I am so full of admiration for people that meet deadlines. Chilling in May and June 2024 for me were two very missed deadlines. Though aware of the dates, I had no desire to blog at all. I wonder if others feel this way at times and why? I think it has a lot to do with feedback, more precisely about getting feedback or rather, not getting it. Feedback is the only way to know you are on track for doing a half-way decent job and encourages doing better. Thus, not getting feedback sucks big time and had me daydreaming instead of typing.
I wisely (not) decided that I could daydream the blog into existence along with my third novel and the new poetry book I have in the works. Why do I need feedback? I’m fine. No. I’m not. Feedback (reviews are also feedback but let’s work with the feedback word) fuels ideas, pushes you into improvements and connects you to the audience. However, I’m here to tell about the consequences of daydreaming, albeit with a purpose, that of waiting for feedback. Time passes us by. My need for fuel is all well and good, the consequences are not but I need some sort of connection, don’t I.
Truth reared its super ugly head with an answer that did not spare my feelings.
‘I don’t think so. Baby cheeks.’
‘Okay, I won’t argue that nickname but what about feedback?’ I replied, somewhat scared or nervous, probably both.
Ignoring my interruption, Truth continued in a not so nice voice. ‘Grow up. You want feedback to continue. Suck it up. Stop whinging and just do it. Write, keep writing. It is all that matters or STOP.’
‘Okay. Mmm…’ Squeaky voice answer. ‘So no feedback…?’
Silence in the room. That room and this one. Don’t judge me. I had to ask again. Truth (nice use of personification, don’t you think?) could have been a little more gentle and no thank you Word, I do not want to use the word ‘gentler.’ Who sees the irony in this? Word is giving me feedback. It doesn’t like the word ‘more’. Humans don’t give feedback but Word is giving me feedback and is trying to help me with suggestions. Are the changes better? Mmm, debateable but let’s not go there. Back to truth. My truth this time, and not some handy poetic device I had to spell with a capital letter.
Writing is such a hard task master. Why did I ever think I could do this? Yet my daydreams were all about being a writer even while on strike from my keyboard. They were about finishing both books, and about this blog. In fact, I can picture the completed picture. The real problem here is that writing is a solitary profession and without the feedback, it is even lonelier. So, here I am as usual, pulling myself together finally or sucking it up as Truth put it, and writing the blog but it would be nice if you could feedback me.
Back to blog business. I actually have a spotlight on an author for June. Forget May and I do have one for this month. Part of what keeps me going is helping other authors even in a small way. And I am happy to do that because everyone deserves a chance to make daydreams real. I don’t know much about this author, but I do know she is an Aussie and I like helping a fellow Australian so here she is and in her own words.
Nadine Abrahams
From publishing poems to creating my first novel at thirteen, The Primal Heartbeat, and publishing it in my early adulthood has been quite a journey. The book has since been edited and updated and is the first in The Stars Fallen Series. Dane, my new book releasing this month is part of this series.
A little about myself: I am an avid gamer and role-player, as well as a creator of fiction and fantasy novels and I love archery and nature and I have learned to deal with adversity. Having overcome this, I hope I write books that show even powerful characters are inherently flawed. That these weaknesses can often become our strengths as long as we remain true to ourselves. My writing reflects on the dark side of humanity as well as the good side and how, even though we think we are worthless, we can change our destiny, just as my memorable characters do.
Regards,
Nadine Abrahams
Barb’s News
My own books
I have managed to isolate my notes for the third novel in my series Unexpected Love, into sections. Feedback (me to myself) had me picturing bits and pieces into a semblance of order. See, feedback helps a lot. However, the notes I made are like pieces of bread missing the filling. I also need to cut up chicken and add lettuce. Wish me luck as I enter the labyrinth and claw my way to the finish line.
The world around me
Melbourne (more on Melbourne next month) got in the way and bedazzled my brain. It is one of my favourite places because it houses my daughter but this time, however, the attraction was the Melbourne Writers Festival 2024 and a workshop entitled Ghosts. I liked the line up of literary figures which included Viet Thanh Nguyen, Louise Milligan, Sinéad Gleeson, and Leslie Jamison.
It wasn’t what I expected. Or so I thought. If you are thinking ghost stories, as in Casper or evil spirits then think again. I did get my ghosts. Just not the supernatural ones.
Turns out that Ghosts need not be supernatural in the horror or eerie sense of the word. Instead, ghosts can be as simple as the night plaguing you with regrets. In fact, those ghosts are merciless. We all know the words: I should have, why didn’t I, what if, always the what if and the if only. Regrets have a power to haunt I prefer not to think about. Viet Thahn Nguyen called it a battle. I call it a particularly painful and poignant pause of time in our lives with destructive possibilities. Yet, knowing this I slide into that black world more times than I care to admit.
Another interesting discussion revolved around Louise Milligan and her book, ‘Cardinal. The Rise and Fall of George Pell.’ Some incredible insights by a very good wordsmith were shared and the word horror seemed most appropriate.
A humbling experience but a very informative one. N.B. This is feedback. I had to bring it up. I am so motivated to learn more and the people concerned deserve to know they did that with their words.
Books I’ve read and Films I watched
Films (Television series)
Mash – Goodbye, Farewell
The end of an era back then and just as tear-jerking now. I cried a little, a lot, despite the many, many times I have seen this. There are so many profound truths in this series despite the laughter and time has not made an iota of difference. Alan Alda is brilliant but so are the others. However, it is not just the acting, but it is the words spoken. So many emotions about war and the pain it brings, and also about real life in the relationships these people develop. What is particularly thought-provoking is the fact we are still not listening.
Kudus to the script writers for giving even talented actors a bigger reason to do it well. Such a universe away from my post last month on Madame Web. If you want longevity in a situation then produce something with meaning.
Books
I just love sharing books here that I personally have enjoyed. There is every chance you may not agree but I think you will. I try hard not to say too much for fear of spoilers, but feedback helps spread the word for others to find the same enjoyment. And yes, I am aware that for the majority this blog I have strayed into the rom-com world once more, but it is so uplifting. I also took a detour into historical romance because I can.
Everything I never told you – Celeste Ng
I am starting this with the more serious. This was an emotional read about the dangers of the truth left untold. It becomes a weapon as this book demonstrates so well. With this as the subject, the book becomes a wonderful and dramatic mix of cultural behaviours and adjustments to a new world and word of warning, it is sad, but it makes a point.
A Novel Love Story – Ashley Poston
I loved the author’s navigation between real and unreal demonstrating poignantly that in the end we make our realities. Though loosely a rom com this also contained elements of fantasy. The two genres were beautifully mixed. Loved The Dead Romantics as well.
The Love Contract – Steph Vizard
This had some serious moments but was overall a delightful rom com and the author is an Aussie. Yeah, hurrah for us…
The Rom Commers – Katherine Center
Just can’t tell you how much I enjoy the dialogue and the humour this author offers. She is fast proving a favourite. Check out some of the other books by her – so, so clever and so good.
The Rules of the Rogue – Emily Windsor
Just good fun with some of the most delightful characters I would love to meet. This collection is a bargain of entertainment.
Alla prossima,
Barb
P.S. If you have a Smashwords account then know they are running a huge sale this month of July. If you can find the time check out my books as the price is pretty good.😁
Questions for me? Want to share your views and ideas? I’d love to hear from you. Liking and commenting will keep me working harder. Reviews of any books I have featured, including my own would be much appreciated. It helps writers become better writers. Consider leaving one at your place of purchase (click on the appropriate book links below for my books). That same link will take you to Goodreads if that is your preference. Thank you either way.
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Amazon Author Page (US) Goodreads Amazon Author Page (Australia)
The Emotions Anthology Box Set
Thank you for ideas of some new books to read Barb!
Some of them lately, the romcoms are so uplifting. We need this in our lives. Thank you for so many easy and great recipes.
I apologize for being so late reading this post. I don’t check my feed daily and I’ve missed several of your posts this summer. I can identify with you about feedback. Since my short story/ghost story rarely sells, I had let time slip by without reading its latest review. Well, I read it yesterday and I’m still trying to get that two-star rating and accompanying review out of my head. (At least it wasn’t a 1-star!) I wanted to respond to it but didn’t. Can’t let myself go there. People can be cruel, and non-writers have no clue how a bad review hurts… especially when your story/book only has two reviews. We will keep trying, Barb. We have no choice but to keep writing.
Janet, I am just so happy you read my blog.
As for that review, don’t lose hope.
Hi Barbara! I understand the desire for feedback. It does feed our hearts and keeps us moving. The problem on these types of platforms is there are millions posting and caught up in their own spheres so a “like” might be the best we can expect. Keep writing, but brakes from it help us recharge 😊