What is it about Anticipation?

Credit to ThinkStock

I love anticipation as a reader, not so much as a writer.

Let me explain...

When you're reading a story, whether it be a romance, fantasy, mystery, or thriller, the use of moving the story along while driving up the stakes, inserting red herrings, foreshadowing.... those things are fraught with anticipation. As a reader, I can't turn the pages fast enough, the plot laying out before me with its twists and turns and OHHH so much fun.

Um, can you tell I love to read?

As a writer, though, anticipation can lead to situations of anxiety and stress, especially when you're putting yourself out there for a critique, while on the agent hunt, or on the cusp of publishing a written work.

I'm curious, as readers, what are some of the ways you enjoy writers weaving anticipation into the story? For writers, what are some of the things you do to deal with anticipation when you're in the "wait" zone? Hey, while you're here, enjoy some virtual chocolate cake.

Credit to ThinkStock

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether you're spending time with family and friends or relaxing in your own space, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

May your turkey be delicious,
may your dressing be tasty,
and may your desserts be plentiful!

IWSG and NaNoWriMo-go!

It is the first Wednesday of the month. Time for another wonderful episode of IWSG sharing, caring, commisserating, and encouraging.

What makes this such a special and enduring occasion is the ability to hop from blog to blog, reading what others are sharing: the good, the bad and the ugly. Then, because the writing community is truly an awesome community, commenting and encouraging others to help in understanding that as solitary as writing can be, there's no need to feel all alone in this process.

So, click here to blog hop about :-)

Each month, there is an optional question. This month's question is:
How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?

Please feel free to share in the comments your answer to that question. Or, how are things going for you if you are participating in NaNoWriMo?

Myself? Having a bit of difficulty, but I've got something more than just a blank screen. Not a lot...but it's a start lol!!



via GIPHY

How Do You NaNoWriMo?

Do you try to pants it out for the whole month of November?

Maybe you go for a storyboard approach?

At some point, you may be a little drained.

But in the end, we can fist bump like crazy since we'll be NaNoWriMo Rock stars!!

So, what do you do to NaNoWriMo?

Elements of Untethered Realms

Earth.
Water.
Fire.
Air.

The authors of Untethered Realms have penned various short stories for each element, for each element is powerful alone.

But together, they bear a power beyond measure. So it is was humble heart that I share that we have joined the stories of each element into one single anthology for your reading pleasure.

Book Description: Enter our mysterious realms where the stories are as varied and
rich as the types of soil on this and other planets. Enchanted forests are knotted with
roots and vines. Dreaded paths take us through strange, unexplored places.
Investigate new worlds and houses frequented by ghosts. Come across witches and
wizards and an assassin tasked to kill Death.

Meet hot robots, hungry winds, and the goddess of chaos. Explore alien lands,
purgatorial realms, and a shocking place where people bury the living with their dead.
Encounter paranormal detectives, imprisoned dragons, dark demons, cursed jewels,
and handsome prophets. Search shifting worlds trapped in mirrors and a disturbing
future where a president aims to rid the world of Otherkind.
Experience a haunted journey on a riverboat, water sprites borne of pennies,
preternatural creatures, ancient serpents, and the Lady of the Lake who lurks in dark
waters.

From USA Today bestselling and popular science fiction and fantasy authors comes
Elements of Untethered Realms, a supernatural compilation of the anthologies Twisted
Earths, Mayhem in the Air, Ghosts of Fire, and Spirits in the Water. These forty thrilling
tales feature authors Angela Brown, Jeff Chapman, Cathrina Constantine, Julie
Flanders, River Fairchild, Gwen Gardner, Misha/M. Gerrick, Meradeth Houston,
Graeme Ing, Simon Kewin, M. Pax, Christine Rains, Cherie Reich, and Catherine Stine.

Check it out:

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40523025-elements-of-untethered-realms

Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HJH93FJ

Amazon World Smartlink: http://smarturl.it/EoURKindle

Amazon Print Version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1718874154

Kobo.com link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/elements-of-untethered-realms

iTunes.com link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1436893643

iTunes World Smartlink: http://smarturl.it/EoURiTunes

Nook link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elements-of-untethered-realms-cherie-reich/1129598973

Google Play link:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cherie_Reich_Elements_of_Untethered_Realms?id=_j1vDwAAQBAJ