Blog Love – Page 3 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

D.C. Why do you blog?

Published on March 21, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle12 Comments

I met D.C. McMillen on May 18, 2012. She commented on a Sydney Quotes the Movies (SQM) post I did on the greatness of Peter Berg. Her comment, “I’m not sure if I’ll watch Battleship but I will definitely look for Very Bad Things and The Losers. I wanted to see both of those but they just fell off my radar so…thanks!”

A few month later, she was featured on Tattoo Tuesday. Check out her tattoo story.

I was super excited to have a blog swap with her today. You can check out my guest post on her site were I delve into sex, pizza and writing. But, first, let me ask D.C., why do you blog?

First, congratulations on your one-year anniversary! Second, thanks so much for inviting me to celebrate the occasion with you. It’s good that I get out and about, really, so I truly appreciate the invite.

So now you want to know why I blog. Well, if you ask my boyfriend, he would tell you it is because I am an overly motivated, internet addicted nerd who simply isn’t happy to just relax and watch television with him for two or so hours every evening. If you ask my mother, it is because I simply must find an outlet to exude my creative genius. You gotta love moms but boyfriends can be pretty damn annoying, especially when their version of the truth is slightly more accurate than your biggest fan, the one who just happened to raise you.

I blog about shit that interests me, funny stuff that happened over the course of my day, ridiculous memories that just won’t die no matter how many extra-dirty martinis in which I try to drown them and, of course, my writing. In fact, my boyfriend sometimes asks me what I’m blogging about (not often but always during a commercial) (Doesn’t that sound like a Dos Equis ad? I don’t always ask her what she’s doing but when I do, it’s during a commercial). If my answer to his question is, “my latest release,” he will respond with something along the lines of, “You’re writing about your writing. Do you know how lame that sounds?” to which I usually respond, “It only sounds lame when you’re saying it, Buttercup. Now go back to watching Mythbusters.” But I digress….

What my boyfriend doesn’t get is that writing is an especially important marketing tool for a writer. It’s also a good warm up to get you through that inevitable writer’s block. It’s a great way to make connections and friends with writers and readers, practice your skills (especially editing skills, an area in which I need all the help and practice I can get, likely evidenced here by my overuse of parenthesis) and it’s a shitload more interesting than watching grown men wrestle gators or whittle duck calls on television. For me, it also helps me keep my good humour. When something stupid, annoying or otherwise unpleasant happens, the first thought that pops into my head is not a negative one. Instead I cheerfully think about how this is going to make a fantastic blog post.

So there it is. Why I blog!

Wait.

Since I’m here, and I did briefly bring up the whole a blog is a marketing tool thing, how about I plug my soon-to-be-released naughty little short story before I go? The Wedding is going to be available on April 5^th at all of the usual online book retailer places. Here is the blurb and, if you’re interested in winning a copy before the publish date, please leave a comment below.

The Wedding

Karen is not the type to attend a wedding with a guy she’s only slept with once but, in a rare display of empathy, she agrees to accompany her new landlord Allan to this sure-to-be-boring function. Fortunately, Karen knows how to have a good time, and she’s pretty sure she and Allan can make their own fun…even if they have to do it in the outdoors just steps away from a couple hundred stuffy wedding guests.

Vikki, Why do you blog?

Published on March 19, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle22 Comments

Here’s another addition of my 2nd year celebration. I would like to introduce you to Vikki Thompson from The View Outside. I first met Vikki on May 2, 2012. She commented on a blog post I wrote called Distracted, Again. Her comment:

“Hi I am sooooo distracted right now in my writing that I really am not one to offer advice lol. So I’m just stopping by (via the Insecure Writers Group) to say I know exactly how you feel There just aren’t enough hours in the day lol Good luck!!!!Xx”

She has been super support ever since. So, Vikki, why do you blog?

When Sydney asked me the question Why Do You Blog? I turned to Molly Greene for inspiration. These are the reasons Molly suggests as to why writers blog:

To connect to readers.

To practice craft, discipline, voice and style.

To form relationships with other authors.

To establish an effective platform.

To blog a book or 2.

To build an e mail list.

All valid “writerly” reasons, but none of these questions sum up WHY I (in italics BIG letters lol) blog (although the 2nd one is definitely something I’ve benefitted from).

At first I started to blog for my own selfish reasons, to keep a record of my writing journey. The things I learnt about writing, so that I could see progression (if there was any!) in my work. But what i discovered is that overnight, I became part of a community. A community of “writers” and i was accepted in with open arms. That was a bit of a shock. People commenting on MY Blog? Really? Why? It took me ages to get my head around that one lol.

You see, for me, Blogging = a community of like minded people who all share the same fears, hopes and dreams. I love the fact that chats, discussions and ideas cross oceans and time zones. I get support, a shoulder to cry on (when required) and a pat on the back just when I need it the most. In return, I do the same 🙂

So why do I Blog? Because no other social media gives me such a sense of belonging as my little corner of WordPress. I may not have thousands of followers, but i don’t care. Each and every one of my followers are part of writing family 🙂

That includes you Sydney! Happy Blogiversary xx

What about you? Why do you blog?

My Weekly Update – Proud

Published on March 17, 2013March 16, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle6 Comments

Proud

Yesterday, I attend the funeral of a close family friend. A beautiful celebration which culminated his sons speaking eloquently about what their father meant to them. So, touching. I am proud to have known him and his family.

I was also proud to be with my family during the ceremony. We are so blessed to be able to spend time together.

RIP Uncle Milton.

Favorite Find

I found this vlog, KelsNotChelsNotLive, the other day on Google+. I love this girl. She is so funny and so on point when it comes to writers and writing.

This was my favorite, but she has a whole series, check them out on YouTube.

Have you thought about doing a Video Blog? What’s stopping you?

New Followers

Valeriu Dg Barbu

Katya Moonstone

Cheryl at CK Poisoned Rose’s Writings

Opinionated Man

Live Life Love Bacon

Adam P Bellotto at Eat, Sleep, Television

Next Week’s Schedule

Monday – Ninja Captain Alex Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest

Tuesday – Anniversary Guest Post – Vikki Thompson

Wednesday – Progressive Book Club Post – Save the Cat

Thursday – The Big Reveal Bloghop

Friday – Anniversary Guest Post – D.C. McMillen

Sunday – My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – Edits, Please.

Published on March 3, 2013March 2, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle9 Comments

I’m a Minnion

Thanks to Nicole from The Madlab Post for choosing me to be one of her minions.

I am on a staff with Sheila Siler, Tami Van Zalez and M.J. Joachim. A talented, smart and fun group to be a part of and we will do Nicole proud.

Have you signed up for the A to Z Challenge? For more information, read this.

Still trying to figure out a theme, read this.

Third Week Of Edits

In order to stay up to date on my edits, I have a number of accountabilities (that’s a word) in place.

the writers dojo – As a part of NiNoReMo group, I have set a goal to edit 12 chapters in the month of March. Ali cross and the rest of the group are super supportive and I don’t want to let them down.
Beta readers – I am sending chapters to my beta readers as soon as I finish editing them and it’s a good sign when my beta’s are calling me to send more chapters. They are breathless with anticipation (anyone know where that quote comes from?). And, one of my beta’s said, I can’t wait to see if the main characters get together, but she picked the wrong two main characters, so she is going to be in for a surprise. That’s what I hope every reading my book when they read it. I suck them in and then turn the tables on it. hahahahaha(evil laugh).
DFW Writer’s Conference – I want my beta’s to finish reading so I can have all edits done and ready to go for the conference in May. All those agents out there are just waiting to read my manuscript. 😉

Do you work better when you’re held accountable or are you one of those internally motivated people (~~hate envy~~ proud of those people)?

Post to Ponder – Edit Edition

Chapter Edits – A Quick Overview by Raewyn Hewitt – If you’re new to editing and not sure where to start, follow these steps. It will get you far.

Four Situations When We Should Tell Rather than Show by Marcy Kennedy – I know this sounds blasphemous, but read it. It makes so much sense.

Close Edits: What I Look Out For by Tara Tyler – Great list of edits to look for.

My Favorite Blog of the Week

Rejection Love Letters – John Tompkins is a writer who has turn rejection into triumph. Ok, maybe not triumph, but he certainly has the right attitude. I have been LOL’ing over his sight all week. He turns his rejection letters into love letter.

New Followers

Next Week’s Schedule

Tuesday – Tattoo Tuesday – calling all tattoo’ed writers

Wednesday – SQM Silver Lining Playbook

Friday – The Only Exception Blog Tour

Sunday – My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – Books and Movies

Published on January 12, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle16 Comments

“Better to have a little experience and a lot of imagination than vice versa.” – The Daily Writer

The Hobbit

I try not to see the movie until I have read the book. So, I spent the week reading the book and then I saw the movie. I wish someone had told me I didn’t need to read the whole thing, the movie covers only 1/3 of the book. It was a good read. The movie, on the other hand, didn’t really start until Gollum made an appearance. It was all visually beautiful, but it didn’t move until two hours in.

I was pleased to discover that my favorite part of the book was also my favorite scene in the movie; The riddle contest between Bilbo Baggins and Gollum in the Troll Kingdom. Both book and movie version were laugh out loud funny. Come back later this week and read my SQM post on The Hobbit.

I also saw Skyfalls. I went to the movies with my parents and then at dinner learned their first date was a James Bond movie. How romantic. My mom informed me that my dad had taken 2 other girls to see the movie, as well. But, she married him anyway.

What movies have you seen lately? Did you see The Hobbit? What did you think?

Post to Review

Fess Up Friday: I Like Wearing Old Lady Shoes by Cynthia at Read is the New Black – Have you found your niche when it comes to writing?

What Writing Step Are You Afraid Of? by Jami Gold – I am afraid of Writing Query Letters, but I think my reasons are off base, how about you?

17 Signs You’re Actually, gasp, an ADULT by Paul Angone at All Groan Up – I am living #3 right now. But, I haven’t seen it in 5 years.

Appreciating Art by Tasha Seegmiller – Have you ever taken a scene from your favorite piece of art and wrote a scene? I wrote a scene that took place in Van Gogh’s Iris in a Field. It turned out pretty good. Give it a try.

New Followers

Vanessa Wester Writer

Young Hungry and Restless

Next Weeks Highlights

January 16th is the first meeting of the Progressive Book Club. An online book club hosted by M.L. Swift. Click on the badge for more information.

My First Book: Announces The Word Master Challenge. Every month, Misha will present a theme. This month’s Theme:

HOW NOT TO WRITE A NOVEL BEGINNING.

In less than 300 words, I want to see your idea of the WORST beginning you can possibly write. The funnier and more creative you are, the better. To make it easier for me, you have the WHOLE of January to enter, but you must please enter the SPECIFIC entry link into the linky list below. For information, click on the badge.

Both events will occur every month and you can join anytime.