Self Care of a Writer - Letter A

It's that glorious time of year once again where the blogosphere dedicates the month of April to the A to Z Challenge! I admit that I have not finished in a few years, but I'm making this one easier. My theme this year is Self Care of a Writer A to Z. Self Care needs more attention in this crazy world. We HAVE to take time to process, heal, rest. 

This is my time. I call it my season of "No." Not no to everything, but I will say no to something I really don't want to do. I also take my time at home serious. I play a LOT of music. This will be part of my A to Z, and I've started journaling again! A to Z journal prompts will also be here! I want to also introduce some of the characters in my fantasy novel due to come out this summer! 

Now, let's jump in! The music will be from the 80s because it is the best! 

My A song for the day... Africa by Toto hitting #1 on the charts in 1983.

We can all admit to jumping in when... "Hurry boy it's waiting there for you."

You really can't complain about music from that era. Stick around, I'll have my AtoZ playlist at the end! 

My journal prompt for the day..... Affirmations 

1. Write 10 affirmations about yourself. 

Take that challenge! 

My letter A character to introduce to you:  Apthilias - She is the ruler of a fairy tribe and she has a beautiful secret! 

Happy April everyone! 

Say hello when you stop by, and I'll be sure to visit! 

Drop an A song if you have one! 

Five Minute Friday - BUT

 

Five Minute Friday is a community of writers joining in writing fun each Friday! The word for this week is BUT. 

There comes a time when we look at our lives and decide we want to change. However, as soon as we decide that, obstacles begin to appear and we start declaring the proverbial "BUT" to deter us from the bettering of our lives. I could do this..... BUT. I wanted to do this.... BUT. 

The only way to overcome the BUT that wants to slow us is to know that it's coming. Thankfully we have second chances. We get the do overs that keep us constantly changing, constantly rearranging our ideas. The only way to overcome the BUT is to not put so much pressure on ourselves. 

Give yourself a break, make a goal you know you can achieve, know that obstacles will come, and know you can overcome the BUT that keeps you from changing. 

The Right Song at the Right Time

Every now and then a song will come along that says all you want to say. This is just that song! 

Hearts will break, healing will come, and listing to the right song can give you your power back! 

Find this young man on all social media and follow him on this fabulous Friday. He deserves all the recognition. Enjoy!

Jamie Miller - Nothing to Miss

What's a song that has gotten you through tough times? We need a playlist of songs just like this! 

Find Your Reset

It's summer break for me, or as I like to call it the season of restoration. Teacher burnout is real! Burning out in life is real! I suck at marketing my books because I burnout. I have pretty much lost the flow of this blog too.

Burnout! 

I was getting up every day and exercising for at least 30 minutes before work.... then burnout! 

I'm cleaning out every cabinet and every closet.... burnout! 

I'm completely revamping the things I teach for the next school year... burnout! 

Heart broken... same old story... burnout! (So done with that)

Here's the definition of burnout - physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. (I felt like a house of cards... collasping in on itself).

I came across a tiktok today of a beautiful man that just showed up on my for you page. He spoke with kindness and peace in his voice and he reminded me to breathe. I promise I wasn't. So I did. I stopped. I breathed. It was nice! 

I shouldn't burn out and neither should you! This world is ready to chew me up and spit me out if I allow it. I felt like this year has been one for the books! I resolved that I just didn't like people, but in all reality, I can pinpoint the exact moments of my burnout. I'm a nice person, and I love my family and friends, but I've needed a M-O-M-E-N-T to collect myself lately. 

Seems like I'm always talking about getting out in front of it... like Frankie Heck... but in reality, you better find your reset button. It is NECESSARY! 

I'll never pursue happiness or perfection, but I'm all for peace and joy! 

Restoration... that's the brain fog lifting! 

I think I'll go write for a while and enjoy a strong cup of coffee. 

Reset, restore... get ready for more! Live the good life and pursue peace! 

What do you do for your reset? 

 

All Things Paranormal With a Few Writerly Things on the Side Letter I

 

All Things Paranormal

Let's start with a trip to Indiana! This is one of my favorite places I've seen others INVESTIGATE! 

Want to have some fun? Hop over and read about the Randolph County Asylum. 

On the site there are other places listed for investigation. You can even go stay the night! While I consider myself brave, I don't know that I could make it for an entire night. Would you? 

Of Writerly Things... I is for Ink

My fun word... Letter I. Oh, I'm using this one soon! 

All Things Paranormal and With a Few Writerly Things on the Side Letter H

H is for Headphones

The noise reducing nature of the ear covers reduces hearing external sound and questions being asked during an Estes Session. (Check out my Letter E post). The padded earpads help the person focus on only the sounds and words they hear coming from the spirit box.

I've seen a lot of investigators do the estes sessions. I think I'm too big of a coward to do one!!

Of Writerly Things... H is for Hemingway

 

As a writer, using personal hurts can be a great way to develop characters! Sometimes my true fans will ask if I write about myself. Mostly... no, but we can't help but reflect who we are into what we create. 

My fun word for the day.... 

All Things Paranormal and With a Few Writerly Things on the Side Letter G

Ghost Bo

 

Join the April blog A to Z Challenge! Hop around and say hello to everyone! My theme this month is All Things Paranormal With a Few Writerly Things on the Side. I chose this theme because I have a paranormal short story coming out at the end of this month!! I can't wait to share it with you! 

All things paranormal G is for Ghost Box

Some ghost hunters believe that spirits can communicate through radio transmissions.

G is for Ghost Tours - I had a great time on a ghost tour in Mobile, AL. If you ever have a chance to go on one, please do! You'll have great stories to share! Our guide took us to haunted sites where we got out of the van and walked around.

If you want to follow a great ghost hunter, check out Ghost Girl Always on tiktok. She's great fun!

Of Writerly Things - Encouragement from Gerth

See if you can use this word today! 

All Things Paranormal Letter F

 

During a paranormal investigation you can use a small mag light. When the top is twisted slightly the light doesn't come on, but any energy in the room can use this device to turn on the light.

Of writerly things

All Things Paranormal Letter E

 

All Things Paranormal

E is for Estes Method

The primary objective of The Estes Method is to establish two-way communication with spirits. Investigators believe that the white noise generated by the spirit box acts as a medium through which entities can convey messages. This method aims to capture real-time responses, providing a unique and immersive experience in paranormal investigations.

Of Writerly Things

E is for Editing

This is a great post about the editing process.

Bottom line... give yourself some grace. Enjoy the process!

E is for Writing Environment - You’ll know where you can and can’t write. Find your place

All Things Paranormal WIth a Few Writerly Things on the Side Letter D

 

D is for Dowsing Rods

The dowsing rods move in a way that is meaningful to the user. While asking your question you can learn how your rods asnwer. Typical movements: The rods turn in an outward motion = NO, Inward motion = YES, Straight forward = NEUTRAL

I've used these once on a ghost hunting tour in Mobile, Alabama. My rods didn't turn outward or inward. They began to spin! The tour guide said she had never seen that before. What did it mean? A little scary... YES! Fun though!

Of Writerly Things - D is for Dialogue.

For some it's a strength. I LOVE writing dialogue. How about you? Click the picture below to find out more.

Our fun word for the day. D is for....

Writing Encouragment - D is for DO SOMETHING. I think all of you have a story to tell. Tell it! While you're in th process, it's the doing that gives you all the tools you need to make your writing exciting!

D is for Drafts - I'm editing my short story SPIRIT ECHO, and I'm on the third draft. I always feel like it can be better. It's going through edits, and hopefully it will be ready for release by the end of April! We shall see! Do you like short stories?

All Things Paranormal With a Few Writerly Things on the Side Letter C

 For All Things Paranormal C is for Cat Ball. During a paranormal investigation a team will use the cat balls to detect movement in a location. When movement is detected near the cat ball it will light up. Lots of fun! 

C is for Chris Ball. He's a great investigator to follow on tiktok! Find him @hauntedexcursions. 

Of Writerly Things - C is for Canva

Do you use Canva for marketing or for your book covers? 

The marketing side of writing is something we don't help each other with enough. 

I found this link that shares helps on Canva. Enjoy! Click the picture for the link. 

https://smartiac.org/canva-magic-tricks-aka-shortcuts/

Of writerly things we embrace the word..

A bit of writing inspiration. C is for Change.

How wonderful that we can share our thoughts across the blogosphere! If you use canva I would love to see some of your creations in the comments!

All Things Paranormal With a Few Writerly Things on the Side Letter B

Welcome back for my return visitors and to those just dropping by! I'm participating in the A to Z Challenge. If you haven't registered, you still have time! Click HERE! 

All Things Paranormal

B is for Boo Buddy

During a paranormal investigaation set BooBuddy Jr. in an area where an entity might be present. Turn it on to detect energy changes in the room. Watch for the paws to light up indicating a spike in EMF energy.

B is for Blogging

Your writing encouragement because I change my blog a little here and there all of the time. 

https://cooksplusbooks.com/how-to-start-a-blog-for-writers/

Our fun writing word of the day!

B is for Blood

As I'm editing my short story SPIRIT ECHO, I realize I don't feel I write scenes with blood in them correctly. I don't want it to sound disgusting, but I aslo don't want it to sound like strawberry jam! I'll get there, but I don't enjoy writing scenes with blood!! 

If you're visiting from a blog, how long have you had your blog, and  how often to you post? 

All Things Paranormal With A Few Writerly Things on the Side Letter A

I'm so excited to be a part of the A to Z Challenge this year! Sometimes you just hit that proverbial wall in life and it knocks you back on course. That's me. Butt kicked by the WALL, and I'm back on track. So, here's what I'm doing for the month. All things paranormal with a few writerly things on the side. I chose this theme because I'm working on the edits for my paranormal short story SPIRIT ECHO. Stick around, and we'll have some fun! 

A is for Apparition. Have you ever thought you've seen a ghost or apparition? Well, I have! Everyone has a spooky story they can tell about something that just can't be explained. I have a great picture of a woman, a transparent apparition standing behind my brother-in-law. I thought it was overexposure until I saw the second picture of the same pose. The ghost behind him was walking away and waving back to me! Great picture that I wish I had still! 

                                                     

Along with the theme All Things Paranormal, I'll be sharing from those that acutally lead paranormal investigation. This should be exciting! Believe if you will! First stop, the Augusta Pub in Kentucky. That place has seen it's fair share of paranormal activity! Check it out! 

Of writerly things... 

I'll be including different things to encourage the writing process. Today's is about getting inspired. This is a post with 13 Anne Lamott quotes for inspiration. 

https://cooksplusbooks.com/anne-lamott-quotes/

You can either practice being right or practice being kind.

I'm also including some Aesthetic words for you to enjoy! I do love collecting words! I'm going to see if I can use some of these in my upcoming novel!

A is for Apocalyptic

I've always wanted to write an apocalyptic novel since the 80s when all the great movies came out about the world ending due to comets, rise of machines, zombies, etc. I can't wait to share my upcoming novel with you! Hopefully it will be ready by summer!!

Do you have a favorite apocalyptic movie?

Are you on tiktok? Come join me in the #Aprilauthorchallenge. Find me @hancock_vanessa

Let's Get Ready!

It's that time again when all across the blogosphere, there is grand preparation for the annual April Blogging A to Z Challenge!! I have NOT completed this challenge in a long time, so I'm going to use this week to really get in there and prepare. 

My theme for this year's challenge is All Things Paranormal. I've been following quite a few paranormal groups to help in my research of a short story that I've been writing. Let's just say.... I'm hooked! 

I've always loved the paranormal, but the community of investigators that I have come to enjoy are such a close group, and I want to share all about what they do. Believe what you will, and have a little fun with me along the way. 

Sign up for the A to Z Challenge --> HERE! 

I hope to have writing encouragement for you along the way, and I'll be posting my progress for my short story along with my apocalyptic novel I'm completing!! 

Happy IWSG Day!

January 3 question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

I haven't been on BookBub in so long I guess I didn't know I could follow! Perhaps I need to be more active. 

So with the new year there's a lot of talk about resolution. I didn't make one this year. I decided to make sure I write at least 500 words a day. That's something I know I can do. Oh sure, I could vow to lose weight, and I probably will, but I don't want to fail the first month, so a writing goal is much easier! 

Plus, I'm going to do more marketing and platform building. Writing... that's what I want to do, but marketing is a necessity! 

What do you do to help market yourself? 

Happy New Year!

Hello lovely friends! I do love the beginning of a new year! Not the resolutions though, just the birth of a new year. Time passes so fast andn I love all the things about my family that have changed over the years. How I wish my fabulous four could stay little, but they are growing to be such amazing people that I can't wait to see what they acccomplish this year! 

So to you all I pray for blessings in your year, the hopes of dream coming true, the chance to love, the chance to live, and may all your days be filled with precious memories! 

Happy New Year! 

Make The Most Of It

 As authors, most of us fall short when it comes to marketing. The book business is the tough part of writing a book. I'm not the best at social media because life is busy, but I'm working on it. I would love to hear your tips and tricks of marketing and platform building. 

I feel like I'm starting over all of the time, but this time I want to learn more. Give me all of your wisdom from the blogosphere because tiktok is crazy! hahaha

I do have a launch party on Monday, November 27, for my new book, DISCOVERING CHRISTMAS, and I hope to see you all there! 

Writing Together for 31 Days: FRIEND

 I love this time of year when everyone encourages each other. It's so hard these days to rely or trust others, but every now and then a true FRIEND emerges. 

You know the kind of person I'm talking about. That one person you can share your thoughts with and laugh with. That one person that gets you and doesn't judge. 

Friends should learn to love each other and be honest. I like when that one true friend knows why I might cry, why I might be laughing, and what makes me smile. 

Be the friend that you woud want in your life, and maybe... just maybe... life will be a little more fun along the way! 

Writing Together for 31 Days: SPACE

Writing prompt - SPACE

An ironic word when trying to fill this space for the first day of writing. 

The next day should be easier... maybe. 

Oh, I know! I'm working on creating the perfect writing space in my house. It's going to be amazing once it's finished. Perhaps on the last day of prompts I can show it off! Happy writing everyone! 

Prompts are wonderful, and this will be a great month of writing! Join the fun and find the prompts on the Writing Togetehr for 31 Days facebook page. 

Break the Patterns

 I'm pretty sure I haven't blogged consistantly in quite some time, and I used to love this! 

Break the pattern.

I used to take good care of myself and considered myself quite fit. Now, I struggle to exercise. 

Break the pattern. 

What are some things you do to take care of yourself? Are there any habits you would like to stop? 

I'm ready to be unbusy with things and people that don't matter. Toxicity will surely quelch any progress you try to make. Be you. Be a better version of you! 

Be sure to say hello!