Monday, September 30, 2013
Setting Sail In Style
It's ironic that I'm writing this half blind, since that's
how we went into this blog six years ago. Hellie wrote me and said, "What
would you think about me starting a group blog?" I was on board
immediately. I mean, group blogs were "the thing" back then. Not that
they aren't now, but 2007 was sort of the heyday when a bunch of group blogs
were taking off. Add Hellie at the helm and sign me up.
In 2007, I'd never written a book. I didn't have an English
or Lit degree (still don't), and had no faith whatsoever that I could be a
writer.
But Hellie never doubted me.
She never stopped pushing, reminding me that I AM a writer
and I could do this. When I'd get stuck, she'd talk me through it. She taught
me everything she knew about writing, and was nicer to me than she's ever been
to herself. She set the tone for this blog, which is why it's exactly as Janga
described it.
"... different types of people with different writing goals and different life experience all woven together in a community where everyone is accepted, no one is judged, and a sense of humor is the only price of admission."
That description fits because of our founder. I love every
wonderful woman on this ship, but it seemed fitting that the last blog be an
ode to the Captain. She's the reason I finished a book. The reason I'm
published. And the reason this blog kicked ass around the rough, unpredictable
publishing seas for so long.
As I say in the dedication of UP TO THE CHALLENGE – For Fran.
You've been with me from the beginning. Thank you for the push.
Today is not goodbye. There are more adventures ahead for
this crew, and I'm excited to watch these ladies take over the world. Never
doubt that's exactly what will happen.
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22 comments:
Awh, I love this post. This is a fitting final post. :)
I loved our Christmas Carols and tributes at the holiday season. The ghosts of the past. That was a good one. And I liked that we wrote them together. It's the closest to a collaboration that I've ever gotten.
I've loved all of your perspectives, though. I like that there are always a wide variety of viewpoints on this boat. We have plotters and pantsers and plantsers. Some of us can be almost anarchist. That is awesome.
Love you all!
DAMNIT, I have to go to training class...I'm not supposed to be crying! FUCK.
*throws confetti*
*passes Hellie a tissue*
*curtsies*
*runs off*
Goodbye sweet ship- I shall miss the drinks, the fab company and the crow's nest.
I enjoyed the adventures here -- and I'm convinced there will be tons more, just in different locales. After all, isn't that what pirates do? Go on raiding parties to conquer new lands and claim new treasures? *raises tankard* Here's to all of those things, for everyone.
Now I'm off to find a new home for the Hotties. I'll send you a postcard when we get there. :)
Here's to the Cap'n! Here's to all the pirates! A tear and a cheer and a bouquet of gratitude for the laughter, the wisdom, and the friendship!
Now that I've used my quota of exclamation points for a single post, I'll just add that I can't possibly choose one favorite post. I loved the parodies, the writing metaphors, the rockin’ guests, the discussions of craft, and all the tangents along the way.
Thanks for the memory
Of parodies and yacks, days of looking back,
And how we laughed at the charms of the one-and-only Jack.
What fun it all was!
I say goodbye with this last toast
Before you set sail on the great sea
And this moment fades into memory.
Some tears, adieu! Pirates, to you!
So, thanks for the memory,
And strictly entre-nous, my mood’s a bit blue.
But I smile to think of all the dreams you’ll all see come true.
Smooth seas and sunshine too; farewell and God bless you.
And thank you so much!
LOL
I looooove the confetti and tissues and curtsies and elegant exits and Hellion not even bothering to pretend that she didn't drop the f bomb.
Good times ... Yah, for me that is the best description of life aboard the Revenge.
" Good times, these are the good times
Leave your cares behind, these are the good times
Good times, these are the good times
Our new state of mind, these are the good times "
if those words seem a little familiar to you that is because they are from the classic song "Good Times" by Chic. A good song, and a good description of my view of life aboard this blog. Good Times ... A place to find a good book, see some good writing and leave my cares behind.
"A rumor has it that it's getting late
Time marches on, just can't wait
The clock keeps turning, why hesitate
You silly fool, you can't change your fate
Let's cug the rug, a little jive and jitterbug
We want the best, we won't settle for less
Don't be a drag, participate ..."
Yes, it is getting late, time is marching on, this ship is officially docked. It has been a joy, a pleasure ... Watching you all find your voice, your niche, your story ... You are such talented group of writers. And I have no doubt that all of you will get published ... So " why hesitate ...You silly fool, you can't change your fate."
Your fate? Your fate Is to write ... and to find your new ship ... your ReaderShip.
So
Good Luck to all of you Pirates ... And thank you so very much for all of those Good Times.
In honor of you Sister Pirates here is my last link, leading to my last song, sung by Sister Sledge.
http://youtu.be/WfSRn_2Guy8
I chose this video not only for the song, but for the look of pure joy shining on the sisters' faces. They're not all glamoured up, the video isn't overproduced. This is just a talented group f women, having fun and enjoying the moment. For me, watching this video is ... Was ... like watching you Pirates do your thing here on The a revenge.
Yes, it was some very Good Times ...
Julie
Thank you, to the Revenge and all the wenches, for allowing me to be a part of the fun. I learned about writing, and still have much to learn. Here's a virtual toast to all the wonderful people I met on my short journey here.
I first met you guys through Hellie and Sin, who'd come up to Chicago for the Spring Fling conference and they blew me away! I met Terrio the next year at RWA - I think we called Hellie from there. Somewhere along the line - you amazing women invited me to join you and I've loved every minute of it - even when Maureen had to nudge me the night before a post.
You guys are the reason I wrote Paris' book - the reason I laugh so much and I love you all!
And I'm serious about an annual get-together. Preferably with drinking.;
Screw it, I ain't leaving.
I get's drunk, I can jus' pretend I'm the whole crew..ain't so unusual, I talk ta meself all the time!
Sigh.
The best blogs were those where everyone showed up, we went off tangent, we came back, we drifted away...we came back...
I'm gonna dedicate Fridays on my website/blog to 2nd Chance and post my fav Chance blogs...
It's that or stay drunk...
Leslie, you and Terri DID call me from RWA. BEST use of a cellphone ever in my opinion! *LOL*
And I'm not getting all the emails. Sigh. I love you all! And I'm going to miss every one of you saucy wenches.
I love the idea of Chance just lingering, slurring into her rum, and doing all the crew voices. Every once in a while, she can whip out a pistol and shoot the undead monkey.
I wonder how long it'll take me before I stop clicking over here looking for a new blog every day.
Thanks you, Janga and Julie for those rousing send offs!
I wonder how long it'll take me before I stop clicking over here looking for a new blog every day.
I was just thinking that this morning. LOL!
My favorite part of the Revenge is and always will be the wonderful crew! An amazing, talented and generous group of ladies you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. The parodies, the reviews, the differing opinions and especially the tangents will be sorely missed.
I'm not as eloquent on my own so I have to borrow a bit here and there - *Raising a pint (actually a frozen margarita, beer makes me sick) to all you wonderful ladies, er pirates*
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
And a little less reverent (for Jack) ...
May your feet never sweat,
your neighbor give you ne're a treat.
When flowers bloom, I hope you'll not sneeze,
and may you always have someone to sqeeze!
So long and the best of luck to you, pirates! I know I'll see you all soon sailing on different seas :)
Lovely sentiment, Irish!
I sorta assumed Hels was keeping Jack...
These toasts are making me sniffly. :) So sweet, guys! Thanks for coming to hang here all these years and sticking around.
And I hope Hells keeps Jack. No one else can corral him quite as well as she can.
I didn't think Jack would allow anyone but Hellion to keep him!
Thanks for all the fun, guys. It's been a blast! Wishing you all smooth seas as you continue on with your individual journeys. Hoist those flags high and be proud of all you are...and will be. I'm sure we'll run into one another at other ports of call from time to time. I'm looking forward to it!
You know, I'm being hauled off this ship over my dead body.
Thank you to all who came by for the final voyage. Having you hanging with us made these six years all the more special.
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