My current work-in-progress is in the hands of beta readers, so I’ve begun working on a couple other projects. One of the projects requires what might be called confirmational research—verifying that what I think I know is in fact accurate. Outside of the authors I know, I’m not sure much of this kind of activity goes on anymore.

While technology has made research much easier than when I was in school, when I was working and even six years ago when I started writing, one problem remains—and it’s getting stronger: Research leads to discovery—discovery feeds curiosity—curiosity creates a need for new research.

Of course, a lot of the things I discovered have absolutely nothing to do with my project.

My sad state of affairs for One-Liner Wednesday by Linda G. Hill

I guess I’ll take comfort in the fact that I am enjoying myself, and I am not marching to any certain deadline.

Note: To date, I’ve always introduced my new books on One-Liner Wednesday, so I thought I’d introduce the book that arrived yesterday afternoon. It’s Teagan Geneviene’s latest book, The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers. It’s a wonderful book, and you can buy it here.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

79 responses to “Sucked In—1LinerWeds”

  1. Good morning Dan… I bet that checking and rechecking information is a big thing these days especially as truth is now bent and shaped to the whims of the source.

    The photos are brilliantly atmospheric today…all the fog and rain droppletts . I love the “storm coming” night shot and the obscured flag ….hidden but still there. ….Very apt in these strange days. 💜💜💜

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Willow. I love walking after a rain. The day I took many of these, I only thought it had stopped raining. I didn’t feel drops, but I came home wet. I do feel it was a good day for the times we’re living in. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.

      As for the research, getting things right is always an issue, but I fear it’s going to be harder as our government removes access to some information. They’re painting a skewed version of the past, and I think they’ve made a previous treasure-trove of information unreliable.

      Like

    2. Thanks Willow. I love walking after a rain. The day I took many of these, I only thought it had stopped raining. I didn’t feel drops, but I came home wet. I do feel it was a good day for the times we’re living in. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.

      As for the research, getting things right is always an issue, but I fear it’s going to be harder as our government removes access to some information. They’re painting a skewed version of the past, and I think they’ve made a previous treasure-trove of information unreliable.

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      1. Your right about governments and information! At first it was known knowns and unknown knowns…then it was fake news..

        goodnes knows what’s next? 💜🥃

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Noting good from this side

          Like

  2. There’s a good range of weather there, Dan, and Teagan’s book sounds like a lot of fun xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Jo. We don’t know from one day to the next what the weather is going to bring us. Teagan’s book is a fun ride (literally and in some amazing vehicles).

      Liked by 2 people

  3. I had to laugh, if somewhat ruefully, at your comment that “not much of this activity goes on anymore.” I wish you weren’t so right! On the brighter side of life, there are those beautiful little water drops. And the silhouettes of the trees against the clouds. I hope rabbits don’t eat hyacinths — those buds look very promising!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Some of the comments I hear myself making lately (in response to others) seem to start with some version of: “Yes, but did you know…” As for the hyacinths, last year the bunnies ignored them. I hope they do this time. The bulbs I planted in October are not producing. Some aren’t even in the ground anymore :(

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh, woe for those poor bulbs! We need their color so badly! I’m glad to see that you got my comment; I got the message that I’d already said it AND that no replies could be left on that post! I repeat myself a lot, I know, but WP had a nerve telling me that I was repeating my comment. No, I wasn’t. But then it got posted anyway. Go figure.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I get that response a lot. I think it’s when WordPress is trying to post a duplicate comment. Comments are so fouled up and the moment, I never know what to expect.

          I’ve been putting the bulbs back in the ground, but it’s probably too late for this year.

          Liked by 1 person

  4. Sometimes it’s hard to pull away from those rabbit holes once down in them. The waterdrops and fog images are really nice. I loved the Veteran’s’ Park one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Deborah. Research is hard to break away from, but I enjoy it, so… I love walking in the fog. Everything takes on a mysterious appearance.

      Like

  5. Love the pictures. They look cold and damp, but I remember when!

    How nice of you to offer your time and space to Teagan, even though you are busy with your own projects. You two are quite the team!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Cold and damp describes the day perfectly, GP. It wasn’t raining when I left, but I came home wet.

      Teagan has been so supportive of my writing, I always want to help spread the word. This time, it’s even easier for me. I know this story well, and I’ve been waiting for this book to become available.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. And of course, that road locomotive! :D

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you kindly, GP. I have my announcement posting tomorrow. I hope you’re having a great week. Hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Oh, it has been terrific!

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Hi Dan – yes curiosity always gets the better of me … and recently there was a young Mexican student here in Eastbourne – who joined in one of the groups I participate in – improving her English. She’s just returned to Mexico – and emailed saying you’re always curious … so here’s some pictures and info on my return home!! Curiosity travels!! That heavy mist looks particularly gloomy … while Teagan’s book looks to be really interesting – alchemists have always intrigued me – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That was very nice of the woman to send you the information. Participating in local groups is a great way to improve language skills. I’m glad she found it so helpful.

      Cornelis Drebbel is a wonderful alchemist to build a story around, and Teagan did a great job of it.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you kindly, Hilary. It’s a very whimsical romp, lots of lighthearted fun. That sounds like a fun group you have. Hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Wonderful photos Dan, water drops and fog always in the winners circle.
    I know what you mean. When I look up info for the Bird of the Week I disappear down rabbit holes gathering things I didn’t need to know but were interesting.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Curious minds, Brian. They can’t be stopped.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Your photos are always great, Dan, but they’re exceptional today. And congratulations to Teagan!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Dave, on both counts!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Beautiful photos of those water droplets.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Frank. That little branch is on a maple tree in a friend’s yard. I walk past it most days, and I love the way the water collects on those finger-like ends.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    Sometimes searching for a bit of information produces too much information. It almost obscures what we were originally searching for.

    Your clump of Hyacinths will be a beautiful welcome to spring when they bloom. Right now, even the bright green is a welcome bit of color. I love that fat Robin soaking up the sun, but those foggy photos are the best. Fog is mysterious and magical at the same time.

    No mistaking it is Old Glory flying high. Not even the heavy fog can do that.

    Happy Hump Day Dan. Enjoy the warmer temperatures.

    Ginger 🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re so right, Ginger, sometimes I get lost in the rabbit holes, but at least it’s interesting.

      Last year, the bunnies left the hyacinths alone. I hope we get to see them bloom, but the bright green is most welcome.

      I like being out in the fog, everything has that mysterious “what’s beyond?” vibe going for it. Even the flag looked shrouded in mystery, but she’s there.

      I don’t know about warm, it was 30 when I walked today. I’d like to see 40s and 50s in the morning. I know, what I like doesn’t matter. I hope you have a nice rest of the week.

      Like

  11. Some of my most popular blog posts are the result of getting off track while I’m researching a topic, then deciding to go down the rabbit hole to learn about something else!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It’s how we learn.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. ‘Research leads to discovery—discovery feeds curiosity—curiosity creates a need for new research.’–I love this, Dan. And so true. And there we go down another rabbit hole.

    The hyacinths look so pretty. Do the bunnies eat those, too?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Last year, the bunnies didn’t eat the hyacinths. Of course, there were more choices at the time because we had an early spring. These are the only green things out there right now.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Your weather is a bit like ours, Dan. One day warm, the next freezing. Your photos have captured the season beautifully. My congratulations to Teagan and to you! I’m looking forward to great reads. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Gwen. I have my announcement tomorrow. We’re having crazy weather down here too. Hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thanks Gwen. Our weather flips back and forth between March’s lion and lamb. I’m rooting for the lamb.

      Liked by 2 people

  14. I’m like Ally!

    And this is a wonderful selection of photos, Dan. Truly beautiful.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. We get so many crows in our yard. Around 4 pm, they darken the sky, returning en masse from wherever they spent the day. And they are big!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They are big. We had lots of them here last spring – I think while they had juveniles in the nest. We loved seeing them, and we still get some that show up for a handout every day.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s a little hard not to get intimidated by their numbers and their power, and their lack of fear of humans. But I’m training myself.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. They say crows remember people’s faces and can hold a grudge for years. We are always nice to the ones that show up here.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Ooops. Glad you warned me.

            Like

  16. The water drops photos is amazing, Dan. Great to see Teagan’s new book here today! Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The water drops photos caught my eyes, too!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thanks Jan. I love it when I walk and I see those drops on that branch. It’s a good thing I know the lady that owns the house because I’m working around trying to get the right angle.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ha! Ha! Yep. At least you won’t wind up in jail for trespassing. :)

        Liked by 1 person

  17. I do love a foggy day! (As long as I don’t need to drive in it, that is.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, I love to walk in the fog.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Dan, you gem. What a wonderful surprise. Many thanks for the mention of my steampunk novel and for including the link! That’s a great start to my day.
    There’s nothing like a good research rabbit hole. Indulging that is the best part of not having a hard deadline.
    Both of the water droplet photos are wonderful compositions. I love them. The “coming storm” is wonderfully moody too. Thank you again — and hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re welcome, Teagan. You know I’ve been waiting for this. I also want to add that I love the way the book is formatted. It’s very easy to read, and I am moving through it quickly.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. D.L. Finn, Author Avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author

    Congrats on being in the beta reading stage, Dan :) Great pics! Love the water drops.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Denise. This book might spend a longer time in that stage. I am happy with it, but I want to get it right. I know you know what that’s like.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. D.L. Finn, Author Avatar
        D.L. Finn, Author

        I do and look forward to reading when it’s ready

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Ooo, the foggies! I do love a good, thick fog — as long as nobody has to drive in it.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I hope you’re beta readers provide you with encouraging and helpful feedback! Teagan certainly has the most awesome covers – I’m dreadfully behind in my reading.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m behind in my reading, too, but I’m picking up speed. The beta readers always help.

      Like

  22. Although we don’t often get them in our yard, the early evening skies are filled with a huge flock/murder of crows headed “home.” They are fun to watch.

    I love your photo of the branch drops and I hope you post pictures of your hyacinths when they flower.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I will post pictures, if the bunnies don’t eat the hyacinths before they bloom.

      Like

  23. Hi Dan, I love all the photos and your lead-in discussion on research for writing.

    Love the water droplets photo…superb..

    And of course Smokey is so adorable.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Suzette. I know from your Thursday Doors posts that you are a fan of research.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Congrats on handing off your project to the beta readers – love the droplets!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Every train of thought has too many branches for sure.
    I like especially the fog photos–so mysterious. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. The fog does add mystery to everything it consumes.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. […] to Dan Antion for his announcement of the book yesterday!  Click here for his […]

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  27. Another fabulous post, Dan, and thanks for the announcement. Teagan’s stories are always fun! ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Olga. I couldn’t resist sharing the news. I’m enjoying this book so much.

      Like

  28. Dan I wonderful surprise. I saw foggy day.Anita

    Like

  29. You seem as skilled with the camera as you are with the pen. Writing a monthly history column for a publication often leads me down longer and longer rabbit holes, all of which are intriguing. And all constitute research!

    Cheers,

    Amanda

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much. I’m glad you enjoy research. I guess you would have to, writing a history column.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Absolutely, but the reading is all interesting

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Researchvis a good way to proactively protect onself from reader offence (and offense too)! Haha. Thanks for the link to the audiobooks. I will check them out.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. I hope you like them

      Like

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