Most of the time, I don't like change. I just had to switch phones, which means I need to re-customize my perfectly chosen alarm tones, figure out which songs in my playlist didn't make it to the new phone, and get used to the new "upgrades" I didn't want. That's actually not so bad when you factor in: I may have to switch phone numbers! That's the WORST! I've had the same out-of-state phone number for 15 years because I wanted to avoid telling everyone a new number, much less memorize one. Egads! What a headache.
But I have to look at the bright side. At least I have a phone. At least we don't have to move, just yet. And my family is doing ok - for the most part. The phone stuff is a minor annoyance taking up time I don't have to give... like dealing with a broken garage door (a side story for another time...)
All things considered, sometimes change can be good. Yes, I'm finally getting to the point. I felt like my header was too loud, and visiting around some other blogs, I wanted to give it more of a writer feel. I also need to update my side bar... an easy thing to procrastinate. But the change that needs my utmost attention is concentrating on connections.
I feel like I've become an isolationist in the writing/blogging world. I barely reach out to my writer friends anymore. And it shows with my lower numbers. I need my writerly friends! And I need to find balance with my job to make it happen. I also want to make my articles more content rich so folks will want to come read them!
So here's the changes I have planned:
- Done with the surveys. It's been fun, but responses have declined, and it's becoming too much effort for the results. Even after I added a prize! Maybe I'll do one again sometime...
- Rebuild connections. I will dedicate an allotted amount of time to spend reading blogs and writing articles.
- Reaching out. I want to tweet more (which also shows up on FB) I think I need more visibility. I just have to come up with awesome things to tweet!
- Posting weekly. This is going to be tough, but I need to get back to a regular posting schedule. I'm going to write more about writing--going back to the roots of why I started this blog. I know I'll have more fodder as I'm breaking away from my two series and diving into a new direction with my latest WIP: FARTHER ALONG, a Christian YA
- Paying it forward. I'd like to have more guest posts. This is a great way for us to help each other and broaden our reach. Twice the audience! Let me know if you're interested.
And here's the final results from the last survey - A-MUSING
Do you have a personal muse?
What is your muse's name?
- Hoho the Magic Newt
- It's unnamed and mysterious.
- Monster, Librarian Linda, and High-heeled Helen
- The Muse
- Styx
- Unknown
- Nigel
- Same as mine.
- Erato
Who was your greatest influence to become a writer?
- Authors - Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Tolkien, Stephen King, Holly Lisle, C.S. Lewis
- No one in particular - from classical authors (Dickens, Poe, etc.) to comic book writers like Stan Lee!
- My mom x 2
- My kids
- It's my calling
How long have you known you were destined to be a writer?
And the lucky winner of the A-MUSING survey is...
Christine Rains!!
Thanks to all who have played along.
And finally, the big, huge, awesome announcement...
TICK TOCK, A STITCH IN CRIME is NOW AVAILABLE!!
Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of...
