I’m Still Here And Active

“Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic” – Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

When I started blogging last September, I honestly didn’t give myself much credit for writing and keeping up with it. I figured it would have played out by Christmas. Now, here I am, eleven months later with thirty-three posts published, visited 398 times and 734 views. For those who do not know, I started blogging after a near-tragic medical event last August forced me to look at a lot of things in my life; things I had accomplished, things I was in the middle of accomplishing and things I always wanted to do, but never made time for them. To be honest, I am still having a hard time making time for things, thus the nearly three-month gap since my last blog post.

I have always said that I have several books swimming around in my head that I have just not put on paper. Last August I told myself that, if I was ever going to write a book, it was time to do it. I started thinking about what all went into writing and publishing and everything else that took a book from the initial conception to the shelf. Then I remembered that my daughter has been a Twitter user for several years, and has networked with several authors in the children’s and young adult genres. So, I set up a Twitter account with the intention of connecting with writers, authors, editors, publishers and people in all other areas of the “book biz”. What an amazing experience it has been, too. I have met some truly amazing authors, writers and bloggers. I have bought, received and read a lot of their books, regardless of genre. I have become a freelance reviewer on Amazon and Goodreads, and have posted several reviews here on my WordPress site. One of the authors I have met is New York author, William Lobb (you can read more about Bill in my blog review of his novel, The Third Step). It was Bill that told me to start a blog. He said it would not only get my words out to the public, but would also be good writing practice. To date, my blog posts have been seen in 14 different countries! WOW!

So, what have I been up to lately? Reading and reviewing mostly. As I said, I have been reading books of authors I have met, and I review on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as on here. I am still plugging away on my debut novel, which I am planning to self publish Winter 2019 (that’s the projected goal, anyway, and is subject to change). I am also working on a crime short story and an historical poem, along the lines of Walt Whitman. Three things I’d like to mention (It’s my blog and I’ll toot my own horn, if I want lol).

I am on a launch team for Allie Compeau’s soon-to-be-released children’s book, Aster The Spirit Talker, which is scheduled for release on August 7. I have written about Allie before (Meet K Alice Compeau). It’s a great book, and I have my review ready for launch day. I am currently reading her book, A Night Game, which is scheduled for later release.

My friend, Australian author, RL Andrew has just completed her second novel, A Demigodess’ Guide To Interplanetary Parenting and is sending me signed copies of the first and second novels (the first being A Lunatic’s Guide To Interplanetary Relationships). In a tweet the other day about her second novel, she told me that I had a mention in the acknowledgements! RL is an amazing author, as well as an inspirational woman. She is chronically ill, yet she still manages to, not only write, but meet and greet her fans at book fairs and market events. She is currently working on the third book in the series.

Another author friend, Sarah Tyley, author of Spaghetti Head, has, along with notable writers, host Becky Slack and guest tutor Helen Cross, started a Writer’s Workshop in SW France, and Sarah has asked me to submit a couple blog posts along the lines of “getting started” for their website. So, I will be submitting those as soon as possible. If you are reading this post, and are in or around the Southwest of France, AND/OR think you might be interested in their workshop in September, you can get more information about the workshop from their website: http://www.latelierdesecrivains.com.

Needless to say (but I will anyway) I am deeply appreciative and humbled by these three wonderful ladies for thinking of me, and giving me an opportunity to be a part of their writing successes.

Until next time (hopefully not three more months)…