IWSG February 2022
Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore?
Yes, yes, and yes. So many writers/bloggers come and go. As a matter of fact, the advice that rings in my head and keeps me in the business is from a writer/blogger buddy who has stopped blogging. Years ago, Brinda Berry told me to remember writing is a marathon, not a sprint.
She's still writing, but no longer blogging...you can find her here.
Anyone you miss?
There are so many I miss. I cannot even begin to list them all. The loss that stings the most, of course, is Jo Wake who passed away. Jo was more than a blogger friend. She was family and her presence in my personal and professional life is felt daily. There's a magic to blogging that unifies and solidifies friendships like no other social media platform (IMHO).
Did you know the IWSG has a Facebook page also? We do! IWSG Facebook member, Mike Mulhern published his first book after retirement and wanted to let everyone to know, it's never too late to make your book dream come true.
A message from Mike...
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| Available Now! |
SUCCESS AT LONG LAST – Like all journalists addicted to
seeing their byline in print in newspapers and magazines, I had planned to go
to the next level by authoring volumes of books – and lots of them! This is
where I found the transition difficult to make. Major publishing houses were
disappearing and book agents returned my submissions sight unseen, saying, “We
have too many clients to serve already and are not taking on any more.” My only
option was to self-publish with a company that also offered a promotional
package, and their services weren’t cheap. Even the inexpensive ones wanted at
least seven grand! Then three years ago, my mother died at the age of 97 and
left me enough where the self-publishing option entered the realm of
affordability. I finished up the book-in-progress that was closest to completion
and selected the publisher that was the best fit. Even THAT was not easy. I
submitted a 500-page nostalgic childhood memoir about growing up in the ‘50s.
The rep with that company (Best Seller Publishing) said, “People don’t read
books that long anymore. But your chapters on race are dynamite and quite
readable! Besides, it’s a real hot topic right now!” Last week, my first
hot-off-the-press volume arrived in the mail – “The Repentant Racist” (available
from Amazon.com), only 135 pages and readable in three hours. But it’s got that
all-important ISBN number, so it counts! I am disappointed with the whole
process, but happy I finally arrived in the Published Author’s Circle. I hope
to see all you fellow aspirants there as well! – Mike Mulhern.
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I miss Jo, too.
ReplyDeleteHugs
DeleteCongratulations to Mike!
ReplyDeleteReally miss Grandma Dragon.
She was one of the best.
DeleteGrats to Mike!
ReplyDeleteAnd I remember hearing about Jo's loss. It's amazing the friends we make through blogging. I thank the internet that making online friendships possible, because a lot of my close friends I've never met in the flesh.
You[re so right about that. Some of my very best friends are people I have never met in real life.
DeleteI didn't know Jo but I hear so many wonderful things about her. I remember visiting Brinda's blog though. What a great question.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many I miss! I was afraid to start listing people and leave some out.
DeleteI'm grateful I got to meet Jo and Matt when they visited NC about 10 years ago. They were bowling, of course!
ReplyDeleteI should go bowling and have Chinese food in her honor. :)
DeleteHow lucky that you got to meet her. I was going to visit her and Covid hit.
I love Brinda Berry's quote. That's a lovely way to put it. Blogging has certainly brought so many wonderful friends I would have never known. I'm sorry to hear about Jo.
ReplyDeleteThey were some very wise words!
DeleteLoved that quote from Brenda that writing is a marathon and not a sprint. A long time commitment, helped by many different people along the way. We can remember the generosity of those who are now gone, and in their honor, help those newer writers.
ReplyDeleteWriting in the blogging world is definitely a team effort, fortunately!
DeleteCongrats to Mike!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful community. I'm so sorry to hear about Jo.
This is a very wonderful community. I'm blessed to be part of it!
DeleteI wonder why it is that people don't read long books anymore. I recently reread several book by an author I love, who wrote her first books in the 90's, and kept writing until she died about six years ago. All her books were 4-500 pages or more and page turners. Now they would be considered way too long. Even now though, those books held my attention.
ReplyDeleteI do wish people read more. I have to admit, I read less now that I write too. But I love to read, so I should just make time and get back to reading.
DeleteThere are so many books I loved that don't seem to fit the mold. I used to love Danielle Steele. I reread Palomino and I'm not sure it would have made the cut as a romance. But it's a wonderful book.
Some of the people I miss most inspire me the most in my writing, so in a way my writing keeps us connected:)
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good point!
DeleteWhat great advice from Brinda. It would also be nice if we would just relax, and enjoy the journey.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the loss of your friend. Those holes in our hearts are never filled, just covered over.
Most days I'm relaxed. Probably too relaxed. I should try to tap into my worker-bee side and get more done.
DeleteCongrats to Mike. Blogging has brought me many friends, but Jo was so special. I definitely feel like I'm in a marathon.
ReplyDeleteShe truly was. Some days, I may be in a walk-a-thon.
DeleteThere are a few bloggers I miss too. Some just moved on.
ReplyDeleteSo many have moved on. I see them sometimes on Facebook, but Facebook gets so crowded, I miss a lot there.
DeleteDefinitely a marathon. Glad you're in the race with me!
ReplyDeleteAww, how sweet. Same to you :)
DeleteIt is a hard thing to adjust to, but one I realize happens a lot as I get older.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Mike! I miss Jo every time we use our air frier, every time we post on Discord, every time I miss a birthday. I miss her wit and dry humour. I miss her smile.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Instapot. I can't use the Instapot without thinking of Jo. She was a very special lady.
DeleteBravo, Mike! I love the cover and title. All the luck with this release.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, it is so tough when those who have supported us in this writing journey are gone. I miss my mother, my head cheerleader. Yes--writing is a marathon, not a short race. More power to you, my dear, for continuing in this marathon. All best!
I miss my mother too. She was the very best beta reader/cheerleader/emotional support ever.
DeleteDefinitely a marathon and not a sprint indeed.
ReplyDeleteI'm leaning toward leisurely afternoon walk. LOL
DeleteI didn't know Jo well, but I know she meant a lot to many and I'm sorry you've lost her.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I'm in the middle of a great read and loving it. Wink. Wink.
Our writer friends become our family.
DeleteI'm eager to hear about this new read. LOL
Sorry for your loss in Jo, Elizabeth. I didn't know she was so much more than another blogger to you. Sadness.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Mike on such a relevant publication!
She was a very special lady.
DeleteThank you for sharing Mike's story. Sorry for your loss, Mike and Elizabeth.
ReplyDelete