Thursday, February 18, 2010
Me Anniversary
And I missed it. So, in honor of me first blog…back on January 23rd, 2009…
What I Have Gained From My Year on the Revenge
1) I thought it would be fun. And it is fun! I’ve learned so much from my fellow bloggers, from our guests and from those who visit and babble along with us. Yes. The mysteries of glittery hoohas, the allure of a bedazller… And actually useful stuff. I’m still not finished with my picking away at the question of genre and what it all MEANS! I think that is my eternal quest, much like that of the Holy Grail.
But my mind delights in skipping and dancing along the way to figuring something out. Anything, for the most part.
For example…
Earlier this week I sat across the kitchen table with my 70-something Mother, discussing the origins of cuss words and how I found it interesting how the varied ways words used to describe genitalia somehow became insults. I find topics like this fascinating. Not totally sure what Mom thought, though she did chuckle once or twice.
Any day is a good day when I can make Mom chuckle.
So, the delightful back and forth of this blog suits me quite well. And if the discussions sometimes turn into not much more than I-like-this-so-there…well, it’s still interesting. Then I sit back and contemplate why that was the answer!
Yes, Hel. I contemplate not just my navel, but all navels! I am an equal opportunity navel contemplator.
The blog stimulates my mind. Thank you! I hope it stimulates yours.
2) I thought the blog would help me build a platform to use when I get published. I still think it will work that way. I do a lot of wandering around examining writing trends, and one is about the entire idea of an author platform. I see several panels at RT on platform building, on web presence, on how to use the technology available to build an audience, even if you aren’t pubbed yet…and about branding. Not sure yet what that one is all about, but I look forward to exploring it.
I’ve spoken before about putting together a video book pitch and posting it on YouTube. I’m working on the script and hope to have it up before RT. Because I think it will be fun, not because I think it will work to get me an offer. I’m even going to dress up in all my pirate finery! Stand with the Pacific at my back, look distant and all romantic. Hee, hee.
It has to be fun or I’m not going to do it. (Though I can’t make that work with synopsis writing, blast.)
As for the idea of branding… I wonder if it’s about things like Christie Craig and her hats… I suspect it isn’t. But I was recently working on business cards to take to RT and put together a card that I felt spoke of how I see myself. More than a pirate, but writer who fully embraces the anarchy of piratatude in how I write, what I write, etc.
I chose a motto of sorts… Sailing the Seas of Adventure. And I claimed the genre of fantasy. (But I’m not through contemplating it or discussing it! Fair warning to all!)
I came to all of this through my time on the Revenge. The identity I found here is my writer identity. And I love it!
Thank you!
3) Friends. I’ve found friends. Terrio, who reads the stuff I send her and comes back with such intensely common sense she stuns me sometimes. (I keep asking her to marry me. She keeps putting me off, sly girl!) Sin, who is my musical guru and sends me music to inspire my muse. Hellion, who writes brilliant blogs on how to navigate the waters of a very complex writing sea. Halleigh, who is so academically brilliant it’s scary. And her research! Damn! Marnee – the master juggler. Writing, motherhood…a real inspiration. J. Perry, Santa, Lisa…all ladies that follow their dream, forging their own path.
Sometimes it’s slow, sometimes it’s hard, but we all work our sails the best we can. And Melissa, Julie, Quantum, Sabrina and all those who come along for the ride… I adore you all, even if I don’t list your name!
My world is so much larger for stowing away on the Revenge and wheedling my way into a one day a week chance to pontificate from the bar stool.
Thank you all!
And here’s a rum toast to you all! Scotch for you, Q!
To the Romance Writers Revenge! Long may she sail!
What do you find draws you back to the Revenge? You have anything particular you found here that assist you in finding your heart’s ideal? Any mottos spring brilliantly to mind? Any thoughts on whether a blog assists a non-pubbed author as much as a pubbed writer? Wanna wish me a belated happy anniversary? ;-)
What I Have Gained From My Year on the Revenge
1) I thought it would be fun. And it is fun! I’ve learned so much from my fellow bloggers, from our guests and from those who visit and babble along with us. Yes. The mysteries of glittery hoohas, the allure of a bedazller… And actually useful stuff. I’m still not finished with my picking away at the question of genre and what it all MEANS! I think that is my eternal quest, much like that of the Holy Grail.
But my mind delights in skipping and dancing along the way to figuring something out. Anything, for the most part.
For example…
Earlier this week I sat across the kitchen table with my 70-something Mother, discussing the origins of cuss words and how I found it interesting how the varied ways words used to describe genitalia somehow became insults. I find topics like this fascinating. Not totally sure what Mom thought, though she did chuckle once or twice.
Any day is a good day when I can make Mom chuckle.
So, the delightful back and forth of this blog suits me quite well. And if the discussions sometimes turn into not much more than I-like-this-so-there…well, it’s still interesting. Then I sit back and contemplate why that was the answer!
Yes, Hel. I contemplate not just my navel, but all navels! I am an equal opportunity navel contemplator.
The blog stimulates my mind. Thank you! I hope it stimulates yours.
2) I thought the blog would help me build a platform to use when I get published. I still think it will work that way. I do a lot of wandering around examining writing trends, and one is about the entire idea of an author platform. I see several panels at RT on platform building, on web presence, on how to use the technology available to build an audience, even if you aren’t pubbed yet…and about branding. Not sure yet what that one is all about, but I look forward to exploring it.
I’ve spoken before about putting together a video book pitch and posting it on YouTube. I’m working on the script and hope to have it up before RT. Because I think it will be fun, not because I think it will work to get me an offer. I’m even going to dress up in all my pirate finery! Stand with the Pacific at my back, look distant and all romantic. Hee, hee.
It has to be fun or I’m not going to do it. (Though I can’t make that work with synopsis writing, blast.)
As for the idea of branding… I wonder if it’s about things like Christie Craig and her hats… I suspect it isn’t. But I was recently working on business cards to take to RT and put together a card that I felt spoke of how I see myself. More than a pirate, but writer who fully embraces the anarchy of piratatude in how I write, what I write, etc.
I chose a motto of sorts… Sailing the Seas of Adventure. And I claimed the genre of fantasy. (But I’m not through contemplating it or discussing it! Fair warning to all!)
I came to all of this through my time on the Revenge. The identity I found here is my writer identity. And I love it!
Thank you!
3) Friends. I’ve found friends. Terrio, who reads the stuff I send her and comes back with such intensely common sense she stuns me sometimes. (I keep asking her to marry me. She keeps putting me off, sly girl!) Sin, who is my musical guru and sends me music to inspire my muse. Hellion, who writes brilliant blogs on how to navigate the waters of a very complex writing sea. Halleigh, who is so academically brilliant it’s scary. And her research! Damn! Marnee – the master juggler. Writing, motherhood…a real inspiration. J. Perry, Santa, Lisa…all ladies that follow their dream, forging their own path.
Sometimes it’s slow, sometimes it’s hard, but we all work our sails the best we can. And Melissa, Julie, Quantum, Sabrina and all those who come along for the ride… I adore you all, even if I don’t list your name!
My world is so much larger for stowing away on the Revenge and wheedling my way into a one day a week chance to pontificate from the bar stool.
Thank you all!
And here’s a rum toast to you all! Scotch for you, Q!
To the Romance Writers Revenge! Long may she sail!
What do you find draws you back to the Revenge? You have anything particular you found here that assist you in finding your heart’s ideal? Any mottos spring brilliantly to mind? Any thoughts on whether a blog assists a non-pubbed author as much as a pubbed writer? Wanna wish me a belated happy anniversary? ;-)
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37 comments:
Happy belated anniversary, Chance!
I love that "I thought it would be fun" tops your list...that's what it's all about. :) That's the best motto and thank you for sharing it!
I think what I've learned here, amongst many things, is the importance of being positive within the writing community. It's not always as easy as it should be! I've slipped once in a while and had those "why did I say that?" moments. I keep coming back though because I do love each and every one of the personalities on this blog. I love the diversity of writing styles that open my eyes up to the possibilities!
Chance, you're the sweetest. :) We love having you.
I think I'm with Melissa. I love the mix of personalities here. And I love that everyone is frank about their experiences and opinions, but respectful of everyone else's. That's priceless.
I'm not sure if a blog assists a nonpublished author or not. I don't think I did it for that. I wanted to feel like I wasn't alone in all this. Writing is hard work and I think it's harder when you feel like you're hacking at it by yourself. If I was going to hack at it, I needed a support system and I found it here. :)
Even though I'm not around as much as I was a couple years ago (the increasing demands of RL have been weighing me down during the day), I feel like you guys are rooting for me and that's important, especially on rough, down writing days.
Happy Belated Anniverary, Darlin'! Since we can't even remember our own anniversaries, doesn't surprise me we skipped right over yours. LOL!
I love that anything goes here. No rules, no limits, no boundaries. That's where I'm most comfortable. I bristle easy when someone scolds me for saying something off color. But then again, I just bristle easy. :)
Happy Anniversary, Chance! You've been a very fun addition!
What do you find draws you back to the Revenge? The crew, of course. Not only are all you ladies (and Q) here talented, insightful and extremely funny, but you are also helpful, supportive and accepting. I feel comfortable here - that relaxed feeling you get just hanging with friends. I can offer my opinion, join in the discussion or just sit around and listen.
Melissa - I'm with you. I love that this is not a 'meanie' blog. Too many sites out there are all about the snark.
We might get a little testy sometimes, but the snarkiness is missing. We support each other, we encourage each other and even when we all agree about a particular book/author with a less than stirling opinion, we don't make it the star of the show.
Because...WE are the stars of this show and like an ensemble cast, we all shine at different times and on different days.
So glad you found us, Melissa!
I have a lot of those what-did-I-say moments, but luckily they usually just turns into a drink.
Happy Anniversary, Chance! Your take on writing & life has added an interesting twist to the blog.
What draws me to RWR? The intriguing conversations. They go from the serious to the outrageous. The Revenge is fun, informative and always fascinating!
The blog stimulates my mind too. Which is probably kind of dangerous. Since getting my mind started on something is like setting off a nuclear Fission of heavy elements… an exothermic reaction which can release large amounts of energy! Or in my case, large amounts of energetic posts. God help you.
Marnee - I hear a lot of both sides regarding whether a blog can help the unpubbed. I think we all know it can hurt them, especially if they engage in the heavy snark and run-away mouth...
I know that when Jane sent off a submission to Ellora's Cave, the editor replied that she'd looked at Jane's website... So, some publishers are out there googling potential authors. Course, this blog has me as 2nd Chance, so I guess I'd be out of luck! Unless I drop that in my query letter...hmmm!
It's so unfair how RL interfers with the fun!
And I do agree, the commaraderie is so much one of the reasons I kept coming back and love being aboard!
Bo'sun - I like that we have no boundaries, but we still keep to some boundaries. We be a civil bit a' piratitude!
Which is the best kind to have!
Not to civil, just enough!
Irish - I think we're a bit like a familiar bar. A good place to come hang out, check in, share a toast...then slog back to the trials and tribulations of real life.
I like that we're a bit cozy...
Julie! Energy is good, darlin'!
OK, it can also be scary. But lack of energy is scarier.
A stimulated mind is a terrible thing to waste. So glad you like to waste yours here!
HaHaHaHaaaaaa!
Happy Belated Anniversary!! The blog would not be the same without you and your navel contemplations.
Why do I come back? Because I'm the Captain. And I have the best jackets. Lots of gold fringe and buttons. Never mind the awesome hats. Can't go wrong with a nicely plumed hat.
I find writing blogs to be immensely inspirational. Ours, obviously, but also Write Chic, The Romance Roundtable, Romance Bandits, Vauxhall Vixens, Just Janga, and many, many more. I value all the give to the writing community.
Favorite motto? You can't make chicken salad with invisible chicken.
I saw my motto in a card the other day: Is it better to be loved or feared? I say both: I want you to be afraid of how much you love me.
I agree with both Marn and Bo'sun. This blog started out because I wanted to be part of a blog where I didn't feel I was restricted in what I could say, where I could be my genuine pirate self and not a smiling soccer mom "Everything's sunny on this side of the street!" when it wasn't. BUT...it was also a blog that introduced people of all very strong opinions and very secure in their beliefs--but who were respectful of the other people here.
I do love a good captain's jacket... A fine reason to pirate! The swag...
I think I'd like to be feared by the idiots in front of me in the Starbuck's line...the ones with the multi-drink orders. But loved by the baristas, because my drink is easy to make!
Writing blogs do keep my mind moving. I find these odd topics dropping in and keep a list. So I can contemplate them with proper attentiveness as I put together my trademark rambling blogs!
I think the Revenge is an honest blog that relies on being intelligent and not snarky... I do so tire of the snarky crap that it out there.
I'm not really Thumpers Mom, if you can't say something nice don't say something at all... but I do believe in civility and in karma. Be good, be civil, be respectful, good word btw, and that is what will return to you!
On the rare occasion (1 's' or 2?) we do get snarky, it's usually tinged in humor. Which makes anything go down easier. Spoonful of sugar and all that.
Yeah, it isn't mean snark, it's loving snark... God, I just had a vision of everyon'e favorite book...
MY EYES! MY EYES!
That's snard. Not snark. (Do you think snark would improve it?)
Close enough! :(
Bonnie beckons and I must follow. She's a total siren...be back in an hour or so...
Happy Anniversary, Chance!
The RWR reminds me of CHEERS~ a comfortable place to hang out with friends.
This blog is the best it challenges, encourages, and entertains.
Di
Happy Anniversary, Chance!
One of the many things I've learned from my visits to the RVR is an increased appreciation of the variety of pirate types. It keeps things interesting, offers me new angles on familiar subjects, and usually leaves me laughing.
Happy (belated) anniversary Chance!
Its the interesting and amusing people that make this site so attractive of course. No-one's actually published anything to be displayed in the stores yet, but there is a constant buzz of expectation. One day there's going to be one hell of a party, and I want to be around for the booze.
Where else could I find an event horizon without the inconvenience of travelling light years and risking all my accoutrement's in the process!?
Where else could I find a pirate dancing the rumba in a protective chemical suit!? Um ... could that be why you own that kit Julie?
Where else could I learn how to break all the rules and get away with it!?
If I walked into a room full of women in any other context I'd be running like hell for the pub. But here I kinda feel at home. And there is a pub on the ship, with a charmingly witty barmaid to boot.
Yep its paradise ... thats why I visit .... and I'm hoping to meet Adam and Eve .... in a book. :D
Diiiiii! Rrrrrrr!
Not quite like Norm, but the spirit is there!
It's why I like the bar on the deck. I wasn't an avid Cheers watcher, but the always liked the idea and wished I drank more so I could find a bar like that.
My Starbucks is about as close as I get in RL. They know my drink and often see me coming through the door and get it started. Which is why it's always so frustrating...the people with lists of drinks in front me. I can see my drink, sitting there, moisture beading down the cup, waiting for the creamy goodness of half and half...and...
*drool
I need more shamwows!
Glad you stopped by! Have a rum!
Janga...hmmmm...pirate types?
What like the cutthroat kind verses the cuddling kind? ;)
Most of us like to cuddle, then cut.
We be a most interesting crew... I have fun re-imagining our ship on the actual seas...in a world like what I'm putting together for my silvertons. A sort of steampirate world...with less fog.
Q - You are such a charmer! Any room you enter that be full of ladies sees them all rushing at you to hear that honey pour from your mouth.
Aye, the blast of an event horizon without all the cosmic angst. It be paradise!
I'm hoping to meet all the characters...imagine what an interesting ship that would be! Adam, Eve, Lucy, Miranda, Sadie, Nate, some Irish gun runners, a demon haunted lady...hunks, honeys and villains to boot!
And don't forget the albino Kraken!
(Had me hero come face ta face with him a few nights ago...delightful to write!)
OK, a pat yourself on the back topic for Friday doesn't stir up a ton of interest...but in case anyone comes back...
Anyone have any words of wisdom on what the whole "Author Branding" is all about?
Is it different than a platform?
Well, of course it is, but to what extent?
I think author branding comes much more into play after you get pubbed. It's the *character*, for lack of a better word, you play as your public author persona to your readers.
Cathy Maxwell talked about this once. She's always smiling in pictures and is known for her gregarious personality. Always smiling and happy. Obviously, this is not who she is 24/7, but if she's at a signing or any kind of industry gathering where she needs to be "on", then she makes sure she's smiling and happy. Even if that's the last thing she's feeling.
She knows this is the brand she created and she works at maintaining it. Doesn't mean you have to be fake, Cathy is one of the most upbeat people I've ever met. But it's something she's conscious of when she has to be.
That said, I know nothing about the platform idea. :) Though I'd be interested in hearing more about it.
Hmmmm. So, Christie's hats are sorta about her brand, part of her down-home country charm... And mine may be the pirate-ish rogue-ish impish tilt I seem to have evolved as I write. Interesting!
Platform? Well, as far as Jane and I have figured, it's about where you perform from. Like a high diver plunges from that tall, well built platform. So, as an unpubbed, it's about building a foundation that will already be in place when you are pubbed. A website, a web presence, as a volunteer at conferences... How you promote yourself?
As I said, I'm not altogether positive on all of this...but with publishers getting more and more stingy with what they do to promote an author, the strong, stable, well-built, well-developed, well-known platform, already constructed, will be of benefit to keeping you moving forward in your career.
The book pubbed isn't the start, it's near the start, but it isn't. And it isn't the arrival.
Least that is how I see it!
Clear as mud?
Happy Anny Chance!
You are a delight, and the Revenge wouldn't be the same without you:) I owe you so much for filling in because I can't play. *sigh* I miss the days when I could join in the enlightening conversations,with writing talk being the icing on the cake.
*Muah*
May you win the lottery and be able to play all day!
And share.
The winnings that is.
And everything else, of course!
Happy Anniversary Chanceroo!
Vacation is lovely. I'm never coming home. Hells, hop a plane. We're having writing meetings here.
Hey! I couldn’t help being away. I got kidnapped yesterday by A Renegade Outlaw. Which is another way of saying “my husband got off work early yesterday and he wanted company while he did his looking-for-car-part errands”.
Like I said. I got kidnapped.
I chose a motto of sorts… Sailing the Seas of Adventure. And I claimed the genre of fantasy. Congratulations, Chance. I know that you have been trying to find your place in the world, and Fantasy sounds like a perfect choice for you.
But I’m not through contemplating it or discussing it! Fair warning to all!
Fantasy sounds like a perfect choice for you for the moment. Writers, like most creative people, are always evolving. Even the astonishingly prolific Nora Roberts has expanded beyond her core genre with her J.D. Robb alter ego.
Vacation is lovely. SIN?
"Really I Hate you!" says the woman who is expecting a foot of snow ...
And is it just me? Or when the rest of you read that Vacation is lovely did you think about the movie Death Takes A Holiday? The movie in which Death decides to take a holiday from his usual business to see what it is like to be a mortal.
I think that they should have a remake of the film ... but give it a Modern Twist. Call it:
"SIN takes a Holiday!"
SIN decides to take a holiday from her usual SINister business to see what it is like to be a moral! ;)
The rumba? Quantum, you are much to astute for my liking sir! Since I am a rather cheerful soul, I am always dancing and singing. Usually only when I’m alone though. Its better that way. Trust me.
The last time my DD caught me dancing around the house she squealed “Muuther!” and covered her eyes with her hand. Then she announced in her most dramatic I-am-Sarah-Bernhardt voice “I Have a censor BAR!” And I know how to use it!”
And finally: the protective chemical suit? It was a gift from my husband. What can I say? The man knows me well, and he wants me to be safe when I‘m getting into… oh … into a bit of mischief around the house!
Julie - Sorry about the kidnapping. I always take a book with me when the DH does the come to Home Depot with me stuff. The man can take more time to pick a nail than I can...when picking a genre!
I'm sure you're right, I will skip dip around with the genre stuff the rest of my life. Not simply for my sake. I find the entire concept, the boundaries, the rules just fascinating to debate and play with.
I love the rhumba...and the cha cha and the waltz... Sigh. Love to waltz. Not that good at it, but I still love to work on it!
Everyone should have a protective chemical suit! You never know when a petrochemical truck will overturn in front of your house! Must be prepared!
Or the aliens will land in the backyard and empty their holding tanks. Eewwwwww!
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