Writing Wednesday–Website, Anyone?

I’ve been debating (with myself…always fruitful…NOT) over whether or not to develop a website.

Several questions flooded me as I pondered the pros and cons.

What kind of site do I want?
How do I get a domain name?
Which host site do I use?
Is my blog enough?
How much do I want to spend?
DO I WANT TO GO THROUGH THE LEARNING CURVE OF FIGURING ALL THIS OUT?

Welp, I’ve been working with a publicist and part of what we are working on is developing a website. (Made my decision easy.) Woot!

THEY know how to set one up.
THEY know how to find low cost, high quality stuff.
THEY got my domain name.
THEY know how to do ALL THE THINGS!

Double woot!

I’m super stoked to see a mockup they’ve developed. Hopefully, we’ll be going live with the site in the coming weeks.

Tell me, dear friends, what do you think about websites? What are the pros and cons? Do you have one? Did you have help setting it up or did you DIY it?

Read Full Post »

Writer Wednesday–Blog Crit

Laura Barnes was gracious enough to critique my blog last week and I wanted to share her blog with you guys today.

Click HERE to see her critique of my blog.

Laura does a great job of assessing a blog’s aesthetic appeal, informational content, design, and scope.

I IMMEDIATELY implemented many of the suggestions she gave me.

You can sign up to get your blog critiqued too!

**********

Deb’s up for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog topic. Stop by her blog and say hi! Check out her dragons figures too–she designs and molds them herself.

Read Full Post »

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog–Who Else Is Watching You?

This month, Lydia asks:

Outside of your writing friends, do other people (work, family, friends) know you blog? What do they think of it? Have you ever been hit with a, ”Hey! I read your blog today!” from someone you never expected to read it?

FANTASTIC question, Lydia!

When I first started writing (over 3 1/2 years ago now!), I didn’t tell anybody. Back then, I wasn’t sure where my writing was going. I had dreams, of course, but really it was a way to destress, do something creative, and it was FUN!!!!

Then I joined QueryTracker’s forum and met a bunch of fantastic people! With time, I became comfortable enough to start this blog. It was slow going at first, but as the months passed it developed into what you see today.

My blog posts are connected to Twitter and Facebook and since I’ve friended some co-workers, friends, and family there, they’ve seen the links. Much to my surprise and delight, my blog has spread from writer friends to people in my “real life” circle.

It’s been nice to see them “like” a post and even comment on them!

What’s more, they whole-heartedly support my endeavors. They send “*hugs* and chocolate” when I get a rejection and they send “CONGRATULATIONS! and SQUEEEs!!!” when I announce accomplishments.

Even better, it’s hard for me to go a day to two without someone asking me about my book and my short story!

SO. COOL!

How about you? Any non-writerly peeps find your blog?

Read Full Post »

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog–Social Media Confessions

Eep, it’s December and I haven’t gotten my Christmas shopping done yet! *head desk*

Welcome to a new month and a new tour of the traveling blog. This month, Lydia asks the question:

Do you twitter, FB, etc besides blogging? why or why not?

Those of you who follow my blog know I just celebrated my one year blogaversary (I never know how to spell that word, geez!) last month. ONE. YEAR! (Can you tell I’m excited about that?)

Back in those days, I was pretty new to the whole social media, let’s-all-get-to-know-each-other-via-the-internet, thing. Thanks to QT (the most super awesomest writerly website, IMHO), I was able to meet some fantastic people, beta readers, crit buds, and all around supportive writers along all stages of the publishing journey.

I’m gonna confess here that I had little knowledge of Facebook and Twitter. PLUS, as a shrink, it’s somwhat important to keep anything about myself on the downlow (of course, tha’t pretty much blown to hell now, so, yeah…oops).

Even though I had little working knowledge of the interwebz, I jumped into the pool of cyberspace and gave it a go. First, I signed up for Facebook. I reconnected with some med school pals, I friended several QT buds, and I networked with a bunch of writerly types–cool! Then, I dove into Twitterland. It’s a strange thing, keeping thoughts to 140 characters, but also fun.

I do enjoy it. VERY MUCH. Problem is, it’s kinda hard to keep up with everyone! LOL!

Regardless of anyone’s stance, I have found the experience of social media interesting, informative, and totally worth it.

Why do I keep doing it? Well, I get to continue developing relatioships, a support network, AND I get to share in the excitement when a writerly pal has a success (such as getting an agent or publishing a book)!

Whaddya all think about blogging, Facebook, Twitter, etc?

Remember to check out Lydia’s response next week!

Read Full Post »

Up and Coming Blogger #2

Here’s this week’s up and coming blogger…

Jana Hutcheson started her blog recently, but already she has done a fabulous job with sharing her journey and thoughts about writing as well as the process of finding her voice, balancing description, and keeping her ideas organized!

Check it out!:  http://allimsaying-jhutcheson.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Jana, for sharing your writerly thoughts!

Read Full Post »

Up and Coming Blogger

Hi all!

I’m pleased to help spread the word for a writerly friend who has taken the plunge and started her own blog! Lydia Kang, who considers writing her “second Act in life,” approaches her blog with honesty and with an eagerness to learn. The title is, “The word is my oyster.” Love it!

Here’s the link, I promise you won’t be disappointed: http://lydiakang.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Lydia, for sharing your thoughts about writing and the journey to publication!

Read Full Post »