So anyhow, this meme she tagged me with is fairly simple. She said I didn't have to participate, but then bless her sneaky little heart, she said she hoped I was... groovy.
Can you beat that? Me? Groovy? Hell yes. That's me... one of the grooviest little ol' ladies in the whole state of Georgia, so what can I say? I had no choice but to participate, right? I'm no square, dude.
 |
| I'd be happy to tell you where this pic came from... if I remembered. |
So what's this tag all about, anyway? Well, Mary provided nine questions related to writing, and said I only had to answer four. Actually, that's quite considerate, if you think about it. Less chance that I'll bore you so badly that you need a toe tag.
Anyhow, here's the full gamut of questions:
1. What are you working on right
now?
2. How does it differ from other works in its
genre?
3. What experiences have influenced
you?
4. Why do you write what you do?
5. How does your writing process
work?
6. What is the hardest part about
writing?
7. What would you like to try as a writer that
you haven't yet?
8. Who are the authors you most
admire?
So, ya ready for my groovy answers?
1. What am I working on right now?
This blogpost. (Sheesh.) Oh, you mean other than blogging, huh? My current WIP, on which I've done very little work and made very little progress, will be more mainstream than my recent release, and will have some delicious twists at the end. The tentative title is Blast Rites. So far, the research process has taught me how to make my own explosives and what it was like to live in a girls' reform school in the early '60s. Fun stuff!
1. What am I working on right now?
This blogpost. (Sheesh.) Oh, you mean other than blogging, huh? My current WIP, on which I've done very little work and made very little progress, will be more mainstream than my recent release, and will have some delicious twists at the end. The tentative title is Blast Rites. So far, the research process has taught me how to make my own explosives and what it was like to live in a girls' reform school in the early '60s. Fun stuff!
3. What experiences have influenced me?
All of 'em. Really, I'm not trying to be a smart ass here. (No trying needed... it comes naturally.) I think each of us is the sum product of all our experiences, good, bad, or indifferent. You a one-big-experience kinda person, or would you rather graze leisurely at life's all-you-can-eat buffet? I'm old. I get more bang for my buck at the buffet. Especially if I carry a suitcase-sized purse.
4. Why do I write what I do?
Because I'm the only one who can. Again, not trying to be a smart ass. Each of us is unique, with a unique set of life experiences, and a unique outlook, so that unique voice and outlook is gonna be reflected in our writing. Universal slice-of-life stories about how families and friends interact intrigue me. Quirky characters that can make a reader laugh, cringe, and nod with self-recognition delight me. Unexpected twists make me want to stand up and cheer. In essence, I try to write the kind of story I want to read. I make myself laugh, and make myself cry, and hope readers will have the same reactions when they read it. Heck, who am I kidding? I'm not proud. I hope they read it, period.
7. What would I like to try as a writer that I haven't tried yet?
A Pulitzer would be nice. But I'll settle for overhearing two strangers talking about my book, and how much they loved it.
********************************
Now I'm supposed to tag the toes of four other bloggers. So to speak.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Some of you guys are serious writers, some of you aren't. Some of you like doing this sort of thing; others hate it.
So tell ya what. If you want to take all nine questions back to your blog for
OR you can pick and choose some of the questions and answer them right here in the comments. How's that?
What's that? You're not a writer? Okay, then, here's a question for you non-writer types to consider: Who put the bop in the bop she bop she bop?
Just kidding. On a serious note, do you get sick to death (darned near need that toe tag again!) of seeing blog post after blog post about writing, new book releases, new book cover reveals, etc.? I must admit, I kinda do. That's why I didn't put any effort into trying to promote my book on a bazillion different blogs. (HA! As if!) Sometimes, having something shoved down my throat makes me wanta... Let me rephrase that. Overexposure to any product makes me less likely to purchase it. You too? Or is it just me?
You aren't alone. Gary is the KING of anti-blogfest curmudgeons. Not really. He's got a heart of gold and an endless supply of witty puns to fit any occasion, but he does like to poke good-natured fun at the bloghopping crowd. So, HEY! Why not have a blogfest in his honor? Yeah, I know. Brilliant, right? The brainchild of the Aloha kid Mark, this fest will be co-hosted by ninja king Alex, and the three lovelies Tina, Robyn, and Morgan. If you want to join in the fun, you can sign up at any of their blogs. No big drawn-out requirements or term paper to write for this one. All ya have to do is come up with three off-the-wall titles for PG-13 blogfests you would never join, and then add a few descriptive sentences. Here's your chance to show off your creativity, imagination, and sense of humor. See? Easy peasy. How outrageous can you be? See ya Monday. I hope y'all have a groovy weekend.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
>>... On a serious note, do you get sick to death (darned near need that toe tag again!) of seeing blog post after blog post about writing, new book releases, new book cover reveals, etc.?
ReplyDeleteOh, SUSAN, you have NO IDEA! I have posted blog bits that have openly told everyone to "STOP WRITING ABOUT WRITING AND WRITE!"
In fact, on my now defunct 'Stuffs' blog, I even did an entire post in which I - once and for all - told everyone EVERYTHING they needed to know about launching a professional writing career in a single post (and I mocked the crap out of all the wannabe writers at the same time). Basically, I said, "The following is ALL you need to know to start your writing career (and you're probably going to fail anyway)."
So how does my friend Lee of 'Tossing It Out' respond? He says the post should have been broken up into sections and turned into an ongoing series. (Oh, you mean I should have done what all these other bloggers are doing, and which I'm telling them to STOP DOING?!) Arrrggghhhhh!
I lost ALL patience with bloggers writing about writing a good seven or more years ago! I won't even 'Follow' a blog that mentions the craft of writing more than twice a year. No... seriously.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Hmmm, sounds like I poked a sore spot there. Now, I think there are some excellent blogs "about" writing. Really helpful stuff about the ins and outs of publishing, what agents are looking for, ways to improve one's writing skill levels, common grammar mistakes, etc. etc. I mean, REALLY good stuff offered by writers (and other publishing insiders) who have already "made the grade", and are mentoring and supporting others who are still struggling to get there. I can't say enough good things about those blogs. Really. But they're designed by and for writers, and what you see is what you get. They absolutely serve a purpose and perform a service, and I understand why someone who isn't interested in pursuing a writing career wouldn't have much interest in them. I follow a number of those blogs, and absolutely love 'em.
DeleteI also enjoy some of the periodical posts about writing from other more eclectic bloggers, as well as the blogs that offer interactive critiques. What I was thinking of in my sour puss moment there are the times when a bazillion bloggers show a cover reveal or book launch for a given book over a period of a month or more. Day after day after day, showing the same blurb over and over. Gets a little tedious after the first twenty or so. I've got absolutely no problem promoting a good book on my blog. I'm also delighted when other bloggers mention my book. But my eyes glaze over when met with "Buy this (or my) book!" admonitions over and over and over again. Sure, every writer wants every reader as a fan, but there's a fine line between promotion and annoying the crap out of people.
SUSAN ~
DeleteWell, I'm referring to bloggers at Blogspot.com - a bunch of writer wannabes who haven't got a single book in my local Barnes & Noble because they're all "self-published", if published at all. And they yak on and yak on week after week, month after month, year after year about how to...
...create more believable characters, spice up your dialogue, tighten and highten your story, etc., etc., etc.
I answer: Who are you? Never heard-a ya! Get back to me with your great advice and insight when you have a book published by Harper-Collins on the New York Times Bestseller list. (Just go to Lee's blog and you'll find that 75% of his 'Followers' are the very kind of folks I'm yakking about.)
Oh, heck... alright... below is a link to one of the posts I was referring to:
“METHOD WRITING”: How To Improve Your Writing And Get Thyself Published.
The sad thing is that I'm probably a better writer than most of the people I am addressing with that blog bit, and yet I'm realistic enough to know that I'm not a good enough writer to get my shi-- er... my "stuffs" published by a real publisher.
And, yes, you DID poke a sore spot, because over the years I got so sick and tired of seeing wannabe poseurs giving other wannabe poseurs writing advice. Real writers WRITE. They don't waste time writing about writing, especially when they've never yet been published by, like, you know, A LEGITIMATE PUBLISHER!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Okay, I read your funny rant about "method writing." Yeah, it IS funny, but it's got a teensy undercurrent of mean, too. I get it. You think anyone who self-publishes is a "wannabe" and loser. I won't take offense, because nothing you say can change the fact that people are reading my book and enjoying it. PBBBBT! So THERE! HA!
DeleteSeriously, you shouldn't paint all self-published work with the same broad brush. The face of publishing has changed tremendously, and there is a LOT of quality DIY work out there simply because more and more writers have the guts to take control. (And yes, I will also concede that there is also a lot of DIY crapola out there, too. Happy?)
Happy weekend, grouch.
Actually, SUSAN, with 100% honesty, I DID NOT KNOW that your book was self-published. Truly, I thought it was published by some publishing company. Had I known, I would NOT have said anything here at all.
DeleteYou've known me long enough to know that I'm a fighter and I speak my mind, "come snow or high water", but I'm also polite to my friends and try never to unnecessarily insult them, so...
I apologize. Really, no offense meant at all. And as soon as I can afford it (i.e., like when I've got a decent job that pays me what I'm worth), I will make it up to you by purchasing your book.
Sorry, Susan. Seriously!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
My goodness... just look at you back-pedaling! HA! No problem, Stephen. Really. A lot of people think all self-published stuff stinks. I used to think so, too, once upon a time. And then I took a good hard look at it and weighed my options. This was the best choice for me, and I'm glad I made it.
DeleteNo need to buy my book. It's women's lit, so it may not be your cup of tea. (Although, to my never-ending surprise, men HAVE been buying it, and they claim to like it. So, go figure.) At any rate, you're under no obligation to buy. My feelings aren't hurt. I know how you are. You've got an opinion, you're gonna express it. No offense intended, and no offense taken. (But I do appreciate the apology. Sweet.)
While I share Stephen's feelings about writing about writing, I would not necessarily say that all self-published work is "bad" or all work published by a major publishing house is "good."
DeleteGetting published involves determination and luck (and an agent), but first you have to have a finished piece of work.
I agree with you Susan, that if you are willing to be the publishing entity, like the music business, there are avenues that exist today that did not a few decades ago. And if you're selling copies of the book and people are reading it, you go girl!
Heck, even if they're not reading it, you got the cash!
Having read some of Stephen's work, I would even challenge his contention that his work is "not good enough" but remind him of a conversation we once had where he admitted to just not wanting to do the work it would take to get the work out there.
Having read many of the same blogs as Stephen, there are a lot of people out there who seem to have trouble finishing, or once finishing, do not seem to want to market the finished product.
At the end of the day, people have to do what makes them happy. But if someone is going to write wistful blog posts about getting published, I'd encourage them to stop blogging and start writing, then find an agent and keep at it.
One thing is constant in life-that clock keeps on ticking.
If not now, when?
LC
Part 1:
DeleteI really wasn't intending to post another comment here, but I believe that the point I was making all along has been misunderstood, so I want to clarify it, but first...
Thanks to my friend DiscConnected for the kind words. I do in fact recall that conversation in which I said I was no longer willing to do all the work that was necessary to get my carp published. However, the "work" I was referring to was not the actual writing aspect of it, but the post-writing groveling at the feet of stupid agents and publishers who would be writers themselves, instead of writers' agents and publishers of writers, if they had writing talent and/or the ability to consistently recognize writing talent.
It's the post-writing nonsense that I objected to, but never the writing process itself.
There are other factors that explain why I don’t write for real (e.g., I don’t believe “this world” wants to read what I have to say), but I’ll leave that alone here.
SUSAN, you seem to have misunderstood me. Now I’ll take a few minutes to explain my position more clearly. The reason I would not have said anything here had I known your book was self-published is for fear that you might have taken me the wrong way (which you did). You wrote: “Seriously, you shouldn't paint all self-published work with the same broad brush.”
Actually, I never DID paint them with ANY brush – not in my comments here, nor in the blog bit I linked you too. You seem to think I was denigrating unpublished and self-published writers. I was not. I was denigrating unpublished and self-published writers who CONSTANTLY blog about the craft of writing. I got sick and tired of people who had not been published by a company that was willing to invest money in their writing, telling every other wannabe-writer how to improve various aspects of their writing. “Here’s how to... tighten your story, improve your dialogue, select more dynamic words, create believable and interesting characters, etc., and so on and so forth.
I have nothing against wannabe-writers in general, nor against self-published writers. ‘BETTING ON MYSELF’ (to borrow Steven Crist’s book title) is what the self-publisher is doing, and I respect that. I have read a number of self-published books, some were quite good (like ‘DEMETRI AND THE BANANA FLAVORED ROCKETSHIP’ by Bryan Pedus of the blog A BEER FOR THE SHOWER), others were fairly bad (so I won’t mention them).
I remember reading about a guy who wrote a manuscript for a book about the Navajo Code Talkers. His manuscript was turned down countless times, so he self-published it. People began reading it and word-of-mouth advertising finally reached the ears of some publisher who then put the writer under contract and mass-produced the book for the market. Personally, I think everyone who turned the writer down originally should have been found and fired. If a person can’t do the job they were hired to do (i.e., spot talent when it comes crawling up to them) then they should be canned.
Continued Below...
Part 2:
DeleteMy Brother and I have had this same conversation a number of times: Joe Superstar gets scouted and then turned down by 10 major league baseball teams. Finally, the New Jersey Losers sign Joe Superstar to a contract and he goes on to become a... superstar (hitting .365, 40 home runs, 110 RBI). If I were the owner of any of the 10 teams that turned Joe down, I would find the professional scout who turned Joe down and fire him on the spot! It’s his job to RECOGNIZE TALENT when it’s right in front of him.
The same goes for writers’ agents and publishers. If they can’t recognize a bestseller when it finds their desk (and very often they can’t), they should be fired.
So... just because a publishing house hasn’t invested money in a manuscript does NOT mean that the manuscript is bad. An unpublished writer is not necessarily a bad writer. But... until a publishing house has decided that a writer’s work merits the risk of a million dollar investment (or whatever figure), I feel the writer should just... SHUT UP AND WRITE! (to bastardize an expression from Frank Zappa). They shouldn’t be dispensing writing advice until they’ve proven they have writing advice worth taking seriously.
However, you, SUSAN, have never done this. Your blog is entertaining and informative, so I have never had an issue with you. But I did want to clear this matter up and emphasize that it was never unpublished or self-published writers I have a problem with, but only those who write about writing more than they WRITE!
Alright, I’m plumb worn out on this topic now. I didn’t mean to insult you, and I was never really even addressing you or other writers like you. You blog and you write, but you DON’T blog about writing. The blogging about writing, THAT’S the “sore spot” I was referring to all along.
~ D-FensDogg
‘Loyal American Underground’
Oh yeah, I know all about that clock. That blasted ticking in my ear helped me decide to jump off the traditional merry-go-round and take matters into my own hands. Even with a contract, it can take two or more years before a publisher releases a book... IF the company doesn't change ownership, change its mind, or go belly up first, that is. I didn't want to wait that long. (Heck, who am I kidding? I might not HAVE that long!)
DeleteYou're absolutely right. How a book is published does NOT automatically dictate its worth. It's as foolish to assume a book produced by a big publisher is gonna be pure gold as it is to assume a self-pubbed piece is gonna stink. Especially nowadays, when writers have so many more viable options available to them. The landscape of publishing has changed so much, even some established authors are foregoing the traditional route now in favor of maintaining complete artistic control over their work... and their profits... by publishing themselves.
A LOT of published, aspiring, and struggling writers blog, and all I can say to you and Stephen is, if their posts about writing annoy you... don't read 'em. There's plenty of other blogs out there that might be more to your liking. (Life's too darned short to be annoyed!)
Thanks. Great comment, dude!
Okay, Stephen, you were obviously writing a couple comments the same time as I was responding to DisConnected there So my last response was to HIM... this one's for you.
DeleteKnow what? I think we've all beaten this poor old horse long enough, don't you? Thanks for the clarification. I appreciate it. Now... let's just have a beer. Um, never mind. YOU have a beer; I think I'll stick with bourbon and ginger.
It's all good. Really. Take care.
As an appreciator not a creator I am in awe at all the writers I have found in the blogosphere. And on bad days feel seriously inadequate.
ReplyDeleteI do however love Gary the punster - and will assuredly be dropping in on a blog (or six) in his honour.
You should NEVER feel inadequate, Sue. Your writing is just dandy, and your photos are exquisite. But you're right; there sure are a LOT of writers in the blogosphere. I had no idea! It seems just about EVERYONE has either written a book (or a dozen) or is the process of writing one now. Amazing. And humbling. ("What? You only wrote ONE book, Susan? Big deal! I've written fifty-three...")
DeleteI love learning new things about bloggers such as yourself when you answer questions like this... I don't normally do these things myself though as my blog is pretty personal and tells a ton about me anyway... lol
ReplyDeleteAs for bloghops... I tried them but it takes a lot to keep up with them and I already have so many favorite bloggers, I don't have time to keep up with random people :)
You're right. Some blogs ARE more personal, and yours is one of them. And I think that's a good thing. You seek to establish connections with your followers by being yourself... and you succeed!
DeleteRight again. (You smartie!) Bloghops CAN take up an incredible amount of time, but in the end, they can only eat up as much time as we're willing to feed 'em.
Dear Ms Swiderski, thanks to you I shall now have permanent nightmares about the underneath of my toes.
ReplyDeleteHA! Don't worry about it. (Keep your shoes on!)
DeleteHaving never considered myself a writer, but a gardener, I'll respond to "Who put the bop in the bop she bop she bop?" Same guy who put the ram in rammalammadingdong ("who was that man? I'd like to shake his han'. He made mah baby faaall in love with meeeee!"). Can't recall who recorded that song but it has pleasantly haunted me since the early '60s. Now what was the question? Enjoyable post from an enjoyable writer. You're top-notch.
ReplyDeleteGeo, you can definitely consider yourself a writer. You have an uncanny knack for cultivating delightful word gardens.
DeleteFirst off, Jon's right. You ARE a writer, Geo, whether you wanta be or not.
DeleteThat song? Barry Mann, circa 1961. (Seems but a few short years ago, eh?)
Thanks, dude. Back atcha.
I'm still trying to recover from those horrifying talking toes.......but I take great comfort in the fact that some people still keep "groovy" in their vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteSusan, you're a fantastic writer - so I wasn't surprised that your answers to the four chosen questions were delightful and apt.
And, since I've always disliked the idea of "tagging" people, it's nice that you have given all of your readers the choice of utilizing them (the questions).
Horrifying? Maybe just a teensy bit. But I think those toe people are also hysterical.
DeleteThank you! Wow, how sweet. (We December babies have to stick together.)
I bop along as well as anybody, but who put the ram in the Ramalangadingdong?
ReplyDeleteI'll pass on the meme.
oops, ramalamadingdong. where did I get lang from?? my brain needs a holiday.
ReplyDeleteHA! I think it's the end of summer doldrums. We could ALL use a holiday.
DeleteI have started blocking 'friends' on facebook whose communications only consist of shouting about how their book 'will haunt you all your life!' and how it's going free next Friday.
ReplyDeleteFor the rest, did you ever see the projected first scene that was the prejected opener for SUNSET BOULEVARD (with Gloria Swanson) where you are in the morgue listening to a lot of (literal) stiffs talking about how they got there? It was supposed to be horrifying and moving. When it was released on preview, those who watched it found it a real knee-slapper. They were laughing so hard, the director scrapped it and changed the opening scene to the body floating in the pool, an altogether more uplifting scene.
So to speak...
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's turned off by a hard sell. YOU mentioned two of your books more or less "in passing"... and I bought both of 'em. Low-key works much better for me than pushy.
DeleteHA! No, I missed that original opening scene. Since I have a rather inappropriate sense of humor, I'm sure I would have been slapping my knee, too.
Right. Floating bodies are always more uplifting. HA!
I totally support your nomination for a Pulitzer :)
ReplyDeleteHA! You smooth-talker you.
DeleteOkay, that toe-face picture is creepy. *grin*
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the endless online promo by writers. A little secret: I kind of hate it, too. And I really don't like doing it. (You know what's coming next, don't you? The big BUT. Big BUTs are a fact of life. Well, my life, anyway.)
*Ahem* BUT...it kind of goes with the territory. If you're traditionally published, you probably have a publicist who sets up a lot of guest blog posts and/or interviews, and who expects you to do your darndest to get your book into the consciousness of the reading public. And if you're an indie writer, well, then it's all on you to do it--not an easy task.
It's a balancing act, and you hope to land somewhere in the happy mid-ground between "Oh, you wrote a book?" and "God, will you shut the f*** up about your bleeping book!"
Heaven knows, though, it's easy to miss the sweet spot. *wry grin*
A big BUT is much preferable to a big butt. (At least, when attached to my posterior.)
DeleteOkay, I understand what you're saying. Nobody's gonna buy a book if they don't know about it. I get it. I do. I contacted our old hometown newspaper and offered them a book to review, and ended up getting a front-page story out of it. (BIG promotional help!) So I know we have to DO stuff to get noticed. I just don't want to shove my book down anybody's throat, or have anybody else's shoved down mine.
No worries. YOU, my dear, have found the sweet spot. Really. You're doing a great job.
The anti-blogfest sounds like a gas and I am completely creeped out by the toe-people! Gaaaah! I will never wear sandals again!
ReplyDelete~Just Jill
Yeah, I think the anti-blogfest should be a lot of fun.
DeleteSorry the toe people creep you out... they crack me up. Not that I'd actually want them living at the end of MY feet, mind you...
I'm okay with the writing posts but the constant barrage of new books and their covers, especially the same book over and over for weeks and weeks on end...yeah, it makes me less likely to want to buy. Not that I don't want to know about someone's new book because I do! Just not so much.
ReplyDeleteExactly! That's exactly how I feel.
DeleteI hope you post a blog bit sometime on the Learning How To Use Explosives. I am very curious who a person would even contact about that sort of thing and what that conversation would sound like. And then there's the good stuff where you actually blow stuff up. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI doubt if I'll ever do a blog bit about explosives, but I started with a couple of U.S. Army technical manuals... one on improvised munitions, and the other on unconventional warfare devices and techniques. Both were written in the '60s, and have a lot of fascinating info in them. Some info I gleaned from a couple newspaper articles on terrorism, but the majority of the nitty gritty stuff, I found online. It's kinda scary how many details are readily available on a multitude of websites. (I hope Uncle Sam was looking over my shoulder too closely!)
DeleteI really, really, really, really want number seven for you, Sus.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your intro on this post a lot. I could 'hear' your voice. :)
Thanks. You're really, really, really, really sweet.
DeleteAs my hubby could tell ya, it's hard NOT to hear my voice. I hardly ever shut up...
Congrats on being tagged! It's fun to get to know a bit more about you :) And I totally understand about getting inundated with new books and posts, etc. It can be overwhelming at times!
ReplyDeleteThanks! (Being tagged didn't hurt a bit!)
DeleteYes, "overwhelming" is the perfect word for it. Have you ever been in a BrandSmart store? It's a huge warehouse-sized place that's jam-packed with stuff and has big splashy signs everywhere that attack you with vivid colors! colors! colors! Their prices are great, but I rarely go in there, because the sensory overload freaks me out. So does the constant inundation of information about new books.
Cat is already in
ReplyDeleteFor the anti one at his bin
And sometimes it does get old
When all one has to post about is another book to be sold
But them are the breaks too
To get into view
To mention a book a writer wants sold
DeleteIs great a few times, but it really gets old
When you hear naught but a song with only one note;
Tunes and blogs need variety to get my vote.
Say... once every tenth post is gold.
Thanks. I used to have the same effect on my mother.
ReplyDeleteWell, I certainly enjoy your writing. And definitely your sense of humour! And those faces on the toes...ack, so creepy!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Martha. Sorry about the creepy toes. Guess I'll put 'em back under wraps for a while.
DeleteOh, I was going to tag you for this! Mary beat me to it, dang her. :D
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your answers, as I knew I would.
Thanks for the thought, anyway. Mary's a speed demon.
DeleteHi Susan .. I don't do blogfests - way too time consuming for me .. as for book this and book that ... nope not for me either ..
ReplyDeleteGary - though deserves my creative mind to jump through the hoops .. heaven knows where the hoops are - perhaps I need your toes to keep a look out for me!
So the A-Z, the odd people blogfest .. Lee and Gary for two .. and the Overcoming Adversity blogfest to raise money for Nick Wilford's son for his continuing education.. and then that Health blogfest - where I had a couple of things to say .. not my usual ramble around the world ..
Well toes out - and another thing I'm allergic to being tagged - thankfully no-one does it now .. but I must get my brains out from behind my achilles heel and put a note on the blog to that effect ..
Happy days and toes for the weekend .. Hilary
HA! You crack me up! You SO do blogfests! (And WELL, too!)
DeleteThe A-Z is like the blogfest of all blogfests, and you've done a super dooper job with that one. Plus all the others you mention. Yes, ma'am, you DO do blogfests. Even if you ARE allergic to being tagged.
Cheers! And happy toes to you, too.
Have to admit I get a little confused by the double exposure of first the cover reveal followed a month later by the actual release of the novel. I know it's about marketing, but it does sometimes have the opposite effect, because it gets to be like tuning out a commercial. I do think people would be better off selecting a few high profile blogs to get the word out rather than a week of strafing every target in sight. JMO.
ReplyDeleteExactly! There's such a blogoshpere-wide hoopla about some cover reveals, it's (yawn) anti-climactic when the book finally comes out.
Deleteabsolutely funny as hell. Your blog is one of the most creative I read - that's a serious compliment to a very non-serious lady. Explosives - sign me up - my husband perked up his ears. To some extent we are all part of the writing and reading circus. I'm just glad someone is clowning about a bit. Very good Friday post. We're ready for the weekend and laughing and feeling groovy!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Your comment sure made me feel good. (I'm sure it has nothing at all to do with this glass of wine I'm sipping.)
DeleteHappy weekend, Joanne!
I love your sense of humor and blog ... I even liked the creepy toes! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Now I'm REALLY feeling groovy!
DeleteBlast Rites sounds like a great title - you must keep it!
ReplyDeleteAnd for your statement the research process has taught me how to make my own explosives...well, you better hope the NSA isn't reading your blog too closely!
Thanks. Glad ya like it.
DeleteYeah, I know. Uncle Sam would really be scratching his head if he tried to figure out all the weird things I research... but the explosives is probably the "worst".
I don't know if I'm sick to death about new book posts, but I am insanely jealous.
ReplyDeletehttp://joycelansky.blogspot.com
Only in a weak moment. Hang in there, and your day will come.
DeleteI think you, your blog, and your writing are all groovy. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Sweet of you to say. I'm not too bad for an old broad.
DeleteSo if I was to write a book (just one)and get it published or self publish, (how does one do that anyway?), I shouldn't advertise it ad infinitum on my blog, but just do a one post announcement when it is available?
ReplyDeleteHmmm, wonder if I have a book in me?
Oh, I think you can do a lot more than a one-time mention of your book on your own blog. You want to be sure people are aware of it and interested, but ya don't wanta yell "Buy My Book!" on every single post. That just seems kinda tacky. Subtlety is classier, at least in my opinion. And some people who read your book and love it will want to feature it on their blog. (Like Janie) That kind of word-of-mouth recommendation entices MORE people to read, who may also love it and want to feature it on THEIR blog, etc, etc, etc. (Life is good.)
DeleteOnly you can answer as to whether or not you have a book in you. But trust me, if there is, it's a LOT of work to get it OUT and ready to publish. (Good luck!)
Far out, Suzie Q. The toe photos are a scream.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rick! Yeah, those toes ARE a scream. (Especially the big one!)
DeleteDoing some serious chilling with some beer, chips, and salsa but I might actually give those nine questions a go tomorrow morning. That is if I don't dig out the tequila and margarita mix tonight.
ReplyDeleteSerious chilling? Isn't that what weekends are for? Sounds like a plan. I'll look forward to seeing which questions you go for, and how you answer them. (Um, ya might wanta stick with the beer... the tequila stuff can bite you...)
DeleteSusan, I really enjoyed all your answers. Nicely done, girl.
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me that I do want to add a link to your blog on my blog, but on a different post. The one about music in the landfill in Paraguay. This post reminded me that I had the intention of doing that and never did it. LOL.
The anti-blog fest, yes, but I'm going to listen to the Tree of Life soon. Gary is a lovely blogger and a gifted writer.
I think I've changed all the plans but we are getting somewhere, right?
Have a lovely weekend.
Thanks, Julia. I'm glad you enjoyed them. And I'm glad you want to link to that Landfill Harmonic post. Those kids are something else, and the more people who know about them, the better.
DeleteOf course we're getting somewhere. May not be where we planned to go, but we're definitely going somewhere, and that's always good enough for me.
You have a lovely weekend, too.
I'm a new follower and I like you even better already. ;) Some writer's blogs become one long commercial and that does turn me off. I never have the screen time to do a lot online in the first place. Have a hard enough time keeping up with reading the blogs I follow and writing on mine once in a while--LOL! You do tickle me, lady. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rita! What a sweet thing to say. (Several sweet things, actually.)
DeleteTake care. I hope the rest of your weekend is terrific.
Never much of a writer myself, I love reading other's creations. The advent of ebook readers and now the blogosphere have opened up new avenues to satiate the need. Your is one of the blogs I love to read as the inherent humour in the posts makes them truly enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm glad to hear you enjoy reading my goofy posts. You may not think of yourself as much of a writer, but you sure know how to create art with that camera of yours.
ReplyDeleteI like you for many of the reasons and thoughts you expressed in this post, Susan. You're not a smart ass. You just tell it like it is. I agree that a million posts about a book is repelling, not enticing. People need to mellow out. Sales do not happen that way. You, my dear, do it right.
ReplyDeleteThanks for promoting the Gary fest! It'll be fun.
I'll have hot flashes any day now, in more ways than one, with emphasis on the cold lemonade. Can't wait.
xoRobyn
Thanks, Robyn! (But I, um, AM a smart ass. Always have been...)
DeleteWell, sales maybe DO happen that way, or else so many people wouldn't do it. Just not my bag, but I am the world's WORST salesperson. For a very brief while... VERY brief while... I was an Amway salesperson in the early seventies. The thing was, I didn't want to impose on my friends by trying to sell them stuff, and I sure as heck wasn't going to go door to door. So I bought a couple things and sold some cans of spray-on shoe polish to my father. That was it. (The WORST ever!)
I hope the hot flashes are enjoyable. (Much more fun to read about 'em than to FEEL 'em!)
I read your book of poetry, and enjoyed it very much. Haven't written a review on it yet, but I will.
Hey Susan,
ReplyDeleteGosh and yay for getting tagged by Mary Pax. I know how exciting it can be getting tagged. Toe you, I forward my sincerest congratulations. My "tag" has an alarm on it and if I break my commenting curfew, well, I better hurry. My tag is starting to glow.
Who put the hop in the blog she blog she hop?
Why are the creators of blogfests, blog hops, ridiculous alphabet challenges and heck, even anti-blogfests, referred to as it being their "brainchild"? Anyway, I'm very cynical about the whole blog hippety hoppety stuff. Not really, we know that those who set up blog hops are actually trying to have a whole bunch of positive interaction within the magical blogging community. If I really was cynical, I would say they are actually ego-trippers who are trying to accumulate followers. Not being cynical, you can ignore my last sentence. Or this entire comment, if you so wish.
Let the irony of ironies commence, I say. The fun-filled, farcical, frivolous, funfest or anti-blogfest, funfest, I jest, will being rearing its bewildered head in a few hours time. Cool n'stuff!
Your starstruck fan,
Gary :)
Thanks. It's dandy to be tagged, but it's even dandier to have a whole doggone blogfest named after ya! Something tells me a lot of people think you're one special dude.
DeleteOf course you're not Cynical. You're Gary, silly.
Seeya tomorrow... in a bunch of blogs, I'll betcha. Should be a real blast! Enjoy it.
I love coming to your blog to read! And the photos you share are sometimes a hoot!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's always a pleasure to see your smiling face here.
DeleteI love the creepy toes! I was all into the blog hops and awards and other hoo-ha when I first starting blogging. then, I realized, it doesn't really mean anything. They're fun and all, but do take time, and maybe get you some exposure, but i've decided good writing should do the same thing. There are as many types of blog as they are people.
ReplyDeleteHA! Me, too! Those toes crack me up.
DeleteSome of the blog hops are fun, but they do take a lot of time. Awards are kinda fun sometimes, too, especially if you're having a bit of a block as to what to write about... the award "rules" usually TELL ya what to write about.