IWSG: Making Friends in the Blogosphere

The purpose of The Insecure Writer's Group is: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

February's Question: Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?

My Answer: Oh, yes! The online writing community is excellent. I met my long-term critique partners online, and I've made many wonderful friends and acquaintances because of blogging. Additionally, groups like this one, The Insecure Writer's Support Group, give writers -- new, veteran, young, old -- a great place to start connecting and interacting with other authors. Alongside blogging is Twitter. Once you become familiar with some of the common writers' hashtags -- such as #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #MSWL #WriteTip #IWSG -- you can connect with the vast writing community there, too.

How about you? Have you made friends through the blogosphere?

#IWSG: Helpful Tips for #Writers

I love coming across blog posts with useful information, and today, I'm sharing links to a few that I've recently discovered. Simply click on the titles below, and it will take you to the full posting.

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2016/06/the-insecure-writers-support-group-and.html

What It's Like to Land a Book Deal: "Landing a book deal is strapping on a parachute and opening the airplane door. Wonderful things can happen, and it only takes one small step. When you get here, you’ll understand. And when you finally hear that glorious “yes,” you’ll realize that “The End” is really just the beginning."

Not All Book Sales Are Created Equal: "In the hierarchy of power purchases the pre-order is the heavy hitter. Why? Because print runs (the number of books initially printed) for books coming out in hardback or paperback are set, in part, based on a title’s pre-order numbers."

16 Experts Share Online PR Tips: "You want to sell your story without coming across as pushy. But it’s often a delicate balancing act, one that’s always changing as new tools and practices emerge."

Happy writing! :) 

#IWSG: Sharpen Your Axe

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. It's a great way for bloggers and writers to discuss the fears they've conquered and to celebrate and encourage one another.

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

It said: "Assistance and Guidance"

I love coming across blogs that share links to other worthwhile blogs. It helps me expand my realm, meet different people, and learn new things.

Plus, taking the time to visit the other blogs gives us all the opportunity to "sharpen our axes." What? You've never heard of that phrase? Well, simply put, if you're only chopping down trees (aka writing books, screenplays, or blog posts) and not taking the time to sharpen your axe (aka learning from others, improving your skills, and reading books on the craft of writing) ... it will take you much longer to accomplish a worthwhile finished product than if you'd taken time to improve, refresh, or sharpen your skills first.

So take a few minutes to check out these worthwhile blog posts and sharpen your axe! ;)


Jane Friedman's Blog - An Interview with April Eberhardt
"What have you seen authors do promotion-wise that’s been effective? They develop a long-term publicity and promotion strategy, almost always with a professional publicist, and work in tandem with her to promote and publicize the book in every way possible, online and offline, for a very long while."

Writer Unboxed Blog - Surviving Writer Envy
"It’s tough watching others succeed when we aren’t where we’d like to be. We begin to compare ourselves to that person whose Good News with a capital “g” keeps popping up in our newsfeed. We want that A-level agent, that big publisher, too! ... Believe it or not, being published makes this envy worse."

Job Hero - The Ultimate Freelance Writing Guide
"When it comes to freelancing, getting the right advice can go far in advancing your career and increasing your earning potential. It’s not hard to find blogs and sites promising to help you make money from home or to show you exactly how to get rich as a freelance writer. What can be difficult, however, is finding sound advice from real experts."


Then ... sign up for IWSG Newsletter ... details below.

The Insecure Writer's Support Group Newsletter will feature articles by industry experts, IWSG members, and administrators. There will also be a dozen links to helpful articles for writers in each edition, as well as a special Member Spotlight. Even if you're not a member of the blogging group, you'll greatly benefit from these FREE monthly newsletters. The first issue goes out on February 24th.

Sign up link -  http://eepurl.com/bM8oHL

 

 

Happy writing!

 

 

#IWSG: Answers to All Your #Writing & #Publishing Questions

... actually ...

Today, I have answers to THREE questions. (read on below)



http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

The first Wednesday of the month is INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP, and for today, I am sharing three great blog posts regarding this wonderful industry of ours. :) Enjoy.



Ever wonder what it really feels like to launch a book? Libba Bray captures the essence is this hilarious blog post: DEAR FRIENDS

Ever wonder what to do about sitting too much as a writer? Here's post with helpful pictures: 6 SIMPLE STRETCHES TO COMBAT SITTING TOO MUCH

Ever wonder what you should say when trying to convince a bookseller to stock your book? Here's a great post from the American Booksellers Association: HOW TO TALK TO A BOOKSELLER


Happy writing! :)

#IWSG: Helpful #Writing Resources

Sometimes, a post written by another writer can provide the inspiration or motivation you might need to push yourself to the next level ... or to simply write the next word in your current project. Below are a few posts that I've recently found inspiring. I hope they help you, too.

 http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

The first Wednesday of the month is Insecure Writer's Support Group! If you've not heard of the group before ... click on the link below the picture and check out the fantastic resources and support this group has to offer.

Here are some additional links to posts that I've enjoyed recently:

Do you ever get distracted by a "shiny new idea" before you've finished the hard work on your project in progress? If so, here's a great post for you: http://writerunboxed.com/2015/06/24/resisting-the-lure-of-the-shiny-new-idea/#more-37781

Do you struggle to show the emotions of your characters (without over-using clenched stomachs and gritted teeth)? Here's a great lesson on the topic of emotions: http://www.livewritethrive.com/2015/06/24/how-fiction-writers-can-show-emotions-in-their-characters-in-effective-ways/

Do you have trouble deciding what point of view to utilize in your story telling? Check out this post: http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/02/first-through-third.html

The Best #Bloggers = Van Sickler & Verbosity Book Reviews

Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge: @kimvansickler & @VerbosityRevws

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


V is for Kim Van Sickler and Verbosity Book Reviews.

Kim Van Sickler, over at Swagger Writers, recently posted “Writing a readable book is one thing; writing a page-turner is another. Writing a book that resonates with the reader, one that strikes a chord deep inside and reverberates with meaning, pulses with purpose, is another step beyond.” [Editorial note: When I originally selected Kim to feature for today's post, she was still actively blogging. I'm sad to say she is no longer posting, but her site still has archives of great posts.]

Not only does the Verbosity Book Reviews site feature reviews, but it also features other writing related posts! This recent post "Expectation vs. Reality: Writer's Edition" is a fantastic look at the life of a writer. It certainly made me smile ... and grimace a little, too.

 

Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Stephanie Scott & Sia McKye

Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @StephScottYA & @SiaMcKye   

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


S is for Stephanie Scott and Sia McKye.

Stephanie Scott is a young adult writer who loves to celebrate other writers' successes ... such as Lisa Brown Roberts and her debut novel. In this recent guest post, Lisa shares lessons about being a debut author. I love authors who celebrate other authors. That's the kind of world I want to live in every day. :)


Sia McKye's blog states: "SHARING THE LAUGHTER AND THE TEARS, THE GLITCHES AND THE TRIUMPHS, AUTHORS FACE IN THE PURSUIT OF THEIR AMBITION TO WRITE." In a recent post, she shared some excellent tips: “If we’re writing, editing, or have gotten stuck ask yourself as the actor in the scene:

·       What’s my motivation?

·       How am I going to get what I want (intention and tactics)?

·       What’s the conflict? Or what’s keeping me from getting what I want?

·       What’s my environment and how is it affecting me? This is context.”

Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Quill & Quotes

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @RayRhamey & Writing Quotes ...  
   

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


Q is for Flogging the Quill and Writing Quotes.


Ray Rhamey's Flogging the Quill blog has ALWAYS been one of my favorites. If you're looking to improve your writing, especially the beginning of your story, you must check out this site! In addition to a twelve-step checklist, Ray offers daily critiques (floggings) of writers' first pages. Ray says it's essential that the first page "begins connecting the reader with the protagonist ... and raises a story question."


If you need some quick daily inspiration to put a spark into your writing, check out Writing Quotes. Recently they featured this great quote by Lettie Prell: "I must write now and quickly, before I begin to prefer the perfect version that lives in my head." 


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = PK Hrezo & Putting Words Down on Paper

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @PKHrezo & @susannedrazic ...
   

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


P is for PK Hrezo and Putting Words Down on Paper.


PK Hrezo is a writer sharing her journey with the blogging world. She shares useful tips regarding writing and marketing and publishing in general. In a post about marketing, she explained, "marketing is only fun if we make it fun. If you're not enjoying your own marketing, no one else will either. When we're first starting out, no endeavor is too small. Try everything, be genuine, and keep revising your marketing plan."

Putting Words Down on Paper is Susanne Drazic's blog about "books, authors, writing, book tours, interviews, and anything else that has to do with writing and promoting." A recent post featured inspiring quotes such as this one from Neil Gaiman: "You get ideas from daydreaming. You get ideas from being bored. You get ideas all the time. The only difference between writers and other people is we notice when we're doing it."


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = O'Sullivan & Once Upon a Time

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @OkatieO & @lizblocker ...  
   

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


O is for Katie O'Sullivan and Once Upon a Time.


According to Katie O'Sullivan's blog, she is "an author, editor, magazine columnist, wife, and mother to three kids and two big dogs... not necessarily in that same order each day. I try to write every day and read a book a week, but life often gets in the way. I write romance and adventure for young adults and the young at heart, and living next to the Atlantic Ocean influences everything I write." Katie regularly features other authors on her blog, posting interviews and excerpts.  

Once Upon a Time - An inside look into the process of writing a novel - is Liz Blocker's blog featuring posts about writing. One of my favorites took a humorous look at tips for successful writers (not). Liz teases, "1. Start Fast and Give Up Faster:  Everyone knows that if you're going to be successful in publishing, it'll happen overnight. This industry moves fast, so you have to move faster. Got a rough draft done? Good enough!! Slap together a query letter and send that puppy out. No one expects you do have a polished piece; there'll be plenty of time for that once somebody writes you a big check. If you've sent one query, though, and it got rejected, best to give up right away." Go now, and check out her wonderful blog! 


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Nicholas Kaufmann & NA Alley

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @TheKaufmann & @NAAlleyBlog ...
   

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


N is for Nicholas Kaufmann and NA Alley.


Nicholas Kaufmann is a critically acclaimed author of many books, and he is an avid supporter of other writers. One of my favorite aspects of his blog is "The Scariest Part" -- a section where other "authors, filmmakers, comic book writers, and game creators discuss the scariest parts of their latest works of horror, dark fantasy, dark science fiction, and suspense. The definition of “scariest part” is actually pretty flexible. It can be the scene that gave them the most chills, or some personal threshold they had to cross during the creative process. The goal is to help promote these new works to a wide audience of people interested in all things scary." 

NA Alley is a massive blog featuring just about everything you ever wanted to know about the growing "New Adult" category of fiction.  With a team of bloggers, the posts are varied and interesting. Definitely one to read regularly.


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Melissa & Musings of a Writing Mom

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @melissaddean & @JennsScribbles ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


M is for Melissa Dean and Musings of a Writing Mom.


Melissa Dean is a fantastic writer who describes herself as "a Fourth Grade teacher and unashamed book nerd." Melissa is an avid supporter of fellow writers, and one of my favorite posts on her blog features an inspirational video for writers. In it, Ridley Pearson states, "No book is written, every book is rewritten." 

 Technically, "Musings of a Writing Mom" is the subheading of the wonderful blog written by Jennifer Pitts titled SCRIBBLES FROM JEN ... but I really needed another blog for M. ;) So I went with the subheading. ha. Sometimes, we gotta do what we gotta do to make things fit. Inevitably, whenever I stop by Jennifer's blog, she has a post that makes me think, "Seriously? I had no idea!" For example, a recent post explained the origins of the ampersand. And seriously, I had no idea! 


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Leandra Wallace & LD Masterson

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @leandrajwallace & LD Masterson ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


L is for Le&ndra Wallace and LD Masterson.


Le&ndra Wallace describes herself as someone who loves ampersands and "an Indiana girl who loves to read and write." She writes delightful posts that make me smile on a regular basis. In a recent post, she commented on the fact that sometimes it feels like everyone else is writing more ... she said, "everyone else is writing 5.5 stories every week! {Nevermind that isn't possible-- it's what it feels like.}"

If you want to laugh ... and I mean the snorting kind of laughing ... visit LD Masterson's blog. She says she loves "Mystery...Suspense...Sci Fi...Romance... The joy of writing fiction - meeting new people in places that don't yet exist" but I really think she just loves to make other people laugh. Here's a picture she shared on a recent post and asked the question, "Think he'll figure out how his bike got stolen?" 

 

Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Kat, Kate, and Kim

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge -  @katrossauthor & @katejarvikbirch & @k_writes ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


K is for Kat Ross, Kate Jarvik Birch, and Kim Graff.



Kat Ross is a young adult author. Her debut, SOME FINE DAY, is available now, and she is an avid supporter of other writers. A recent post on her blog addressed the topic of cutting characters. She wrote, "When I had to revise Some Fine Day, there was much cold-blooded murdering of darlings—which actually turned out to be the easy part. My editor and I both agreed they were entertaining guests who were also dropping their dirty underwear on the bathroom floor, crashing on the couch, and not doing really doing much to move the plot anywhere.”

Kate Jarvik Birch had two young adult novels publish this last year, and she says about herself on her blog, "My life is full, overflowing. I'm a painter, a writer, a mother, a procrastinator and a daydreamer. Maybe there isn't time to fit it all into one life, but I'll keep trying. DELIVER ME (Spring 2014, Bloomsbury Spark), PERFECTED (Summer 2014, Entangled), Represented by Kerry Sparks at Levine Greenberg.” Kate regularly features other authors on her blog and tackles various writing topics, too.

 

Kim Graff is woman of many hats, including "a designer, a freelance editor, a book blogger, and a YA writer ... currently interning for Bree Ogden at D4EO. In the past, I've interned for P.S. Literary Agency, Astraea Press, and worked as a personal assistant for Best Selling author Gennifer Albin (Crewel). I offer critique services and create covers for authors. I am a member of the SCBWI, HWA, AWP, and HNS." Kim's blog offers fantastic writing tips and tips on traversing the publishing world. A recent post about common query mistakes, Kim wrote, "Wrong Pages: You don’t submit an “excerpt” — you submit the first five or ten pages. Not some random set of pages from chapter ten.”

Please take three minutes to stop by these three awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Joshua Bellin & Just Get it Written

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @TheYAGuy & @CaffeMaggieato ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


J is for Joshua David Bellin and Just Get it Written.

Joshua David Bellin is an awesome author whose debut novel, SURVIVAL COLONY 9, was published in 2014 by Simon & Schuster. His blog regularly features other authors, book reviews, rants, and writing tips. In a recent post, he gave great advice about what worked and what didn't work for his book promotions. "It's also very tempting to give things away to just anyone. Again, DON'T. Focus on reviewers and bloggers. Some of them won't review the book either, but they're better bets than random strangers."

Just Get it Written is a wonderful blog that features author interviews and posts about writing. It's a great place to get inspired by what other authors are doing and sharing.


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Insecure Writers & Writers Inspired

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - #IWSG & @mjcwriter ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


I is for Insecure Writers Support Group and Writers Inspired.

I've been a member of the Insecure Writers Support Group for YEARS, and WOW - what an amazing group of people. Not only do they support and encourage each other with regular posts, follows, and comments, but also they have published a book full of tips to help other writers. And the book is free to anyone, anywhere. If you've not yet joined this group, I highly encourage you to do so. 

Writers Inspired "is a community for writers to gather up courage and inspiration. … Here, you will find inspiring quotes on the general theme of Not Giving Up. From Author Interviews and Book Giveaways to writing prompts, tips and links for writers of all ages!”



Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Hashway & Helvig

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @kellyhashway & @KristiHelvig ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


H is for Kelly Hashway and Kristi Helvig.

Kelly Hashway "grew up reading R.L. Stein’s Fear Street novels and writing stories of her own, so it was no surprise to her family when she majored in English and later obtained a masters degree in English Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. After teaching middle school language arts for seven years, Hashway went back to school and focused specifically on writing. She is now the author of three young adult series, one middle grade series, and several picture books. She also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she isn’t writing, Hashway works as a freelance editor for small presses as well as for her own list of clients. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and volunteering with the PTO. Hashway currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two pets.” Her blog features other authors on Fridays, writing tips on Wednesdays, and "Mish Mash" on Mondays.

Kristi Helvig "is a Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist turned sci-fi/fantasy writer. You can find her musing about space monkeys, Star Trek, and other random topics on her blog. Kristi resides in sunny Colorado with her hubby, kids, and behaviorally-challenged dogs." She often features author interviews and spotlights on her blog.


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Garver & Glass House Retreat

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @LaurelGarver & @GlassRetreat ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


G is for Laurel Garver and The Glass House Retreat. 

Laurel Garver is a "City dweller, word nerd, Indie film enthusiast and incurable Anglophile. Professor's wife and mom to a second-year Ravenclaw (perhaps wishful thinking, but she does wear a blue uniform to school...). Follower of the Good Shepherd, who is faithful when we are faithless. My poetry and fiction explore the places where heart and soul are tested and growing up truly begins. I also work in the Ivory Tower of academia as an editor, but don't hold it against me." Her blog, Laurel's Leaves, offers great writing advice, such as, "Need to raise more questions in your fiction? ... Who has the most to lose in this situation? Who might be secret allies? Who would have the most trouble keeping this secret? Who should the protagonist trust? Who should the protagonist suspect?”

The Glass House Retreat is a blog run by Maggie Pinque. I've been a long time admirer of Maggie's. She is dynamic, generous, and soulful. She supports women in their pursuits, and posts like this one make me love her even more.

 

 

Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Fiction University & Fly High!

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @Janice_Hardy & @SMaryG ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


F is for Fiction University and Fly High! 

Fiction University is a FANTASTIC blog run by Janice Hardy. The tag line of the blog reads, "Over 1,000 articles to help you take your writing to the next level!" And that is a fact! Janice writes many of the posts herself, but she also features guest posts written by other talented authors. This blog is a HUGE resource to the aspiring writer as well as the experienced writer!

Fly High! is run by Maria Grazia. Her profile reads, "I've been an English teacher for a long time now and a blogger for more than 5 years. I love classic literature, reading, theatre, period drama, art and that is what I usually write about on FLY HIGH!" She features great posts about writing and hosts book tours and author spotlights.


Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!

The Best #Bloggers = Eileen & Evangelista & E.J.

... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @eileenschuh & @KateEvangelista & @EJWesley  ...

Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.

To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"


E is for Eileen Schuh, Kate Evangelista, and E.J. Wesley. 

Eileen Schuh beautifully writes on her blog about herself: "Am I this woman, cradling her first grandchild in her arms in a mansion on a hill, the sound of the fountain in the Atrium taking me back to those creek-puddling days of long ago? Am I the woman who does Yoga, is learning to cross-country ski? Is trying to find a publisher for her novels? Yeah, I am all of that. ... I know who I am, but what will I become?” In a recent blog post, Eileen wrote, "I decided to make my scenic descriptions relevant in more ways than one. I was going to use powerful adjectives, some with double meanings, some with alliteration, some with rhythm. I was going to make each scenic description a coy contribution to the emotions driving the plot."

Kate Evangelista is a "graduate of De La Salle University - Manila with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. She taught high school English for three years and was an essay consultant for two. Currently she writes full-time and is based in the Philippines." Her blog features good news from fellow authors, excerpts from her books, and interesting interviews.

E.J. Wesley will always be one of my most favorite bloggers. We met years ago on an online writing community (that long ago dissolved), and I continue to follow E.J. as his writing career flourishes. He is extremely supportive of other writers. And he is funny. :) He wrote a blog post titled "How I Found the Write Path" in which he said, "Never attempt a story in second person omniscient with multiple POVs and a sentient, singing goat..."


Please take three minutes to stop by these three awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!