Facebook Friday: Just for fun

This picture is going around on Facebook, but I think it's funny and awfully accurate:

And I also have to correct myself:  At one point and time, the little search box at the top of Blogger blogs searched ALL blogger blogs and not just the current blog. Well, guess I haven't attempted to use that search box in awhile because I have no idea when it changed, but apparently it now only searches the blog you are on. So for all of you that I told to get a search box when you already had the one up top - I'M SORRY! I have been set straight now :)

Finally, I have been given two blog awards this week! Stay tuned next week where I will do my part of the blog award requirements, but for now I just wanted to thank Savannah Rose for the Versatile Blogger award and Jamie Ayers  for the Kreativ Blogger award.  Wow! I'm truly honored by the support and kind words. I really appreciate the award!


So now that I've made you laugh, shared my humiliation and thanked two very lovely bloggers, what are you doing with your Friday?  Do you have a Just for Fun to share?

Face Myself Friday

I'm telling you right off the bat that if you only visit me to read marketing tips, I don't have them today. Instead I'm doing a Face Myself Friday, or aka, What I've Learned From NaNo.

First, though, I have to share that last week I was given an award from the awesome, wonderful Kelly Louise, the Gene Pool Diva of Diminishing Gene Pool.  The rules of the award are to thank the person who gave it to you and link back to them (Hi, Kelly!), then list some of your favorite blogs.

I told Kelly I would post this last Sunday and I didn't because I can't seem to list my favorite blogs. I mean, I've told you before who they are, I ask many of them to be Savvy Sensations. And the others that I read - oh, it's so many. Hundreds. I'm mostly a lurker and comment very little - which goes totally against marketing advice - but it's me. Now to narrow down those blogs to a handful to pass this award on to? I'm having trouble. And I hate it when people say, "Just take the award if you want it." So here are simply the first ten in my Google Reader. They are lovely and deserve an award (as do all of you!) Check them out:

• Chandara Writes 
• Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire
• Paper Mountain
• Perfecting the Craft
• Amie Kaufman
• Robin Weeks
• The Submission Process
• Callie Kingston
• Life By Chocolate
• Michelle Dennis Evans

Now Face Myself Friday - Here's what I learned from NaNo:

• I'm not a fast writer.
• That's ok.
• I like to write in spurts - a week of focus, then a week or so off.
• That's ok, it's just my style.
• I edit while I write.
• That's ok, too. Isn't it?
• My first draft takes a while, but when it's done, it is closer to a second or third draft because I'm such an editor.
• I think that's better than ok.
• So, obviously, I failed NaNo. 
• But that's ok because I realized things about myself as a writer and I am happy with those things.

How about you? Did you finish? What did you learn about yourself through NaNo?

Saturday Savvy Sensation: Deirdra Eden Coppel

Today's Savvy Sensation is Deirdra Eden Coppel.  She has experience in both the digital and print world, and is both an author and an illustrator. Just visit her blog to get a sense of her visual creativity.

LB: First, who are you?

My name is Deirdra Eden Coppel I write MG and YA paranormal and historical fantasy.

I am also an illustrator and graphic designer specializing in the publishing industry (book covers, book marks etc.)  I teach at writer’s workshops and at writers conferences. I love working with authors!

LB: Where can we find you online (blog, twitter, facebook, etc.)?

Deirdra: My blog is http://www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

People can connect to my Facebook and Twitter via my blog.

LB: When did you begin your online platform building?

Deirdra: I started promoting myself as an author in 2001, through T.V., radio and tours.

In 2010 I began a blog just for fun and my followers hit over a 1000 in less than a year.

LB: What is your message, if any (is your blog about anything specific, for example)?

Deirdra: I want to help other writer’s succeed. It’s hard being a writer, not as hard as being married to one, but it’s still hard. I believe that if we are going to succeed we as authors must support each other.

My blog is a “self help” blog for authors. When I say self help I don’t mean “editing” I mean, emotional encouragement. I have other authors come on and share their publication stories.

With the many opportunities available for publication, every author must find their own path to publishing. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Whether you self-publish, get an agent, indie publish, etc. every author needs to decide what will work best for them. There are pros and cons to every type of publishing. Its wise to learn what they are and hear other's experiences before you decide how to publish.

 

I also bring on literary agents, editors, promotion specialists and other literary professionals that give advice to authors, both published and unpublished.

LB: How have you built your followers -

What have you done that has been the most successful?

What have you done that has failed?

Its easy. I read the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.

It works for getting blog followers too.

You really need to be the one to initiate. I go to other blogs similar to mine or blogs by authors and avid readers and compliment them on something I found interesting on their blog.  I usually will follow them to show my support. I tell them a little about my blog and how it will help them, and then I send them the link.

What else should we know about you?

I love people and love making new friends.

Any additional advice for our readers?

Just don’t give up fighting for your dreams. We can do this!

What makes you unique?

LOL! Well, I can shoot a bow and arrow while standing upside down and bending over backwards.

Thank you so much for this interview. It’s been great!

Please come by and say hi at http://www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

Thank YOU, Deirdra! Feel free to pass on your Savvy Sensation award. Everyone else, stop by her blog and say hello. 

Blog Awards Passed On

So last week I was a winner of two awards and today I am passing it on. Part of the award process is passing it on.  One award was to go to 5 people and the other to 15.  Man, with all the new logs I've found through WrAHM and Rachel Harrie's campaign, coming up with 20 winners was difficult, but here we go:

1. Bethany at Bethany Hagen's Blog
2. Amber at amberafterglow
3. Melissa at Chasing the Dream
4. Mindy at Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire
5. Robin at Robyn Lucas, Writer
6. Anita at A Still and Quiet Madness
7. Jessica at BookingIt
8. Leigh Ann at The Naptime Novelist
9. Caitlin at All About Growing up and Becoming a Famous Author
10. Susanna at Susanna Leonard Hill
11. Julianna at I Aspire to Be
12. Kathi at Kathi's Writing Nook
13. Callie at Callie Kingston
14. Joanna at Miss Marple's Musings
15. Coleen at Coleen Patrick
16. Stacy at Stacy S. Jensen
17. Freya at A Writer's Endeavour
18. Brenda at Brenda Sills
19. Sher at Fantasy Writer's Fancies
20. Kathy at Imagine Today

Congratulations winners! As part of these awards please list seven facts about you and pass the awards on to five other people. 

Please take a moment to visit each of these blogs. You will be glad you did!

I'm a Winner!

My undergrad degree was in musical theater and I have to tell you, no offense to you acting folk, the writing community is much more eager to share in your wins than the theater community was. At least for me. Of course, an author getting a book deal doesn't mean anything for her fellow authors but an actor getting a part means one less part for her fellow actor. Essentially you're always competing. Makes it harder to bond without undertones of jealousy.

So when I entered the world of writers I had no idea it was going to be so warm and welcoming. But, wow, it truly is.

And proof of that, on the heels of my last week's win, I am again a winner this week! Not once, not twice, but three times!

• First, the lovely author of four published books, Kathi Oram Peterson drew my name for her weekly book giveaway. Soon I will receive a copy of Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen's book Trapped.  Yay, me! It looks like just my type of story, too. Stop by her blog and check her out.
• Next, the awesome Gail Shepherd of the blog Paradoxy gave me TWO blog awards: The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award and The Versatile Blogger (which I've won before from Michelle Fayard.) 
• AND I won the Versatile blogger award from Elizabeth Stillborn of elizabethannewrites.com. As a recipient of these awards I must:

1. Thank and link to the person who gave me the awards. Thank you so much, Gail!!
2. Share 7 random facts about you. I did that here.
3. Pass the award to 5 blogger friends. (Though Elizabeth says I need to pass to 15 blogger friends.) I will do that next Wednesday, so return and see who I pass them on to.
4. Contact and congratulate the nominated blogs.

Hmm, so many great blogs out there. Especially new ones I'm discovering through the campaign. Wonder who I'll choose...

Meanwhile, since I've previously shared my random facts, I'd like to hear from you. If you've stopped by, please leave a random fact about you in the comments. I can't wait to read!

Saturday Savvy Sensation: Elana Johnson

Today's Savvy Sensation is, wait for it, Elana Johnson, author of Possession!!  I know can you believe it? Sqwee!! If you don't know anything about Elana then I have to first say, where the heck have you been?? And follow that with: go and read every blog she's ever written plus her books (especially From the Query to the Call if you are or ever will be querying) because she knows her stuff. Oh, and here's some random trivia for ya: I went to school with her husband (who I considered a very good friend) and her older sister (yes, that means I'm older than Elana Johnson) so I kinda feel cool to be only 2 degrees away from her on the whole separation stuff.  

LB: Who are you?

My name is Elana Johnson. I write angsty teen girl novels, mostly. My debut, published by Simon & Schuster in June 2011, is called POSSESSION. I blog at http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com and http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com. I also co-organize WriteOnCon (http://writeoncon.com), teach elementary school, and enjoy bacon.

LB: Um, like all of those things are SUPER AWESOME. Who missed WriteOnCon? Cuz you shouldn't of.  I digress...Where can we find you online (blog, twitter, facebook, etc.)?

Oh, I put that up there! Ha! Okay, here’s the rest of my online endeavors:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elanajohnson

POSSESSION fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/possessionthebook

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ElanaJ

Author website: http://elanajohnson.com

POSSESSION website: http://possessionthebook.com

LB:When did you begin your online platform building?

I started blogging for the QueryTracker blog in January 2009. That’s a full 2 ½ years before my book came out, 11 months before I had an agent, and 14 months before I sold my first book.

LB: What is your message, if any?

Hmm, I’m not sure I have a message. I just like to interact with people online. My blog motto is “Navigating the publishing world with splashes of real life.” That’s basically what you’ll get on my blog.

LB: How have you built your followers -

What have you done that has been the most successful?

Comment on and follow other blogs. This is almost always reciprocal. You want more people to comment on your blog? Comment on theirs. I’ve also found that giving away free stuff brings people to your blog, as well as participating in promotions with other authors that reach outside your network.

LB: What have you done that has failed?

Organize very complicated giveaways. They’re a headache for me, and everyone else.

LB: What else should we know about you?

I enjoy reality TV, sleeping in, and laughing.

LB: Any additional advice for our readers?

Write the best book you can, and then be brave and submit it!

LB: What makes you unique?

I’m double jointed in my hands, which means I can bend the first knuckle on all my fingers without bending any of the others. It’s quite freaky.

No,Elana, freaky is that you are on my blog because I think I'm a super fan (is that a little weird? ok, pretend I didn't say it).  And everyone else, I have to say from what I have seen Elana is one of the hardest working, most genuine, and generous authors out there.  There is much to learn and admire from her.  Not that you need an award, but here it is, Elana. Feel free to share it if you like and thanks so much for being here today!! :)

Be Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself

Three items on the agenda, today, but not too long of a post because I am in Glenwood Springs, CO for a couple of relaxing days.  Though not very relaxing, really, because I have my husband and kids with me.

Each of today's topics have to do with being something bigger than just you. When you step outside of your own little author world, you are opened to a community of people who are often amazing, inspiring, and just as enthusiastic about you as you are about them.  If you find an opportunity to join with others in this manner, your world increases exponentially - which is beneficial to you as a person as well as you as an author trying to gain awareness and recognition.  Here's my three attempts at being part of something bigger:

1. In conjunction with my Saturday Savvy Sensation series, I am now giving an award to my savvy picks.  Michelle Fayard receives the first award, of course, and is very much deserving.  You all saw how she responded to your comments - that's one of her best traits!  Michelle, feel free to pass on this award to anyone as you see fit because we are moving to be part of something bigger than us:)
2. I have recently joined author, Gennifer Albin's WrAHM, a community for write-at-home-moms.  I urge you moms to check it out and join yourself.  Gen posts WrAHM stuff on her blog as well as having a Facebook page.  Join us, we're small, but mighty!
3. You have to come back Friday for my last one.  I'll give you two hints, though: it has to do with Facebook and being bigger than yourself.  That's all you get for now.

What are you doing that's part of something bigger than you? Do you think it's important to be part of the bigger community? Feel free to share some ideas of your favorite community spots in comments.

Tooting and Passing

I'm tooting and passing again today.  Tooting my horn and passing on an award, that is.  I have been given an award from Kate Larkindale, an awesome fellow blogger I met during last month's blogfest.  Kate can be found at Fiction and Film and is a writer and a movie theater manager. I worked in a movie theater as a manager for years and loved it, just FYI.

Thank you, Kate! I'm truly honored.

The goal of this award is to spotlight up and coming bloggers who currently have less than 200 followers. The rules of the award are:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. And most of all - have bloggity-blog fun!

And here's my picks:

1. Michelle Fayard at Bird's Eye View Michelle is absolutely the best at building online relationships. Not only does she comment on what seems like every blog she follows, she also seems to be there first. She Tweets shout-outs and emails when she's left a response to a comment you wrote. I highly encourage y'all to take a look at what she's doing if you're trying to build your online image.
2. Christa at Christa Writes  First, I love the colors of Christa's blog. It has an immediate happy feel.  Next, she is a mom who blogs and avoids housework. My kinda mom.  Third, she has a series entitled "Inside the Author's Studio", a play on the Bravo Series "Inside the Actor's Studio", which is just brilliant. Christa's blog exudes with personality. Check her out.
3. Jaye Robin Brown JRo is another very supportive online community builder.  She also has a design template that I love, easy to look at and draws me to return.  She's a working writer mother and I admire her resolve to continue writing midst all the busyness.
4. Andrea Mack at That's Another Story Andrea's one of the few blogs I follow that's really dedicated to Middle Grade - my category of choice.  She has a great Alphabet series of Middle Grade writing.  It helps inspire me when I'm stuck on my own MG stuff.
5. Amber Plante at Suspending Disbelief  Another blog that's easy to look at.  Believe it or not, this is important.  I love Amber's personality.  Her posts are both relevant and personal, which isn't always an easy task. She's an editor and her tips are very helpful.  She's already received this award from someone else, but I had to give it myself.  

Congratulations everyone! Thanks for what you give the blogging world!

Blog Awards

Last week I was honored to receive the Versatile Blogger award from Michelle Fayard of The Bird's Eye View. It's taken a week but I'm now ready to complete the rules.


Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
2. Pass the award on to five newfound blogging buddies. 
3. Share seven random facts about yourself.
4. Contact the winners to congratulate them.


I've met so many new amazing bloggers this past month and it was so very hard to pick five to pass this award on to, but here's who I finally settled on.

1. Sarah Pinneo I met Sarah at Querytracker (one of my obsessions) and always appreciated her comments there. Then her awesome blog's name Blurb is a Verb immediately drew me. Sarah's blog is a great companion to mine as she addresses publicizing of books, sharing tales from those who are already doing it.
2. Emily R. King Emily's blog is beautifully designed and easy to read.  I particularly like her Mentor Mondays where Emily highlights other bloggers. Speaking of which, I will be featured there myself on August 8th. You know you want to go check it out. It's a great one stop source of blogging and querying info. 
3. Madeline Bartos First, Madeline's teenage viewpoint is an asset to all of us old folk.  But more importantly, I adore Madeline's complete rants about everything she comes in contact with. At a young age, she does more right than a lot of more experienced bloggers.
4. The East Coaster I so admire the goal of the East Coaster to be published in a year. This blog spotlights the real inside journey of a year in the life of a querying and self-publishing author.  
5. Gennifer Albin Gen is another I met through Querytracker.  She's an experienced Mom-Blogger and it shows.  Her story from query to agent is AWESOME; ask her to tell it sometime.  Most exciting though is her blog's support to mommy writers through WraHM - Write at Home Moms.  See the badge over there to your right? I'm pretty sure her upcoming book is going to Rock the World. And she's cute and humble, too.  

Whew. That was hard.  Now for the seven random facts about myself:

1. I originally started out in acting and singing.  I got my BA in Musical Theater and had been accepted into the Master's program at the New School (you know, where they film Inside the Actor's Studio), but I got distracted by a boy. Who I later married. So it's all good. 
2. I'm an only child.  
3. I can't tell time on a digital clock.  True story.  I find it easier to judge how much time I have before something else by looking at the amount of pie that's left on the clock.  Like if I have to be somewhere at 10 and it's now 9:30, I see I have half a pie before I have to be wherever.  When I have a digital clock, I translate the time to pie amounts before I really grasp the time.
4. I also tell "time until" in tv show lengths.  So if I have a full day in the office, that's 8 hours of Lost.  Or my husband will be home in half an hour, that's 1 episode of How I Met Your Mother.  Or I only got 4 hours of sleep, that's 1 Breaking Bad, 1 Mad Men, 1 Walking Dead, and 1 Project Runway. Yeah, I might have a tv watching problem.
5. I'm always late. For everything. I wonder why.
6. I have three daughters, one dog, and a husband. My baby just turned two yesterday! Happy Birthday Emmalyn :) 
7. I am the music director for a church.  I oversee 6 choirs, and direct 5 of them: 2 adult choirs, a youth choir, a children's choir, and a bell choir.

So now you know more about me and the blogs I love lately.  Go check them out.

Toot Your Own Horn

If you've followed my blog from the beginning you know that I have trouble patting my own back, but it really is necessary when you are building your image.

So as uncomfortable as this is for me, I am also very super excited to announce that I have been given my very first blog award!

Michelle Fayard of the Bird's Eye View gave this award stating:


Laura Barnes arrived on the scene just last month, but already her blog is causing some serious buzz. If you're looking for tips about how to work your social marketing faster and/or better, Laura is your go-to contact.

Thank you so much, Michelle, for passing this award on to me. I am truly honored to have met you through the blog-o-sphere.  Michelle was given this award herself recently, I might add.  If you haven't checked out the Bird's Eye View, I highly recommend it.

Do you have anything to toot about today? Tell us in comments.