A month ago I went from being an EXPERT Non-Agented Author, to REALLY NEWBIE Agented Author. I'm the same person. My expertise is the same. My experience as a writer is still evolving. The difference between one month ago and today is I'm Agented.
Does the writing community look at me differently?
I've been asking myself that question. To me, it means I've pulled myself up to the next level. But there are responsibilities that go with that, I think.
I've updated the look of my blog. Got rid of a bunch of extraneous stuff to make it look cleaner. I hope it looks more professional. I'm trying to post as many days of the week as I can. I'm struggling to look cool on twitter just in case anyone is looking. Not that I didn't do that before, it's just that now people might be looking.
As a newly agented author, what are my responsibilities to the writing world? I'd like to pay it forward like others before me have. I'd like to WOW you all with my wisdom. But...is it valuable? Do I even have anything WOW-worthy?
What do you look for in a writing blog?
Comic used with permission from Debbie Ridpath Ohi at Inkygirl.com
15 comments:
What ever someone wants to give. But most of all I like seeing the person.
I think your thoughts and observations on this newbie process are invaluable. I'm very interested in how and if life and writing changes as we meet some of our big goals and expectations. And related to what Laura said, I want to know about you - I like the person.
Love your cartoon! I hadn't really thought about how your responsibilities would change to the writing community after becoming agented. But I hear you. I think you're doing a great job. :)
Thanks Laura, Tina, and Ansha. Trying to be "me" on the blog--but not sure anyone cared!
First, congratulations! Second, I love blogs that are pretty, have something interesting to say (and they don't always have to post about the same subject matter all the time), and are above all, real.
I love your opening line. Funny and insightful. I'm interested in reading about whatever experiences you're having. I don't think you have to feel any more responsible now than you were before you were agented.
I like the cleaner look of your blog, but honestly, it's your genuine, kind, friendly connection you try to make with others that wins us over. You're good at it. To quote Rowley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid: My mom says just be myself and everyone will like me *grin*
Kris, I follow your blog because of you, not because you're agented. I follow because of the stories you tell and because you're in cahoots with Laura, who I highly respect as well. (And Heather really likes you and I trust her judgement above anyone else's especially since she knows you IRL)
MG--glad you liked the opening line! Thank you!
Thanks Michelle! It means a lot for you to say that!
Thanks Jon--Heather and Laura are awesome! And thanks for your nice words.
Jon should totally trust my judgment. Especially about how cool you are. :) Kris--I think that the proof in this case is in the numbers (it's not always!)--you have very quickly gained a solid and supportive following, so while I'm so glad that you are taking your responsibility seriously, I think you should keep doing what you're doing. Which, is being you. :)
I agree that personality is key to a successful blog of any kind -- readers come back for good info and good voice. You have both. From writing blogs I like consistent diversity. Consistently good writing. Consistently interesting comments. Diversity in length (not all long, not all short). Diversity in topics -- some publishing, some writing craft, some advice, some personal anecdotes.
Congrats on having an agent. Don't feel bad that you are now clueless about your new stage. Just enjoy it!
Thanks Heather, Amy, and Kate. I try not to let the fragile author ego show too much. It slipped a little on this post--it was so nice to read all your lovely comments about my blog. I will do my best to live up to all of your wonderful opinions of me! And I will try to be deserving of your compliments!
I think your new blog design is wonderful!! So fresh and fun. And really, when it comes to blog reading, I love learning more about the person behind the blog most. You have so much to share, and with your personality shining through, your blog will always be fantastic!!
I like the new look over here. Is the grass maybe hopeful? Looking forward to spring? :P
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