Mama Diaries

Monday, April 5, 2021

IWSG Post and Cat Caper

 


This month's Insecure Writer's Support Group question is, "Do you take risks when writing?"

Nope. I write for kids, so the last thing I want to do is offend them or their parents. In fact, while writing the Bubba and Squirt books, I do a lot of research on culture. I take special care to write in such a way as to be respectful of the culture. I hear about it if I don't succeed. (And yes, I actually did offend someone with one of Bubba's comments in my first book. Most kids would have found it funny, and  a good way to remember what something was called, but this particular person didn't.)  

What about you? Are you a risk-taker when it comes to writing? Have you ever offended someone with what you've written?

And now for the story:  We haven't heard much about Bootsy lately, but I assure you, he is alive and well. The other day, my ex went outside to put something in the garbage. When he opened the lid, who do you think he found?  Yep. Bootsy! The sneaky cat was feasting on leftover fried chicken. Do you think Bootsy was at all concerned about being discovered? No! He licked his paws, jumped down, and casually sauntered off. (I don't know if you remember a previous story where he teamed up with Schultz and raided the garbage. Guess he's still up to his old tricks!)  In case you are wondering, Bootsy doesn't much care for the new puppy, Klaus. He barks too much. I think he still misses his buddy, Schultz. 

Finally, for your entertainment, I collaborated virtually with my friend, a cellist, to play some more music. if you'd like to listen, you can go here.

48 comments:

  1. Hi, Sherry!

    I admire you for doing copious amounts of research to make sure the settings of your stories and historical details revealed in them are accurate, and that you take care not to disparage people of other cultures.

    Yessum, I would say that I routinely take risks in my writing but, as a blogger, I don't have anything to lose. It's quite different for you. As a published author of books for young people, you need to avoid ruffling feathers, focus on gaining readers' trust and building a dedicated following.

    Thanks for the updates on your kitty and his latest caper and info about his relationship with your new pup. I know all of you miss your gentle three-legged giant Schultz, and that includes Bootsy. I hope Klaus quiets down soon and he and Bootsy become good friends.

    I loved the glorious piece you uploaded to YouTube in which you performed on violin accompanied by friend Mia on cello and bass. The pandemic wears on, but it cannot halt the creation and appreciation of fine art and music. Your virtuosity is proof of that.

    Have a wonderful week, dear friend Sherry!

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  2. The only risky thing I do as a writer is challenge *myself* by doing differently than I have been, like pansting rather than planning my last WIP.
    Bootsy seems like he has a good idea about how to take care of his needs. One soul's trash is Bootsy's fried chicken :)
    {Enjoyed your playing very much}

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  3. The only risk I take is that "I'm not offending anyone". I admire your writing Sherry. Keep up the good work.
    Have a great week.
    Take care.
    Yvonne.

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  4. Yes, I think you have to be careful when you write about different cultures and are writing about kids.

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  5. In this day and age, there is always someone who will be offended. Their problem.
    Bootsy is a smart cat.

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    Replies
    1. Bootsy is a genius. I'm sure he'll be teaching Klaus some of his bad tricks soon.

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  6. I truly was worried about not hearing anything about Bootsy! Nice to hear he is well fed... even if it is from a garbage bin LOL My cats will sometimes refuse to eat something from their bowl but when I bin it into trash they will go there and eat it straight from the garbage... very weird animals.

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  7. It's tough being a writer. You have so much research to do while trying not offend someone. But there will always be someone who will be critical. Can't please them all. Stay true to yourself.

    Bootsy sounds like another comical character in your household. Made me laugh.

    Your mini concert was refreshing to hear, Sherry.

    Blessings,

    Tracy

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  8. I don't know if I'm a writing risktaker. I haven't taken one as of yet, but if the opportunity presents itself... We'll see.

    Bootsy is quite the operator.

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  9. I can't believe you offended anyone!!!
    I love Bootsy! LOL!
    Big Hugs Sherry!

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  10. I think you should be more careful in your opinion

    Would you like to follow each other? If the answer is yes, please follow me on my blog & I'll follow you back. thank you.

    http://www.rosetinz.com

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  11. Some people are easily offended. I certainly never see anything offensive in your writing. I offended someone once with a blog post--a person who had never commented before and wasn't a follower but turned up to tell me a post was in poor taste. I didn't take it seriously. My risk-taking days have pretty much ended.

    Love,
    Janie

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    Replies
    1. Everybody has an opinion. And some people just like to stir up trouble.

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  12. Sometimes I think people hunt for something to be offended by whether they really are or not. Great to hear about Bootsy.

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  13. Hi,
    I can understand you not taking risks. I read the Mayan Adventure and enjoyed it.
    All the best.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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  14. I'm always amazed at what offends people. I'd like to tell them to relax and stop taking life or their point of view so seriously.

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  15. When writing about other cultures the best of care is required. I think you did well with your Bubba and Squirt books.

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  16. Oh yes. Being cautious about other cultures (or one you're highlighting in a character's life, etc...) is super important. Accuracy is also a must. I know while writing Motley (and it's sequel, which is releasing later this year) I did a ton of research on the true 'facts' of Norse Mythology. One - so I could include correct details, and two, so I could veer from them to create a few details of my own that apply to my story world. :) Guess those were my risks.

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    Replies
    1. It's amazing how much research we have to do when we write!

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  17. You will always offend someone. Can't help it these days. Bootsy is a smart kitty indeed.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, he is. He can probably teach your cats a thing or two!

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  18. I'm finding it harder and harder to write kidlit because of this whole offending someone thing. It makes one totally overthink everything...which isn't always good.

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    1. Yes. And when you think you've covered all the bases, somebody will find something offensive. So hard to please everybody!

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  19. I have written a lot of things that have offended folks and have made people mad. I gave up being a columnist years ago (I did that for a few years and was even threaten because of my threatening satire), but after the capitol incident this year, I had to speak out and a lot of people took offense! But I also tend to take risk in life (even though I have never cared for gambling).

    Cute story!

    https://fromarockyhillside.com

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    1. Sorry you've experienced people taking offense to your words. That's a risk we take in putting ourselves out there.

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  20. I think the research you do is important. When writing about other cultures you want to make sure the information is correct for sure. Sometimes we can offend people without intending to and we can learn from those moments for sure.

    Funny story about your kitty. :)
    ~Jess

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  21. I'm with you on research and especially when it comes to research into someone's culture/religious practice.

    A typical cat then. I'm not at all surprised by Bootsy' lack of concern on being caught out like this

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    1. Yes. It's so easy to offend someone if you don't completely understand their religion or culture.

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  22. It must be hard to write for children, or really, those picky parents. Bravo to you for doing it! Children need books so they'll learn to love to read. It's important.

    Cats... ha ha ha. I love how they get into things.

    Your blog is mentioned on my blog on the fifteenth. <3

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  23. Replies
    1. Yes, he is. Doesn't care what anybody thinks about what he does!

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  24. Smart kitty. And yes, there's always someone.

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