Wednesday, January 03, 2018

IWSG--Writing Schedule/Flaming Crimes Blogfest


Today's post covers both the monthly topic from the Insecure Writer's Support Group and a blogfest. Let's start with the IWSG. This month's co-hosts are Tyrean Martinson, The Cynical Sailor, Megan Morgan, Rachna Chhabria, and Jennifer Lane. Our question is What steps have you taken to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

Well, since I'm a working parent, my job, my family, and domestic chores take up most of my time. That means I have to fit my writing/publishing time in the free spaces. It's actually easier to do this during the work week, when I have a defined lunch hour. (And yes, I insist on taking my full hour.) The early part of the evening is usually devoted to family/household chores, so I write, blog, and do publishing things later in the evening, while my son is getting ready for bed. Even this time gets interrupted for time with my son right before he goes to bed. On weekends, it's more challenging because our schedule can change. If possible, I try to take some time to write Saturday afternoon and prepare blog posts Sunday morning. Otherwise, I seize time to write when I can.

Chris Fey is hosting the Flaming Crimes Blogfest today to celebrate the release of her latest book, Flaming Crimes. She gave us this prompt: What is something ridiculous you would save if there was a fire? Ridiculous is the keyword there. After your family, pets, and important items are safe and sound, what is the one odd thing you'd want to grab from your home?

When I read this prompt, the first things that popped into my head were the Star Wars costumes I troop in as part of the Midwest Garrison. I currently have two, a Jawa and a Staff Imperial Officer. (See photos.) I sewed the Jawa robes and hood myself, so I have sweat equity in it. It also has more sentimental meaning to me, since I've trooped more frequently in it. However, my Imperial Officer boots are custom-made for me (since I had trouble finding suitable boots that would fit), so if I had to choose only one costume, I'd probably save the Imperial Officer. It may be an odd choice, but I wouldn't call saving my costume ridiculous. After all, ownership of a screen-accurate costume is required to maintain membership in the 501st Legion. At least it would be easier to save than my son's Lego collection.



Series: Disaster Crimes #4
Page Count: 304 
Digital Price: 4.99 
Print Price: 16.99
Rating: Spicy (PG13) 

BUY LINKS:

BLURB: Beth and Donovan are now happily married, and what Beth wants more than anything is a baby. Her dream of starting a family is put on hold as fires burn dangerously close and Donovan becomes a victim of sabotage.

Donovan escapes what could've been a deadly wreck. Their past enemies have been eliminated, so who is cutting brake lines and leaving bloody messages? He vows to find out, for the sake of the woman he loves and the life they're trying to build.

Amidst a criminal mind game, a fire ignites next to their home. They battle the flames and fight to keep their house safe from the blaze pressing in on all sides, but neither of them expects to confront a psychotic adversary in the middle of the inferno.

Their lives may just go up in flames…



About the Author: Chrys Fey is the author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept blending romance, crimes, and disasters. She’s partnered with the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and runs their Goodreads book club. She’s also an editor for Dancing Lemur Press.

Author Links:





Feel free to comment about either your writing schedule or what you'd save from a burning house. Humm, can one pull time from a burning house? That seems to be the best way to merge these topics....

11 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I admire those of you with kids who still find time to write.
Those costumes are cool. I'd save them.

Tamara Narayan said...

Nice costume! I was in a theatre over the holiday break that specifically restricted the wearing of masks and costumes and I assume that was directed to Star Wars fans. I wonder what kind of security breach they were worried about. You guys don't have real light sabres do you?

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Thanks, Alex!

Tamara, I do have light sabers (at some point, I want to make a generic Jedi costume), but I've never sliced off someone's body part with them.

Chrys Fey said...

The word "ridiculous" wasn't meant to be so literal. lol More like something others might find odd but is something you absolutely love. (Hard to word for a short prompt question.) ;)

Those costumes are cute! I would want Leia's costume from Star Wars Episode 4, I'd want to save it, too.

emaginette said...

I'm lucky that I have time to write, but only get to it in the morning. If I leave it too late I land up leaving it for the next day. We both know where that can lead. hehehe

Anna from elements of emaginette

Sherry Ellis said...

It's tough to find time to write when you're trying to juggle family life!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Chris, that particular costume of Leia's is very popular. At some point, I'd like to make her blue dress from the end of The Force Awakens.

Anna, I'm the opposite: although I do wake up early and work out in the morning, it's not good writing time for me. I'm more productive in the afternoon or evening.

I agree, Sherry!

Sarah Foster said...

I'm sure it's tough to fit in writing with such a busy schedule!
Those costumes are really cool.

Juneta key said...

So jealous of the SW costume. I have a collection of SW beanie babies I should add that to my list, unfortunately, they are packed still and in our garage so could not grab them in I wanted to. Happy 2018
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Thanks, Sarah and Juneta!

Stephen Tremp said...

Something ridiculous I would save in a fire? Well, I would save a mallard duck my mom painted and gave to me when I was in high school. I use it as a prop in videos I make.

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