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07 November 2018

Mrs. Moto's Murder Meows & Bodies In The Boatyard | IWSG


The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.

Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they're struggling with what to say.

This month's question is:

"How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?"

Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list here. You can see how I answered the question below. This month's co-hosts are Elizabeth Seckman, Ann V. Friend, JQ Rose and myself.


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EDITOR'S NOTE: I found Simon the Time Traveling Cat batting around a crumpled up piece of paper the other day. When I unfolded it, I discovered that it was a diary entry written by a Japanese bobtail cat named Mrs. Moto. By the way, Simon's at the vet today. He sends his warmest regards. Wait, who am I kidding - all he did was growl and hiss when I mentioned that it was the monthly IWSG blog hop. So here's what Mrs. Moto has to say instead.

Thursday, February 14th

Dear Diary,

Humans are weird. I should know - I live with two of them. One of them is tall and wears glasses. People call him Scooter. He's good with a can opener. A very important skill. Those cans of Frisky Feline's Ocean's Delight aren't going to open themselves.

The other one is named Mollie. She's constantly complaining about her frizzy hair. I don't know how many times I've demonstrated my beauty regime to her. Wet your paw (or hand) with your tongue, wipe all over, and, voila, you have smooth, glossy fur (or hair) in no time. Instead, she uses these things called straighteners and then complains when she burns her ears. 

But back to the weirdness of humans. The frizzy-haired lady believes in aliens and UFOs. Talk about your crazy ideas. I heard her tell a friend the other day that she thinks her experience writing about unexplained phenomena has made her more creative in other parts of her life. She rambled on for a while about how she thinks about art and music differently now. 

It got to be a really boring conversation. So I knocked a glass off of the table. That livened things up.

If she really wants to know what true creativity is all about, she should check out where I deposited my latest hairball. Possibly the most creative spot I've come up with to date. I wonder if she'll scream when she finds it.

The humans are going out for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner tonight. I hope they bring me back something good to eat. Fish would be nice.



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This month's question was an interesting one. I'm not sure that I'm more creative in other aspects of my life, but I think I'm much more appreciative of all that goes into other people's creative pursuits. When I'm listening to a song or looking at a painting, I feel like I have a better idea of all of the hours, days, months, even years in some cases, that it took the artist to transform a germ of an idea into a final product.


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Exciting news!!! >>Bodies in the Boatyard<< is now available for pre-order!!! 

Okay, that was probably more exciting for me than for you. But I'm sure you'll excuse my enthusiasm and excessive use of exclamation points because you all are nice that way. 

So, yeah, can you believe it, I've about to release my second cozy mystery on Monday, November 19th! {Sorry, yet another exclamation point slipped out.} If you'd like to pick up a copy and find out what Mollie, Scooter, and Mrs. Moto have been up to since they bought their dilapidated sailboat, Marjorie Jane, you can pre-order ebooks at:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (CA) | Amazon (AU) | Kobo | Nook | Apple Books | Google Play (coming soon)

Paperback and large print will be available closer to the release date.

Find out more on my author site.

BLURB


Selling your house and moving onto a rundown sailboat—not a dream come true. Finding dead bodies in the boatyard—a total nightmare.

Mollie McGhie loves her beachfront cottage. When her husband announces that he wants to sell the house, downsize, and move onto their dilapidated sailboat, she’s not impressed.

When the boat starts leaking, she secretly hopes it will sink. Instead, they haul her out of the water and into the boatyard. Fixing the boat up is bad enough, but when Mollie finds someone has been killed nearby, things get even worse.

Mollie takes matters into her own hands and investigates the mysterious death in the boatyard, along with her adorable feline companion, Mrs. Moto. While she searches for clues, she meets more of the quirky characters who live in the small Floridian town of Coconut Cove, learns about sea turtles, overcomes her fear of public speaking, and, of course, eats way too many sugary treats.

Can Mollie catch the killer before someone else ends up dead?

How do you express your creativity? Has your creativity changed over time?

125 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your Nov 19th book release. Thanks for co-hosting with us. Blessings!

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  2. Sometimes cats have all the simple answers :) I wish you luck on your second lovely release, Ellen. Thank you for co-hosting and your time you spend is much appreciated :)

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    1. Thank you for all your support and encouragement :-)

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  3. Congrats on your upcoming new release!!! Thank you for co-hosting!!

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  4. Congrats on your new release! What an exciting time of the year to get your book out into the world.

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    1. I'm never sure when good times are to release books, but I figure earlier in the month was better to avoid American Thanksgiving.

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  5. Love Mrs Moto's voice :-) Good luck with your upcoming release!

    Ronel visiting on IWSG day: Lessons in Writing from Sewing

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    1. Glad you liked Mrs. Moto. Trying to decide if she should make a repeat appearance here. I'm guessing that Simon won't like it though - he thinks he should be in the spotlight at all times.

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  6. I love Japanese Bobtails. I used to have one named Fritzy.

    Mr. Moto, can you top leaving that furball on top of the refrigerator?

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    1. Oh my gosh - you had a Japanese Bobtail! I'm jealous :-) They are absolutely adorable.

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  7. HAHAHA!
    Thank you for sharing Mrs Moto's wisdom! :)

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  8. Mr. Moto, I think they are weird as well.
    Is Simon getting fixed? Might help his disposition.

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    1. I should mention to Simon about getting him fixed - that might change his attitude :-)

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  9. If only cats ruled the world, life would be so much easier... not that they don't already TRY.

    Congrats on the new book release coming up. I've started it, but my brother's in town for a visit, so it's on the back burner for a little bit. So far, so good!

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    1. Don't let cats here that you think they don't already rule the world. They're pretty sure they're in charge :-)

      Thanks for being an ARC reviewer - much appreciated. Hope you enjoy it!

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  10. So why is Simon's at the vet today? I hope he's OK. I loved the clever set up: ...Simon the Time Traveling Cat batting around a crumpled up piece of paper the other day...a diary entry by Mrs. Moto.
    Lynn La Vita blog: Writers Supporting Writers

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    1. It's just a routine check-up :-) He'll be back next month. He's jealous that Mrs. Moto got the spotlight this month instead of him.

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    2. Nice to know Simon is OK, even if he is a bit insecure. LOL

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  11. Cats always add creativity and mischief to our lives. :)

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  12. I didn't think of this month's question in terms of my perception of creativity in others. I definitely can see where my writing has caused some evolution there.

    Congratulations on the new release & good luck at the vet!

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    1. I just read your post - loved hearing about your early writing experiences as a child. Very cute :-)

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  13. Such a fun post!

    I totally agree about now being better able to see and understand the creativity that goes into others' works.

    Good luck on the new book!

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  14. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
    Congratulations on your new release!
    I like Mr. Moto; he makes a lot of sense.

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  15. Ha! Mrs. Moto sounds like she lives a creative life! Congratulations on the book, that's awesome!

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  16. Creativity is something that is influenced by all aspects of our life though I won't dismiss the possibility of something that is partially transmitted through our genetics.

    Congratulations on the book release. I wish you well with it.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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  17. Congrats on your release! We humans are a bizzare bunch. My new friend is probably wondering how in the world I can sit here staring at this boring rectangle and clicking away when there are feathers to be tossed and balls to chase. What is my problem?

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    1. Why do humans stare at boring rectangles and click away at keys? We really are a strange bunch.

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  18. First, congrats on your book. It does sound wonderful, and unusual. Which makes it highly appealing. That picture--kitty must have picked up bits of himself from his time travels. We need a cat with those colors.

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  19. I'll be getting a paperback. Your first book is in my bookcase in my office. I'll put the second book next to it after hubby and I read it.

    Have a fabulous day. ♥

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    1. You're such a sweetheart! I hope the two of you enjoy it :-)

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  20. Thanks for co-hosting this month! I wish you happy writing and happy sailing in November.

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  21. Hello fellow co-hoster! Congrats on the release of your new book! I agree we don't appreciate the hours and work involved with many works in so many different areas of endeavor. Nor do we appreciate the design in our everyday lives--a gorgeous car, an artful design, even the artistic presentation in a McDonald hamburger. Happy IWSG Day!
    JQ Rose

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    1. I never really thought about a McDonald hamburger in terms of its artistic presentation :-)

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  22. Congrats!

    When you measure creativity in time and effort, each effort is a huge endeavor. Way to wake me up. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    1. Creative pursuits definitely can take a lot of time and effort sometimes. Other times, they seem to happen quickly and easily.

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  23. congratulations on your upcoming release! So exciting

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer! BTW, do you have a blog? I can't seem to find it easily when I click on your name.

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  24. Burning your ear with a flat iron is no joke, Mr. Moto! But you hiding a hairball in a creative place is quite amusing. (Especially since I'm not YOUR human.)

    I need to finish my book club read before it's due at the library so I likely won't get to finish Boats until after its release date, but I will review when I can! Congratulations.

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    1. No worries, Jennifer. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and review it whenever you can :-)

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  25. whoops I meant Mrs. Moto! How rude to mix that up. ;-)

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    1. Mrs. Moto says that she'll forgive you provided you send her some catnip mice :-)

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  26. I think Mrs. Moto will give Simon a run for his money as to who is the funniest. Can't wait to read your next book. Got it pre-ordered. Thanks for co-hosting.

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    1. I was wondering what people thought about Mrs. Moto. She may make a return visit to the blog one of these days.

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  27. Congrats on another book publication! Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month. I hope the hairball isn't in your shoe!!!
    Mary at Play off the Page

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    1. I make sure to check all my shoes now before I put them on :-)

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  28. Woot on the preorder! Can't wait for the release. I enjoyed Mrs. Moto. Hope Simon does well at the vet!

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  29. Mrs. Moto is a hoot. I hope you did bring her some fish. Big congratulations to you.

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  30. I love Mrs. Moto, but I send Simon fond regards, too. :)
    Congratulations on your new book!!!

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  31. Best wishes for Simon, I'm sure he dislikes anything that isn't his idea ;-) Mrs. Moto's diary entry was a delightful read! I must say I empathize with Lady Frizzyhair's take on how writing effects your views (as well as awareness) of the world beyond your desk (or, deck ;-) ). Happy November!

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  32. Hooray for the second book! I'm very excited to get reading. Give yourself a really big pat on the back and a nice bit of delicious chocolate as well.

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  33. Congrats on your new release-to-be! That is such an exciting feeling! I love Coconut Grove. I used to go there when I was a teenager... Thanks for co-hosting this month!

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    1. It is an exciting feeling :-) I wonder if it ever gets old the more books you publish?

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  34. Congratulations on the new release. That reminds me I grabbed a copy of your first one and I fail to read it already. I am moving it on list right so don't forget again.

    Okay that done. OMG I love the cat's voice and attitude. Wonderful writing voice.

    I know I am going to love your books. I am sorry I failed to get that first one read before now, but I will do that and get a review done too for your launch when 2nd book goes live. Congrats, congrats!

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    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comments! No worries about not reading book 1 - I've got a huge TBR list as well. It's hard to get to them :-)

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  35. Congrats on the second book! You're very right that it becomes more apparent how much work other creative types have put in, the more you work on creating yourself. Thanks for co-hosting this month!

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  36. Cozy #2 sounds terrific! Congratulations!! (A fan of exclamation marks here!!!)

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    1. I'm glad there are other fans of exclamation marks!!!!!!!

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  37. I think I'll love your book. :)
    I'm asking whether us 'older' IWSGs need to move with the times this month. All views welcome.
    Jemima's IWSG post of the month

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    1. Looking forward to checking your IWSG post out - very interesting question that you're asking.

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  38. You're so funny and creative, Ellen! I thoroughly enjoyed your post. Good luck with your upcoming release and thanks for co-hosting today!

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  39. Dear Mrs. Moto,

    Yes humans are weird. Besides being obsessed with their hair and being creative, they are constantly on the move, packing up suit cases, traveling on boats and in vans. My cat friend Zara tells me that suit cases are best left under the bed where you can turn them into cozy little nests while you wait for the humans to open those cans of Frisky's.

    But since I am a human - let me talk a little about my creativity. I think I was way more creative when I was younger. I feel like I understand the creative process better as I have aged, but maybe that is the problem - too much thinking, not enough doing.

    And congrats! Congrats! Ellen on your new book!

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    1. Dear Duwan - Your cat friend Zara is a very wise feline. She can meow in Spanish now thanks to her time with you. Sure, it sounds the same to human ears, but to her fellow felines we can tell she's meowing in another language.

      Kind regards,

      Mrs. Moto

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  40. What great news! If i earn that extra money this weekend, part of it is going to be ordering your book and some more copies of Prancie's Prayer.

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  41. Good luck with your second book. Love the cats' POVs in your blog posts. They are so refreshing.

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  42. Loved the post, congratulations and good luck with your new book.

    Yvonne.

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  43. Love your post (and that you don't try to snatch back the credit your cat deserves for all that hard work typing with such long nails!). Thanks for co-hosting this month and for giving me my first laugh of the day!

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  44. Congratulations on the pre-order time!

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  45. A book release IS exciting! Congratulations on getting it there, and I'm looking forward to reading it (yes, I will re-read before I review :) ).

    Hope Simon is okay, and thanks to Mrs. Moto for providing us with some interesting insights into life at the marina!

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    1. Thanks for re-reading it :-) Your suggestions were great and made the manuscript heaps better.

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  46. Congrats on the new release! I feel writing is half therapy/ half creative release that washes into other areas of my life. Thank you for co-hosting!

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  47. Now I know how to beat frizzy hair! My life is changed ;)

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  48. That snippet is good. :) Book 2, huh? Congratulations are in order!

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    1. Hard to believe it's Book 2 already :-) Thanks so much for your support and encouragement.

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  49. In some ways, writing my own story has shown me how hard it can be for artists to create something that big, especially for those writers who can pump them out in an almost monthly basis. Back when I first began writing, I couldn't even imagine how someone could come up with 300-400 pages of material. Now I know it's just hard work.

    Congrats on the new book and thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG bloghop!

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    1. I definitely won't be one of those writers who can pump books out so frequently. I'm in awe of them.

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  50. Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG bloghop! I love your cozy premise and Mrs. Moto's letter about humans. So clever. Bravo to you and all the luck with this new release.
    http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com

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    1. Mrs. Moto sends her thanks - she's glad you liked her story :-)

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  51. You made me giggle. I've taken to occasionally drawing or whatnot when bored and not willing to write further for the day. ~grin~ As for the mind, back when I tried learning Japanese I discovered that my decades earlier Spanish lessons started coming back to me. We were visiting Florida at the time where I encountered the language more than usual. That was fascinating. Be well!

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    1. That's fascinating that studying Japanese brought back Spanish!

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  52. I always think that the more I learn the more creative I will become (with that arsenal of knowledge) but I'm not actually that creative. I'm pretty grounded. Even when I was younger, I was an artist and my Dad said, "why do you always draw so realistically? That's not art. It's copying reality."

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    1. You make an interesting point about the correlation between learning and increasing one's creativity. I don't think drawing realistically isn't art - it's just one way of doing it.

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  53. Congratulations on your upcoming release, Ellen. Very exciting, indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done, you. I'm proud of you and envy you at the same time, since you have your priorities right. :-) I'm extremely busy with a massive week-long translation project right now (yes, I did stop my travels for that), but when I have a moment, I'll check out your new book!! Thanks for co-hosting. Good timing. :-)

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    1. Excellent use of exclamation points!!!!!!!!!

      I don't know if it's so much about having my priorities right as much as having had the time to work on it. That's all changed now as Scott's back and we're working on boat projects and hoping to head to the Bahamas soon so the third book in the series has taken a back seat.

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  54. I hope you get toms of pre-orders. Sounds like a great read!

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  55. Congrats on the new book, that's very exciting!

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  56. Second book = hugely creative and double my legacy...and more than Simon's but don't let on.

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  57. Thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment! To answer your question, I find that it's only improved. My imagination has not waned a bit but keeps running mad. If only I had more time to pin down every nagging story!

    ~Elizabeth

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    1. It's probably better to have an overactive imagination with lots of story ideas than one that you need to coax them out of.

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  58. Congratulations! Like you, I think I've found a new appreciation for other creators.

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    1. This whole writing endeavor has definitely increased my appreciation for sure.

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  59. Hi Ellen.
    Just dropping by to say thanks for the considerate comment. Has my writing blogs changed my creativity? Well I don't really know, I've always been rather creative but mostly on an unconscious level, maybe now I'm a bit more aware of it. Who knows?
    Congratulations on your new book release, I admire you for your ability to write such a long piece of writing.
    Blessings and love from South Africa, Geoff.

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  60. I've always wondered what Mrs. Moto was thinking. She's a clever kitty, after all. I'm excited that your release will be next Monday! I finished it and loved it. Awesome, awesome, awesome. :)

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