Tag: blog anniversary

EM, Why Do You Blog?

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle6 Comments

Back in June of 2012, I found EM’s blog and we met during JuNoWriMo.  I interviewed her back in June and found out she is from England (my favorite country) and lives in a castle (so cool) and a few months later, she asked me to read one of her short stories (talented writer).  She is amazing. 

So, EM, why do you blog? 

Thank you Sydney for inviting me to guest post on your blog!

Sydney and I both started blogging on March 1st, 2012, and I’m thrilled to be part of her first blogiversary celebrations!

Today’s topic is “Why do you blog?”

I’m a writer. I have been writing Fantasy stories for 15 years, and I’ve been thinking about getting one of them published for about 3 years. When I researched how to do this, it was clear from the start Internet was an invaluable information tool. So at first I just used the writing resources I found online to improve my writing and to research the publishing process, without having an online presence myself.

Then I came across – and followed – a couple of writers’ blogs. If you want to check them out, here they are: Elizabeth May, Susan Dennard and Claire Legrand. Month after month, these ladies documented the writing journey that took them from unknown YA writers polishing a manuscript to successful traditionally published authors. About 18 months ago, I wrote them an email, telling them how I found their blogs inspiring.

And they replied. And they wished me good luck with my own writing journey.

That was when I realised I was missing out on something there. I had always thought I wouldn’t need an online presence before getting published (because honestly, who on earth would want to read a blog written by me?!). Then I read Are You There Blog? It’s Me, Writer by the amazing Kristen Lamb. In her book, Kristen explains how having a blog, when you’re a writer, is as necessary as writing your book itself. Because in this day and age, getting a book published, then read, implies networking with readers, publishers, agents, editors and other writers. And the best way to do this is via Internet.

So I launched my blog. I started a Facebook page. I got on Twitter. At first, I was shy, and obsessed with the quality of my blog content. And in many ways, I still am. But I have also built an amazing network of writerly friends, who have all contributed to making me a better writer, closer to publication than I could ever hope.

I always say my blog is a way of “paying it forward”. I’m still not published, so I have nothing to sell. But I’m hoping all the people who stop by my blog, read my posts and comment on them, follow my blog or my Twitter feed, find something useful there. I relay news from the publishing industry, recommend books I like, share my writing tips and interact with whoever is kind enough to follow me. I cheer other writers on. I promote their books. I discuss trends with book bloggers. I give away books I love.

So why do I blog? Because writing is a solitary business. Sometimes you have to remember there are awesome book lovers out there. And Internet is the best place to find them. 

http://www.elizabethmaywrites.com/

http://susandennard.com/blog-2/

http://claire-legrand.com/blog/

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/ (Kristen Lamb’s blog)

http://emcastellan.com/

http://twitter.com/EMCastellan

http://www.facebook.com/EMCastellan

Alex, Why Do You Blog?

Published on 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.

CassaStorm by Alex J CavanaughWhich 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.

 

My Weekly Update – Good Week

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle12 Comments

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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