark the story finished.

 

Now it's time to set the work-in-progress aside for a day or two. Going back for a last look always produces at least one new proofreading error or, worse, a glitch in the plot or timeline that requires a touch up.

 

After that final read-through, barring some catastrophic find, I am ready to mark the story complete. That's when I know my story is ready . . .  ready for me to let go.

 

Is this a sign of insecurity on my part,

or just a realization that if the story is complete,

it means I have to start writing something new?

 

 

*****     *****     *****

 

 

Into Success #54 and Far Beyond #55

54

Into Success

She walked into success

With four-inch heels

And dusty-rose linen suit. 

Her smile flashed with confidence

Showering the crowded room

Doubt left at the sliding glass door 

“Sweet” described her weekly stats

Earned with forceful charm

Familiarity the winning edge 

Heights encourage depths

Obtained easiest by overreach

Far beyond the

elusive brassy ring.

 

Success followed by regress does not a failure make. Every experience is a rung up the ladder, heading toward the next goal.

*****     *****     *****

55

Far, Far Beyond

 

Encouraged to walk

You stood and crossed

The room 

Continuing far, far beyond

Until hands

Steered you to safety

Tempting with strange noises,

Very loud 

Your lips quivered

Searching for a promise

Sweetly warm

 

Discouraged, you sat

Garnering attention anew 

Lesson learned

You rose on wobbly feet

A toddler, at last.

 

Each of the linking poems receives its title from the final words of the previous poem. The fun of forming a poem based on this new title is that you never know what to expect until the words actually reach the page. Even then, the idea often veers into unexpected territory. This poem is a good example of such a twist. For those who first think the person encouraged to walk is elderly, the ending is a pleasant surprise that conjures up memories of ones self, or of children and grandchildren taking their first steps.

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS
photo by: lakotawestband.ord

 

 

 

*****     *****     *****

 

Near Horizons and Break the Cycle Linking Poems #52-#53

From Poem #2 SMILING BACK

When I wrote the 70 poems for 70 days, I had no idea if anyone else would read them. After pouring my heart onto the page, I had met my initial goal of writing the set of linked poems. Later, it became obvious that while I'd scratched the surface of my memory, that mere scratching had triggered an opportunity to delve deeper into the topics that surfaced during the writing process.

 

Once the little book of poetry was published and distributed to 70 friends and family members as gifts, it seemed practical to post articles that reflected on the poems, or to write more in depth about a segment of a poem, or to contemplate new ideas stemming from the original seed of thought.

 

Give me a choice between chocolate or a new project,

and I'll take both . . . every time!

 

 

Now, a year later, I am reaching the end of this latest project. I hope you found something of interest in the preceding Sundays. Over the next three weeks, may the final sets of linking poetry create a desire to pen the precious thoughts welling up in you.

52

Near Horizons

Farms spread out

by design of county plats

Home for dinner

Each family tucked in

for the night. 

Breakfast a routine affair

Like Sunday drives

after mass

And holiday visits

to relatives. 

Roads with numbered routes

Lead to fishing holes

And beach parks

hold dreams that encompass

only near horizons. 

Dare to break the cycle

 

Poetry is meant to be read not as an interpretation of the poet’s thoughts, but as a means of opening the reader’s mind: to spark imagination, to recall memories long ago experienced, long forgotten; thoughts happy and sad, thought-provoking experiences that form and inform the person you are today. Do not fear the past so you can enjoy the present and plan a happy future. Poetry can open for you infinite possibilities. Claim what rings true for you, leaving the rest for others to explore their own awakening.

 

*****     *****     *****

 

53

Break the Cycle

 

 

No! My education

is too lacking.

The words all

come out wrong.

Why would anybody

even care?

Marathons are

not for weak,

questioning souls 

but for

strong minds,

solid knees,

and muscular hearts

Yes. I can

believe in myself. I can

stop braiding negativity

into disbelief. I can

start spinning confidence

into success.

 

When a child is told often enough that they don't have the strength or the brains to accomplish something, this negative attitude carries over into their adulthood. Breaking the habit of believing this may seem insurmountable, and often is, because negativity only breeds more of the same. 

 

Need incentive to change?

 

Check out this TED talk entitled "How to stop screwing yourself over by Mel Robbins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp7E973zozc#t=834.232184

 

or

 

The skill of self confidence by Dr. Ivan Joseph

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-HYZv6HzAs#t=18.4932751