AtoZ Theme Reveal: "America's Hometown-Hannibal, MO"

You might be wondering what makes Hannibal, Missouri "America's Hometown." Aren't all small towns nestled along the Mississippi River a piece of American history? What makes this place stand out from the rest? American novelist and humorist, Mark Twain, grew up in Hannibal. His boyhood home is only a stones throw from the Big River. My family has made this place our home for the past seven years.

We will explore Hannibal, Mark Twain's stomping grounds, where all of his real-life shenanigan's took place. You will also learn of a feisty female in history who was born just a half-mile from Mark Twain's home. We'll also talk fiction. After all, Mark Twain was one of the greatest fiction writers of all time. His humor and wit inspire me everyday as as I walk in his footsteps. Hope to see you on April 1st for a fun, photographic journey of Twain's town.

Downtown Hannibal, MO

Are you participating in the AtoZ Challenge? Have you ever visited Hannibal? What's your favorite small town? Thanks for stopping by!

PHOTOS: all photos are mine unless otherwise stated.

March IWSG: Comfort Zone

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

I crossed the finish line this past month, writing my first ever upper, middle-grade urban fantasy. Now, it rests in the hands of my CP's and beta readers. I'm already receiving an overwhelming amount of positive feedback! This past fall, I stepped out of my comfort zone to try my hand at writing an urban fantasy which is 50% contemporary and 50% fantasy (where magical elements aren't the norm) and it's set in a city, hence the word, urban. For a genre I've never written before, this means the world to me!!

I may only ever write UF fiction for the rest of my life. NO I don't write about vampires and werewolves or zombies, unless you count the zombie-like MC waking up in the middle of the night. It's something new and fresh and derived from my overactive imagination and my love for sci-fi and all things retro. I will be pitching it as Night at the Museum meets The Matrix.

I'm looking forward to the AtoZ Blogging Challenge next month where I will also be a Sidekick for the contest. This time I'm getting ahead of the game by writing my posts in the month of March. As far as my theme, I will leave you with a hint in the form of a question:

What famous author grew up on the Mississippi River?

Have you ever written out of your comfort zone? Do you trust your work to CP's and beta readers? Are you participating in the AtoZ Blogging Challenge next month? Hope to see you there!

Photo: mine (notice my daughter playing in the fountain!)