
Fast forward to March 31st this year and I happened to land on the A-Z Blog Challenge via a friends blog. For someone who likes (okay, not actually likes, but rather, sadly cursed) to live by close deadlines I felt like fate had popped up and said "go on chicken, 24 hours, dare you!" So I dared. I chose an easy subject - Me! Okay, just like to point out I'm not actually 'easy', rather the subject matter was one I was comfortable with ;) But it was still a squeeze some days. However, what I found and learned made it so super worthwhile. Loads new followers - 6 to 42 in 2 months is okay by me, I don't feel quite like I'm talking to myself now. Except when I wander off in my head ..... And I found some awesome (can't resist using the word, DH hates it LOL) blogs to follow. But what amazed - astounded - surprised - impressed - me was the sheer number of writers crammed into the internet. Must be real squashed down those internet cables. It feels like an awesome ;) community. There's challenges, blog hops, loads of useful links, and support, so much support, and that's why I'm rabbiting on right now! I just wish I'd found it two years ago. Still, always late to a party so I shouldn't be surprised, but better late than never hey?
Onto my writing. I re-read my first novella Monday as I wanted to start tidying up the second and needed to get back into Joshua's head. Such mixed emotions. I think the plot is strong and my writing is pretty good. But when I put it on Amazon I was disappointed (to say the least) that obviously not many people agreed with me, zilch, nada, sad smilie. And I've only had 2 rejections so far but still it hurts. You know how Bella in The Twilight Saga takes everything personally? Yeah, that. But following on from the Wip-It blog hop Carolyn Brown has offered to help me out and maybe work some magic. I feel like I need to hint at some action as the start of the book is slow and laid back, which is what I wanted as that is how Joshua is at the start. And then the writing gets more intense once his mental health/legacy begin to unravel. But obviously if you only glance at the beginning you don't get that.
My first IWSG blog post - please don't leave too depressed and with a heavy heart, I'm not usually such a self-pitying whinge bucket :)
I remember my first IWSG post a few months back - it is a little scary. You nailed it! Nice work and I'm glad you've found someone to help you with your book. Wishing you every success with all of your writing endeavors.
ReplyDeleteHi MJ, thanks for the reassuring words, it was scary! x
DeleteThere are lots of writers doing blogs out there, that's for sure! I'm glad I found your blog thru A-Z. It's always great to make a new bloggy friend. :)
ReplyDeleteHi JoJo, would so agree, I look forward to yours and Yvonne's comments now :) x
DeleteHey, like you said....better late than never and you have a great person to help you out.
ReplyDeleteI know this, from experience, that slow and steady will win the race.
Thanks Mark, here's hoping! x
Delete*stuggles to breathe in the squashed internet cables*
ReplyDeleteYes, this is an absolutely full of awesomesauce writing group to be a part of! Welcome to the IWSG, where everybody else can share in your fears, foibles, and neurosiseses...eses...and make up new words when they're too lazy to go spellcheck them. :)
Laura Eno – A Shift in Dimensions
LOL at making up words, glad I'm not the only one that does that :) x
DeleteCongratulations on completing the A-Z Challenge! Just cruisin' by to say hello from the 2013 Post A-Z Road Trip.
ReplyDeleteThoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn...
Thanks for stopping by - I've still got to wade through the Road Trip :) x
DeleteI thought you did very well, I enjoyed the post very much.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thanks Yvonne :) xx
DeleteOh my goodness... this was my first time joining the ISWG too so I get the stress lol
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post, no worries. I'm glad you have such a good friend to help you out, you will be just fine! ;)
I'll be following your journey now!
LOL, isn't it daft to get stressed over something we're supposed to be enjoying! Thanks for following :) x
DeleteSo glad you joined in the IWSG, I enjoyed your post! And even if you had been a self-pitying whinge bucket that would have been okay, we've all been there LOL. :D
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more of your posts!
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by, glad you liked the post, I promise I won't be whinging next time you stop by! x
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