Have just been browsing some of the blogs of writing colleagues. Sherryl Clark has a brilliant two part posting (or should I say a two posting discussion?) about the Myths and Realities of publishing. The first part debunks the myths, including the myth that it is who you know that gets you published, while the second part elaborates on the realities, highlighting what it is you need to do to become a successful author. Clark warns that what she has to say is depressing to those prone to feeling vulnerable, but if you are trying to get published, you need to hear what she has to say. So why are you still reading my words – head over and reads Sherryl’s wisdom. You can come back to me another day.
Things to Do?
Have had a bit of online time this afternoon. Updated this blog and my other , added a stats feature so I can see how many people are reading what I write, and then did some blog-surfing. I’ve been jumping from blog to blog, interested to see what others have got to say. Some were writers’ blogs, others more random.
And I learnt about something called a meme. A meme (in blogging terms) is a list of questions posted in one blog or on one website, which otters then address on their own blogs/sites, with a link to the original. You can see a better explanation here.
Anyway, I cam across a meme which challenges people to write a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. It’s like a new year’s resolution or a (long) to do list, with the added challenge that you make your list public, then keep the world updated on your progress in completing the things on the list.
For a moment I was tempted, but I haven’t joined in. I’m not sure I want to embark on something like that unless I’m pretty sure I’ll find the drive to firstly get the things done, and secondly update others on my successes (or otherwise). Still, I find it an interesting concept and enjoyed browsing through the goals others had set themselves – which ranged from buying a tooth-whitening system, to watching the sun rise on a mountain top.
There are lots of memes around, some for fun, some to encourage site visitors, others to share useful information. I haven’t yet participated in any, but now that I know more maybe I will some time.
In the meantime, thought I haven’t written a list of 101 things, I do write myself a list of things to do each week. I include things I know I must do (where a deadline must be met, for example) and other things I would like to achieve, and I cross them off as I go. My current list includes reviewing the three books I’ve finished this week, updating both of my blogs at least three times (this one’s had more than three, the other needs another entry), assignment marking (done), and more. Come Monday I’ll revisit my list, and start a new one, starting with the things I didn’t get done this week.
Having a list does keep me on track, but sometimes, like this afternoon, I give myself a break and do some stuff not on the list. It is Saturday after all.
And Another Interesting blog
No, my blog is NOT going to turn into an unending list of links to other people’s blogs, nor do I spend all of my time reading blogs, but there are so many good ones out there. Just came across this one, by an Australian agent – it’s called Call My Agent! and provides some useful insights into using agents, getting published, promoting and more.
Blogs aside, have had a fairly productive day today. Managed to get my assignments marked, wrote a review and did a little reading. Istill feel like an invalid, but I’m on the way to recovery. Yay!
Bookboy Blog
Am trying today for a full day’s work, the first in a week. Have started, as I often do, with some reading and browsing. Came across another interesting blog, by a librarian who calls himself Bookboy. Cool moniker – ‘Is it a bird, is it a plane, no – it’s Bookboy! Able to leap big returns piles in a single bound, shelve books in the blink of an eye… anyway, Bookboy blogs about books, libraries and so on. I like his reviews and his style, which is chatty with a sprinkling of humour. Not book related, but the You-tube video he currently has featured (under his post of June 25) is pretty funny.
Now for some work. Today I have reviews to write, assignments to mark, and some work on my little chapter book stories to do. Onwards and upwards.
Great Blog
Still sore this morning but determined to get some work done today. Have just been reading a wonderful blog post by Sophie Masson, in the Good Reading Magazine Blog, about why she writes for children. If you write for children or think you’d like to, read Sophie’s post, which has obviously struck a chord with many readers, because it has garnered more than 20 comments. Plenty of food for thought and comments which have me nodding in agreement.
Well worth the read.