Thoughts about 2017
For this past year, I’ve been thinking of retiring from blogging and writing. Yet, when I considered how many people I’d miss contacting each week, I couldn’t.
However, I have made a decision about how I’m going to blog. I always enjoy helping writers get the word out about their books, so I started my Email Connect, hoping that I could do that, but maybe even more effectively than with just a one time appearance on my blog.
I realize that with this new plan I’ll only be able to choose 12 authors each year, maybe only 11 because I’m going to take one month off for RandR and a bit of travel. But I hope the trade off–in depth and month-long support instead of a one-time blog post–will be worth their while.
For writers who aren’t my Featured Follower of the Month, I’m always happy to
- do a Spotlight on my blog
- add their book to Goodreads TBR
- tweet
- share on FB
- visit other websites and comment
- give Thunderclap support
In 2017, I’m hoping to write about other things besides books. I’d like to post on topics of interest to me and hopefully my readers. I’m working on that now, and am going to make a stab at it starting January.
I’d like to know what you think about my plan. I could use some feedback.
- Hate it?
- Kind of like the idea, but not sure?
- Love it?
Now, since it’s still 2016 and I’ve not changed anything yet . . .
Tara Tyler has a new book out in December, and she here today to tell you all about it! It’s all yours, Tara!
Add to your Goodreads TBR List
CRADLE ROCK
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: December 1, 2016
Welcome to the forest.
Gabe and his girlfriend Ona are headed in opposite directions for Spring Break. After finding out humans might be a real part of their history, Ona is determined to dig up evidence of them in the mysterious mountains at Camp Cradle Rock. Being a logical goblin, Gabe tries to talk her out of it, but there’s just no reasoning with a stubborn ogress.
When Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends fly to Cradle Rock to search for her and discover a village of trouble, igniting an age old war. His physical skills may be lacking, but Gabe won’t give up. With the help of his diverse group of friends, he will find a way to save his girl and maybe all beastkind. Humans, bah!
And here’s the book trailer! With sketches from my super fantastic inside illustrator, Laura Kramer.
Quote of the Week: The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Alan Watts, Philosopher and Writer
C. Lee McKenzie says
Congrats on your book, Tara. It's a fun Gabe adventure.
Tara Tyler R says
Wow!!
First a big thank you, Lee! And thanks for the kind comments, you guys!
Your change is big news, but this is the direction of blogging… times change, our needs change, and the next gen of writers seems to be finding other ways to communicate. I'm so glad I was a part of the blogging phase at its height & got to know so many awesome people, like you!!
Here's to change & doing it our way!
Nas says
Happy Thanksgiving. Blogging does take time but ultimately keeps us connected with all our friends online. We get to share in their every happiness and when they are sad too.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It is a great way to share our experiences about something we're all passionate about.
DMS says
I am glad you have not decided to stop blogging and writing completely. I always love visiting with you online. 🙂
I think your new plan sounds great because it is what works for you, and that is really important. Time for travel and spending time with loved ones is important.
Also- love Tara's new cover and book description. Wishin her all the best!
~Jess
C. Lee McKenzie says
It would be a very large hole in my life if I quit doing either one. That was surprising to me when I really considered stopping.
sage says
I have enjoyed reading about unfamiliar authors in your blog, but I also know the need to mix things up (as I've not been posting very frequently).
C. Lee McKenzie says
There are so many deserving authors who are not well-known. I love finding them and telling about them.
Denise Covey says
Happy Thanksgiving, Lee! I think many of we blogging 'oldies' have been tossing and turning re blogging, realising how much time and effort it takes and how much more productive our writing lives could be if we stopped. But I'm addicted. I love the blogging world, even though I do get disillusioned at times, but that's life.
I've been mostly guesting other authors in the last few months to allow me more time to hit the laptop and get my current novel finished. I like your ideas, except it probably means you won't be participating in WEP, where you'll be sadly missed. But you have to do what you have to do. And more travel…I'll drink to that. I have a busy travel year ahead in 2017!
Be watching with anticipation…:-)
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'll probably finish the WEP challenge. I enjoy it.
Sherry Ellis says
I think it's great that you want to support writers! As far as time blogging, you have to do what you feel is right for you. I'm glad you still want to stay connected to your blogger friends. You'd probably miss them if you disappeared completely.
Nicola says
Now that's something to be very thankful for, Lee. How you intend to support other writers is so admirable. I love your new outlook for your blog too. Hope to hear more about it soon. In the meantime, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
Yolanda Renée says
I think it's a great idea. I really need to solidify my own plans but don't really have one yet. LOL I just keep hopping from one project to the other and blogging has definitely taken a back seat. I've also threatened to give it up, and then, there I go again, posting two or three in one day. Not sure giving up is in the cards 🙂 so, I'll muddle through, but you have a plan. I say go with it and if you wish to change it mid year – you are the boss!
Go for it! I'll always look for you! You're a great writer, so retiring from that, not possible! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jacqui Murray says
I will miss you if you stop the traditional sort of blogging. I not only enjoy your posts, but yuour community. I find blogging to be a nice break from my fiction writing (and the other type of writing I do on a daily basis), but I know lots of people don't see it that way. I wish you well with your new plan.
Spacer Guy says
Its nice to return to the community giving back and rewarding too. Its really good your still with us and haven't decided to give up. Your quality, ideas and enthusiasm is rare. I'm going to be eager to see what happens now. Never give up, Never surrender! remember that one? ha
Bish Denham says
I'm glad you aren't retiring completely. Among other things, I like your humor. I also think you should blog about whatever you like in whatever way you want. The idea of giving an author an entire month on your blog is a wonderful gift.
Mason Canyon says
Congrats to Tara. The books sounds delightful.
Lee, sounds like you have a good plan in mind. I enjoy your posts and would enjoy reading about other interests you have as well. I'd miss you terribly if you stopped blogging altogether and I hope you won't quite writing, you have such a talent. Best wishes whatever you decide.
nashvillecats2 says
I also thought about giving up blogging but I found I missed all the lovely people I met on line.
Enjoyed your post Lee.
Yvonne.
Lynda R Young says
It's a good plan. I got kinda bored of always writing about writing and offering writing tips, so now I'm talking about Brisbane on my blog. It's a new love I want to share. Change is good.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm enjoying your posts about Brisbane. Thanks for them.
Tyrean Martinson says
I'm thinking of a newish plan too, so I love it! Do what you feel is best, and do what works.
Happy Thanksgiving!
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's great! It seems several of us are rethinking our next step.
Joylene Nowell Butler says
i agree with everyone, I would miss you too badly. But I do understand your decision, Lee. I really struggled with blogging the first 9 months of this year, not to mention last year. I know I have to reconsider where I'm going, but I need time to figure it out. Best to you on whatever you choose to do.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know we all have our ups and downs in this undertaking. Thank you for showing your understanding and telling us about your own struggle while deciding what to do next.
Patricia Lynne says
It's your blog, so you get to make the rules. Recently, I made a small change to my blog, I went from twice a week to once a week. I've been so tired lately, so I had to cut down a little in hopes that instead of coming up with 2 posts I can come up with 1 and then go visit other blogs because that's what was getting neglected as a result.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I like once a week. It's doable and I, like you, want to connect with others. That's what this is all about, right? I like your new look, Patricia and hope the change you've made suits you for quite a while.
Liz A. says
Do whatever works for you. We all have to figure out how to fit our blogging in with what else we want to do. In the end it has to be something doable that we feel good about.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're right there, Liz! And, hey, I love your stories from the classroom trenches. They are great insights. I've noted the "super glue" for a book in the future.
Lexa Cain says
I forbid you to give up blogging or writing! If the rest of us have to suffer — er — strive in our chosen author careers without giving up, you do too. (And I'd miss you a lot.) I enjoy your newsletters, the links, the marketing tips, and the monthly Featured Follower. Definitely keep that up. If you're looking for more free time, you might want to limit blog posts and try writing novellas. 20-30k is so much easier than doing a whole novel. Just don't do what I do — plan a novella and suddenly find it's grown like the blob and become a 60k novel. Blurg…
C. Lee McKenzie says
Blurg? Really? I'm copying that because it's exactly the word I need next week. I will stick around and suffer/strive with you all. I'd miss the heck out of all the exchanges we have. So you have 60K's on a new book by any chance? How much scary stuff do you want me to read? 🙂
Shannon Lawrence says
I hope any changes you make go well, and that you get the rest and time off you're wanting. How are you going to change writing, since you were thinking about that?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Actually, I'm changing what I write about in the blog. There are enough blogs about books and writing and publishing, and the people who write them know a lot more than I do. I'm just going to try my hand at "tangents" on writing. If only I knew what I was doing, this would be so much easier.
Toinette Thomas says
I like the changes and think I'm headed for a change as well, just not sure what it is. I think it's great that you are doing so much to help others while expanding your own horizons.
Cradle Rock sounds like a cool book.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Toinette! Thanks for the support on this change. Scares me to think about it because I'm in such a comfy groove right now. Oh well, let's see what happens. Please come back.
Chrys Fey says
Sounds like you and I have the same idea. Starting January, my blog is also changing. I'm not going to be blogging about writing or publishing anymore. I beat the subject to its death. lol I'm looking forward to it because it'll be fun! I can't wait to see what you do differently. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Same here. I know whatever you direction you it will be very interesting. You have an exciting blog.
Elizabeth Seckman says
I think we have to change as bloggers to stay with it. I get tired of writing about writing and appreciate mixing it up.
Love your email idea too. That's really generous of you to share your newsletter with other writers.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I never thought I'd be doing this long enough to go stale, but viola! Here I am. Time does creep up, doesn't it?
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
Congrats to Tara. I'm glad you're not quitting blogging. I hope you're plan works the way you hope.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm comfortable with my decision, and I think it will work. Thanks for the visit, Susan.
Carrie-Anne says
Congratulations to Tara!
I've noticed a number of other blogging writers shifting their focus and schedule over time, for reasons such as wanting to diversify, giving back to the community, or no longer having the time to blog thrice or more a week. I think it's a good way to stand out from all the blogs which are almost exclusively about books and/or writing. I've shifted my own blogging focus too, to cover things which are related to the historical eras I write about instead of just posting about writing craft and sharing excerpts.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I like your idea. A tangent that's related to what you write is always interesting. Thanks, Carrie-Anne
Elephant's Child says
Huge Congratulations to Tara.
I am so grateful to have discovered the warmth and the wonder of the blogosphere.
Your blog, do what suits/amuses you. I will very happily read it. And, while I said do what suits you, I would add the caveat 'unless it means stopping writing'.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know Tara appreciates your congrats. It's good to read those during your launch.
I think you've hit on one thing that I'd like more of in my blog and that's humor. I really enjoy reading or seeing something that makes me laugh, so I would like more of that here. Thanks!
Shady Del Knight says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Hi, Tara!
Cheryl, I am just getting to know you and it would be very disappointing if you dropped out of blogging. If you keep going, do it your way. "Can't please everyone so you gotta please yourself." Have fun doing your thing and they will come. As long as you stay interested in SDMM you can count on me to be here for you. 🙂
I enjoyed meeting Tara and reading about her new book which transports us to a world where fanciful creatures are reality and humans are myth. What a fascinating concept!
Thank you, C-Lee and Tara, and have a happy T-giving!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Your posts really shake up my linear brain with all the videos and images and music that I often have never heard of. I love visiting, so I'll be around.
Sheena-kay Graham says
Congrats Tara and that cover is so thrilling! I love the idea of shaking things up Lee. Change is good. Go for it!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. It keeps things fresh. I was beginning to feel like I'd posted the same thing just the week before. Thanks, Sheena-kay. Now let's see if I can pull off this "change." 🙂
Sandra Cox says
'Fantasy creatures are reality'. Love it!
I think giving a month of your time to a fellow writer is huge. You have a lot of heart.
And blogging about things other than writing can be a lot of fun and entertaining.
Hope everything works out perfectly for you in 2017. I do hope you continue with your writing–you're very good–and that it brings you joy.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That was a good quote. Glad you mentioned it in your comment.
Now that I have a fairly decent system in place, I can put together a month campaign for an author in only a few hours. At first, I thought I'd never be able to manage it and do everything else. Thanks for your support. I do appreciate it very much.
Kai Strand says
I would hate to see you disappear from our world, so I'm glad to hear that you aren't ready to bow out completely. Blogging/writing can leave you so unfulfilled. 🙁 I'm only now finding my writing stride again after more than a year off. Take the time you need to concentrate on other things. It's your life to live. We just enjoy that you include us <3
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think we all must have dips in our writing. It wouldn't be natural to be full-power-on all the time. Glad you're finding your way back to writing, Kai. I look forward to seeing what stories you come up with in the future.
Victoria Marie Lees says
Many congratulations, Tara! The plot sounds intriguing and I love the video and drawings. All the luck with your new release. Thanks for sharing this with your followers, Lee. You have a wonderful idea to move forward with your blog. You have a host of followers who will be there for you. All the best to everyone!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks Victoria. I think Tara's book is a fun read for the kids, and I'm enjoying it. I like the idea of my change being a moving forward. Appreciate that insight.
Juneta Key says
You should do what is best for you but the interaction would be missed a lot. Love coming to your blog and loving going to others an seeing the comments where you been there first. You will make it work whatever you need. Wishing all the best and hugs.
Congrats Tara, loved the trailer. Well done.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm so impressed that you read my comments on other blogs! I wondered if anyone read other people's comments, and you do. Hurray. I love to see what others say as well, so maybe a lot of people take the time to scroll through the exchanges. I love that.
Pat Hatt says
That is a great cover. Congrats, Tara.
Blog how you like and let the rest take a hike. Do what you would rather not and then in blog boredom you get caught. So how you want is the way for each post display as you have your say and that's all from me today lol
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm all for that sentiment, Pat. Glad you took a break from the cats and came by.
Kelly Hashway/Ashelyn Drake says
It's your blog, so do with it what makes you happy. No need to stress over it. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
No stress. Just thinking out loud again.
Crystal Collier says
So many people have left the blogosphere lately, that it's getting rather quiet. I'm slowing down this upcoming year as the pressures of schooling the kids increases. Toddlers take SO much energy. =) Still, every time I read about someone else slowing down or taking off, I get a little sad. You need to do what works best for you, and it sounds like a good plan.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know what you're saying. Some people I really enjoyed visiting are no longer there, but as my quote says, guess we just have to join that ever-changing dance. Good luck with your homeschooling. You have a quite a schedule.
S.A. Larsenッ says
I think you are absolutely fantastic no matter what you do or how much you're available. I will second Yvonne, though: don't give up writing! I love your writing. 🙂 Congrats to Tara!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We've hung out together for quite a while now, Sheri. Thanks for sticking with me and for always being encouraging.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
I love your idea, Lee. You do so much for other authors. Different topics can introduce us to new things we know little or nothing about. Go for it.
Congratulations, Tara on your new novel. What an interesting idea.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yay! Your vote means a lot, Beverly. Thanks so much.
Barbara Fisher says
Hello Lee, of course you must do whatever is best for you, but you would be sorely missed if you stopped blogging. You certainly shouldn’t give up writing you are far too good at it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're very kind, Barbara. I appreciate your support and your comment about my "plan" here today.
Christine Rains says
I love that idea! Go with what interests you. And yay for Tara! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Christine. I guess I just need more variety to keep me blogging.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Lee — I think you should blog however it works for you! And when you mention giving up writing, my heart sinks. Please don't!
Congrats to Tara on the new book.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's very sweet, Yvonne. I'd still be your crit partner!