Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day! Plus IWSG News, The Rookie Review, and New Releases

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.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 6 posting of the IWSG are Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!

February 6 question - Besides writing what other creative outlets do you have?

I have numerous other creative things I do, but the biggest one involves music. I’ve played an instrument most of my life, but my current passion is the guitar. I started playing about fifteen years ago and now I own five guitars and play in a Christian band. I’ll never be great, but I enjoy it tremendously. If I never write another book, I’ll be all right – but Lord, please keep those fingers in working order for a few more years!

What about you? What’s your creative outlet?

IWSG News

The WEP 2019 February Challenge - 28 Days

What to do with 28 Days?

What does 28 Days bring to mind?

You can sign up now at the WEP site.

Post your entry on or around February 20.



Here are the prompts for February’s IWSG Instagram:


The IWSG Book Club on Goodreads is changing things up!

- 5 discussion questions instead of 10
- Discussion Day poll for quick and easy participation.
- Members can help us create Goodreads quizzes for the books we read.
- Giveaways exclusive to our members every Discussion Day.
- Freebies members can download when we announce our next reading selection.
- Writing and reading related polls for fun and insight.
We will still read a new book every other month, alternating between craft books and fictional books that demonstrate an aspect of writing, and our members will continue to vote on our fictional books. Our February/March 2019 book is…Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. This book was voted on by our members to be a good example of setting. Discussion Day will be March 20th.
Join us HERE

Show Review – The Rookie

I’ve always enjoyed police procedurals as long as they’re heavy on solving cases versus a lot of relationship drama. And since I’m a huge fan of Nathan Fillion (miss Firefly – curse you, FOX!), I was eager to check out this show.

I’m happy to report this show is a lot of fun!

It follows three rookies (Fillion being one of them) on their day to day exploits. While there is a little personal drama, most of the show revolves around the rookies and their training instructors as they patrol the mean streets of Los Angeles.

Part drama, part comedy, and always entertaining, this show works for me. Highly recommended!

New Releases

Splashes and Splishes by Pat Hatt
If wishes were fishes and splashes were splishes would splashes be splishes and wishes be fishes? Could splishes be splashes and fishes be flashes with wishes as splishes and splashes as flashes? Or would splashes and splishes make wishes with fishes to stop fishes and wishes for splashes and splishes?
Find it on Amazon


Razor Valentine by Roland Yeomans
A Mardi Gras/Valentine thriller set in the New Orleans of 1947.
Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte, Our Lady of Holy Death, is stalking the French Quarter streets killing apparently at random.
What does the psychotic actress, Irene Dupré, know of this entity and what lies behind the murders? She remains silent, only smiling.
Find it on Amazon as an eBook and a physical book


What’s your creative outlet? Participating in the WEP Challenge or Goodreads Book Club? Have you seen The Rookie? And can you believe it’s February already?



124 comments:

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I've often wondered how you manage to do everything you do, Alex. It's inspiring.

As for me, while I have loved many other creative pursuits over the years, including acting, photography and drawing, right now gardening is the only one I manage to squeeze in alongside writing. However, I did do a few crafty things this Christmas, which so isn't me, and it was really satisfying and fun.

I love trying new recipes and modifying them as well.

Ray Rousell said...

Firefly......sigh!!
I'll look out for Rookie though, isn't Mr Fillion a tad to old to be a rookie cop????

Raimey Gallant said...

I played guitar in grade eight. I was not great at it. It was my mom who wanted me to take it with her; a mother-daughter activity. We tried. Oh, how we tried. Happy IWSG Day, Alex!

Ann V Friend said...

Happy IWSG Day! Blessings ✨

kaykuala said...

Anything of a police story is full of drama, excitement, and firepower behind it - no surprise highly recommended. Congrats to the new releases noted, one is from Pat's. Hank delves in poetry writing and golf for exercise!

Hank

Pat Hatt said...

Keeping one's fingers working for a few more years we can get on board with haha shoulder too. Thanks for the shout. Never watched The Rookie, figured just yet another cop show, ugg.

nashvillecats2 said...

You certainly do cover many subjects and reviews Alex. Always great to read. Have a good month.

Yvonne.

Erika Beebe said...

I admire your drive to learn the guitar. Music is a great way of creative expression. Are you thinking about writing music too? That would be highly complicated but amazing :) Thank you for the review on The Rookie. I like Nathan Fillion too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JH, my wife modifies recipes but it's not on purpose...

Ray, not too old to be a rookie but too old to be a forty-year-old rookie! That I'm not buying.

Hank, golf? Didn't know that.

Pat, you're welcome, and check it out.

Erika, I have written short pieces.

Truedessa said...

Happy IWSG day Alex!

I have been watching The Rookie and I really enjoy this show. I agree, anything with Nathan Fillion is a win for me. I like the character interaction and the humor seems to work well amidst the drama that is unraveling.

Congrats to Pat on yet another book release!

My primary creative outlet is writing poetry. I play a hand held hoop drum used for meditations and dream groups. Sometimes, I just play to feel and enjoy the beat of its vibrational sound. I was given some watercolor supplies as a Christmas gift so, I am trying my hand at that form of expression.

I had an idea for 28 days and actually played around with it for a bit but, who knows?

Enjoy your day!

Peace and light always!

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

I first learned about your guitar playing the other day when you mentioned it in your comment at Shady's Place. I always wanted to have more musical talent, but only managed to be an average drummer in the school band and in a short lived garage band.

Thanks for letting me know about The Rookie. Mrs. Shady and I enjoy a crime procedural with a sense of humor, one that isn't mainly about the romantic entanglements of the lead characters. We will give it a try.

Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Alex!

CV Grehan said...

Only Nathan Fillion could pull off that role. Lots of news this month as always! Power to the fingers.

Liza said...

I wish we could hear your guitar playing sometime. I snag the old camera and try to capture the world. I'm not skilled in photo techniques, but I think I have a decent eye. As for other creative outlets, in May I like to climb in the garden. By August, I'm done.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hi Alex!
Happy IWSG DAY!

I love the show, The Rookie!
I think Nathan is doing a great job and I really like the fast pace of the show.

Heather

Natalie Aguirre said...

I wish we could hear you play your guitar. I've always wanted to learn. Started to teach myself piano but I need to practice more.

The changes to the book club sound great. I'll get more involved there. Now off to co-host!

Jennifer Hawes said...

I always say, if I never write another thing in this life, just let me read books instead. I'd be happy and content reading forever. I haven't seen The Rookie yet. I enjoy police shows as long as there is a good balance. Elementary, of course, was one of my faves.

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations to those with new releases. I miss Firefly too. It's good to have other outlets for your creativity.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to those with new releases!

What kind of guitars do you have, Alex!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I would love to play an instrument! I've tried off and on - the clarinet, the piano - but I just don't think I have an ear for it. Sigh.

I've already got my copy of Rebecca for the IWSG Book Club! It will be a re-read for me, and I'm looking forward to it.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I have too many creatives and no time to do any of them.

Lynn La Vita said...

Playing the guitar sounds perfect for a writer. Fingers busy while the mind floats.

As for me, I guess technology is my outlet. Living in Mexico, watching programs like The Rookie, the Olympics, or other US live streaming programs are not available. The WiFi signal on our boat in the marina is almost non-existant.

Through determination, research, and a few lucky breaks, I've figured out a work around. Now we enjoy live programs such as US news, Survivor (my favorite), Forged in Fire, and more. Currently, I'm looking for a good IPTV service to improved signal quality.

Thanks for this question, I never considered opening our information and entertainment channel as a creative outlet. Imagination + results = creative outlet, right?

Nick Wilford said...

I tried playing the guitar but didn't get too far. I'm happy listening!

Those look like great new books from Roland and Pat!

Tamara Narayan said...

I like art, but I don't have much time for it. Painting, drawing, or creating a fairy garden are things I've done in the past.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Super cool that you play in a band. I've always wanted to learn to play an instrument; mainly the piano. It's still on my bucket list!

Andrew Leon said...

I want to want to watch The Rookie, but after the whole thing with Castle, I haven't been able to bring myself to do it.

PJ Colando said...

Happy ISWG Day! I liked this week's question - where would one be without creativity?

My husband and I love The Rookie Show! We agree that it provides information and empathy for day-to-day 'front line' work of street cops, with humor hits rather than intensely wrinkled brow. It seems very real, but it's easy to take, after a long work day of one's own, than other police, FBI, CSI shows. Who can cognate all the intense complexity - it's a drain! But The Rookie is a delight!

Thanks for the boost with my new release, The WInner's Circle!

Cathrina Constantine said...

My son and daughter play the guitar for pleasure. It's a stress release for my son. A great instrument, keep it up, and keep those fingers jamming!

I love Natan Fillion too!! I watch and enjoy his new show, The Rookie.
Have a good week!

Lidy said...

Used to want to learn to play the clarinet when I was younger. Alas, it never happened. Seen the trailers for Rookie but haven't watched it yet. Don't have cable anymore bc havecRoku and the Firestick. Will have to check out and download the ABC app.

Megan Morgan said...

I wish I could play an instrument. Though I love music I'm just not musically inclined!

Happy February!

Carol Kilgore said...

Other creative outlets... I've always had some. Danced for years, played piano, sang, did needlepoint, and more. Now besides writing, I mostly create recipes, sing to the dogs, and listen to the characters talking in my head.

Congrats to those with new books!

Toi Thomas said...

I've always wanted to play an instrument. Maybe one day.
The new changes to the book club have really increased participation and fun.
I think I'm finally getting an idea for the WEP challenge. I'm not loving it, but it's somewhere to start.

Jemi Fraser said...

Couldn't live without my music either!
I like the Rookie as well, and I watch my Firefly DVDs every few months to get my fix :)

L.G. Keltner said...

My husband recently started playing guitar, so we have a couple guitars in the house at the moment. It's only a matter of time before another one catches his eye. It's a cool creative outlet to have.

I love Nathan Fillion! I'll never get over the way FOX treated Firefly. I'll have to check out The Rookie.

Tanya Miranda said...

Line art is my thing, with pens. Nothing realistic, more like doodling, or even children's art. I've posted a couple of pieces on my blog, and am working towards a children's art/poetry site for the near future. Think Shel Silverstein mixed with Dr. Seuss. Just a bunch of silliness really...

Carrie-Anne said...

I enjoy artwork (pastels, colored pencils, watercolor pencils) and cross-stitch. I always wanted to learn an instrument, but don't know if I'm too old to learn anything proficiently. Today, I'm most interested in the vielle and dulcian, late Medieval/Renaissance instruments.

Debra Renée Byrd said...

I inevitably forget one or more creative outlets when talking about them. I totally forgot about singing (but I think that's because it feels like more of a chore at the moment than an outlet).

I LOVE The Rookie. I plan to go back and watch Castle, too, but for now, this is a great show.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Truedessa, it's a good show. And you should write something for the WEP challenge.

Shady, cool you played drums.

Liza, I did post my playing on YouTube a couple years back.

Heather! Yes, it has a good pace.

Natalie, there is a YouTube video of my music.

Sandra, the Music Man and my Les Paul are the two big ones.

Lynn, that is clever of you!

PJ, it is a delight!

Carol, that made me chuckle.

Toi, that's good to hear!

Jemi, good for you.

LG, and an expensive one...

Carrie-Anne, I learned the guitar late in life. Never too old.

cleemckenzie said...

Music is a beautiful thing to have in the home. I always loved my grandfather's. He played the violin and my son played the guitar.

I'm reading Roland's latest book. His writing is always a complex joy.

Can't wait to see what people come up with for this month's WEP.

Sadira Stone said...

I always look forward to your recommendations, Alex. The Rookie sounds good--I love me a good cop drama. Thanks!

Christine Rains said...

It's wonderful you have music as an outlet. My brother got all the musical talent in my family. I'm lucky if I manage to carry the beat! I started watching The Rookie when it first came on and thought it was okay, but then life distracted me and I haven't gotten back to it yet. Nathan Fillion is one of my all time favorite actors, though!

Mary Aalgaard said...

I like The Rookie, but I miss Fillion in "Castle," one of my favorite shows. Not participating in WEP. I'm trying to work on a new novel.

Melissa said...

I used to scrapbook, but I haven't done it in years. As soon as I can find time to organize my pictures, I'm going to start again.

Loni Townsend said...

My husband and I have been keeping up with The Rookie. Of course we had to. Nathan Fillion!!! Add to it Melissa O'Neil... Have you watch Dark Matter the TV Series? It's cancelled now, but it was pretty good. I recognized the actress from that.

Diane Burton said...

Love The Rookie. I can't believe it's February already. Considering the Polar Vortex that stalled Michigan for a week, I'm glad January is over. Best wishes and thanks for organizing IWSG.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Thanks, Lee, for the nice words about my latest. Alex, thanks for mentioning my book. Pat Hatt, best of sales for your new book!! I am currently enjoying Nathan in THE ROOKIE. Have you tried DEADLY CLASS on Sci Fi? It has the actor who played Wong in Dr. Strange as a deadly but compassionate head master of the strangest high school on TV!

Chrys Fey said...

Thanks for posting the book club announcement! :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, its wonderful that you play in a Christian band. You are a man of many talents.

Congratulations to Pat and Roland for their new books.

The Angry Lurker said...

I like the sound of this The Rookie, who doesn't like Captain Malcolm Reynolds.......

Jennifer Lane said...

Sounds like some old rookies in that show! That's great you've gotten into guitar. I took piano lessons as a child but I let those fade off due to my time investment into competitive swimming.

Carnie the Bookworm said...

Thanks for another great post and hosting this awesome blog hop.
I think it's really cool that you play guitar. I enjoy music, but have no desire to play it, though my friend Toi does want to learn to play something.
I've been having lots of fun with the book club, but I only participate through Toi. I love that I've read so many books I might have never picked up on my own.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I know what you mean about keeping those fingers nimble so you can continue playing the guitar. Mine move considerably slower than they used to, so picking out a fast melody isn't nearly as easy as it once was. I hope yours keep moving for many many years to come.

We finally went to the movies and saw "Aquaman" yesterday. Loved it!

Liz A. said...

I did love the book Rebecca...

I think you might be aware that from time to time I knit things...

I didn't start The Rookie. I've come to my procedural limit, TV wise. I've avoided starting new ones (and I've been slowly jettisoning the ones I've started).

Patsy said...

Do gardening, baking and photography count?

Chemist Ken said...

I've always wondered what it would be like to play a musical instrument well. I took piano lessons and played the trumpet in school, but I never had enough drive to learn how to play them well. I hated practicing!

May your fingers be forever nimble.

M.J. Fifield said...

I've been enjoying The Rookie, too. I also miss Firefly and started watching this new show because of Nathan Fillion's involvement, but it's been an interesting show thus far.

diedre Knight said...

Hi Captain!

Ha! I knew you'd say music. And why not? I'm sure your creativity shines in that as well. Nearly everyone in my family tree played some type of instrument while I kept having silverware snatched from my grip for marring up the furniture ;-) Still, I do love music, and admire anyone who creates it.
Good to see no sign of flat in the soaring creations of tireless Pat Hatt!
Razor Valentine sounds spine-chilling. Love the timing.
I haven't seen The Rookie or Firefly, but now I'm curious about both.
And now I've enjoyed yet another engaging post!

Elephant's Child said...

I really, really hope you can continue to play music for a lot of years to come. And write.

Anonymous said...

I dabble in bass guitar when I was younger, but never really got into it. I think I still might have it as hubby didn't want to get rid of it since he plays guitar and thought he might want to fool around with it.

Al Penwasser said...

At first I thought you were going to review Dennis Quaid's "The Rookie" (isn't that what it's called?). Kinda thought that was odd. But, I was pleasantly surprised. I work nights, but there are these little miracles called "On Demand" and "DVR." I'll give it a look. Huh, who knows? Maybe tonight.

Suzanne Furness said...

It must be great to play an instrument, nice to have lots of creative outlets. My fingers are exercised on the computer keyboard!!

Juneta key said...

I love the Rookie. I love him Castle too, and Firefly. Happy IWSG!

Anonymous said...

Razor Valentine sounds deliciously creepy!

I'm not musical at all, but love the Cello. Actually looked into taking lessons once. Fortunately, sanity prevailed. That is an instrument that demands a lifetime of dedication.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Splashes and Splishes sounds like a wonderful poetic tongue Dr. Seuss twister! I wouldn't mind dabbling in that arena at all.

As for WEP, I have no idea what it's about but I'm interested.

May your fingers remain limber evermore! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, yes it is.

Mary, keep after it!

Loni, yes, saw it, and you are correct about the actress.

Roland, you're welcome, and haven't seen that one.

Chrys, you're welcome!

Fran, apparently FOX didn't!

Toi, that's good!

Susan, glad you enjoyed it!

Patsy, yes!

Ken, I also played trumpet.

Elephant's Chile, thank you.

Al, I did pull up that movie when looking for images for this one.

Lee, I bet!

C.D. Gallant-King said...

I too like Nathan Fillion, but I never watched Castle so I probably won't watch the Rookie (love the premise, though)

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Playing the guitar would be cool. Might try it one of these days, just for me.

LynNerdKelley said...

Good for you playing the guitar, Alex. Five guitars! Wow! I hope your fingers continue to play until you're 100. I wish I knew how to play a musical instrument. I guess we're never too old to learn, huh? Have a wonderful week!

J E Oneil said...

Five guitars? That's a lot. I guess if anyone ever wants some music, you'll be ready.

Olga Godim said...

I think I want to try The Rookie. Thanks for the recommendation.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I always wished I had a musical talent. I started watching The Rookie and then stopped. Not sure why. Maybe I'll give it another try.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Pat on his 1,000,000th book and the cover to Razor Valentine is amazing! The only instrument I've played is the piano about a hundred years ago. I think I can remember MASH's theme song though.


Elsie

Sandra Cox said...

I like Nathan Fillion too! I was a Castle fan:)
You can't beat making music. My SIL used to play drums in a Christian Band.
Keep those fingers moving:)

Tonja Drecker said...

It'd be interesting to hear you play :)
Congrats to the new releases! And the new workings with the book club sound interesting.

Anstice Brown said...

I wish I could play the guitar. I love music but I can't play anything.

My main creative hobbies are drawing, digital art and crafts.

I might join in with the WEP challenge this time, I like the sound of the prompt.

Doreen McGettigan said...

Would love to see a video of your band;)
My husband and I just binged all 5 seasons of The Wire. It was good.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Eh...what does it mean to be great? I think if you enjoy what you're playing (and you sound like you do) that's all that matters. Besides, I'm sure I'd think you were great. The thing with your playing is that you might not have gotten a lucky break is all.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'll have to keep my eye out for The Rookie. Sounds good.
Keep exercising those fingers! ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynn, never too old to learn.

JE, one of my good friends has probably twice that many...

Sandra, that's awesome!

Anstice, go for it.

Doreen, you'll just have to settle for me playing a cover on YouTube.

Michael, thanks!

Birgit said...

January has been a bit tough for me so glad February is here now. I really like The Rookie but keep forgetting to watch it. I really like the actor. You know I love card making but I have not been in there last month to make cards..I hope to rectify this.

Gwen Gardner said...

I love Nathan Fillon too, on both Firefly and Castle. I haven’t seen the new show though. I’ll check it out. I’m with you on the no drama part, life’s too short. Lol.

Arlee Bird said...

I'd hate to lose any of my abilities I would need to enjoy my pursuits or to merely function. Every new day is a blessing from God.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Denise Covey said...

So much happening Alex. Thanks for spreading the news and for the WEP shout out. Michelle's post has created interest. And when do Pat Hatt and Roland ever sleep?

Denise Covey said...

And I needed to get my IWSG post up before you announced the question. No biggie. Made me think. The question is one I posed recently on a post.

Joanne said...

I must congratulate Pat Hatt on another book - I called it last week...it was time!
As far as outlet, I do not have one at this juncture. I imagine art or music if and when I get to retire - I'd like some lessons. We'll see. I can't carry a tune or keep in time, but I can have fun with off-key ramblings.
And yes, Nathan F. is awesome
Happy February to you

S.E. White Books said...

Yes, curse you FOX! They owe Nathan all the apologies. It seems like your creative outlet is keeping book challenges and clubs going, which takes a lot of different skills! Great job with all of those different pots on the boil.

kimlajevardi.com said...

My favorite creative outlet other than writing is photography. Also, I cannot believe it's February at all. Fall decided to disappear in a blink, and winter is now on track to do the same.

Liesbet said...

Alex, you are so amazing and a man of many talents! How you can do all the things you do in the same 24 hours I have, boggles my mind. Do you only sleep 5 hours a night?

I love listening to musicians playing acoustic instruments like guitars and drums, but have no talent for that myself. As a primary school teacher, I had to learn the play the recorder and sing, but my examinations for those subjects were straight nightmares! No TV or book reading for me these months. Focus on writing and some other projects is in order!

Heather Erickson said...

Music is a wonderful creative outlet. Have a great month!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Hey, brother...

Hope all is well, glad you have been busy in the music still. I am listening to so much more at the moment. Great bunch of great reads, working on my 5 year plan... just have to pick a font.

I may have missed this whole "G+" shutdown, comments I have read scare me to believe they are shutting the blogger thing down. It's just the back side of blogspot, not blogspot itself. Thought I ask, cause you are the man with the right answer.

Hope is well and the world is still moving forward. If okay, I am going to get in-touch with you soon.

Jeremy

G. B. Miller said...

For the above commenter, it's just the "G+" apparatus and its assorted tangents that are going away. Blogger will remain the same, minus the G+.

Alas, I have no other creative pursuits beyond writing. Writing is what I enjoy and it's what my down time centers around.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

The Rookie sounds like fun...I'll check it out.

My only creative outlet is writing, although I get a creative buzz from *other* people's creativity; I enjoy listening to music, going to art exhibits, and reading other people's books. :)

Angela Wooldridge said...

I'm guessing Nathan Fillion must be a rookie cop with a past? (like someone else said - he ain't gonna be the youngest rookie on the beat ;) )

The Cynical Sailor said...

I'll have to check out The Rookie. I miss Firefly too. Why did they ever cancel that show? It was great.

Yolanda Renée said...

I wrote a piece for the WEP challenge, way too long though.
I too find the soap opera look of most cop shows irratating. I want to know about the crime and the motivations, not the personal lives of the detectives. But I have enjoyed the new Rookie show, and yes, all because I like Fillion, and miss Firefly! :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

I have picked up a few instruments, but I have never been dedicated enough to get very far. I keep thinking maybe ... then the piano collects dust and my daughter's old guitar gets lonely. I am thankful for those who do play instruments - thank you, Alex! Rock the world!
And thanks for the show review!

Jen said...

I've always had more creative pursuits than I've got time for. I love making soap and candles, I blend my own teas, sew, garden, cook, bake ... and I've just added knitting to that long list. Geez...

You can't go wrong with Nathan Fillion. Captain Reynolds will always have my vote <3

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, amen!

Denise, I don't think they do.

Joanne, you did call it.

Liesbet, I try to get at least seven hours of sleep...

Jeremy, as far as I know, it's just Google+.

GB, Google+ was a bit of a waste anyway...

Angela, he's not!

Ellen, because they wee idiots!

Tyrean, I'm a rocking.

F. Stone said...

Yes, the guitar. I love it and took lesson several years ago. When I first talked to the instructor I warned him that I can't sing a note, totally tone deaf. It seemed that all guitar players are singers so I was worried that there was no place for me as a guitar player. He reassured me that he could teach me to play beautiful melodies. And he did. It was amazing. I recently attended a performance by the California Guitar Trio and the Montreal Guitar Trio. Fabulous! Thank you for all you do in the IWSG.

Rhonda Albom said...

Photography is my creative outlet, and great to combine with hiking and a bit of exercise. As for guitar, I tried it as a younger person and while I also will never be great, I didn't enjoy it that much. I think it's the enjoyment that is most important. Glad you found things you love.

Susan B.Rouchard said...

Thank you for these posts Alex. Joined the IWSG book club. Great Idea. Also a great fan of Firefly. Liked Castle too though completely different. Will check out the Rookie.

Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost said...

The older I get, the less I want relationship drama anywhere, real life or in my reading. With murder mysteries, I only want it to lead up to a good murder and the solving thereof! That may be kind of ghoulish on my part. It also may have something to do with the fact that my theme song is "Love Stinks."
I just joined the WEP Goodreads club. I hope it isn't a cheat that I'll be listening to rather than reading the book. I've developed some vision problems in my middle years, and reading an actual book tends to give me a headache after a short period of time, which sucks because I was always quite a prolific reader when I was younger.

Amy Keeley said...

My husband and I really liked what we've seen of The Rookie. Fillion was the reason we started watching it, but they've got other characters with some really great lines in there. It's more serious than some of the other stuff he's done (like Castle and Firefly), and I can't say I'm hooked, but I am intrigued and will keep watching when I can. Glad to see it mentioned on your blog.

DMS said...

Music is an awesome creative outlet. I love to take my clarinet out from time to time- it gives me a lot of joy to play it. :)
~Jess

Stephen Tremp said...

Alex, out of all the material I focus on, 'Can you believe it's February already.' Crazy how fast time flies by.

J Lenni Dorner said...

Haven't seen the show, but looks good. I miss Firefly, too.

Cool books!!!

February... yeah, it feels like it's flying by for me. I'm going to be collapsed in a ball by May.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Feather, I'm lucky I don't have to sing!

Cara, audiobooks are just the same as reading - glad you joined.

Lisa said...

I thought you'd played guitar forever. I too, want to see the Rookies because I LOVE Fillion. I think he's an under appreciated comedic/drama actor. Firefly was soooo wonderful and I'm soooo sorry Fox killed it. I also liked him in Castle, and pretty much anything I can find that he's in. I do like shows that show a lot of relationship stuff, but I'm still going to check this out because he's in it. I'm late this week in responding, but have a great excuse, my mom's BD, and it's a meaningful one so had to go and be with her for it!

Meka James said...

I've seen previews for The Rookie, but haven't watched a show on Network TV in a while now since all the ones I watched were systematically cancelled.

Mark Koopmans said...

Creative outlet is definitely working on my blog again. It's a bundle of fun and so good to come up with regular posts again!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Congrats to Roland and Pat. I'm sure both books will be great reads.

I'll have to check out The Rookie. And I got a copy of Rebecca and will start reading.

Botanist said...

I've noticed over the years that a lot of those kinds of procedurals (police and medical and other professions, like Gray's Anatomy, CSI, Bones, The Mentalist ...) start off focusing on the cases, but then morph into relationship-based soaps. So many of them I started off enjoying and watching for the procedural aspect only to find that they change the nature of the series away from what attracted me in the first place. Will be interesting to see if this happens with The Rookie.

dolorah said...

Perhaps your next creative writing outlet will be writing songs :) Would be cool to combine both your passions.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Enjoyment is what creative passions are about, Alex. Bravo to you to be in a Christian band. And bravo to you for helping your fellow insecure writers. All best to you, sir!

Lynda Dietz said...

I miss Firefly too! But I like pretty much anything Nathan Fillion appears in.

As far as creativity, I'm a music person as well. I can't imagine life without it, whether singing or playing. I love the energy of a live performance, no matter what side of the stage I'm on.

mshatch said...

Firefly was awesome. I draw/paint in addition to write though admittedly I've made no new art recently. I have not seen The Rookie. Still working on Downton Abbey, Sabrina, and Supernatural...

Astrid said...

First, I apologize for being late to comment. I couldn’t ge tmy Blogger profile to work until yester day night, so I wasn’t sure how to comment.

Wow, 5 guitars, that’s awesome! I would love to try my hand at the guitar again (background: I took lessons many years ago in Russia, but I don’t speak Russian, long story which is on my blog).

The book club sounds cool. I’ll join in when I can.

Intangible Hearts said...

Creative outlets? Oh wow. My life is a creative outlet. Just started a play writing group with some friends, where we write a collaborative script and we will audition actors and put it on locally. I also am a "reader" for other scriptwriters at Dorland Mountain Colony-a place for artists. My minor in college was music. Played an instrument for 9 years! I sing in church from my back row pew! I cook and bake and make things creative all around. I crochet hats for chemo patients but am taking a break crocheting a giant granny square blanket. I write poems when I get a chance, write novels and speak in front of groups about the intangible heart. I can't imagine a life without creativity.😎

Susan B.Rouchard said...

Performed in amateur theatrics too for over 10 years, acting and directing. Choir in school and for the last 8 years, singing songs from all countries, jazz, gospel, blues, traditional. How great to be on a stage and create in a team.
Love Supernatural, Grey’s anatomy, This is Us. Discovered Outlander recently based on the books by Diana Gabaldon, which are very long !
Started Shetland too. An unconditional of the Lynley Mysteries also.

Mary Kirkland said...

That's so cool that you play in a band. I was never any good with musical instruments but I did sing in my high school choir. That was fun.

I think my most fun creative outlet right now is cooking. I love trying new recipes.

I'm liking The Rookie too.

Sandra Cox said...

Wow. Pat has another book out!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi Alex,

Music is a great outlet! One I haven't yet explored, but plan to one day. I have been creative since I was 3 years old. I have a classic art training, so drawing and painting is on the top of the list. But I love sculpture and photography, too. I am also a major crafter. Sewing is high on that list, currently making a baby quilt now. I had to agree with "Please, God, keep my fingers moving." I say the same. The digits are not what they used to be, but at least they are still working.

Congrats to Pat and Roland on their new works! All the best!

Magic Love Crow said...

Guitar? Good for you Alex! That's excellent! I don't know what my creative outlet is? LOL! I really don't? Interesting question. I guess creating my art? LOL! I never think of it as a job. Congrats to everyone's new releases! Take Care Alex!

XmasDolly said...

Wow 121 comments... dang I'd be happy with a third of that... hehehe~ Soooooooooooooo sorry it took me a while to give you a comeback for your comment on Valentines day, but I've back to back doctor appointments including 2 yesterday. They're trying to find out what's wrong with my leg. Now they want to run another EEG on the bugger. Go figure. I swear I don't know what's wrong with me today I'm sooooooooooooooo tired. Today I made breakfast for us pancakes & sausage. it's been a while since I did that so I thought I'd give it a go, and I also made 3 loaves of pumpkin bread. I don't know why they call it bread it taste like cake to me. Hey 3 loaves? You got to come over & get one of these. They'll go bad before we even look at that 3rd pan. Mmmmmm and they're sooooooooooooooo good. I'm going to do that A to Z game. Oh would you like me to advertise it too???? I don't mind at all!!!! Hugs and have a great weekend.

Liza said...

I'm with you. I have to write from the good-guy view. In my current work I have 2 POV's and maybe one might be considered an antagonist, but really it's just another person struggling through the difficulties life has thrown and happens to bump up against the protagonist.