September 2019 and It's Time to Feel Insecure!

C'mon. If you're Feeling Nosey, you're Feeling Insecure too, right? Hey, you are Not. Alone. Whoa.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.

September 4 question - If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?

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NOSEY: Greetings, cybernuts! This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter! I'll be your host today for the IWSG question and post, 'cause, like, ya know - this is my site and I'm the host anyway. Heh heh. So, for today's answer...hm, how about you? *points to guest* Where do you sit and write?

THORNY: Wherever I want, dude. Doubt me? *gives wicked grin*

NOSEY: *edges away* Eh, no, fella. I believe ya. Yeah, well, okay. Next writer, step up, please.

ANT COP: I can write in your egg salad, in your left over sardine sandwich, or even in your sweaty toe jam.

NOSEY: Cool! And what is it that you write?

ANT COP: My platoon spells these out: G.M.O.

NOSEY: *frowns* Er...okay. Yeah, let's see - that means Gee Me - no, wait. Uh, how's about Gim Me Oreos?

ANT COP: Get More Onions!

NOSEY: For real? *shakes head* I dunno. This is Insecure Writers Support, not a restaurant, pal. I kinda don't think that's what Alex is looking for. *bends down to whisper* He's the captain of a ninja, ya know. 

ANT COP: *strokes chin in thought* Ah. The Ninja Captain. I know where he eats lunch.

NOSEY: Uhhh.... *scoots away* Maybe I have time to ask one more insecure writer guest. Hey! You! *points again - yes, again, dear readers* What's your space to write in?

MAESTRO B FLATT SHARP: Mr. Nose, a gifted one such as I does not write. No, no, no. I hum. Yes, I hum - and I might a-one an' a-two - and I might...

NOSEY: *scowls* Okay. Okay. I get it. *scratches head in confusion* Anyone else got something to say?

HORSE: Whee neigh, whee neigh, Mistar Norsey. Hare ye be. *hooves over item*

NOSEY: A gift horse? Hey, that's real nice - *jumps away* Keep your apples, fella!

HORSE: Whee neigh, snort. Hit's ah fertoon kookie.

NOSEY: A -? Oh! A fortune cookie? Wow, that's a swell gift. Yeah! *breaks open and pulls out slip of paper to read:* From Miss Mae: Sorry, Alex. I don't have just one place to sit and write, as I grab the moment wherever I am when that moment to write grabs me.

NOSEY: *looks up* Hey, Alex. Did you understand any of that stuff she just said? *glances around* 'Cause, like, you know, from the look of things I kinda get the feeling she's busy at the Funny Farm this week.  

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Extra! Extra! An I.B. Nosey Newsletter Cometh!

Set your time and calendars to Monday, June 10, 2019, cybernut fans! Behold, a new I.B. Nosey newsletter cometh your way! With a guest star interviewee, heh heh. Of course, guest stars enjoy speaking into my microphone - it's just so - uh, great! Yeah, great!

You want to be able to read this interview, Nosey nutty fans. And how do you do that? Why, you sign up for the newsletter! And it'll get delivered right to your door - or to your computer - or to your phone - how do I know what you're using?! Anyway, thanks to the internet and satellites and whatever else is floating around up there, it gets delivered. Yeah.

So, see the cleverly placed Sign Up Form? Right over here! Sign up now, and the Nose will get back at ya to make your day especially fantastic and I.B. Nosey-ish.

Pat Hatt Shares A Catty Interview with I.B. Nosey!

NOSEY: Greetings, cybernuts! This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter and today I’m coming to you from…er, um…*stares at dark and creepy looking building before him* Whoa. This isn’t my Nosey kind of interviewing place, so I think I’ll just—

Pat Hatt lives here????

DOOR, SQUEAKING AND SQUEALING, OPENS: I’m Pat Hatt’s cat. What’s ya think of that?

Pat Hatt's cat - friendly looking feline.....

NOSEY: Ack! *jumps* Say what?

CAT: I.B. Nosey, huh? Yeah, ya looks the dud. *strolls away*

NOSEY: Now wait just one minute—

PAT HATT: *calls* Is that you, Nosey? What’s you doing standing there gulping like a big-mouthed bass? Get on in here.

NOSEY: Well…*peeks around edge of door* Where’d that rhyming cat go?

PAT HATT: He went to where a rhyming cat always goes. *beckons towards scratching post* C’mon. Let’s get this interview moving, man.

NOSEY: *tiptoes inside and then comes to screeching stop* Holy reading room! What is all this?

PAT HATT: *grins and gestures around room, indicating wall niches filled with dark and creepy looking figures* My library, of course.

NOSEY: Libraries don’t have statues in ‘em!

PAT HATT: Mine does. These represent the characters written inside the pages of my 118 published books.

NOSEY: *slaps hand to side of cheek* Dude, I can’t interview you about 118 books!

PAT HATT: Don’t worry. Pat Hatt’s cat will decide.

NOSEY: It’ll— huh?

PAT HATT: *points* Watch. He knows which one he wants to choose.

Cat clicks on computer screen. One large wall -as wide as a football field, no less- displays visuals of Pat Hatt’s 118 books. Er, well…Maybe not quite as wide as a football field. On second thought, maybe not as wide as a basketball court. On third thought ‒ maybe as wide as a TV screen?

CAT: ‘A Not So Perfect World’. If only Nosey could.

NOSEY: If only I could what?

CAT: *grins wickedly, shows mouthful of sharp teeth*

NOSEY: Yeah… *tugs at shirt collar* Heh heh.

PAT HATT: All right. The cat has chosen. *picks up remote and clicks toward visual book* See the blurb there, Nosey? Wanna read it to your adoring audience?

NOSEY: Er… *keeps suspicious eye on cat* I’m kinda busy right now.

PAT HATT: Okay, then I’ll do the honor. ‘A Not So Perfect World’: After Chutar, and finally figuring out where and when they were, Jack and Emily hoped their troubles were over. But little did they know Chutar was just the beginning. With Mason by their side, the three continue to struggle to find their way back home.

With everything from dragons and Critlen to booby traps and armies standing in their way, the three remain determined to make it. Until they come up against what they thought to be impossible, gods of myth.

Now with hope dwindling thanks to a few choice gods, a prophecy involving aliens, and an over involved Prophet, the newly dubbed Death Defying Three will have to do just that, if they ever hope to make it home.

NOSEY: *frowns and shakes head* That is one confusing blurb, fella.

Cat nibbles on one claw and twitches tail.

PAT HATT: *murmurs* Shouldn’t tell the cat that the blurb is confusing, Nosey. Remember, he chose this book.

NOSEY: Oh, yeah. Yeah, right. Er, so okay. *takes deep breath* First question ‒ What, um, who/what is Chutar?

PAT HATT: *chuckles* Glad you asked. Chutar is the next best tasting gum. It has infinite chew and tastes like tar.

NOSEY: But—

PAT HATT: Buy a ten pack and you get a free feather.

NOSEY: But—

PAT HATT: Did I mention it has infinite chew? Swallowing isn’t advised. It hasn’t been tested that far down. Or it could be—

NOSEY: All right, all right! *rolls eyes* Dunno if I really want to ask about Mason.

PAT HATT: Aw, c’mon. Sure you do. He’s a Gopter.

NOSEY: *mouth drops open* A what? A gopher?

PAT HATT: *laughs* Gopter, Nosey, Gopter. One that they picked up along the way. Gopter would be, oh ‒ Doctor in our Time Fraction. He likes to go by Doc, though. They pretty much destroyed his time fraction, even leaving the bomb there that eventually blew it up, so they took pity on him and let him come.

NOSEY: Is that right?

PAT HATT: Hey, I’m the author and… *waves toward cat* he’s the editor. Gonna argue with him?

CAT: *spits out old nail and, ah ‒ whadda ya know, a newly sparkly one shines in its place*

NOSEY: Heh heh. *takes wary step back* No way, fella. So… *edges toward doorway* how come those kiddies gotta get home? Where is their home anyway?

PAT HATT: Kiddies? Do twenty-something year olds count as kiddies? *ponders for a moment* Well. In any case, they have to get home because places with dragons, dinosaurs, critlen, the germy middle ages, and such just won’t allow them to relax and enjoy themselves.

NOSEY: Oh, sure. Everybody knows that. But where is home, dude? Home? You know, h - o - m, home?

PAT HATT: H, o, …? Oh, wait. Yes. I see. Home for them is Earth’s time fraction.

NOSEY: Time fraction? *taps impatient foot* Like, a half cup of milk and half cup of‒?

PAT HATT: Not exactly. *hesitates* Want me to explain what a time fraction is?

NOSEY: No. No. I know what a time fraction is. ‘Course I do. Who do ya think you’re talking to? I’m a professional, you know. I know how to do my job. *backs into wall, starts, and screams. Falls to floor.*

PAT HATT: *clicks tongue* Ooh, careful. Did you see any ‘dark and creepy looking’ life forms down there?

NOSEY: Hey. *leaps to feet and brushes down blazer* I ask the questions. Get it?

PAT HATT: *smirks* Hm mm.

NOSEY: Good. So…ahem. Those, uh, Critlen you mentioned. They related to this weird cat?

PAT HATT: *glances around* What weird cat?

NOSEY: *sneers* Fun-nee.

PAT HATT: Anyhoo, about the Critlen – They’re the failed creation of Drazin, aka Hades, and the name was given to them by Jack and it kinda stuck.

NOSEY: You don’t say.

PAT HATT: As a matter of fact, I do say. See, Jack thought them the demented love child of a Critter and a Gremlin—

NOSEY: Uh huh.

PAT HATT: Uh huh is right, ‘cause he went to the dark side and crammed the names together like those crazy TV show shippers. Ah well. I guess we all have our off moments.

NOSEY: *stares*

PAT HATT: *gives innocent blink* Anything else you’d like to know?

NOSEY: I dunno. *places hand on hip and looks around* Just a kinda crazy place you have here, fella. What are those in that corner? *waves at statues* Some of the impossible ‘gods of myth’ you mentioned?

PAT HATT: *purses lips* Let’s just say they’re Zeus, Drazin, Hera, and a bunch of others who are quite fine staying on Olympus’ Time Fraction.

NOSEY: *mutters* Now wonder why I didn’t know that?

PAT HATT: But, honestly, Nosey, not those three. Drazin and Hera just want to take over Earth’s time fraction, Zeus wants to go—

NOSEY: Time fraction. Time fraction! *slaps forehead* Sheesh, is nothing else going on except for these guys splitting up time, like… *shrugs* every fifteen minutes or so?

PAT HATT: *gives mock cough* That’s not exactly how a time fraction works.

NOSEY: *checks watch* That’s how my time works, pal. So…how about that prophecy you said involves aliens? *snarls at cat* Bet he’s an alien.

Cat snarls back, and narrows eyes.

PAT HATT: It depends on one’s definition of an alien, you know. *winks at cat* After all, what’s alien to one may not be alien to another. Does a human think a human is an alien? Could the dragons be aliens? Could the prophecy be baloney? Could Prophet Rahe not be able to see past her rather large figure? *raises arms and shouts to unseen audience* Answer me, Nosey cybernuts! Could Zeus be Sants Claus? Or maybe there are no aliens at all. Or maybe everyone is an alien. Did you think of that?

NOSEY: *peers around* Who you talking to, dude?

PAT HATT: *finishes with…* Aren’t aliens confusing? No wonder they blow off steam and tip cows over.

NOSEY: Boy… *gives nervous laugh* I got me a live wire today.

PAT HATT: *walks over to stand next to statue* Nosey, one thing you’ve not asked.

NOSEY: Stop right there. I’ve asked everything I wanna know, man. *sidles to stage right ‒which, if you don’t know, reading cybernuts‒ leads to door marked ‘Out’ *

PAT HATT: Oh, one more, Nosey! You’re the official unofficial Pukelitzer award winning journalist, aren’t you?

I.B. Nosey is the one and only winner of this highly coveted award

NOSEY: Uhhh…

PAT HATT: And you’re a professional and know how to do your job, right?

NOSEY: Uhhh…

PAT HATT: So what you need to ask is about the Death Defying Three.

NOSEY: Uhhh…

PAT HATT: *snaps fingers* How’s about I tell you anyway?

NOSEY: Nothing doing. Nobody tells me—

PAT HATT: As I was saying ‒ The people of Prophet Rahe’s time fraction were so enamored by Jack, Emily, and Mason’s tales when told them by Prophet Rahe—

NOSEY: But—

PAT HATT: …who still may or may not be a prophet, that they gave them that moniker. They even made a song up about them. One that made the trio cringe.

NOSEY: But—

PAT HATT: They have to survive Drazin getting in the way, Hera trying to have her way with Jack, collars that control all, dragons, sea monsters, a giant flying saucer thingy, Zeus’s cryptic messages (as he doesn’t like to give spoilers)—

NOSEY: But—

PAT HATT: …and fix the time fraction machine so they can hop to the next one and get home. Oh, and there may be another explosion or three that they have to avoid.

NOSEY: *gasps* There’s an explosion right now! *points* That spacey space alien you’re standing beside ‒ it’s moving!

That spacey space alien Gopter is moving all right - at the speed of Gopter flight (see, even a Gopter can rhyme when he has the time)

PAT HATT: *glances up* Curious. Something must be really bothering him to come to life like this.

WEIRD SPACEY ALIEN/GOPTER: *growls* Don’t like the looks of a tweedy-weedy blazer. Disrupts the time fraction.

PAT HATT’S CAT SPITS AND SNARLS: De - stroy. Oh, boy.

NOSEY: Hey, nobody touches these one-of-a-kind threads. Back, back… *waves atomic microphone* Zap, zap, and begone!

GOPTER STEPS FORWARD: You heard the cat.

NOSEY: You spacey aliens got no fashion sense. My blazer is perfect. Perfect, I tell ya!

GOPTER: *warns* You’re in our time fraction now, nosy reporter.

NOSEY: *looks at Pat* What’s that mean?

PAT HATT: It means…*grins*…tweedy-weedy blazers don’t belong in ‘A Not So Perfect World’. 

RHYMING CAT: Nosey should've moseyed but heavy pocketful of posies make him not so cozy. Meowwww. *gives spacey alien, and a not so perfect, purrrrrrrr* 

NOSEY: B-b-but...Aw, forget it! *breaks through 'exit' door, feet doing their stuff as he streaks down sidewalk. Cat and Gopter follow in hot pursuit*

PAT HATT: *calls* Nosey, run faster! I sharpened the cat's claws this morning and...

NOSEY:  Scat, cat! *voice fades in distance* I'm not a scratching post! Aiiiii!

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Available at Amazon

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Pat Hatt is a writer who more often than he likes poses as an accountant,
car salesmen, mailman, or one of 21 other jobs he’s had to pay the bills.
With over 100 published written works, he continues to strive to create in
any genre that strikes him. He enjoys learning more about the craft of
writing and learning in general. He is owned by two cats, one of which has
his own rhyming blog, and he resides in Nova Scotia. When not writing,
working, or being used as a scratching post, he can be found at the gym,
playing volleyball, or enjoying a good movie, show, or book.

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Visit Pat Hatt's Cat's Blog

Visit Pat Hatt Without The Cat

December 2017 Insecure Writer's Support Group

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(Visit ISWG Page Here)

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NOSEY: Greetings, cybernuts! This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter reporting this month's posting about the Insecure Writer's Support Group. I know you're asking -and since I've got my nose to the news before anyone else can even scent a whiff and am, naturally, the journalist who can answer all your 'wanna knows', heh heh --

WOMEN: *screams*

WOMEN: Get a move on! Tell us this month's insecure question!

NOSEY: Who you demanding to get a move on? *grinds teeth* Listen, girlies. You're horning in on my Nosey posting and I want you OUT!

WOMEN: We're insecure writers, and we're not leaving until we hear Alex Cavanaugh's question.

NOSEY: Oh yeah? You wanna hear it, huh? What for?

WOMEN: Why not? After all, he's the group genius behind this blog hop.

NOSEY: A genius? *scoffs* Alex? Hey, I interviewed him and he couldn't even fly a spaceship across a galaxy without dumping out his cargo.

BLOND: *giggles* Did you ever think that maybe he tipped that ship on purpose?

NOSEY: Yeah, I-- huh? 

BRUNETTE: Never mind, Barsha. I know how to get Alex's question. *reaches over and grabs paper from Nosey's tweedy-weedy blazer pocket*

BARSHA: *grins* Ooh. Excellent idea, Ban.

NOSEY: Hey, no stealing from the official unofficial reporter, gals. *hesitates* Wait a minute. Barsha and Ban. *narrows gaze* Who are you, really?

BAN: *tosses head* We're the girls who need to steer this post along. As in... *reads from card* Yes, it's right here. First, Alex states the purpose of the ISWG blog, which is--

BARSHA: *interrupts* Oh, I know that by heart. It's 'To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!'

NOSEY: But listen--

BAN: Barsha, Barsha, Barsha, you're so right on. And here is this month's question for our readers/authors: 'As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?'

NOSEY: But--

BARSHA: And, how clever! Miss Mae has her answers clipped to this card! *winks at Nosey*

NOSEY: But--

BAN: What does she say, Barsha, Barsha, Barsha?

NOSEY: *grimaces* Well, she doesn't say that.

BARSHA: No, she doesn't, Ban, Ban, Ban.

NOSEY: *groans*

BARSHA: But what Miss Mae does say is: 'Yes, I do. For instance, I wrote a freebie thriller/mystery, Unleashed. I should've stuck with my instincts and waited a few days before uploading. After I completed some later, better edits, I then put up the corrected version. A week later I downloaded and tested the Kindle/Mobi format and, darn it, that first edition is what I got. It's current on the online reader at the site, but I'm cringing with embarrassment for those who read my first write-up.'

NOSEY: But--

BAN: Ugh. *wrinkles nose* What kind of author makes an error like that?

NOSEY: But--

BARSHA: An insecure one, I'd say. *clucks tongue* C'mon, Ban. Let's hop over to Alex's blog and check out what the other authors have to say this month.

NOSEY: But--

BAN: Good idea. *strolls beside Barsha stage left, and then whispers in aside* Did you get a load of that blazer the fella's wearing? Who threw up on him?

NOSEY: I heard that! 

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Hey, yo, readers! Be nosey, and sign up for Miss Mae's newsletter! Why not? It's FREE!

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And, did you also know that a short tale about me, I.B. Nosey, your favorite intrepid internet reporter is FREE for you to simply download? Yes, come meet your Fated Destiny...Oh,Yeah! 

  

  

IWSG Photo Taken with I.B. Nosey - Know You're Jealous, People, But...

Greetings, cybernuts! This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter reporting to you today in participation with that Insecure Writer's Support Group 'Take a Photo with a Swag'. (Who, me? The swag? Uhhh...)

Anyway, they wanted an official unofficial photo with -who else- that Pukelitzer Award Winning journalist -me!

So here we are...

Funked out in my classic one-of-a-kind tweedy weedy blazer. Suitable for framing, of course. Heh heh.

October 2017 Insecure Writers Support Group

Run for your Sanity! It's a Brand New I.B. Nosey Posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group!

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Go to IWSG Page Here

NOSEY: Greetings, cybernuts! This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter with this month's -which happens to be October, in case you haven't been keeping up with me (and shamey if you aren't!)- IWSG's posting.

NOSEY: Yes, once again, you'll have your new monthly answer. But first, 'cause I know you're wondering this, what is the purpose of the ISWG? Glad you asked, 'cause, like, ya know, I can handle that. Heh heh. Sure I can 'cause I have what I'm supposed to say right here on my cheat sheet.

NOSEY: *flips open paper and reads* : Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

NOSEY: Hey, that's a great purpose, right? Miss Mae, who happens to be my author, thinks so and she's eager to answer this question for you --

*Feminine voice interrupts* Excuse me, hello! I'll answer for Miss Mae.

NOSEY: Huh? *twirls around* Who said that?

MQ: It's me, Ms. Quotes. Gosh, you haven't forgotten me, have you, Nosey? *looks all innocent*

NOSEY: *grinds teeth* I haven't forgot how you horned in on my last posting.

MQ: Goody, you do remember. Right, and so I'm here to--

NOSEY: Oh no, you don't, girlie. Can't ya read? This blog ain't named 'Feeling Blond?' It's 'Feeling Nosey?' which means it's my blog.

MQ: But--

NOSEY: Nope. Nothing doing. Shoo, scram, kiddo. You're bugging me. *pushes her behind stage-left's curtain*

MQ: *peeks around* Gosh, Nosey, can't you - ?

NOSEY: Hey. *scowls* Listen. You need a beauty makeover. One of those wide eyelashes you're so fond of fluttering is hanging by a - well, by a hair.

MQ: It is? *gasps* Oh no! *sounds of staccato heels racing off stage* 

NOSEY: *mutters* Sheesh. Some reporters just love to cram their pesky microphones in people's faces. *clears throat* As I was saying...*hesitates* Hm. What was I saying? *brightens* Oh yeah. This month's question for you IWSG fans:

"Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose?"

NOSEY: And so now, take it away, Miss Mae! *graciously hands over mic to MM - although maybe not quite so graciously, as begrudingly, but anyhoo -*

MISS MAE: Thank you, my official unofficial reporter. Well, how do I answer this month's question? *brow puckers in thought* Let's see. I guess I could start by saying that though it might not be information exactly, I think I've unwittingly slipped somewhat of a window into revealing bits of my own personality. By that, I mean if anyone reads my romantic mysteries, you'll find it challenging to deduce the answers. That's because I love puzzles - puzzling puzzles with twisty, unforeseen, intricate plots. However, when it comes to my characters I.B. Nosey, Ms. Quotes, Sir O. Yuri Wiseguy-eh, The Narrator, Heathcliff the private detective possum and the other 'mischaps' from my Gum Drop Island series of children's/kid-at-heart/humorous adventure tales, readers learn that I'm quirky, have a dry wit, adore puns, and enjoy a side of slapstick. And...uhhh.... *gives inquiring glance at Nosey* Think that's enough?

NOSEY: Yeah, yeah. *dismisses MM with a bored grimace* That's plenty of information that you couldn't decide if it was information or not.

MISS MAE: *sighs with relief* Good! You know how I hate speaking in public. *hands over microphone, pecks Nosey's cheek, straightens his tie, fluffs his hair, and then rushes to back office where she keeps her Acer laptop with the dusty keyboard*

NOSEY: And there, cybernuts, you have your answer straight from Miss Mae's own - er, um - fingertips. Heh heh. So, until next month - oh, wait! *starts with remembrance* Yeah. Okay. Can't forget this. Huh uh, nope. Too important. And what is it? Why, just that you'll be happy to know I'm participating in ISWG's 'Show Us Your Writer's Insecurity' photo swag contest. Yeah, that's right. Cool, Pukelitzer Award winning journalist, me! You don't wanna miss that photo, Nosey fans. It's sure to be a collector's item!

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 NOSEY: Folks, the blog hop is still leaping, so get on over to the IWSG and read some other terrific authors' posts. And tell 'em... that Nosey sent ya.

"Nosey sent me - Nosey sent me - Nosey sent me -"

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Hey, yo, readers! Be nosey, and sign up for Miss Mae's newsletter! Why not? It's FREE!

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And, did you also know that a short tale about me, I.B. Nosey, your intrepid internet reporter is FREE for you to simply download? Yes, come meet your Fated Destiny...Oh, Yeah! 

September 2017 IWSG Wednesday!

Go here

Annddddd, the one, the only, official unofficial Pukelitzer award winning cyberspace reporter....Duh, duh! None other thannnnnn.....

I.B. Nosey! De man, folks!

NOSEY: Greetings, cybernuts! This is I.B. Nosey, your official unofficial reporter reporting to you that it's that time again. What time? No, not Howdy Doody time, but the fun time of hop, hop, hop. Yep, it's the IWSG blog hop with the official unofficial reason for said hop:

 Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

I mean, how cool is that, right? And the cool question that's being asked this month is....

MQ: *coughs* Um, excuse me, I need to interrupt for a moment.

NOSEY: Huh? *blinks* Who are you?

MQ: I'm Ms. Quotes. I'm taking over for Miss Mae today, so I'll answer the question.

NOSEY: *snarls* Yeah? Who sez so?

MQ: She does, so if you don't mind squeezing over just a teensy...

NOSEY: Of course I mind! I'm the official unofficial spokesman for...!

MQ: Yes, for everything Gum Drop Island, but I'm for Miss Mae.

NOSEY: Uhhh...what?

MQ: *giggles* Don't worry. She still loves you, Nosey-Posey.

NOSEY: *makes face* Ugh!

MQ: *clears throat* Hi, everyone. This is Ms. Quotes. And a special 'hello' to you, Alex J. Cavanaugh. *flutters lashes* As I was saying, here is this month's ISWG question:

'Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?'

And Miss Mae says: "I sure have! I am truly a romantic mystery author, emphasis on mystery with a sprinkle of romance. All my books are award winners. (Yay!) But especially with 'It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred', I was peppered with urges from readers to make that into a series. Um, a series? No, thanks. I'm not a series sort of writer. I mean, my stories are complete in themselves. However, after time, with five of these romantic mystery books under my belt, when I was a little burned out with the complexities of such plots, I dabbled in something I never thought I would - a children's humor/fantasy story. Not so sure this would be accepted, I even used not Miss Mae, but M.M., and I kept it short - just in case, you know, it was a complete flop. Imagine my shock when readers actually liked it! And grumbled because it was too short! And, once again, I was pressed to "continue the story."

Well. So rather I was a series kind of writer or not, here was something I needed to consider. Could I do it? Could I actually do it?

Again, much to my surprise, I did. As a matter-of-fact, the third book in the series 'Ahoy, Mischaps!' (with I.B. Nosey included, of course) is for sale. Wow. Major accomplishment. How many books will there be? At this point, I'm not sure. But I took the plunge and I've even changed the M.M. to Miss Mae. Ha! How about that?" 

NOSEY: So. *glares* Are you quite finished with stealing my spotlight, Miss Quotes?

MQ: That's Ms. Quotes, Nosey. *jabs his tweedy-weedy jacket with a shapely finger* And for your information-- *gasps* Oh, no!

NOSEY: *rolls eyes* What now?

MQ: I broke a nail! *sobs* Quick! Call an ambulance! 

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NOSEY: Folks, the blog hop is still leaping, so get on over to the IWSG and read some other terrific authors' posts. And tell 'em...*winks* Nosey sent ya.

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Hey, yo, readers! Be nosey, and sign up for Miss Mae's newsletter! Why not? It's FREE!

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And, did you also know that a short tale about me, I.B. Nosey, your intrepid internet reporter is FREE for you to simply download? Yes, come meet your Fated Destiny...Oh, Yeah! heh heh