Everyone shared some great thoughts yesterday about ways to make our blogs appealing to agents and editors who might stop by. Here are just a few of the suggestions:- Links to samples of online publications of work
- Links to excerpts of manuscripts (not more than 10%)
- List of completed (and contracted) works
- Cover of book (s) you've written or contributed to
- Credentials and awards in blog profiles
- Links to website, FB, Twitter, etc.
- E-mail address for further contact
Thanks for so many great ideas! I'll be working on trying to implement some of them in the future. Jeanette Levellie offered an excellent reminder: the more bells and whistles we have the longer our pages take to load, especially for those with dial-up.
To sum up our week talking about contest results, check out this article Making Sense of Contest Results on Keli Gwyn's blog.
And finally, I really enjoyed reading Janna Qualman's blog post this week It's My Path. I loved the simple way she summed up the writing journey by saying that we have to step back and look at what's best for each of us individually without comparing our steps to others.
No matter where we're at on the writing journey, we'll be tempted to compare. Whether we're a young aspiring writer, newly agented, or even a published author, we all struggle with the comparison game. Believe it or not, even though I had one of my best weeks yet as a writer, I still found myself comparing and consequently feeling discouraged!
I have to remind myself that I'm on this writing path because ultimately I love writing, that I'd still write even if I was the only one.
Let's encourage one another today. Ultimately why do you write? And do you have anything to share that might encourage us all to keep on persevering?
Have a great Memorial Weekend! See you next Tuesday!
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That was an incredibly helpful post. How would you make links to some of your writing that's just on MS word? Does anybody know how to do that? Great idea about the email link too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, Jody! Why do I write? Because I love it. Because it rejuvinates me and fires me up and relaxes me all at the same time. I can't imagine NOT writing. And, of course, I want to share the blessings God has given me. I want to encourage and captivate my readers. I love getting lost in a great book - it's even better getting lost in writing a great book. :)
Happy Memorial DAY weekend! My kiddos are OFF the walls! Waaaay too squirely!
Good pointers. I write because it is my escape, my creativity outlet, and I can't imagine not.
ReplyDeleteYou've given me great ideas on things to add to my blog. I appreciate the advice.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I write? This might sound weird, but I feel called to write. I feel like it's God's purpose for me. What a blessing to know what I want to do and to love doing it. The negative aspects don't add up to much when I think about the joy writing gives me.
Thanks Jody! Have a great weekend!
Jody, thanks so much for posting the link, so others can view it. I'm glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI write like many, because it's an outlet of sorts. I seem to figure out who I am through my writing. But also, I feel like I've been blessed with this gift of sharing with others through my words, of making them feel something, and I don't want to squander it. You know?
Jody - Didn't get to comment yesterday, but amen to the bells and whistles being so slow on dial up! I just recently switched to high speed and am enjoying blogs on the spot...not blogs in twenty minutes when the page loads!
ReplyDeleteWhy do I write? I write because my head will explode with words if I don't move them to paper or screen. I write because I never know when it might be the day something brilliant comes spilling out...so the pages and pages of fluff are worth it for those moments of utter goodness. I write because I want to remember this journey and whether I'm writing in a journal...or on my blog...or in my scrapbook...or in something "purposeful," I preserve a bit of the journey as I go. I write because it's how I learn. I write because I must.
Jody:
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great summing up of all the comments, and the link to my blog. YOu are so sweet. Also, thanks for comparing me with your mom yesterday!
I write because i can't not write. It is in my blood. The fact that i can share it with others is a bonus from the throne of God.
Also, to quote Eric Liddel in Chariots of Fire, "when i (write) I feel God's pleasure."
Happy Weekend,
Jen
Great advice here today. Why do I write? Simply, it is who I am. Every bit of my life has led me to this writing place, giving me the inspiration, life and experiences that I put down in words. I wouldn't be me if I didn't write. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI write b/c it is the best way I've found to express myself and all that God is wanting me to share.
ReplyDeleteI also love it.
I write to understand life and people.
To breathe courage into other writers: We all have a story. It's worth it to find the best way to share it.
I loved Janna's post, too!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many reasons why I write. Mostly because it just feels right. It's what I'm supposed to do. I love it. Also because I love creating things and in those creations, reaching people.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I write because it makes me feel good and because I love to do it. Great Post Jody!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved to read and often been accused of having a very creative imagination:) I think I finally found the courage to write after getting tired of rewriting books I'd read and thought could be better. I love the idea of creating our own happily-ever-after.
ReplyDeleteI can't not write. Case in point right now - I am just beginning to put thoughts and ideas together for a new story and not being able to really dive into it is driving me nuts. I don't want to do anything else BUT write. And I'm so glad that God blessed me with this talent!
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts, as always.
ReplyDeleteI write to share ideas. I think anyone who as made it to the point in life they are at has something to share with someone. Experience often is the best teacher.
I thought about a link to Facebook but then sometimes I write really stupid stuff on it:)) and how do I get the logo for acfw?
ReplyDeleteHi, Jody, you share such a wealth of info here. Much to consider regarding blogs for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're so right about the comparing thing. It's so not the Christian way but yet we all fall into that trap. I need to be reminded of all the blessings I do have, and be thankful that, and less humglum about the minor trials that come my way. Thanks for gently guiding me back to praise!!
I so appreciate that!
I hope you have an awesome long weekend.
I need to check out Janna's post. I feel like I must've missed that one!
ReplyDeleteI love writing, have always done it in some shape or form. But I'm not disciplined, and I love reading more. So the thought of having someone pay me to write usually spurs me into action. Plus, once my kids are in school I don't know what I'll do for a job. I'd love to be an author and be paid for what I already love, if that makes sense?
Thanks for sharing everyone! Your thoughts about why you are writng are so inspiring! I just love it! They are certainly an encouragement to me this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. There is excellent advice and information here! I will be back.
ReplyDeleteJody,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit here but certainly not my last. Your blog is informative, refreshing, and makes me comfortable.
I write because that is who I am:
I am who I think I am,
Maybe not all you think you see.
I am captain of my soul,
treading in the sea.
Linda and Robert: Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you around again!
ReplyDelete