Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Movie Review – Coco, WEP and New Releases, and Mini-Alex!

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My awesome co-hosts today are Julie Flanders, Shannon Lawrence, Fundy Blue, and Heather Gardner!

December 6 question - As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

I could certainly have written more (I bet that will be everyone’s answer) and at least cranked out a story or two.

I also could’ve done more with the IWSG. Yes, we are now a Writer’s Digest Top 101site, but we need to keep moving forward. We tried a few new things, some that worked better than others. The ones that didn’t work well – hey, at least we know not to do that again!

But we are brainstorming some new ways to better reach writers and give them the support they need.

Overall, it was a good year, so I wouldn't want to go back and mess anything up.


We need co-hosts for next year! If you can co-host on January 3, February 7, or March 7, please leave a comment below. (And January co-hosts will be announcing the winners of the IWSG Anthology contest!)


Coco Movie Review

We didn’t get out to this one the weekend it came out due to a busy Thanksgiving holiday. It’s rare we see a film on anything but opening night, but I’m glad we made an effort to see this one.
Miguel is an aspiring musician but his family has banned it for generations. An incident on the evening of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) sends Miguel to the Land of the Dead in search of answers.
This is probably one of the most visually stunning computer animated films ever made. Every scene is rich with colors and textures.
The story is very moving. (Sensitive souls, take Kleenex.) It’s all about family and its importance. Miguel’s struggle between his passion for music and his family is genuine and touching. It carries a positive message for everyone. And it pays great respect to the Mexican holiday.
Miguel’s whole family is loaded with personality, especially those he encounters in the Land of the Dead. Along for the journey is a pathetic but happy Mexican Hairless dog and a man named Hector who is determined to visit the land of the living again before he’s forgotten.
After a few years of hits and near misses for Pixar, they knock it out of the park with Coco.
Highly recommended!


Ninja News

Last week’s IWSG Newsletter was truly amazing! If you’ve not signed up for it, you can do so HERE and you’ll even get a free eBook with some outstanding articles.

The WEP – (Write...Edit...Publish) team, consisting of those much-loved bloggers, Denise Covey, Yolanda Renée, Nilanjana Bose and Olga Godim, are open for submissions for their December challenge – The End is the Beginning.
Heading into the holiday season, our minds often focus on year's end and perhaps look forward to new beginnings. At WEP, we dedicate December to musing about life, taking stock, thinking about where we're at at this point in time.
Perhaps you'll be inspired to write a flashback, perhaps there's a change you're going through or one approaching, perhaps there's a branching off point that could be either an end or a beginning. Whatever strikes you, you have a choice in the way you submit – flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry, a photo essay or get your feelings onto a canvas and show us some artwork...The Top Three entries receive prizes!
The End is the Beginning has any number of possibilities! Let your imagination run riot!

Available now –
Dark Winds Rising by Mark Noce
Three years after uniting the Welsh to defeat the Saxons and settling down with her true love, Artagan, Queen Branwen finds her world once again turned upside down as Pictish raiders harry the shores of her kingdom…
Find it on Amazon

Available now-
Summer Fire by Deniz Bevan
Find it on Amazon








What would you do differently if you could? Have you seen Coco? Getting the IWSG newsletter? Ready for WEP? And can you co-host next year?

One more post this year! Monday, December 18 will feature another movie review, some Christmas music, and maybe more mini-Alex…


150 comments:

C.D. Gallant-King said...

Would love to see Coco, but it's a pain to get out to a theatre these days. I'm sure it will become part of our regular, constant rotation with the kids once it hits video. :-)

And hey, we all wish we had written more!

IWSG December

Pat Garcia said...

I hope you find the right mixture for the IWSG because it is a fantastic website for writers and not just those who have insecurities. I haven't participated as much as I wanted to this year but it is not because I am dissatisfied with the group. This group is absolutely fantastic.
I would like to volunteer for February 2018.
Take care of yourself, Alex, and have a successful crossover into 2018.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Cathy Keaton said...

I didn't know about the Writer's Digest thing! Congrats on that Alex and everyone who helps him!

lostinimaginaryworlds.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for all your hard work for others, Alex. A very happy 🎄 Christmas.

Angela Wooldridge said...

I'm glad it's been a good year for you and that the IWSG is going from strength to strength.
I could do February or March...

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I like the Santa Mini-Alex. :)

Nice question this month. I like to evaluate how things have gone in the past year, too. From the outside, it seems to be that the IWSG has been stronger than ever this year.

Barbara said...

I second Carole Anne Carr - thank you for all you do. May the new year see you going from strength to strength.

Patsy said...

I too could have written more. Rather than be cross with myself for not doing that, I'm going to try to work out why I didn't and maybe stop some of the reasons holding me back next year.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Alex, I'd love to take my 3 year old grandson to see Coco. Do you feel it's appropriate for him?

What you have created and have grown with the IWSG amazes me. It's a phenomenal group of people and friends!!! I feel blessed to have found this support group and hoping it continues and blossoms in the years ahead.

Erika Beebe said...

Good morning Alex! I think you do an amazing job with this group. You make us feel like we have a group of nonjudgemental friends with writing, movies and reading in common. That's huge. I do plan to see Coco. Dark Wind Rising has such an intriguing cover! Have a great rest of your day.

Liza said...

Coco looks like fun. I always enjoy a shot of Mini-Alex. Wishing you joy during the holidays, Alex.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Oh, I think that you are doing fantastic things with IWSG and put so much energy into it. But I know what you mean. I want to update all 150+ agent spotlights but have a hard time finding time.

Sorry not to volunteer to co-host yet but I'm producing my boyfriend's play with Feb. show dates and then have to start planning my mom's move from Florida to where I live. Maybe next summer when she's settled before I start producing another play for my boyfriend with a 20-person cast.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Glad you had a good year, Alex!

I remember seeing the trailer for Coco and thought it looked good.

I can co-host Feb or March - just let me know! :)

Chemist Ken said...

Learning what doesn't work is just as important as learning what does. Glad you're trying new things.

Good to hear about Coco. The family didn't seem too excited about it, so I'll take your recommendation to them and we'll see what happens.

As usual, you can pencil me in on any of those IWSG dates.

Bish Denham said...

I'd like to see Coco... I could use something uplifting! And, put me down for March 7th to co-host. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pat, a big thank you!

Thanks, Cathy.

Thank you, Angela.

Elizabeth, that's good to know.

Patsy, good plan.

Cathrina, he might be a little too young. Heavy themes and he won't understand. He'll like the dog and all the colors though.

Natalie, no worries!

Madeline, thanks.

Ken, you rock.

Bish, thanks!

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm generally happy with what I wrote this year, though not with sales. But I haven't had much time for promotion at all.

The Cynical Sailor said...

Wow, you do so much already with the IWSG. I can't imagine you doing more. You should be so proud of this wonderful community that you built.

I can help out as co-host on January 3rd.

Have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Cheers - Ellen

Donna K. Weaver said...

I want to see Coco but not sure I can drag hubby to see a "cartoon." *sigh* I may have to threaten to go alone. lol

Huge congrats to Mark. I'm looking forward to the release of the audiobook.

Merry Christmas!

Stephen Tremp said...

Alex, I volunteer to be a co-host. Just plug and play me whenever you need me to help.

Going to see Coco this weekend. I've stopped with opening nights. Used to do those but I don't like the shoulder to shoulder crowded theaters any more.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm available for January 3rd, Alex. It's exciting to think where IWSG will go.

Lynn La Vita said...

Hey, that Coco movie looks like a movie I'd love to see. I first learned about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) after we sailed into the marina at Puerto Vallarta and stayed for a few years. I find it fascinating to learn how they honor their relatives that have pass on.

I've referred a bunch of folks in our La Cruz Writers' Group to IWSG and their FB page. It is nice to see the mutual support this group and individuals provide.

Thank you and your staff for creating and supporting writers around the world. Congratulations on being in Writer’s Digest Top 101 sites.

Julie Flanders said...

Mini Alex is rocking that Santa hat! So cute. Now you've made me want to see Coco. Sounds wonderful.

Pat Hatt said...

Yeah, even when things fail, the best part is we know not to do them again. Pixar sure scored another win indeed.

Tamara Narayan said...

My kids are such huge fans of The Book of Life that they are reluctant to see Coco. They're afraid it's a rip-off, I suppose.

I do wish I had written more this year, but my post is about something else.

Yes! Sign me up as cohost. Any of those months is fine.

Jennifer Lane said...

I don't know how you could do MORE for IWSG! You're a champion of writers. Happy holidays!

Jennifer Lane said...

PS I'd love to be a cohost for any of those months!

Nick Wilford said...

I know the IWSG will go from strength to strength in 2018. Great to be a part of the team. WEP does sound very interesting this month. I've never taken part but should!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ellen, thank you!

Donna, just go alone then.

Stephen, thanks. We go to the matinee showing and it's never crowded.

Thanks, Joylene!

Lynn, thanks for doing that!

Tamara, I thought so as well, but they are two very different movies.

Thanks, Jennifer!

Andrew Leon said...

My response to 2017:
What's writing?

Unknown said...

Yep, I definitely said 'write more.'

I can co-host in January! Or if it's already full, February is good too.

Joanne said...

Coco was stunning. Glad we agree (again!). Your hard work on everything and your support through the year of all writers is memorable and appreciated. You are a glue that keeps a lot of us rolling along. Yes, I should write more, but I'm not beating myself up about it. Here's to an awesome December and finale to the year.

Sadira Stone said...

I've really enjoyed this monthly blog hop in 2017, and will delve deeper into IWSG's resources in the coming year. Thanks so much for all you do for all of us.

Christine Rains said...

I wonder if I could convince my son to see Coco. He's not a Star Wars fan, so we'll need something to do over the holiday break. Love Mini-Alex's Christmas spirit! If you need another co-host for February or March, I can help out. :) Have a great week.

Jennifer Hawes said...

I'm wishing I had two new manuscripts completely written, but at least I've got the story/plots down. Just need to finish by Christmas. HAHAHA.
I can co-host anytime. Merry Christmas!

Cherie Reich said...

I hope the IWSG brainstorming goes well. I'm sure it will, though. You have some great brains there. :) Coco looks like such a good movie.

Mina Burrows said...

Happy IWSG Day!

Mini Alex looks so festive. I saw The Shape of Water trailer. Fantastic! I can't find a place near me that shows the movie. Closest is Miami and that's over 30 miles away. I might make the drive though.

"Write More" was on my list too. Ugh.

ISWG should apply a grant or donations or something for all the help you guys provide writers.

Have a great rest of the week!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

We all want more writing time.

I thought Coco was a delight.

Heather Erickson said...

Our successes aren't only the number of words we put down on paper. Thank you for all you've done to help others feel more successful (and less insecure) in their writing. Have a great 2018!

Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

I always like where I'm at, so I wouldn't want to go back either. Plus, the sci-fi movies point out that you can so easily erase your own existence, so there's that.

I'm really excited to see The Man Who Invented Christmas. Nothing like Dickens to both inspire writing and make it feel totally inadequate.

All the best to you in 2018! Keep up the great work with IWSG!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Coco sounds like a great movie. I'm going to try to get to it before it leaves the theaters. I'm still working on my IWSG post. 2017 was good, but could have been better, especially in the writing area.

I can co-host one of those months. Let me know what you need.

Carrie-Anne said...

I would've had much higher daily and monthly wordcounts this past year if I hadn't been dealing with depression and other mental health issues. Since I was shanghaied by my parents in June, my low wordcounts have mostly continued, except for the surprise of last month. I hope my productivity level can get back to its usual full-time when I've moved to Pittsburgh and moved out of my parents' house.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Megan, January would be awesome!

Joanne, thanks for the kind words.

Christine, he's old enough he should enjoy it.

Jennifer, thanks.

Mina, I know - showings are limited. And we are considering other options for funding...

Mary, thanks!

Carrie-Anne, hope you get to move out soon.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I've been on a run of watching some of the worst movies ever when picking DVDs off our library bookshelves. I really need to get out to a theater to see something new and good!

cleemckenzie said...

It has been one wild ride this year, and a lot of that I did with IWSG! I've learned so much and met some new people that I might never have met without being included in this group. Congrats to those authors with new books out. And I'm thinking about the WEP. Have some family things to take care of first. Must see Coco!

Suzanne Furness said...

Yes, I think we will probably all feel we could have done more writing during the last year! Good to hear that you wouldn't change anything though. I look forward to seeing what the new year will bring for IWSG, you have a great team.

Heather R. Holden said...

LOL, love how festive Mini-Alex is. And Coco sounds absolutely amazing. Glad it didn't disappoint you!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, I would love to see Coco. 2017 was good, but I could have made it better by getting more writing done. I hope to write outlines for 2 novels this month, so I can tackle them next year.

Mini Alex looks super cute :)

I can co-host for January!

Juneta key said...

I would love to offer to host but my life is steeped in uncertain and it is possible I could go offline for a short time. I am hoping not. If you do not get enough volunteers let me know and I will barring not going offline which I don't think it will happen but there is a strong uncertainy in the current chaos.

Happy IWSG Day. Thanks for visiting me.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Now you have me curious about the failures! LOL And the successes. Glad to hear Coco was good. It's looked good and very colorful!

John Wiswell said...

Coco was so freaking cute!

Elephant's Child said...

Love the rugged up Mini Alex.
And WEP is a wonderful place to play.
Congratulations (as always) to those who feed my reading addiction.

Gwen Gardner said...

I didn't write enough either, but still made progress. Yay!

I'd like to co-host the IWSG. How about March?

Happy Holidays, Alex!

kjmckendry said...

Oh I could definitely have written more! But really so many good things happened in 2017, so like you, I'd hate to go back and mess anything up, I'll just try to do better in 2018!

Coco sounds great but I'm sure I'll need a whole box of Kleenex!

Congrats to both Mark and Deniz!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, I have a lot to recommend in my recent posts. Did you see Murder on the Orient Express?

Lee, and we are happy you came on board!

Rachna, thank you!

Juneta, I understand. I think we will be all right.

Gwen, awesome!

Chrys Fey said...

Looking forward to what you have in store for the IWSG in 2018! I didn’t really think there was anything else you could do but everyone is so creative. I know you have great ideas brewing.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex and team .. you've all done a tremendous amount for IWSG - I enjoy the read of goings on, the film and more importantly book recommendations ... I hope 2018 will bring us all happy, better and successful news - cheers to you and all and mini-Alex - Hilary

Liz A. said...

I'm hearing only good things about Coco. It's hard to say if you'd do something differently. Because everything impacts everything else. So, what else changes if you change that one thing?

Stacy McKitrick said...

What would I do differently if I could? Recognize at the age of 15 that writing was fun and it didn't matter what other people thought of it. Then again, maybe not. I am how I am because of what I did. Not so sure I want to change that.

Arlee Bird said...

I might be drinking cocoa as the days grow colder, but I don't foresee any Coco in my near future.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Anonymous said...

There's not much I would change about this year either.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Ooh, thanks for the WEP shout out!

Mini-Alex looks so cute and festive :) I'm glad you had a good year. I hope that will continue and multiply in the next.

Coco is definitely on my list for the hols...one more week to go.

Sandra Cox said...

Sounds like Coco is a winner.
Congrats to Mark and Deniz on their releases.

L.G. Keltner said...

I've heard a lot of great things about Coco, and I know we'll see it at some point because of the kids. We just may have to wait until it's available for rental.

I'm eager to see what happens with IWSG in the coming year!

Liesbet said...

Coco sounds like a winner of a movie. We were very impressed with Moana, another culturally important and relevant movie, so we might have to give Coco a try as well, after your raving review. I hope to be a co-host again in 2018, but don't know when it will best fit in my schedule. I will let you know. Thanks again for all you have been doing for your fellow writers, Alex, in 2017, before and beyond!!!

farawayeyes said...

2017 was not a stellar year for me and I’m looking forward to it’s ending and a better 2018.

I really want to see Coco and your review confirms what I was hoping for.

Believe it or not I;m signed up for the WEP Hale get and hope I make the posting on the 20th. I think I have a pretty good beginning at the end story to present.

Tyrean Martinson said...

It sounds like Coco is a great movie! I'm picking up Mark's book today.
And, I can co-host in January! (waves hand and jumps up and down)

Sorry, I'm a bit late to post today. I had the post written, but didn't set it to publish until this afternoon - not sure why, except it's been a busy time of the year.

Happy IWSG day, Alex!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I got an ARC of Mark's book. It's better than the first. I loved it.

You've done a great job with the IWSG. I can't see what other great ideas you come up with.

J E Oneil said...

I'm not even sure if there's anything I could have done differently. 2017 felt like it was mostly continuing the chaos that was 2016.

Cathy said...

You and your followers have turned IWSG into an amazing group, of which I am proud to join. I had tried once before, but between a few less-than-encouraging posts I read, and the mental space I was in (some serious and depressing issues were going on in my life at the time), I didn't appreciate it. I do now. Thank you for creating this, Alex! It's come a long way.

Anonymous said...

I think after I come back around after the holidays, I may try to do the WEP. I don't know how I missed that it was a monthly deal, but somehow I did. It would be a good way for me to keep stretching those writing muscles. Thank you for the reminder!

Elsie

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks for the WEP shoutout! So cool, each time it appears I think, oh no, how can I accomplish this, but then the muse always surprises me. It's kept me sane in this crazy, crazy year.

Have a great holiday!

Diane Burton said...

Thanks for the link to WEP. I didn't know about it. You're right about the answer to this month's question. Time? Where does it go? And why didn't I do more? LOL Coco sounds great. Thanks for the endorsement. I'll be sure to get the DVD (since Hubs isn't big on animated films). I love Pixar. Hope you and your family have a great holiday!

I'm happy to help co-host in Feb. or March. dmburton72@gmail.com

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, exactly!

Nila, you're welcome.

Liesbet, Moana was a very pleasant surprise.

Faraway, excellent!

Tyrean, you bet!

Cathy, glad you are with us now.

Elsie, I think it is every other month - even easier.

Yolanda, you're welcome.

Angela Brown said...

I would like to see Coco. The trailer looks stunning. So your review confirms my suspicion regarding its visual beauty.

2017 has been one heck of a year, yet, I am where God wants me so I will look back and embrace what I've been blessed with, engaging my heart and mind in looking to the near and distant future with openness.

With my increased duties at a non-profit organization where my daughter is a direct benefactor, I am looking to see how I can re-incorpoate writing into the scheme of things between working full-time, non-profit part-time, and being a mom always.

Toi Thomas said...

Glad to hear Coco was good. I hope I get to see it in a theater.
I'm looking forward to the Christmas music.

I feel like I've been struggling to get into the spirit this year. I nagged my husband to help me decorate the outside of the house, I started listening to holiday music, and now I only need to find our artificial tree in storage (allergies makes a real tree a real problem). I know the real reason for the season and thank God for his blessings every day, but I'm struggling to put cheer into my heart and wear it on my face every day. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing until I feel it.

Rhonda Albom said...

I haven't heard of Coco yet, I wonder if it made it here. It's summer now, not movie season for me. I prefer outdoor activities. As for what I would do differently. I did two summits resulting in my going back and changing and rewriting. If I could do it again, I would have done it right the first time.

Birgit said...

I wasn't sure about Coco but, based on your review, it is on my list to see, which is a long list. Love your Mini Alex who is all decked out. he now needs his wife Ninja in an elf outfit. I wanted to get more cards done and a scrapbook or 2-I fell flat on my face

Fundy Blue said...

I hope your IWSG Day is going well. I can co-host on March 7th or February 7th, if you still need co-hosts. January 3rd ~ Not. On the road back to Colorado and another cataract surgery for Terry. I always enjoy your movie reviews. Maybe I can catch Coco in Laughlin/Bullhead City next week! Take care, my friend!

Anonymous said...

I definitely would have liked to have written more this past year. I think you do an amazing job with IWSG and I know I am not alone in saying that it is a wonderful experience to be part of this community. So a big thanks to you.

stephen Hayes said...

I don't spend much time thinking about what I could have done differently in the past. I just try and learn from my mistakes.

erica and christy said...

I've not seen a movie in a while now. Thanks for all you do. I wish I'd have participated more in all that you offer. Time and inefficiency are my enemies... so I'm my own worse enemy! :) I hope to engage more in 2018. Christy

alexia said...

I can't really say I'd change much this year. I learned that while writing a series I need to not take too long off between books because it's harder to pick up where you left off. That's about it!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

There's no such thing as writing too much, is there?

Congrats to those with new releases!

Ann V Friend said...

God bless you for all the support and encouragement you spread. Abundant blessings Alex (smile)

Anonymous said...

Hey Alex,

I'm like you--I wish I would've written more in 2017. There's always looking forward to 2018. Excited to see who made it into the anthology :)

Keep smiling,
Yawatta

SpacerGuy said...

Great turnout for Coco at the boxoffice. That guitar of his must be the magic powers. I wish I had me one of those.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

It sounds like we're going to have to see "Coco" with some of our grandchildren over the holidays. Thanks for the recommendation.

You should be very pleased with how well IWSG has been doing. Ya done good!

Tonja Drecker said...

Love mini-Alex and the hat! I've heard great things about Coco, and I'm waiting for the kids to hear them too. I'm always amazed at how well IWSG is growing...or maybe not. It IS a great group.

klahanie said...

Greetings Alex,

I've not see Coco but it does seem like a well worth seeing movie.

What would I do differently if I could? Personally, I would have said no to a few more folks who took advantage of my good nature.

Hi to mini-Alex and you take care, good sir.

Kind regards,

Gary

Roland Clarke said...

IWSG in all its guises keeps me going - as do your posts and your comments on my sites. Interested in link to Dark Winds Rising by Mark Noce , as Book 1 in his Branwen series is on my shelves waiting to read, so Book 2 is a Want To Read. (I lived in town where Branwen grew up.)

Botanist said...

I think not wanting to change anything is a great answer. Thing is, if you tried to tinker with something for the better, who knows what else you might end up changing that you didn't mean to? Best to learn from the past and look to the future :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm so glad Coco is worth a watch!!!
I agree - I think all of us wish we could have written more :)

Denise Covey said...

Hey Alex, good to be back. Firstly, thanks for the WEP shout out. And IWSG seems to go from strength to strength. I've already bought Deniz Bevan's book but not had time to open it yet, LOL!
I wish you and yours a happy Christmas, Alex, and looking forward to a busy 2018!
Thanks for all you do for the blogosphere!

Lidy said...

Haven’t heard about Coco but will add the animation to family night. I’m looking forward to another year with ISWG and whatever new things it’ll bring in 2018. Happy Holidays!

Shannon Lawrence said...

I'm looking forward to seeing Coco. I bet we all could have written more this past year, but we write what we can!

Olga Godim said...

How much more could be done with IWSG? I'm amazed at your creativity with it.
Coco sounds fantastic. I look forward to seeing it.
If you still need a co-host for one of the IWSG days next year, I can do it.

dolorah said...

The IWSG team is super awesome! I frequently forget to read the blog posts, but do read the Newsletter. Its the only email I'm glad it comes automatically.

Looks like mini-Alex is all ready for Christmas :)

kaykuala said...

Thanks for 2017 Alex! It had been quite a good year for writing. The IWSG kept on going to a higher level as the year progressed. The same could not be said generally for the political and economic situations.Hoping for the better!

Hank

Empty Nest Insider said...

Mini-Alex is dapper as ever! You've done a tremendous job with the IWSG, and we're all very lucky to have you cheering us on! Wishing you and your wife a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!

Jullie

LynNerdKelley said...

If I could go back and do something differently in 2017, i would have written more on my novel, but I did get a little bit done, so that's a start, plus revised lots of old pieces and breathed new life into them, so it's been a good year. If George wasn't doing so well, I wouldn't have done much at all with my writing, so it's been a huge blessing as far as his health. Thank you for all your support.

Good to hear your review of Coco. I'd like to see it. Sounds like a winner!

Raimey Gallant said...

Hey Alex! I think you do so much for IWSG. I couldn't imagine jumping into your role. And just so you know, I think the anthology competitions are of a high caliber.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Angela, I'm sure you'll find a way to do that.

Toi, fake it until you make it?

Fundy, thank you!

Spacer Guy, I'd take one.

Gary! Now you know it's all right to say no.

Roland, that's cool.

Denise, you're welcome.

Olga, thanks!

Donna, that's good to hear.

Lyn, good health is important.

Raimey, thanks!

And thank you everyone for your kind words.

Al Penwasser said...

At the risk of Zen overdose...despite the trauma rocking my world and those around me lately, I'm not sure I'd do anything differently. I'm convinced that every decision and every action we make and made have resulted in who we are today.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Hi Alex! I can help host next year. Just let me know when and what exactly you need me to do. It might help me find your response if you leave it at my blog:
http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com .
I have much fewer comments to sift through, sir.

I wish you the best of holidays, Alex. And Wahoo! IWSG made Writer's Digest top 101 sites! Cool! And I'm a tiny part of it. Thanks, Captain!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

That's a great review of Coco. I was really moved by it because of the strong connotations it had about family and my ancestors. I was not raised to believe that ancestors were important, but maybe that's wrong. I'm still processing a lot of the things that I think about the people who came before me.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Glad you had a Thanksgiving break with your family. Enjoy the holiday season!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Al, well said.

Victoria, thanks!

Michael, I'd have to work hard to trace my ancestors back very far.

Shah Wharton said...

'Coulda-woulda-shoulda' gets us no where but we all do it every day. It leaves us feeling less people, let-downs, low achievers. IWSG helps so many writers, you 'should' all feel immensely proud.

Here's hoping 2018 is marvellous and we all all productive, but mostly that we stay connected.

Enjoy fabulous holidays!
Shah - XX

Sandra Cox said...

Right there with ya on could have written more. I've been a bit lazy about my writing since I've retired.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm looking forward to seeing Coco. Not sure when I'll be able to catch it, though.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Oh, a ninja Santa. Didn't see Coco. I don't like to go see animated movies at the theater. Too many kids. LOL

Magic Love Crow said...

So happy you had a good 2017! I did too! Thanks for the review on Coco! Sounds excellent! Love Mini Santa Alex! LOL!

Jo said...

I'd not even heard of Coco. Sounds good, I will look out for it. On DVD of course.

Glad to hear IWSG is going forward still. Are your writers all from this continent? North America I mean.

Sorry I am so late, been a bit involved.

Truedessa said...

Hi Alex

I do want to see Coco, I have to love that name! What would I play backwards? I can think of a few things, but then it might upset the natural order or chaos of my life.

I had to smile at Mini Alex looking so festive! Rock on...

Do you see what I see
A star, a star
dancing in the night

Nicki Elson said...

Glad to hear Coco was good. I love that Day of the Dead is making a splash in the States.

Mini Alex looks very cozy in that furry hat & serape!

Kate Larkindale said...

Glad to hear Coco was good. It hasn't opened here yet, but I'll take the kids when it does (the day after Christmas, I believe).

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, you have to know the right time to go.

Jo, from all over. And hald the admins are from other countries.

Truedessa, I'm not upsetting any natural order.

Nicki, second movie in two years about it.

Shadow said...

Hot damn, little Alex is sa-weet....
And I think you're doin a great job with iwsg , you've been around aLL year, to everyone, that's pretty damn awesome!

Sandra Cox said...

Hmm, does mini-Alex keep an eye on you like the Christmas Shelf Elf to make sure you are being good.......

Leslie S. Rose said...

My first graders ask me everyday if I've seen Coco yet. I will be an epic fail if I don't get to a theater soon. ISWG has been a constant inspiration to me and reminds me I'm part of a golden creative community. Long live ISWG!

Lisa said...

I can't wait to see Coco! Maybe next weekend if the snow lets us out!

DMS said...

I have not seen Coco- but I have heard great things about it and I do love the vibrant colors in the trailer. Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much.

Yes, I could have written more this past year- but life is busy and I was pulled in a lot of directions. So, I can't be upset that I didn't get more done. :)

Have a great weekend!
~Jess

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Coco sounds like my kind of movie. Will try to see it.

Looking forward to a new year and hopefully finish the things I started.

I can co-host in Feb. or March.

Have a great rest of weekend.

mail4rosey said...

I wasn't going to see Coco but now that you've given it such a glowing review I want to go. The only thing I'd change about this year is that I would have saved more money. :)

H.R. Bennett said...

I actually haven't seen (nor originally planned) to see Coco. I was really worried about it being a 'Book of Life' ripoff and, I'll be candid, I'm still not sure where it rests in this sense. That said, I'm sure my wife and I will see it sometime before the next Day of the Dead. haha

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shadow, thank you!

Sandra, no, he's off partying with the other Ninjas.

Leslie, thanks!

Beverly, thanks.

Rosey, you were tempted by so many new things...

Robert, that is exactly what I thought! But the two movies are very different. Go see Coco.

Mason T. Matchak said...

I've heard a lot of good things about Coco; good to hear it deserves them. ^_^ Still hyped about Star Wars in just a few days...

Renee Scattergood said...

The newsletter is pretty awesome! Lots of info. I was impressed. :-D What is involved in being a co-host?

A Beer for the Shower said...

I probably should have written more this year, too. Same with my cohort. For the first time ever we published zero books. That will definitely change next year.

Coco - one of those movies I wasn't really interested in, but after hearing all of these good things, I might just end up seeing it.

Sherry Ellis said...

Mark Noce's book is really good! He's a talented writer! I was thinking about seeing the Day of the Dead movie, but my son would rather see Dad's Christmas 2. I like the mini Alex Santa hat. Cute!

Sandra Cox said...

On my To See List is Darkest Hour. Do you have interest in that one?

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Definitely up for co-hosting in the New Year.

Hadn't even heard of Coco until I read this blog, but I recommend Radius. It was a surprisingly good film which I later discovered was shot in my city. Always cool when that happens.

TL said...

Well Coco hadn't even make it onto my radar (I don't watch TV so rarely know what movies are coming out), but I certainly want to see it now.

H.R. Bennett said...

Ok! I will! haha

Anonymous said...

I've not seen Coco yet. Will probably wait till it comes out on Blue-ray. I'm too busy going through all the usual Christmas movies. :)

Merry Christmas, Alex! Happy New Year

Loni Townsend said...

Coco does look interesting.

I missed IWSG this time, due to illness. I think, if I could do something differently, I'd say there'd be less illness and injury in my house. Though I suppose I can't really control that with two kids and an accident prone husband, can I?

Sandra Cox said...

Have an excellent Wednesday.

kimlajevardi.com said...

I love the mini-Alex! I see very few movies these days. I also wish to volunteer to co-host, but no promises. Sorry. I always seem to be running from behind.

Unknown said...

Yep, I think "could have written more" will show up on many people's lists! We probably all plan more than would ever be possible and then beat ourselves up for not meeting those unrealistic expectations ... (surely that's not just me?!)

I haven't seen Coco. I don't think I've even heard of it! But I have been living inside a writing-editing-publishing cave for about two months ... Hopefully I'll get to see it at some point

Anonymous said...

I would love to see Coco. It looks amazing. You know I've become a Marvel fanatic since moving back to NY, but Vivi gave DC's Justice League a 'meh' rating (I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't go). I'd love to co-host for you any time, just let me know. Merry Christmas to you and my 'sis-in-law'. Much love.

Sandra Cox said...

A big thank you to all the co-hosts this month and of course to you, Alex, for captaining the movement:)
Hope your day is filled with cheer.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

While there is one or two things I might would do differently in 2017, none I'll mention here. Coco looks like a movie I'd enjoy, but I'd catch it on DVD.
You are always welcome in Caneyhead!

Sandra Cox said...

Did you see Star Wars? We plan to catch it Tuesday.
Have a GREAT weekend, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Renee, a co-host checks on 20 other blogs in the list. I'll email you.

Brandon and Bryan, I was impressed with it and glad we didn't skip it.

Sherry, tell your son he's bonkers for that choice.

Sandra, yes! I do want to see it. Heard Oldman is amazing in it.

JH, that is cool. I will need co-hosts in April.

Loni, you can always ask Santa for a healthier household.

Eve, Justice League was great! You should see it. And I will take you up on co-hosting sometime next spring.

Sandra, yes! I thought it was great. Review tomorrow.

Elizabeth said...

Yay, Mini-Alex is displaying his Christmas cheer :) I think you were probably right about many people saying they wanted to write more this year. Maybe one of these days I'll have my blogging organized enough to be an IWSG co-host. It may not be anytime soon, but my goal is to try to get to that point.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Hi Alex, I am looking forward to watching the new Star wars movie:) Thank you for this cool review. Merry Christmas!

Cynthia said...

Happy Holidays, Alex! I want to see Coco and have heard excellent things about it.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Coco did look good. I thought it looked a lot like another movie my son and I had just watched, Book of life, but it sounds very different.

I think the IWSG newsletter rocks!

Heather

Deniz Bevan said...

Aww, you mentioned my wee book! Thanks so much!