Tameri, Why do you blog?

My first 2nd year celebration post is from Tameri Etherton.  I meet Tameri on April 4, 2012. She commented on a blog post I wrote during the 2012 A to Z Challenge called H – History of Australia (Criminals & Drunks).  I’m sure the title had nothing to do with why she commented, but this is what she said, “I think ‘sculled’ is my new new favorite word (it was ‘goober’ until reading this). I’m assuming sculled means drank? If so, I’m totally using it in my next book!”
Thank you, Tameri, for all your support. So, Tameri, Who do you blog? 

That’s a tricky question. As writers, we’re told we need to blog, that we must find our readers and cultivate an audience, but to me, that seems trite. Dishonest, even.

I don’t blog to court fame, I do it for the simple reason that I like people and I always want to know their story.

Through blogging I’ve met some amazing people, like Sydney. People I wouldn’t normally have the chance to know if not through their presence online. Some of these people I’ve had the extraordinary pleasure of meeting offline. Whether I know them in person or just through cyber space, all of them have enriched my life in a multitude of ways that not only could I never count, but never repay.

That’s why I blog. As a thank you to those other bloggers out there and as a way to connect with people.

If my words can touch someone, then I’ve accomplished something remarkable.

If my words make someone laugh, then the world is a bit lighter for their laughter.

Words matter. Whether they be critical and harsh, or positive and full of hope, they influence the way we think, feel, speak, and live. I blog because my words are a connection from me to other humans out in the nether reaches of the Internet. They connect us.

And connections are what make my heart smile. Because in the end, a connection made is a friendship formed.

Friendships formed are stories shared. People are fascinating creatures with the most incredible stories to tell and I like hearing them.

What’s your story?

My Weekly Update – Good Week

Highlights

I received my first paycheck as a writer this week.  I ghost wrote a blog post for a beauty blog and that’s all that I am liberty to say about it.  It pretty exciting to be a paid writer and I have another assignment due this week. Super proud of myself. I’m not going to strike it rich anytime soon, but it’s satisfying being able to earn money doing what you love.

How did you feel when you sold your first book, first, poem, first article? 

Award

My new blog friend and book club host M.L. Swift gave me the The Leibster Award.  Thanks so much M.L.

Blog Anniversary

I’m a little late with my anniversary plans.  Since my actual anniversary was in February, I decided to celebrate the beginning of my second year of blogging by reaching out to some amazing writers to ponder and guest post on “Why do I blog?”. I received some insightful responses and can’t wait to share them with you.  See the schedule below.

  • March 12 – Tameri Etherton
  • March 19 – Vikki Thompson
  • March 22 – D.C. McMillen
  • March 25 – Alex Cavanaugh
  • March 27 – Misha Gericke
  • March 28 – Mark Means
  • March 29 – EM Castellan
Post to Ponder
What I Learned from the Editor: Round 1 by Jordanna East – Its great to understand your bad habits. May save time in your next project.
Writing Madly to a Deadline and then Not Submit by Jennifer M. Eaton – Do you have this type of integrity and respect for your work.
The First Time We Met:  Memorable Characters and First Impressions by Felicia Scotzig – I can’t decide which character is my favorite.
Out of the Mouths of Babes by Jemi Fraser – How does your story stack up to the check list?
New Followers
Mark Riddle
Damyanti Writes
Jason Alan
 
Next Weeks Schedule
Tuesday – Anniversary Guest Post – Tameri Etherton
Wednesday – Trust in Me Blog Blitz
Friday – Got Green Bloghop – get your irish stories ready.
Sunday – My Weekly Update
 
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Are you Ready to Exhale? Blog Tour

exhalebannerCongratulations to Jennifer Snyder on the release of her YA Contemporary Romance Exhale.

BLURB:

Inhaling in life is easy. It’s the exhaling—the letting go— that’s the hard part.

Katie Elliot has always known the Conner twins. For years she secretly pined after one, while playfully averting the advances of the other. Once upon a time, she was fine with that. Then came the moment when her twin of preference kissed her and changed everything.

As if realizing love can be complex—even when it’s reciprocated—isn’t hard enough, tragedy strikes, tearing Katie and the boy she’s always desired apart. Finding herself torn between love and guilt, Katie must learn when it’s acceptable to let go—when it’s finally okay to exhale.

GENRE: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

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Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is an instant coffee lover with an obsession for spiral bound notebooks and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

GIVEAWAY:

One (1) print copy of Exhale. US ONLY.

One (1) Ebook copy of Exhale.

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Amazon              B&N            Smashwords

Connect with Jennifer Snyder

Blog      Twitter     Goodreads     Facebook

SQM – Silver Linings Playbook

tbn_14284b48d7c67458It appears this movie is either loved or hated. And, those who hate it do so because it hits so close to home.

I though it was great. Honest and messy and raw and unexpected, with great dialogue. Bradley Cooper is greatness. DeNiro as always is greatness. Jennifer Lawrence on the cusp of greatness.

Yeah, I liked the movie.

Quotes of Note

Tiffany (Oscar Winner Jennifer Lawrence):

“Can we get through one fucking conversation without you reminding me that my goddamn husband’s dead?”

“You’re not a standup guy today, Pat!”

“I opened up to you, and you judged me.”

“I was a slut. There will always be a part of me that is dirty and sloppy, but I like that just like all the other parts of myself.  I can forgive. Can you say the same for yourself, fucker?  Can you forgive?  Are you capable of that?”

“Yes, I’m Tommy’s crazy whore widow. Minus the whore think, for the most part.”

“I have a problem?” You say more inappropriate things than appropriate things.”

“I do this! Time after time after time. I do all this shit for other people and then I wake up and I’m empty. I have nothing.”

“You’re killing me!”

Pat (The Adorable Bradley Cooper):

“You have poor social skills. You have a problem.”

“The only way to beat me crazy was by doing something even crazier. Thank you. I love you. I knew it from the moment I saw you. I’m sorry it took me so long to catch up.”

“I’m not flirting with you.”

“I just see that you made an effort, and I’m gonna be better with my wife.  I’m working on that. I wanna acknowledge her beauty.  I never used to do that. I do now. Just practicing. How’d Tommy die?”

“I was trying to be romantic.”

“The world will break your heart ten ways to Sunday. That’s guaranteed. I can’t begin to explain that. Or the craziness inside myself and everyone else. But guess what? Sunday’s my favorite day again. I think of what everyone did for me, and I feel like a very lucky guy.”

Have you seen it? What did you think?

Related Post
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Review – Tim’s Film Review
Movie Review:  “Silver Linings Playbook” – SparklyPrettyBriiiight

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

My blog schedule this week has been turned upside down. I can’t believe I almost forgot about IWSG.

As always, we have Alex J. Cavanaugh to thank for gathering like minded writers together to vent and support.  This month, we also need to thank Misha Gericke and Joylene Nowell Butler.  Even a Ninja Captain needs some help every once in awhile. 

InsecureWritersSupportGroupMy goal this month with IWSG is to stave off some future insecurities.  As I mentioned before, I’m attending a few writer’s conferences this year. The first one is March 22-25, the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival.  There is this great session about using the city of New Orleans as the setting in your novel.  Since, my first novel is set in New Orleans, I can’t wait.

Here’s were I need help.  I’ve been thinking about how to introduce myself.   I was thinking something like, “Hi, my name is Sydney, I write romantic comedies are you a writer/agent/publisher/editor/reader/blogger?” Then depending on their answer, the conversation will continue accordingly?

I am joking. I want to leave an impression somewhere between “let’s give her a 100,000.00 advance today” and “Did you hear about that girl Sydney? Stay away from her.”

What is the best way to introduce yourself at these event? 

Btw, check out my new business cards. Suggestions welcomed. I haven’t gone to print, yet.

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