Sandra Cox's Blog

 

I'm taking this week off, my friends. Store up your news and let me know how you're doing when I get back.

 

 

What is your synonym, definition or sentence for: 

My sentence and definition: Catfishing is an online scam similar to bait and switch. 

For more information on catfishing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catfishing

 

 AND

  

Did you know, that in Holland during the 1600s, tulips were worth more than gold and brought about a crash in the Dutch economy?

Sources:

30 Facts About Plants You Didn't Know Until Now 

50 Interesting Plant Facts | Fun Facts About

 

 

 

 

The firstWednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by NinjaCaptain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discussstruggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who arestruggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the September 3 posting of the IWSG are Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Diedre Knight!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post.These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experienceor story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let itinspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional

 

September 3 question - What are your thoughts on using AI, such asGPChat, Raptor, and others with your writing? Would you use it for research,story bible, or creating outlines\beats?

I use AI extensively for my research.  I've found Co-Pilot to be very helpful AND I use GPChat when I'm blogging an informational post. But as far as my book writing goes, that's all me.

August/SeptemberReviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignorethem and don't factor them into my review.

 

BUNGLEby Paul Stanton

Socute.

Thisis such a cute story about a Smileymoo that has a very unlucky day.

The story line is fun and well written. The illustrations are great and complimentthe story. All in all, a lovely little read.

Bungleis a book for youngsters that will make adults smile.

Available at Amazon 

 

 

 

 

WHENSECRETS BLOOM by Patricia Furtenberg

Setin Transylvania in the 1400s, this story is a lovely blend of history andmysticism. The research that went into writing this book shines throughout thisfictional tale of a woman who fought by the side of Vlad Dracula while caringfor the wounded.  

KateWebber, now no longer fights at Vlad sides, but practices healing in Kronstadt,where the jealous and mean-spirited turn against her. Moise, a Jew apprenticingat a print shop, has encountered problems of his own, and now Kate and Moiseboth find themselves in danger.

Usinga delicate, almost poetic, writing style, the author delivers a solid story. Amust read for those who love medieval historical fiction and a strong femaleprotagonist. 

Available at Amazon

 

 

BADLANDS by Preston & Child

NoraKelly Book 5

Onceagain, FBI agent Corrie Swanson and anthropologist Nora Kelly come together tosolve the bizarre and painful death of an unknown woman that has all the earmarksof suicide.

Andthen another body shows up.

Discoveringwhat really happened will put them both in danger.

Asalways, the authors deliver a can’t-put-the-book-down read.

Myonly complaint, the torture and torture scenes are way too realistic.At least for this reader.

Available at Amazon 

 

JAMESBUCHANAN: America’s 15th President (Encyclopedia of PresidentsSecond Series) by Allison Lassieur

Theauthor did a good job of putting forth the salient points of Buchanan's lifewithout pontificating. The work also speaks to the civil unrest in the countryat that time. Buchanan would have stood a better chance of success if thenation hadn't been on the brink of secession and ultimately war.

Mytakeaway, while in office, he concentrated too much on the legal aspect,instead of the humane.

Irecommend this read for those interested in history, young people and adultsalike.

Available at Amazon 

 

INFECTEDby Terry Tyler

SFV-1is a virus with zombie-like effects. The story revolves around the rapidtakeover of the virus as we follow the lives of three separate characters andthe effect the deadly disease has on their lives. Cat, who is on a remoteisland when the outbreak begins. Norah, too absorbed in her work to realizewhat’s going on around her. And Lion, a marketing consultant who is enjoying a much-neededvacay that takes a turn into horror.

Thisisn’t my normal read, but the author did an amazing job on this story, holding myinterest throughout. Her writing skills checks all the boxes.  Excellent world-building and characterdevelopment. Descriptions that are graphic without being over the top. And tensionthat continues to mount as the story progresses, leaving the reader to wonderif the world will survive. To be continued in Book 2. 

Highlyrecommended for dystopian fiction readers or those who just enjoy a well-toldtale.

Available at Amazon 

 

AND

 

Did you know, Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges, made a living writing advertisements for yogurt .

150 Interesting Facts About Our Favorite Authors [Infographic] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those in the U.S. or anyone else who would care to celebrate:

 What's your synonym, example or definition of:

 

Example: He used accismus to drive the price down on a used car he was haggling over.  

 AND

Did you know, that a special fungi(mychorrhiza)  on tree roots allows them to communicate and share nutrients through the "wood wide web"? 

 For more information on trees: https://treecouncil.org.uk/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-trees/ 

 

 

How are you? 

Same ole. Same ole here.  The HH hasn't won the lottery and I haven't hit the NY Times Best Seller list yet. Ha. 

Sadly, the Swallowtails are dying off.  I see bits and pieces of wings in the yard. I have no idea about their life cycles. That's probably something David could help us with.  A little hummer moth has been hanging out at one of the butterfly bushes. I love to watch him.  Have you ever seen them? They're like little miniature hummers. AND. A monarch stopped by today. That was exciting. I haven't seen one in forever.

 I managed to get a few shots of both.

 

AND

The HH and I are both entranced by the casing of the hibiscus's flower.  Okay, entranced might be too strong a term for the HH's interest. But he did ask about it:) 

 

I can't believe the white Irises are still blooming. The poor things are so confused. Nonetheless, I'm enjoying them.

 And froggy continues to hold his own against the encroaching Asian Jasmine. That's it for now, Blogger Buds. What's going on in your neck of the woods.

 

 What's your synonym, definition, sentence or example for:

 

 Solo and radar are examples of palindrome words.  

AND 

Did you know, that during battle, the pirate Blackbeard would light his beard on fire to intimidate his enemies?

 

75 Incredible Pirates Facts