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Come on and join author Melissa Bradley as she sets off on her latest adventure...

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If you are not 18, please exit stage left. While there is normally nothing naughty here, I do write and review erotica so there are links to spicy stuff and the occasional heated excerpt.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Insecure Writers And A Resurrection

Today is a double book posting with Mina Lobo's Resurrection Blogfest and Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers Support Group.

Insecure Writers Support Group

First up is the ISWG, in which we writers get to air our insecurities, fears and even our triumphs. You can check out my fellow brilliant writers here. Today I am talking about depression. That soul-sucking, creativity stealing, lethargic state of mind that affects millions of people and a condition that writers are often prone to. I am in the midst of one right now.

With all that has been going on these last weeks, this depression creeped up on me and with a deadline in less than three weeks, this is NOT good. I sit in front of my computer and stare. I feel like my brain is wrapped in cotton and my fingers are frozen. I'm trying all I can think of to fight...Music, movies, my favorite books, but they all seem to bounce off this giant wall. I've got 22,000 words to go and when I am on, I can punch that out in a week, but I am stuck. My WIP is looking like the Black Gate of Mordor sitting there on my computer and I am a little Hobbit with no will to go inside because The Ring has covered me in this depression.

I managed to write three whole pages this past weekend, a little crack in the wall, but I don't know what else to do.

So I am asking you all. How do you fight depression?

Resurrection

Mina, from Some Dark Romantic, is hosting this fabulous fest in honor of resurrecting a post from your first year of blogging that you feel didn't get the love it deserved. You can find my fellow participants here. This is a post from my inaugural year, 2010, and it's one of my faves, but got very little love. So without further ado...My favorite Horror Authors

I talked about my favorite scary movies, now I'm going to talk about my favorite horror writers. These guys paint chilling, vivid, blood-curdling images with their words. no f/x masters here, only a keyboard or pen and paper. I double dog dare any of you out there to read one of their stories and not be afraid of every noise you hear in the night.

Stephen King - What can I say about a man who is responsible for a lot of my nightmares? My werewolf fixation started with his "Cycle of the Werewolf". I kept looking twice at the grumpy priest in my church. Salem's Lot had me terrified of my dad's home town, but the worst for me was The Girl Who loved Tom Gordon. I do not like the woods and I had such a hard time getting through this book. I own it, but refuse to read it ever again. He is terrifying to me because he works on your mind, he takes normal people and breaks them down like a maniacal crew attacking stage sets.

Rick R. Reed - Oh my God, can we say hide under the covers and never come out? King breaks people, but Reed stomps them into quivering little bits under his crazed boot heels. Do not read Penance after dark, I'm warning you. It is horrifying because it has it's basis in the harsh realities of street life. Every page I wanted to stop, but couldn't. I was put through the wringer, at times scared, other times uncomfortable, sometimes angry. In the Blood is a twisted, heart-pounding vampire tale that makes you remember in these days of sparkly blood suckers that vamps are indeed monsters. His most recent, Blue Moon Cafe, ramps up the terror with werewolves. I read this in the daylight and you should, too. Rick Reed knows how to get into the minds of monsters both human and non.

Caitlin Kiernan - Holy hell can this chick bring on some serious monsters. After I read Silk, I was jumping at shadows. She subverts reality and twists it into unrecognizable images. The Red Tree left me with a creepy dread feeling for days after that I just couldn't shake. Man, did I have the nightmares.

Edgar Allen Poe - No one spins a nightmarish tale better than this man. His prose defines madness and suffering. "The Cask of Amontillado", "The Tell-Tale Heart", "The Fall of the House of Usher", all give me the shivers. I cannot read them at night.

Shirley Jackson - This woman reaches deep inside and knows what terrifies you the most. Best haunted house story of all time, The Haunting of Hill House. I had a hard time sleeping in my room after this one. Every sound echoed a thousand times louder. "The Lottery" made me want to avoid small towns forever.

Clive Barker - His novellas and short stories are insanely gruesome and demented. I had a tough time getting through the Books of Blood, both volumes. He creates such terrifying and twisted realms that you feel like you're going crazy right along with the protagonists.

These authors make my blood run cold and send me running to turn on every light. Who are some of your faves?

57 comments:

  1. GREAT resurrected post! I love your author choices - and Stephen King is tops of my list too!

    Depression is a tough one. I don't have a cure all - or even a suggestion. Usually as I proceed through life in the depression, some thought in my mind will suddenly take me around the corner - as I look forward to something good, or remember something good. I can't force it - it literally transforms in my mind like a werewolf in an 80's movie - going from dark thought through change-o head technology to a happy thought. So I can't offer that as a remedy.

    But we're out of the clutches of depression today - it's been a wild and interesting day, I think, right?

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    1. Thanks, Craig. I'm so happy you enjoyed my resurrected post. I'm hoping it gets the love this time around as these authors are just amazing and absolute favorites of mine.

      We are out of the clutches of depression today for sure. You always manage to put a smile on my face and so I thank you for always supporting me. :)

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  2. Love the resurrection post, and I love the idea of introducing your readers to your older posts :)

    As for the depression, I've not much experience with it. Realising you have it is half the battle,and I think making sure you celebrate any success or achievement no matter how small will take you on the road to getting out of your funk :)

    Jamie

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  3. Thanks, Jamie! I loved this idea of the older posts, too. Sometimes you have great stuff that people might not have seen. Posts that you are proud of and something like this fest is a wonderful way to share.

    Celebrating small achievements sounds like a good idea. I don't give myself enough credit for what I have accomplished sometimes. It's easy to allow dark thoughts in when you don't have enough belief in yourself.

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  4. If I think I'm getting too depressed, I go do something active. Go for a hike, a walk, play Wii Tennis or something. Or I watch the collected works of Joss Whedon. Watching Hulk take on Loki always brightens my day.

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    1. Watching the collective works of the Whedon sounds like a great remedy to me. Hulk and Loki could make me laugh no matter what. :)

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  5. Just getting out and people watching for a little while may inspire you. Even treating yourself in a small way to a special coffee or tea could make your day a little brighter. I enjoyed reading your Resurrection post! You have so much talent, and I'm sure that the words will flow again very soon. Julie

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    1. Thank you so much, Julie. Your words have made me smile this morning and that means the world. Treating myself a bit sounds like a good idea. :)

      I'm happy your enjoyed the Resurrection post. They some of my favorite authors and I enjoyed sharing them. :)

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  6. Hello fellow double booker :)It is that time of year for depression with lack of sunlight and gloomy weather it is bound to hit us hard. Light and vitamin D is the answer. If you can't afford one of those powerful sunlamps just put on as much light as you can for as long as you can and suffer the electrical bill later Other than that (except for medicine) don't fight it, use it up...just wallow in it until the depression gets bored and moves on...LOL!

    As for creepy spooky authors I too love Stephen King---Noone tops him! Peter Straub and Anne RIce I enjoy as well :)

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    1. Hey there! High fives to the double bookers. :) Vitamin D sounds like a plan. I'll definitely give that a try. I hope this depression gets bored very quickly LOL.

      Peter Straub and Anne Rice are definitely spooky as hell writers. :)

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  7. Yeah, it's the weather.
    Go find a farm or something, set up several bales of hay with a scarecrow in the middle of the field, and then beat the crap out of it with a baseball bat. Yell at it and beat it to a pulp. Bet you'll feel better afterwards!
    Hopefully my IWSG today will at least give you a smile.

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    1. Beating the cap out of a scarecrow sounds like a hellagood time to me. Maybe I can do it with one the big rugs around here since farm fields require a drive. :)

      Loved your IWSG post today. Thank you so much for sharing that.

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  8. Hmm I am trying to think of an author you havent already mentioned that gives me the chills. Maybe Emily Dickinson? Not in the conventional spooky way but because she talks about Death as a personification and it really creeps me out the way she spins it.

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    1. I LOVE Emily's poetry. She definitely did have a creepy way of looking at the world. Her poetry is definitely some of the most macabre I've read.

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  9. I step away from the work for a day or two and then start working through the MS from the beginning. As I read and edit, ideas usually begin to pop in about what would work later on in the story.
    Hope the depression gets a kick in the butt soon!

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    1. Thank you, Marta! I'll have to try going back to the beginning. It's been a while since I've that. :)

      And hugs for the kick butt thought. :)

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  10. believe it or not I loved BOOK OF BLOOD stories, and read them all. I loved the deep creativity which helped him make them all different. One of the stories is even set down in Serbian Kosovo :)

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    1. You're a fan too?! Awesome!! His creativity is extraordinary. High fives on Serbian Kosovo. I love stories set in Eastern Europe. We don't hear enough about that wonderful part of the world. :)

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    2. I forgot what was the story set there exactly about, but I know it was one of the weirdest in those books.

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  11. Great Resurrection Post.

    Depression - Try chocolate, the beach (or at least a pool - I think well while 'neck deep') meditation and fun, fun, fun. As in go out and have some. Forget about the MS, forget about life and it's problems, let it come to you. At least, that's what works for me.

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the Resurrection post. :)

      Chocolate and the beach... now there's something to bring a smile to my face. I will try to put this out of my mind for a while. I've trying every single day so I think that adds to the stress.

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  12. The depression is the worst. I have a thyroid condition that, when my meds are off, can make me start to slide pretty fast into that hole. Daily exercise/walking does help me to feel better, but it's still there just beneath the surface. It's hard, but for me, anyway, it's usually cyclical and I come out of it. Hope you rise out of it soon.

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    1. Thank you, L.G.! I'm thinking about taking a walk right now. The Fall is one of my favorite times of the year and it is very crisp outside. That cold breeze might be very bracing and just what I need. :)

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  13. Depression sucks big time. I'm bipolar so I feel for you. The last time depression pulled me down the well and no words came out, I started painting. On my wall. After a week of trees and faeries and faerie toadstools, I wanted to write again. Of course, now I have a half-finished mural on my wall but that's okay.

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    1. I never thought about trying something different creatively, but that sounds like it might work. Maybe I can color, which something I love to do. Thanks!

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling with depression, Melissa. I can definitely relate and wish I had good advice to share. I do think it's great that you were able to get some writing done and make that little crack, that is the one thing that always helps me. Sending many good thoughts and hugs your way!

    And I love your resurrected post, great choices for horror authors!

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    1. Thank you so much, Julie! I appreciate the warm thoughts very much. :)

      I'm so happy you enjoyed the horror authors. It was a post that got a almost nil on the attention scale and I really loved it.

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  15. Hi Melissa. I'm sorry too to hear of your depression. I have a problem during the winter, so I understand and can relate. What I do before it gets so bad that I'm incapacitated is make plans to have an afternoon cup of tea with two dear neighbours. What ends up happening is their humour turns me around and I'm back at my desk with a sense of purpose.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, Melissa. That means a lot.

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    1. Hi Joylene! Thank you so much for the advice. I have a couple of friends who can always make me laugh no matter what so I just may call them. :)

      Anytime! I love your blog and congrats on the book. :)

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  16. I can empathize with you about the depression. I've been in a sort of a funky state this whole year. It goes up and down. I don't think I have anything that would be called a clinical depressive state, but just a sort of fluctuating ennui, boredom, and introspection. Walking helps me. The trips I've been taking sporadically also help. But I guess the main thing is to keep forcing myself to do as many of the things I need to be doing so I don't succumb to negativity. I wish you well.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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    1. I do like to walk. Thanks for sharing, Arlee. I think I'll be taking a long walk tomorrow. I've got to break out of this negativity.

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  17. Well, if the words won't come to you while you're under the thrall of depression, reading a lot may help render the crack in the writer's block bigger. Sometimes I just force myself to write whatever's on my mind even when I don't feel like it. Sooner or later, though, the inspiration returns to me.

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    1. I do have some favorite books I have not reread in a long time.Maybe I should revisit them. Thanks, Jeffrey!

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  18. I can relate to what you're feeling. Writing is a solitary and sedentary life. If we devote ourselves totally to the craft then there is little time left for anything else. Essentially, we become consumed.

    This happened to me early in my writing career. I only wore sweats, seldom interacted with friends or family (except in the evenings when everyone was home)and devoted all my energy to writing. After several months of this I began to suffer from a case of brain fog and the blues(similar to what you're feeling right now).

    One day I walked past my bathroom mirror and for the first time in a long time, saw myself as I really was, overweight and a bit haggard. To say the least, it was an eye opening experience. After some reflection about my situation I decided that my life lacked balance.

    I put my book on the back burner for a few days, called a couple of friends and spent the day with them. I then began a fitness routine (which eventually led to Crossfit which I just joined 3 months ago) and began living again. I now write less than I used to, and although I often long for more time to devote to the craft, the balance I've found has made me a much happier and content individual.

    Find a balance. Too much of anything (even something we love) is bad for us.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing, Andrea. I am really touched. Balance is definitely something that I have been lacking of late. Not to mention a good fitness routine. I need to get myself together and maybe that will help lift this dark cloud.

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  19. I really hope you can overcome the bout with depression! I'm sending you good thoughts; positive energy; and creative, heart-lifting, happily-creating-new-pages-at-a-breakneck-pace best wishes!

    And I enjoyed your resurrected post. Some great horror writers there!!! Excellent list!

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    1. Thank you, Chris. I appreciate those wonderful thoughts to core of my creative soul.

      I'm happy you enjoyed my resurrected post. I love sharing favorite writers. :)

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  20. Depression is something that plagues us all from time to time. If it is a temporary thing, then I suggest you go for a walk, clear your head, read a good story, and try to find things that inspire you. If it is a long-term thing, then it's probably time to head to a doctor and find out what they can do.

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    1. Those are some great ideas, Michael. Thank you very much for looking out for me. Hopefully this is just a temporary thing and not something that requires a doctor visit.

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  21. Melissa, depression affects millions of people every year and everyone is affected differently. There are no easy answers. Be strong. Edgar Allen Poe's Telltale Heart still freaks me out even today. Great post and blogfest.

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    1. Many, many thanks, Maurice. I'm going to do my best to move forward. It won't be easy like you said, but I've got to get through this. I am a fighter if nothing else. :)

      A Telltale Heart is so creepy. I still get goosebumps reading it.

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  22. I feel so bad for you. Depression is a horrible monster that's so hard to slay. You hang on there, girl! I wish there was a magic weapon I could tell you about...

    I was also double booked today, and this resurrection blogfest is making me all giddy. There are so many cool posts! I'm ashamed to say I haven't read all of those authors you mentioned, some yeah, but now I have a few books to add to my TBR pile. Thanks for that!

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    1. Thank you so much for your wonderful encouragement, Gina. It means a lot to me. :)

      I'm so happy you enjoyed the resurrection post. These posts really are great, aren't they? You will enjoy these authors I know it!

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  23. Thanks for stopping by my blog today, fellow former-Washingtonian! Depression and anxiety suck....My creative muse leaves me too except I'm not a writer but a crafter. I am always freaking out about money and it's really sucking the happiness from my soul, even though I try to remain positive. I first read Cycle of the Werewolf after I'd transferred from a small college in Standish Maine. I was pretty unnerved to find that the book took place very close to where I'd gone to school!

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    1. I'm glad I found you through Mina's awesome fest. :) My mother and sister are crafters, my dad was an artist/illustrator. We always worried about money and I think it did suck away a lot of the joy we might have found in our pursuits. I'm happy to know you are trying to remain positive. The world needs more people who bring beauty to light.

      Cycle of the Werewolf is definitely a favorite King tale. that preacher was terrifying. :)

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  24. I am sorry about the depression-it sucks the wind out of your sails! My cure is exercise, but since my fall...that didn't happen. I just now am trying to get back on track. I think making a list of things YOU love to do, read, watch...helps.
    Post it on the fridge and do one every day! An art walk helps me...downtown with a camera, snapping photos of things that inspire, or perhaps a museum...looking at some old fossils, may give you some ideas. The best thing is maybe do something new...Alex's suggestion could work, lol!

    Wow, some of these authors I have not heard of. Off to add them to my wish list. Stephen King is a fav and Shirley Jackson(my Mom has the same name, lol) Thanks Melissa for being you! I'm sending you some sunny thoughts! xo @>--------

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    1. Hugs, Ella! I'll have to make a list of things I love. The further I get under this cloud, the more disconnected I feel from myself.

      You are so sweet! Thank you for being a source of light and positivity here in the blogosphere. Glad you enjoyed the post. :)

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  25. My friend, I appreciate your courage to post this. I strongly relate, having struggled with chronic depression and a renewed bout of acute depression. It's kept me from progressing on my book for months. I've done other kinds of writing, which helps, and blogging always feels good. But I don't know the secret for getting past -or setting aside- that monster of emotional crap, and making progress with your writing. I just keep telling myself "Go, write through it." Go, write through it, Melissa. You have what it takes.

    Big hugs to you,
    xoRobyn

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    1. Huge hugs to you, my sister from another mister. :)Thank you for the support and encouraging words. I do need to just push myself to get past this. I think and hope that I can. Especially with your thoughtful words.

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  26. Balance and a multi-focus, I like some of the ideas coming out of this post as a writer. Thanks to both you and the commenters for sharing.

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    1. I'm happy you stopped by Hunter! I'm glad you found something in this post that would help you. :)

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  27. I'm glad you posted about depression today. I've been battling it, myself. It hasn't hit me completely, but it sometimes takes its time in coming, settling over me, and it's doing that now. Some things recommended to me in the past, or that have helped, have been walks/exercise (mostly the walks, really) and journaling, though I am always terrible at keeping up with it. Still, it does feel better to get out the poisons that I won't relate to another person, and then to destroy them.

    I haven't read Reed, but now I very much want to look him up. Such great authors you have on there, and they are definitely good at bringing on the chills. How have I never heard of Reed??

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    1. Depression is just the worst. I hate feeling so lethargic and lacking in willpower. Thanks for sharing your experience with me. That means a lot. I'm going to try some of the things you suggested. :)

      Rick is a wonderful writer, if you love a good scary story, he's definitely one of the go to masters.

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  28. Oh, Sweets...

    Why didn't you tell me? I am ALWAYS good for a laugh... I have bouts of depression too, I guess it's an occupational habit.

    Try not to focus on it. Escape with HAPPY movies. Lots of comedies, lighthearted reading. Get OUT... take a walk. Go to a place you enjoy and just absorb your surroundings. CHAT with a friend.

    As for the deadline ... DON'T FREAK! BREATHE..... The words WILL come if you don't dwell on them. Spend time with your family.... especially kids... they LIVE in the moment. Look at life through their eyes. It might help... If not, well, it may be time for a "Happy" pill. If this lasts longer than a week or two, you may need a prescription just for a short while. It does help take the edge.

    Four years ago I needed them. Half a pill got me through the day and I never became addicted. Cutting the edge really does help.

    I am here if you need to talk...

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    1. Thank you, sweetie. That means the absolute world to me. I tried not to talk because I thought you know that it would just go away, but it's hanging around like a black cloth over my head. I'll try the things you suggested and maybe something will kick start my positivity and creativity again. Hugs!

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  29. For depression, I've been taking Bupropion. It helped me *move*. I'm doing better with it. That may not be what you need right now, of course. Hope you latch onto the best solution for you. <3

    Also, thanks for introducing me to some new authors (and for participating in my blogfest)!
    Some Dark Romantic

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    1. Thank you so much, Mina! I'm fighting this big blah and all the kind words left here have done wonders for my spirit. :)

      I'm so happy you enjoyed my post. I love sharing favorite authors. This blogfest was a terrific idea and I had a huge amount of fun, something I needed.

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