The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

IWSG DAY, APRIL 7, 2021, RISK TAKER by Pat Garcia





 

 

Hello Everyone, 

 

It is IWSG Time!

 

IWSG is a writers' support group created and led by Alex Cavanaugh. 

 

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!

 

This group is an immense help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities, our successes, or giving encouragement and support to others. 

 

 

So, if you are interested and would like to join, the link below will lead you directly to us:

 

The Insecure Writer's Support Group 

 

 

The awesome co-hosts for the April 7 posting of the IWSG are PK Hrezo, Pat Garcia, SE White,Lisa Buie Collard, and Diane Burton!

Submissions:  Entered Turn The Light On into the KCT International Literary "TREAT" Award Contest 





 

Risk Taker

 

I take risks in that I blend what is going on in the world and give my perspective to my characters to find out what they think. The engagement from my character's point of view is always engaging. I also grab situations that bother me within that viewpoint. Even in writing Romance, you can't bury your head in the sand. I like romance stories that weave the reality of death into their plots. These kinds of stories don't always end with the heroine and hero walking to the altar, but sometimes into eternity, and these are the kind of stories that I write.  Within me is a strand that wants to present life as it is, and I do my best to give my readers a realistic view of love and trust that blends with taking responsibility for one's decisions and loving at the same time.

 

Wishing all of you a lovely month of April. 

 

Shalom aleichem,

 







Pat Garcia

 

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77 comments:

  1. Sonia DograApril 7, 2021 at 9:11 AM

    Hi Pat. Thank you for co-hosting this month. Taking risks is rewarding, and quite satisfying I would say. While I've chosen to answer this question by talking about taking risks in terms of genre and experimentation, let me add here that like you I too like to keep my stories real and present what is as it is!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:15 PM

      Thank you for coming by, Sonia. It is good to know that someone else likes to write realistic stories.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  2. Alex J. CavanaughApril 7, 2021 at 1:38 PM

    Realistic view is that love is often messy.
    Thanks for co-hosting today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P.J. MacLayneApril 7, 2021 at 6:48 PM

      Love is messy. I think I'm the poster child for that!

      Delete
    2. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:16 PM

      Hi Alex,
      If love is messy, then there is no need for redemption.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  3. Natalie AguirreApril 7, 2021 at 1:54 PM

    Thanks for co-hosting. I so agree with you on not burying your head when writing romances. It sounds like you have a great perspective on taking risks to make your stories and characters more interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nancy GideonApril 7, 2021 at 2:30 PM

    I love your viewpoint, Pat! Writing always contains a piece of the writer's soul, expressing our fears, our hopes, our dreams in a way others can relate to. Putting ourselves out there is and always has been a risk worth taking. Thanks for hosting this month!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:18 PM

      Thank you, Nancy. You're so right on with the statement that putting ourselves out there is alway a risk.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  5. Jemi FraserApril 7, 2021 at 3:21 PM

    Life is complex and messy - love that include that in your works!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:21 PM

      Thank you, Jemi. Yes, life is complex. I agree.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  6. Tonja DreckerApril 7, 2021 at 3:29 PM

    Life isn't a cozy, nicely wrapped-up tale. Romance is even worse. It sounds like a wonderful direction to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:21 PM

      Thank you for coming by Tonja and for your support.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  7. Ellen JacobsonApril 7, 2021 at 3:46 PM

    Thanks so much for co-hosting, Pat! A realistic view of love is important even if the story is fun and lighthearted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:23 PM

      Hi Ellen,
      Thank you for coming by and for your comment.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  8. Joylene Nowell ButlerApril 7, 2021 at 3:49 PM

    Thanks for co-hosting, Pat. And thanks for always sharing your viewpoint, your wisdom, and your creativity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:25 PM

      Thank you, Joylene. I learn so much, and I am thankful for people like you who aren't afraid to share your viewpoint, wisdom, and creativity.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  9. Mary AalgaardApril 7, 2021 at 4:44 PM

    I like that. You're bold in your presentation of story and how it represents life. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG today!

    Mary at Play off the Page

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:26 PM

      Hi Mary,
      Thank you for much.
      Have a lovely day.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  10. LisaApril 7, 2021 at 5:11 PM

    Thanks so much for co-hosting this month! Yes, have a touch of reality is grounding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:26 PM

      Thank you,Lisa for coming by and for your support.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  11. Diane BurtonApril 7, 2021 at 5:13 PM

    I always enjoy reading your perspective. Thanks for cohosting this month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 1:27 PM

      Hi Diane,
      Thank you. I'm humbled by your statement.
      Have a great month of April.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  12. Sadira StoneApril 7, 2021 at 5:13 PM

    Thanks for co-hosting, Pat! I wish you happy writing in April. Keep writing those complex stories--because life IS complicated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:39 PM

      Thank you Sadira and thanks for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  13. Toi ThomasApril 7, 2021 at 5:24 PM

    Thanks for co-hosting this month and for visiting my blog. I admire the realism in your work and appreciate seeing things from your characters points of view.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:40 PM

      Thank you so much, Toi. I admire your work also.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  14. Lynn La VitaApril 7, 2021 at 5:32 PM

    A lot of wisdom in your post. These words spoke to me, "..a realistic view of love and trust that blends with taking responsibility for one's decisions..."

    That certainly applies to me. I made what I thought was a realistic request. I invited someone to "fix" my blog. Now the links on my site are broken and I get to live with the results while I ask myself "How do I solve this problem?"

    Here a temporary link to my blog: http://la-vita.us/write/
    Comment link broken. If wish to comment, please email me at: sv.lavita@gmail.com

    Thank you for co-hosting this month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:41 PM

      Thank you, Lynn. I will email my comment to you. I noticed that I couldn't get into your blog regardless of which explorer I used. I will try again.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  15. cleemckenzieApril 7, 2021 at 5:38 PM

    Since you wrote, "I take risks in that I blend what is going on in the world and give my perspective to my characters to find out what they think." I think you might like to read Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver if you haven't already, Pat. That's exactly what she's done. Happy co-hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:42 PM

      Thank you, Lee. I purchased Flight Behaviour and it is on my TBR list.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  16. Gwen GardnerApril 7, 2021 at 6:34 PM

    Good for you, Pat! I'm so glad there are those who can mix it up. Thanks for co-hosting this month!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:43 PM

      Thank you, Gwen, and thanks for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  17. J.Q. RoseApril 7, 2021 at 7:00 PM

    I like that you want to add realism to your stories. Not all lollipops and rainbows, but real life thrown in too.
    JQ Rose

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:44 PM

      Thank you, JQ. I have read your books and can testify that there is real life in them too.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  18. Susan B.RouchardApril 7, 2021 at 7:13 PM

    Thank you Pat for this insight into character building and point of view. So true, and I can quite see the dilemma when writing romance novels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:45 PM

      Thank you Susan for coming by and for your thoughts.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  19. Kate LarkindaleApril 7, 2021 at 8:08 PM

    Real life isn't always neat and tidy and sometimes we have to take risks as writers to reflect this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:46 PM

      Thank you Kate. I can only say Amen to that. I agree.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  20. Olga GodimApril 7, 2021 at 8:38 PM

    I'm the opposite, both as a reader and a writer. I shy away from reality and seek my solace in imagination. That's why I read and write speculative fiction. It takes me away from the real world and its real problems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:47 PM

      Hi Olga,
      I understand that. Not everyone is alike.
      Thanks for dropping by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  21. Adrienne ReiterApril 7, 2021 at 9:04 PM

    Agreed. Writing pushes us to question ourselves. Great post. Thank you for co-hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:48 PM

      Thank you, Andrienne and thanks for dropping by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  22. PK HREZOApril 7, 2021 at 9:25 PM

    Hi Pat! Thanks for co-hosting with me today! I love that you weave mortality into your stories. I think that's so important--in how, as humans, we grasp death and eternity. Sometimes it feels like a topic we gloss over or shy away from when in fact it happens to all of us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:50 PM

      Hi PK,
      Yes, I agree with you, and it does happen to us all.
      Thank you for dropping by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  23. Jacqui MurrayApril 7, 2021 at 9:48 PM

    I'm with Olga. I avoid as much of the real world as I can by hiding in my fantasy one. Seems to be working well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:50 PM

      Hi Jacqui,
      To each is his own, I say. We're all different.
      Thank you for dropping by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  24. Jemima PettApril 7, 2021 at 10:20 PM

    I tend to avoid reality in my novels, too. But embedding them in the real world is still a possibility. Just doing something less realistic with the characters :)
    Jemima

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:52 PM

      Thank you, Jemima. It that is your style, then go for it.
      Thanks for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  25. LizaApril 7, 2021 at 11:47 PM

    Thank you for hosting and wishing YOU a month full of lovely April!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:58 PM

      Thank you, Liza. Wishing you a nice April too.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  26. Tara TylerApril 8, 2021 at 12:54 AM

    taking risks is what life is all about -- and I especially liked your goal: to provide a "realistic view of love and trust that blends with taking responsibility for one's decisions and loving at the same time." excellent!

    and thanks for visiting me!

    Tara Tyler Talks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 2:59 PM

      Thank you so much, Tara. Have a lovely April.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  27. Beth CampApril 8, 2021 at 3:57 AM

    Because I mostly write historical fiction, the realities of the past shape my story in unexpected ways. Perhaps that's similar to your comment, "I take risks in that I blend what is going on in the world and give my perspective to my characters to find out what they think." I do appreciate that journey to find out what my characters think and love digging into their inner lives, not always an easy process! May the coming month bring you more creativity and joy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:01 PM

      Thank you, Beth. Yes, the realities of the past are a part of my comment about taking risks.
      Thanks for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  28. Fundy BlueApril 8, 2021 at 4:00 AM

    Thanks for co-hosting, Pat! I usually write about life grounded in reality. It's difficult for me to write romance ~ Now that is risk-taking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:02 PM

      Hi,
      Thank you for your comment. It is difficult to write a good romance.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  29. LiesbetApril 8, 2021 at 4:15 AM

    Personally, I like realistic effects even in fiction. That’s how we can relate to those characters and that’s probably why I’m not a fan of fantasy, sci-if, and such. Of course, writing memoir myself might have to do with that too. :-) I like how you weave death into your stories. That sounds a tad controversial. Thanks for co-hosting this month, Pat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:04 PM

      Thank you, Lisbet and thank you for your comment. Good luck on your memoir.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  30. JenniApril 8, 2021 at 5:04 AM

    I like stories that have a strong element of reality to them, especially if it's romance. To me, even fantasy needs to be grounded in what really could happen, but then I tend to read "light" fantasy or magic realism. I like open endings as long as it fits with the story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:05 PM

      Thank you, Jenni. I do too.
      Have a nice April.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  31. Silver TreeApril 8, 2021 at 5:32 AM

    Novels can be so helpful as a guide through tough times. Life hurts at times, so I don't see why some novels are super sweet and perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:06 PM

      So is it, Denise. There are novels that have helped me through some very tough times.
      Thank you for dropping by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  32. emaginetteApril 8, 2021 at 4:27 PM

    Sounds like you're a true romantic. We need more you around. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:07 PM

      Hi emaginette,
      Yes, I believe I am a true romantic or at least I hope I am.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  33. Victoria Marie LeesApril 8, 2021 at 6:28 PM

    You are very brave, Pat, to allow your characters to play out the problems in the world. Bravo! Thanks so much for co-hosting IWSG's question for April. All best to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:08 PM

      Thank you, Victoria. I don't know how brave I am but I can't just sit and watch life play itself out without doing something. So, I write it out in my stories
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  34. Susan Gourley/KelleyApril 9, 2021 at 12:30 AM

    I think the realism is what draws readers into a story and opens their emotions to the characters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:09 PM

      I agree with you, Susan. The realism draws the reader. Thank you for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  35. Michelle WallaceApril 9, 2021 at 5:48 PM

    Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month, Pat.
    I do believe in trying new things and moving beyond one's comfort zone; but I don't think that I'm a "real" risk-taker.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:10 PM

      Thank you, Michelle. You don't have to be a real risk taker. Write what you're comfortable with.
      Have a nice April.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  36. Ronel Janse van VuurenApril 10, 2021 at 8:50 AM

    "walking to eternity" is such a pretty turn of phrase! And it can mean so many things (if you write fantasy)... Mm, giving me ideas!

    Thanks for co-hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:12 PM

      Thank you, Ronel. I hope you develop those ideas. It would be interesting to hear them.
      Have a nice April.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  37. Luciana CavallaroApril 11, 2021 at 10:02 AM

    I like you aim to put realism into your romance stories. Certainly better than the Mill and Boon books that are little too whimisical and unrealistic.
    Thank you for keeping it real.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaApril 21, 2021 at 3:13 PM

      Thank you for the compliment. I know Mill and Boon are world-wide and have many readers, so that is a compliment that has made my day.
      Have a lovely April.
      Shalom aleichem

      Delete
  38. Sherry EllisMay 4, 2021 at 7:50 PM

    Not everything is a happily ever after. It's good to have a dose of reality in a romance story.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Debra Renée ByrdMay 12, 2021 at 4:25 PM

    I feel like I appreciate romance stories with a little darkness in them more than light-hearted ones.

    Thanks for co-hosting last month!

    ReplyDelete

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