At the time, I was under contract to publish an anthology of short stories with a small press. The date kept getting pushed back, though, and then the publisher went on hiatus. So I asked for my rights back. Said publisher seems to not be operating as such any longer. So, I guess I dodged a bullet?
I started this blog with the purpose of "building my platform", getting people interested in my writing, et cetera. My intent for this blog has always been more than Buy My Book! shilling, though. I wrapped up that very first post saying
"I feel that a good writer needs to read. I believe that a good writer learns about the world, and never stops learning, regardless of whether there's a classroom. Writing, authoring, is a process and a journey, and I hope you enjoy coming with me. "I still believe these things; it's one reason I'll post on seemingly random topics, like black market rhino horns and James Bond's pants. They're things I've learned about, and find interesting, and all of that is story fodder. I will probably never write a story that revolves around said pants or rhinos, but it might come up in conversation. I might throw it in for flavor, a cultural reference instead of a literary one.
So, to those of you who are still reading, thank you! To those of you who are new, thank you and welcome! I hope you enjoy my crazy train of thought here, and I hope to one day be able to write a post in which I do, in fact, suggest that you buy my book.
I just started blogging a couple of months ago and although I'm published I don't blog to promote my book. I blog for the fun of it, like you do. If I find something interesting that I think someone else might also be interested in then I write about it. I also take part in AW's monthly blog chain and that's been fun too. Sometimes I need a break from the novel I'm working on to write about unrelated stuff or to tell a short story.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the blog chain threads, but not taken part in them. Maybe one day! Blogging, especially this blog, really is just for fun, and a great place to showcase the wacky things I find out.
DeleteThanks for reading!
Congrtulations! That's quite a milestone. Like you, I started my current blog as a platform, but I hope it doesn't turn into a "buy my book, buy my book" echo chamber. I'm still feeling my way into what my topics will be. So far, it's a mix of history, writing about writing, and book reviews. Maybe other things will find their way into the mix in time. Now I have to go check out what you had to say about James Bond's pants. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks very much!
DeleteYes, finding topics and "voice" (because I'm fairly certain my blogging voice is different from my fiction voice) has been an interesting challenge. I do feel like I've hit/am hitting my stride, though. I think "letting myself" just have fun with what I find interesting has really helped.
Well, happy anniversary! I know how you feel. I started blogging in 2009 as research into social media and collaboration. I never thought I'd continue with it as my own personal blog. :) Funny how things just stick with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much!
DeleteIt's true. Some things just endure ;)
Happy (belated) anniversary! I find blogs that talk about writing in general (or whatever strikes the blogger's fancy) waaaaaaaaaay more interesting than "Hey y'all BUY MY BOOK!!!!", so in my ever-so-humble opinion, you're doing something right! Here's to at least two more years of fascinating posts!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope for more years as well. Nice, successful years.
DeleteOr at least entertaining and fascinating! I'll take that.