IWSG: September 2020 - Choosing an Author

If 2020 were a famous author, I would not read his book let alone ask him to be my beta partner. Why? I've seen his movie and it stinks. But I do have a writer in mind. Follow me...

This post was written for the Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly blogging event created and brought to you by writer Alex J Cavanaugh. His awesome co-hosts for September are:  PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise - Fundy Blue! Go visit their blogs when you can. 

The optional question for September is: If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why?

I have so many favorite authors that's it's almost shameful. I also enjoy reading a plethora (remember when that word was trending?) of different genres. From mystery thriller to literary fiction and everything in between, I like it all. 

In this post, I won't mention current writers, those that I know through blogging and have writer crushes on because they're great writers and great people. I won't call them by name because I don't want them to feel obligated to be my beta partner. I wouldn't include John Steinbeck or Stephen King, but wouldn't say no if they asked to be my beta partner. I might say no to Steinbeck because...he's dead, but maybe not.

For short story writers, I would choose William Gay or TC Boyles, but not this time. 

My choice goes way back to grade school and the first book I remember loving: Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I discovered Laura when I was around the age of 10, when one of my worst teachers of all time read Laura's first book to our class. I was hooked right away and after it ended read some of the others that year.  At some point, I wanted to write Laura a letter to tell her how much I loved her books. When I mentioned this, our 'lovely and helpful' (T. says sarcastically) teacher informed me that Mrs. Wilder was dead, and I couldn't send the letter. I remember grieving Laura's passing and my missed opportunity. To my delight, when I grew up, I discovered that Laura's adult homes, and writing location of her books, were located not far from where I live in Missouri. 

This year is the first, IN YEARS, that I haven't visited the homes of Laura and Almonzo Wilder due to Covid. Most years, I visited twice. 

My pick for a beta partner goes to Laura Ingalls Wilder. She was a great storyteller. I think Mrs. Wilder would be kind but direct about my writing and helpful, especially when she saw the love in my heart for her writing. 

In case you’re interested, below are a few posts I wrote at The Ruralhood about Laura visits inside and outside my state. There may be others.  FIRST, go visit the other bloggers who wrote for the IWSG. 

Laura and the Masters Hotel

Little House on the Prairie- Kansas

Laura in Mansfield 

Keep writing and reading!

T.