(Get it? Catch up…Ketchup?!!! I love that joke!)
(disclaimer: I don’t condone the abuse of baby tomatoes or tomatoes of any kind! They are, however, delicious with just a sprinkling of salt and maybe a leaf of fresh basil. Ooohh, and a slice of buffalo mozzarella all on a crostini slice with maybe a drizzle of balsamic vinegar! Oh, my God…now I’m hungry.)
Wayward Friends,
There’s so much I want to tell you and not enough time to do all that in separate posts, so I’m going to try and get as much in as I can without it being too much. Fingers crossed.
CULTURE
1) I was going to write today about seeing the Christian Dior exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art; however, that will have to wait until next week. I have pictures, too!
Also, I checked out an Irish Pub called Malarkey’s Tavern a little more than a week ago. I think I promised Kim at I Tripped Over a Stone that I’d at least share pictures since I can’t share beer. Sorry. I’m not sure there’s as much fodder to write about this outing as I’d like; but I’m working on it.
Before I went on hiatus, I also wanted to showcase a musical artist that Kim turned me on to! This is awesome music to relax or write to! His name is Zoolon and so I want to introduce him to you by way of Kim. If you click here, this is Kim’s post about Zoolon with music to listen to as well! She does a fantastic job of introducing him!
Also, Kim introduced me to this!
And then Rhonda at Pollyanna’s Path shared Elle King on her post:
IKR? Can’t beat good music…or can you?
Still haven’t finished reading Good Omens, either, which I wrote about here! Finished watching the series on Amazon though! Soooo fun! Everyone should watch, and then we should all get together and discuss our favorite moments. Yes, I do have a favorite moment. Extra shoutout to anyone who can guess what my favmo is! (Hey, did I just create a new word? Probably not, but if no one’s claiming it, I will.)
Speaking of which, did y’all know that Neil Gaiman has his own blog?! Did you also know that he offers a masters writing course?! ONLINE?! I don’t know any of the details other than I know what I’ll be asking for (but probably won’t be getting) for Christmas this year! For those of you who already knew this, why didn’t you tell me? OH MY GOD! I just discovered this the other day. Don’t worry, Gaiman’s on my Blog List below! Just click on his highlighted name and it will link you to his blog site.
I’ve switched from reading Good Omens (for the time being) and am currently reading, The Turning, by Sarah Silvey at Fresh Hell! She’s an amazing writer who can tell a story like it’s nobody’s business! You can buy her ebook here!
Also, my friend Suzanne Craig-Whytock at My Dang Blog has a new novel coming out on October 15! You can preorder her book, The Dome, on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+dome+by+suzanne+craig-whytock&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss
or at Target at
https://www.target.com/p/the-dome-by-suzanne-craig-whytock-paperback/-/A-76603844
(Unfortunately, for whatever reason these links aren’t highlighting, so you can’t just click to get to their sites. However, you can type in these addresses or just Google Suzanne’s name and the name of her book; whichever’s easiest for you!)
Suzanne, you are my hero since I’ve always wanted to have a book in both Barnes & Noble and Target! YOU ARE DOING THIS, WOMAN! It’s almost like being interviewed by Oprah or something, plus getting paid lots and lots of money for YOUR BOOK! Cool beans! I’m so excited for you!
Currently, we are binge watching at my house on Amazon Prime: the second season of Absentia. Intense! We’re almost through 21 seasons of Silent Witness, too, which David and I started…well, I have no idea how many months or episodes ago that was! Gonna be sad when we’ve watched them all.
Also, I’m loving the new season of Ancient Aliens as well as enjoying the new series, Unidentified: Inside America’s UFO Investigation, on The History Channel. Yes, I have an open mind. You unbelievers making fun of me right now can bite me!
SILVER AND GOLD
(Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold! Once upon a time, I was a girl scout, fyi)
2) Since the first of the year, I have met some new blogger friends, and we also have some new members in our writers group. Also, though, I try and keep up with blogger friends that I’ve known for awhile. The problem is: I’m terrified I’m going to leave someone out — so, I’m going to try and include everyone! If I do accidentally leave you out, then give me lashings with a wet noodle and call me out about it! I will immediately rectify my error and include your blog posthaste!
So I want to officially welcome our new members at the Panera Bread Writer’s Group aka The Inklings on Park (don’t worry, I’m not naming names just in case you want anonymity, but I’m so pleased that you’ve joined us); and, of course,
I want to introduce you to new and older blogger friends I’ve met online and, also, a few blogs that I check out fairly regularly but with whom I’ve never communicated with the author. You should never run out of reading material, again! Here’s the list:
Awkwardly Alive and Pleasantly Peculiar
Boldly Going Forward…Because I Can’t Find Reverse
Elaine’s Blog — Following the Light
Knock, Knock, Knocking on Forty’s Door
SEX, SEX, AND MORE SEX…AND FOOD
3)This is more a note to myself, but: I was reminded today after reading Lille Sparven’s post, What it is like to sell a computer — that a lot of what is now burned into my brain that I learned from college was about sex: humorous, quirky, fascinating and even revolting things. I need to write a chapter about that in the book I’m currently working on. Also, if you want a taste of what I’m talking about (it’s a harmless and short tale, I’m not going to burn your eyes out or anything), you can read a little by clicking on Furry Fury.
Another note to self: I have to write that damned chapter on Vito’s Italian Restaurant! I keep promising myself, now DO IT BEFORE THE END OF JUNE! Vito’s has an amazing Chicken Piccata by the way — my fav! And BIG PIZZAS! If you happen to be in the DFW area, they’re located in Irving off of Esters and you can check them out here!
I MISS YOU!!!!
4) There are a few bloggers out there who are part of what I consider to be my core group of blogger friends who have gone on hiatus or maybe are experiencing a difficult time at the moment or, hell, maybe you’ve just given up blogging altogether…I’m not sure which, but if you’re reading this (and you know who you are!) know that I have good thoughts for you, I miss you very much and I hope everything is going well for you.
My life is a little less because you’re not there to brighten it right now! If you need someone to listen, please reach out and I will be there for you! Wishing you much love, peace and success in whatever you endeavor. Also, I will continue to click on your blog to see if you’ve put anything new out because I have faith that you will again! No pressure, just know that I adore you and I will wait!
I’m not going to name names or blogs, though, because I learned my lesson back in late April/early May — that can only lead to trouble, awkwardness and heartache!
HOW CAN YOU HELP, IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT WE NEED?
5) That reminds me, I’ve been a blogger for several years now. During that time, I’ve learned a few things that I want to share:
not all, but most bloggers want readers to find them for various reasons. Some just want to be a voice out in this world. Some are lonely and are looking for friends. Some have amazing and/or important information to impart, especially about a condition, disease or cause they are bringing awareness to. Some are just chronicling their life’s journey.
All bloggers are writers, but some bloggers are also working on specific projects and they depend on their blogs to network and showcase what they do. These souls are, in part, trying to network and establish a loyal following so they can get their name and their work out into the world. If they are trying to get their work (article, book, artwork) published or accepted through traditional means, it is crucial!!!! they establish a large, loyal following, particularly on social media. I know this because I talked to an agent. And the publishing houses and a lot of publications won’t give you the time of day (usually) if no one knows who you are! So, yes, talent has something to do with getting published, but so does having the following to go with it!
Today’s publishers seem to be looking for sure bets with established writers with that built-in following ala The Bloggess or David Sedaris. I love both of these writers, btw! It’s more difficult than ever, though, to try and make it as a new writer and to get the kind of professional team behind you to help you get that book or article in professional shape, and then get the work out into the world, and then promote/market the hell out of it so that it becomes successful.
When you promote yourself, it feels awkward and daunting (at least for me!) It’s also incredibly difficult to go up against so many other writers who are self-published and are also trying to sell their ebooks on Amazon, etc. I have no idea how many self-published authors are out there right now, but if anyone has Alexa, they should ask her…and then let me know! Then hand me a hanky because I’ll be weeping!
On the other hand, it’s an incredible feeling and you feel truly blessed (because you are) when your colleagues and others help spread the word that you’re out there and that others should check you out! I have to wonder if the blogging community has lost some truly talented writers simply because they weren’t able to establish this kind of following and they got frustrated and said to hell with it? Forget about wondering: I know that’s the case. And that is effing sad, y’all!
More than anything, I’ve found wonderful, creative, talented, amazing and supportive friends in the blogging and FB community. Twitter as well, I don’t want to forget Twitter. Anyway, I want to thank each one of you for your support as I continue forth! I hope you enjoy the content I put out and that you will continue to spread the word that I’m here.
Also, I encourage those who check out my blog and others’ blogs to comment. PLEASE! Of course you don’t have to, but when you do, it’s so much more important than you might realize. I see different cities and countries scroll across my dashboard behind the scenes that tell me when someone has clicked onto my site, but I never know who they are. I never know who’s reading or checking out my blog or whether they like what I’m writing or not unless they tell me!
So, if someone (me for example) is trying to get an agent to take notice and that agent doesn’t see a ton of comments on my blog, then I’m kind of in trouble. Even if a blogger has thousands checking out their posts, if only two or three people comment, an agent or book publisher is just going to see those few comments. Just saying…it’s not anyone’s fault — that’s just the way it is.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a like button that people can click, and I’m not sure I can get one the way my blog is set up! I do have Facebook and Twitter buttons on my site, though; so if I’ve written something you’d like to share, please do! I would be honored! And thank you for those of you who already do this!
Anyway, if I can get you to say a few words here and there (preferably kind ones…but I’ll take whatever I can get), I promise I won’t bite. Just a “way to go” or “I don’t agree with that” or “better post next time”…whatever…that would be awesome! Also, I might enjoy interacting with my more silent Wayward Friends, if they’re willing. Of course, I always enjoy my regular commentators! Also, I promise I would never put you in a bad position if you were to comment. I don’t sell lists, etc. If I wouldn’t want it done to me, I promise, I’m not going to do it to you!
Damn, you’d think I were running for political office or something! Perish the thought!
6) Some of you know that I graduated with my masters in counseling last fall. Well, I’ve been waffling about starting a career in this field. Trust me, I have my reasons. I should have already taken my exam to get my license and started an internship; but I have this tug inside that is insisting I write.
I may be a fool (I hope not) but I’m in the process of writing a book. My husband and son are trusting me to come through for them on this. No pressure. More than anything, I’m trusting a Higher Power. (Okay, Lilibeth, I’m not afraid to admit who that is: God. I’m trusting God!) After I finish my book and, hopefully, get it published through traditional means (I know nothing about self-publishing and that could only lead to sorrow for me, anyway), I’ll see whether I end up going down the counseling path, focus solely on writing; or do both. I have three writing projects in the works as I type this; all are different but their commonality is humor!
7) Lastly, I want to invite anyone here who would like to be a part of our FB group, The Skirmish is Actual formerly known as The Dungeon of Loom, to please do so. Kat from Angel Who Swears; Adie with From Adie, With Love; Katie from Fatty McCupcakes; Lori Rose Bebko from Come Hell or High Water; and I revamped and updated this. An extra special shoutout to Lori Rose Bebko for creating our group cover and Kat for putting together our new mission statement!
We’re a bit bawdy and rowdy but we’re also serious writers and supportive, so if you’re easily offended…well, if that’s the case, you’re probably not reading this now, anyway! Ha! Just click on The Skirmish and one of the administrators will welcome you in. We’re all about promoting each other’s work, providing info on writing opportunities and entertaining ourselves with our own interesting brand of humor. If you don’t like what you see, you can always opt out! Hope you decide to join us, though!
Okay, that’s more than enough for now! Hope everyone has/is having/had a great Father’s Day weekend!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO MY HUSBAND, DAVID, AND TO MY FATHER, RAYMOND! I love you both so much!
Also, a great big shoutout and Happy Anniversary to Richard and Kim! How many years has it been? Damn, time flies!
TTFN,
Mona
A book!!! I was going to say something else, and then I saw that and forgot everything else. Oh yeah, now I remember: The Turning is fantastic. We can compare notes when you’re done and embarrass the author!
Lille, Got that right! 😂🤣😂😎
Thank you, as always, for including me on your list of bloggers. I’m so glad you did a list because you’ve reminded me of several bloggers I haven’t checked out recently, mainly because I have a horrible memory!
Gotcher back, Kat!
Mona! I’m exhausted just reading this post! You are going to do great! Any publisher would be lucky to have you! Looking forward to more and more from you! Bravo!💜💫
Aww, Kim! Thanks for saying that! After all that ketchup, I’m exhausted, too. Hope you get some good rest! But first, you have Sunday’s questions I need to go and check out. See you over on your blog! Mona
Nailed those answers! Made me laugh and laugh! Zoolon left Friday for a 2 week holiday, so if anyone comments, he’ll be back on line when he gets back! He is an amazing artist, isn’t he? And I love that he’ll turn your poem into a song! Love that! Cheers Mona!
Happy to see I made the list… though I never consider what I do to be writing with a capital W, I do enjoy blogging.
Congrats on your book in progress, I’m sure it will be wonderful.
River,
All writers could learn a lot from you. Consider me your wayward student because your writing is succinct and clever–both of which I aspire to be! Plus, you always have great pictures! You are my go to when I get up and start my day! Mona
That’s so nice… thank you!
You’re tops on my list as well, even though I have to leave WordPress to comment.
😉
River,
Wordpress and I are having a…moment. Not a good moment either. Trying to figure some stuff out with it. Ugh. So can you explain to me in a little more detail what you meant by you have to go out of WP to comment? I’m curious about that!
Great joke Mona. Thank you for including me. I am going to check out each one x Hope you are doing Ok .Love Pip
Hey Pip,
I’m doing okay in my neck of the woods. Of course, I will always include you. You were my very first blogger friend I had and I’m so grateful for your friendship! Hope all is well with you and yours, too! Mona
First of all, I love, love, love the ketchup joke! Second, you ARE a marvelous writer and I am sure you will get yourself published. Third, I am so glad that you are trusting God (I wish more people would!). Fourth, thank you for all you do to encourage other writers — your posting of their sites (including mine, An Unboring Path – I am so honored!), your shout-outs and referrals, your advice about the bigger picture of getting published (sad but true, and btw for one look at the way things used to be way way back in the day, check out Genius (2016) with Jude Law and Colin Firth — I love the way their writer/publisher relationship works and develops). Fifth, bravo to you for riding things out and seeing what develops regarding your career — you will figure it out and/or it will reveal itself to you (and how wonderful to have a loving and supportive husband and a sweet daughter who loves animals!). Sixth, my old writing teacher used to say that if you didn’t have at least ten subjects on the tip of your tongue that you wanted to write about or were writing about or are developing an idea to write about then you weren’t a writer 🙂 I think, no doubt about it, you are a writer!! Seventh, I vote for favmo to be added to an official list of new words (I had hopes initially for unboring, but it already existed!). Eighth, I probably should stop now or I will not get to the jail on time. That’s right, headed to a jail today to visit an inmate. Life is so full of fascinating, crazy, didn’t-see-that-coming stuff.
Thanks, Mona, for doing your part to add exuberance, skill and hope to the world of writing 🙂
Patricia,
Oh my gosh! All of what you said above: it’s my pleasure! Also, I love Genius! Our writers group went to see it when it came out and I was teased that Thomas Wolfe and I have something in common–lots of words! Glad you like favmo, and you are definitely “unboring”! Lastly, thanks so much for the encouragement! I can’t wait to read more from your blog! Mona
Thank you for the shout out, Mona. <3
And the fact that you're reading my book! And the fact that you're reading my book right after reading something by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett…!!!!!!!!! Dear God. I'm honored, touched, and a little terrified. Ohhhh I hope you like it. But it's OK if you don't. But I hope you do. *bites nails crazily*
My hormones are out of whack today. I've been cleaning like a motherfucker. Do they clean? They probably don't clean. But this means that things I can normally take with aplomb… I can't. I'll be better later, I promise. HUGS!!!
Sarah,
Is it wrong of me to love it when your aplomb bombs? I’m loving your book, btw! Can’t wait to meet you in person. Now I wish I had a hard copy so you could sign it! Sigh. Oh well! Glad you’re back from your trip abroad and great big hugs back to you, my friend! Also, send some of your energy my way. I need to dust! Mona
OMG, Mona-I love your enthusiasm! And thank you so very much for the shout out and link to my blog. I don’t have a ton of followers so I really appreciate that.
Hey Rhonda,
My pleasure! I hope a bunch of people find your blog because it’s wonderful! ~ M
So glad you’re back! And thanks for including me on your list! 🙂
Thanks Quirky Girl! I’m glad to be back as well! And it’s always my pleasure to include you and Jett whenever I can! 🤗
Thanks Quirky Girl! I’m glad to be back as well! And it’s always my pleasure to include you and Jett whenever I can! 🤗