Writing – Page 20 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Alex, Why Do You Blog?

Published on March 25, 2013March 24, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle48 Comments

While I was made aware of a presence on the Internet known as the Ninja Captain during last years A to Z Challenge, I felt privilege to have his words grace my blog on May 2, 2012. Alex commented on a post I wrote during my first month as a member of the IWSG, Distracted, Again.

His words of wisdom: “Certain movies will distract me, although I’ve gotten good at writing with the TV. And music playing. Yes, I really know how to create a peaceful writing environment!
Thanks for posting for the IWSG today.”

And, he has been a solid resource, support and source of entertainment ever since.

So, Ninja Captain Alex, why do you blog?

Why I blog has changed over the years. The transformation is probably just as interesting as the end result. Life isn’t so much about the destination as the journey.

I began blogging to build an author platform. When I signed the contract for my first book, CassaStar, I wasn’t even online. I had no interest in social networking. However, my publisher told me in no uncertain terms that I was to get my butt online, and I opted to start a blog.

It took a while to understand the connection part. I figured that since I was a science fiction writer, I needed to follow a lot of science fiction blogs and I’d be set. Sadly, most weren’t interested in a not-yet-published science fiction author who didn’t seem to know what to blog about.

It wasn’t until the very first A to Z Challenge in 2010 that I began to understand how to connect with other bloggers. It was then that I found my groove. Now, a lot of writers and authors post on their genre or on writing. Science fiction alone just wasn’t enough for me and I guarantee no one wanted my writing tips. (Believe me, you still don’t want my writing tips!) However, I could talk about my favorite subjects, which included movies, music, tech, and geek stuff. I’d found my groove and I was off and running.

By the time the second A to Z Challenge hit though, that began to change. My topic that year was blogger buddies that corresponded with each letter. I had fun featuring my friends. After the support from everyone when CassaStar was released, it felt good to give back to the community.

That eventually led to the Ninja News and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. It wasn’t about me anymore – it was about my friends. And as I amassed even more followers, I realized that I could make a huge difference in the community. With a Ninja Army of 1800, I can really make an impact.

Which brings me to why I still blog today. Yes, I do have another book coming out this fall, CassaStorm. I never planned to write more than one book, but spurred by the success of the first and second (CassaFire) I’ve continued writing. And blogging.

But that’s not why I’m here.

My blogger buddies are the reason I blog. Every accomplishment, success, and struggle of theirs that I can share means a lot to me. I know what it’s like to wonder if anyone truly hears me and even cares. If I can shine a light on someone who needs it, then that matters more than all the book sales in the world.

Why do I blog? To give back to the community.

Why do you blog?

Alex J. Cavanaugh

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, his third book, CassaStorm, will be released September 17, 2013.

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.

The Big Reveal Bloghop – There’s no turning back now.

Published on March 21, 2013March 20, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle39 Comments

I am a bit hesitant to participate in The Big Reveal Bloghop because, well, there’s no turning back now. Once you reveal your theme you kind of have to follow through with it. Well, here I go.

The theme for my 2013 A to Z Challenge is My Hometown; Past & Present. My formative years were spent in Dallas, Texas and the surrounding suburbs. I recently moved back after being away for 7 years. So much has changed. I thought I would play tourist in my own home town, from A to Z.

To take it one step further, I will be penning short flash fiction pieces for each stop on the A to Z trail. That’s right, 26 short stories in 26 days.

Now, a word on these stories. I was going to write all completely original stories written in the setting and using the setting for the day. Well, I do have a life so that won’t be realistic. Here are the parameters I set for myself and these stories:

Each story will be set in the location for the day.

The story can be original or a memory of something that happened to me in that setting.

It’s up to you guys out their to decide which stories are true and which are from my imagination.

I wanted to take a moment to extoll the greatness that is The A to Z Challenge. It is such a blast and I’ve been looking forward to 2013 A to Z since the end of 2012 A to Z. If you haven’t signed up, do it now. If you have signed up, get ready for a wild ride.

If you signed up for 2013 A to Z, tell me your theme in the comments? If you didn’t sign up, why not?

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