All Jokes Aside

As you may already know, my first novel was published in November 2009. It's been an exciting and nerve racking year and a half. I have been trying to learn as much as possible about this new (to me) world called publishing and at the same time also learning so much more about myself; what I'm capable of, what my downfalls are. I'm learning it's important to build a fan base, a platform, and maintain an on line presence that is welcoming and offers something useful to others. The questions I keep coming back to are, How much do readers, online friends, and fans want to know? and How much am I willing to divulge?

This whole on line life is completely new to me, and at my age new things don't come so easily, so I wrestle between openness and privacy and often end up hiding behind humor (cheesy humor at that). This is something I've slowly come to see in myself. Seeing our own faults don't hit as fast as say, seeing faults in others. It's more of a process, like grief, that until we get to a point where we can accept we can not work on making necessary changes. That is where I am, accepting and deciding on how to make the changes.

It's not that I see a sense of humor as a bad thing. It's gotten me through a lot of tough times and helped me to view life less critically. But it can also be a crutch, a way of avoiding something uncomfortable or stressful. When it becomes a crutch it actually builds a wall, a protective barrier, between me and the world. I know this, and believe I have found a good balance with this in my real, off line life. Online, well that's another story. Online, I know that my tendencies toward humor can make me look fickle and even unprofessional at times. This is a problem, because I started this whole on line adventure to learn and enhance my professional writing life, not hinder it. At the same time, I don't want to completely lose my sense of humor in the process.

So, now that I know and accept this, how do I begin to make changes? I'm not sure. I know a big part of it is forcing my self to be more honest and open. I follow some incredible people and blogs online that have both inspired and forced me to look deeper at myself as a person on and off line. There is a difference between the two, for me anyway. I admire the people that can open themselves up to the world, that's not me. I'm a private person by nature. I do pour myself, heart and soul, into my writing, but I think knowing there's a cushion of fiction surrounding those raw exposed parts of me that live in every character I create allows me to do so.

There are no easy answers to this. It's going to be, like most everything in life, a series of trials and errors. I'm just beginning this journey, and know that I will get to a place that allows me to be more open yet keep some degree of privacy, which I think is vital in keeping mine and my family's life sacred and special to us. All I can ask for is patience (from myself and others) while I figure this all out.

My question to you is:

How much do you, as a reader, want to know about the author?

Thank you for stopping by. I do appreciate the time you take out of your own journeys to listen to mine.

Kristin : )

Playing *a Little Blog Tag

Recently I was tagged by a fellow writer and blogger, Nick Daws. I met Nick (online) earlier this year when I started promoting my book, The Truth Lies in the Dark. His was one of the first blogs to have me as a guest for my Book Blog Tour in March. I have since become a member of his writing blog ( http://www.mywritingblog.com/ ) and receive helpful updates filled with advice and tips. Through him I also learned about another great resource for writers http://www.mywriterscircle.com/ Stop by and check it out. There is something for everyone no matter what you write.

When Nick tagged me I was honored and of course more than willing to be a part. So, what does getting tagged mean? It is a way to share *a little about yourself and connect with other writers/bloggers. The best part about this is it's not just for published authors. This is for anyone who picks up a pen or pulls up to a keyboard to bring their thoughts and ideas to life and then is brave enough to share them with the world. More details and Nick's post can be found here:

http://www.mywritingblog.com/writer/2009/08/yourself-writer-meme.html

I chose only a few of the questions to answer. I am trying to keep my posts * a little shorter and reader friendly. I know how busy we all are and appreciate the time you take to stop by.

Ok, here goes...

1. Which words do you use too much in your writing?

I try to cut out any words that I think are repeated too often in my writing. Most often cut are these: just or just about, had or had been, little (* I went back and crossed out 3 of these in this post alone).

2. Which words do you consider overused in stuff you read?

he said, she said alternatives. He/she spoke, orated, stated. I try to avoid fancy ways to say he said or she said, unless it helps clarify the characters tone of voice or mood. He mumbled under his breath or she screamed loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear.

3. What are your other favorite blogs?

There are so many blogs out there and through Twitter I find more everyday. Here are some of my favorites.

http://www.mywritingblog.com/ -A writer's blog by Nick Daws

http://www.bookmarket.com/ -A promotion/marketing blog by John Kremer

http://somethingshewrote.blogspot.com/ -An inspirational blog by Janna Qualman

http://houseofnosleep.blogspot.com/ -Hysterical blog by Cammie the Wine Queen

http://jackwregan.blogspot.com/ -Follow the Ramblings of this funny YA writer

http://misterreereeder.blogspot.com/ -A mystery reviewer who also dabbles in writing

http://deniserobbins.blogspot.com/ -Author blog & friend to writers everywhere


4. Name three favorite words * these are subject to change depending on day & mood :)

happy, vacation, fluffernutter (peanut butter & fluff sandwich...yum)

5. ...And three words you're not so keen on *so are these, except rejection :)

rejection, uber(anything), douche bag (sorry... but this had a VERY different definition when I was a kid & now it's thrown around like idiot or jerk) On the other hand douchebaggery (yes, it's a real accepted word) is plain funny.

6. What would you like to improve about your writing and/or blog?

In my writing, I would like to be more focused on finishing one story at a time. I have a hard time fighting the urge to hop to the next idea that screams out. I have learned to control it better, but I still have to work on it.

As far as my blog, I want to learn some of the tricks I see on other blogs. Like linking to a previous blog or another website without having to show the whole address. I have tried it many times and can't get it to work. If someone can give me a quick lesson I would appreciate it.


That's my part. Now it's your turn. I tag the following writers/bloggers.

Janna Qualman
http://somethingshewrote.blogspot.com/

Jack W. Regan
http://jackwregan.blogspot.com/

Denise Robbins
http://deniserobbins.blogspot.com/

misterreereeder
http://misterreereeder.blogspot.com/

Blog Tag, You're It... Janna, Jack, Denise, and misterreereeder. Can't wait to see what questions you choose and what your answers are. Have fun!

Kristin : )