I used to know (some in real life, some just online) every person that commented--mostly because there were about five of them. I'd have maybe twenty hits a day, on a good day, and that was fine by me. Blogging served the same purpose it does now--a quick, fun creative outlet, and a way to interact with people who don't demand I cut the skin off their apple slices. (Because seriously? Cut the skin off your own dang apple slices, Readers! So quit asking. You know who you are.) I wrote pretty much the same nonsense I write now.
So how did this happen? Where did all of you come from? I honestly don't know. Every time I get a new follower I click on the profile and wonder, How did you find me? And, finding me, what made you want to stay?
(My guess is you heard how hot my husband is. He's really my best feature, it's true, but this blog isn't the way to get to him. Maybe if you find his Angela Lansbury Fansite you can connect with him there... Their motto is "Nothing's as Hott as Mrs. Potts!")
(Okay, he does not actually have that fansite, but I might have to make it now.)
I've obviously thought a lot about blogs, specifically writer's blogs and the purposes they (can) serve. And honestly, the changes in readership have affected me a little. For example, I don't put many pictures of my kids on here anymore (which is a bloomin' shame, because my kids are freakishly adorable when they aren't using me as a human kleenex). I also stress out about content more than I used to. There's this added sense of pressure. "Crap, I'm not funny today! And I wasn't funny yesterday, either! I'm going to lose all my readers. They'll give up on me, and spend all their time on the Angela Lansbury Fansite Forums, debating the voicework of Anastasia as opposed to The Last Unicorn!" (Except if you did that, I'd understand, because really: it's Angela Lansbury!)
Blogs are also an interesting thing for authors, because it makes us accessible in a way that has little historical precedence. Take Kristan Hoffman, the dear, brave soul who recently went through and read every. freaking. post I've ever written. She made a comment to the extent that she really feels like she knows me now. And she does. And that's kind of strange, isn't it? (Kristan's not strange, she's awesome, but this idea that you can know me when I know almost nothing about the vast majority of you--that's strange.) (Then again, Kristan, you did read every post on here, so you've got to be a little strange, right? But good strange. I like strange.) However, the faceless internet masses aren't as strange as when people from my "real" life bring up something I know I've never talked with them about, and I realize they've been reading my blog, and then I have to wonder just how weird they think I am now.
Answer: Very.
But in the end, my blog is just my blog. If it makes you more likely to buy my books, fabulous! If not, umm, well, why not? Just kidding. No pressure. I'm here because I want to be, and I'll keep doing my thing and continue to be grateful to each and every one of you who, for whatever reason, come back time and again. Now if you'll excuse me, someone just opened up a discussion on whether you'd rather have Andy Griffith's Matlock or Angie's Jessica Fletcher on the case if you were falsely accused of murder, and I've just got to weigh in.
48 comments:
Kierstan--
I started thinking about it, and I can't really remember how I found your blog. It was probably about 6months ago now. I don't think I read EVERY post, but I did go back and read some. I know one thing, I kept coming back because we have lots in common. Two kids, trying to write, hot husband. It's nice to know other people are out there doing it. But you have an agent AND a book deal, so now you're just plain inspiring! :) Know what you mean about others reading your blog...I just started telling people about mine and I feel so vulnerable! I hope it doesn't change what/how I write!
I was having some bloggers guilt about this recently. When I had only a handful of followers I knew each of them, faithfully tracked their posts and I felt like a tight knit community. Now I feel bad when a new follower/commenter comes on board and I don't have the time to read their blogs and comment. I don't want them to think I'm being snobby or disinterested -- it's just too hard to keep up with so many fabulous people!
This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately because I am trying to turn my blog into something sustainable...
this post is about to be really long... long enough in fact for a BLOG POST of its own. So, the TLDR: Blogs are fun, but how can I keep it that way?
Matlock, duh. He's an actual lawyer.
On the other hand, I'm pretty sure Jessica Fletcher is free (though I'm sure Matlock takes on a ridiculous number of pro bono cases), and she might dedicate her next book to you and/or base her MC on you.
Hm....
So weigh in here! Now the suspense is killing me. I've already decided I would want Hugh's Dr. Gregory House as my personal physician if I could. He might be kind of a jerk, but I find him freaking hilarious.
I read your blog because it is fabulously honest masked in a witty sense of humor. :0) I understand what you mean about the added followers adding stress to what content to put on the blog. I worried all the time and kept an eagle eye on my google analytics...now I've just let go and feel the same way you do. I just love my blog. Who cares if you don't. LOL
PS> I'm really glad this post wasn't leading where I was afraid it was! I thought you were going to say "And so, good bye, no more blogging for me." I would have cried.
True story: When I was in junior high I watched Matlock ALL THE TIME.
True story as well: When I was in high school I competed in Mock Trial and I rocked at it, and I really think it was because I watched Matlock and Law and Order.
True story you probably already guessed: I was and am a nerd.
True story you probably won't read because you've already quit reading these: My immediate family has three lawyers, with another one on the way. I thought about going to law school, and am so, so very glad I didn't, because that many lawyers? BORING.
(Sorry, familial lawyers. I do love you. We just need a little variety, right?)
Kelly--That connection is the key, I think! It's the same for me. There has to be something there that I connect with, otherwise it doesn't matter how funny/entertaining/informative the blog is.
MeganRebekah--It's true. That's why I try to respond to as many comments as I can on my blog, so my readers know that I recognize and appreciate them. Also, your comments are awesome, so that makes it easier : )
Jamie--I always worry I'll hit a point where I sit down to blog and nothing comes. Hasn't happened yet though : ) I think as long as you enjoy doing it, you're always going to have something to write about.
Jordan--True. And he could ALWAYS get the witnesses to break down and confess on the stand!
Jenn--Yeah, one place I'd never want to be treated is the ER from, well, ER. They were always too busy sleeping with each other to, you know, help people...
Kristi--HA! Nope. The internet isn't getting rid of me that easy! I love blogging way, way too much. And I know what you mean--you've got to just quit thinking about audience and followers and just do your thing. If it works, great! If not, well, at least you're having fun, right? : )
I found your blog through a comment on Nathan Bransford's blog. It just sounded like someone I would want to know, even if just hypothetically. And I was right. I love reading your insights. It's motivating for me to keep trying. I am where you were and hope to be where you are.
As for Angela Lansbury, my favorite appearance by her was in a lesser known movie from the nearly forgotten clean movie era. A Danny Kaye fantasy called Court Jester. (He's my favorite actor of all time.)
I think I found your blog by a comment you made on someone else's. Although I can't be sure. But I started following because of your fun & easy to read writing. And now your blog is one of my daily must reads.
Huh. No apple peeling? I'm not sure I can continue to read & occasionally comment. Unless...how about crust-cutting? Will you cut the crusts off my PB&J? And maybe cut the bread in the shape of a star? 'Cuz that might work.
Kayeleen--I'm glad you're here : )
Anita--You, too! Gosh, I like you all.
Linda--I will fold it in a triangle shape, but that's as far as it goes. You will eat the crusts, and you will like them!
I found you after your fun guest post at Nathan's last year.
My dad and I used to watch Murder She Wrote all the time, though don't you think it would be a good idea to RUN if Jessica Fletcher ever showed up? And have you seen AL from old movies? The woman has never aged.
I totally get where you're coming from. I started my blog last September, and for about the first six months or so it was a nice, cozy, close-knit group. I "knew" everyone who followed me and commented. Now, the blog has become more popular and it's great on one hand (because I'm a first born drama queen who loves attention), but on the other hand I kind of miss the intimacy of smaller group. I guess it's the price you pay for fame. (Hah!)
Aww, I was mentioned in a Kiersten post! As good-strange! I feel like I just won Miss America or something. Blog/Literary Edition, of course.
I'm glad I didn't scare you, because I'm definitely not scary. Just enthusiastic. And a good procrastinator, lol.
I think I'd want Jessica Fletcher 'cause I actually used to watch that show as opposed to Matlock which I've only seen bits and pieces of... But if we're allowed write-ins, then I pick Booth & Brennan from Bones. 'Cause they're hilarious and hot and oh so fun!
Kiersten I've thought of the same things recently! I only have 20 followers, and at this point I feel pretty free to discuss more personal issues, but I have noticed as more people have followed that I stress more about my posts having universal appeal.
I've stopped posting my Top Three in Seven posts, because they were mostly about restaurants and stuff I ate at. While my mom enjoyed reading about how I spend my time and my bestie liked that she was usually mentioned in those posts, I realized when I read other people's posts that are similar I don't find them as enjoyable.
As a result I created "What is the Deal With...? Wednesdays" instead, which focuses on one random thing that I've always questioned. I don't do one every week, but basically every post is meant to create a discussion, to make people laugh vs. telling them how busy and cool I am running around Burlington, VT. I've actually enjoyed the change, however. It is more freeing to jot down my random thoughts than to have the constant stress of chronicling every moment of my life!
The reason I follow your blog? It's fun to read. And not too serious and full of writing tips all the time. Because there are a lot of them out there like that. And not enough that are just fun with a writer's edge to it. And we all need a break in the journey.
Hi Kiersten :)
Thanks for the fun post.
I find I read a lot but hardly comment any more. Does that happen to you or others?
I love this comment thread!
To Kayeleen:
THE COURT JESTER is one of my fav movies too! Basil Rathbone & Danny Kaye & Angela Lansbury. The pellet with the poison is in the flagon with the dragon...
:)
I find your blog very entertaining and it's great to see someone succeed, gives me hope.
I know how you feel about real live commenting to you on your blog. I had a soccer teammate's husband say something to me about my blog and it kind of freaked me out.
Forced crust eating? Man, that's harsh. You're not going to try to tell me the crust is where all the vitamins are, like my my mom did, are you?
I found you through my awesome crit partner's blog (Andrea Cremer) in case you care. =)
I saw that your book is scheduled for Sept. Mine too! Do you have a date?
Very disappointed I couldn't join the Tenners. My deal came after the cut off. :( But I follow you guys!
I just followed a link in Jamies blog to find your blog and while I'm totally disappointed in the lack of crust cutting and apple peeling, I'm already signed up as a follower. I love the follow function...it allows lazy people like me to semi-stalk interesting people without leaving the comfort of my own home. Because seriously? If stalking required me to move my lazy self more than three feet? I'd totally give up on it.
Wait, I had a point here, didn't I? Oh yeah! Personally, I blog because it gives me a creative outlet for my everyday life experiences and stresses. Hopefully people like my writing style and sense of humor and my blog will continue to work for me as a writer. If not? Well...Hmmm..plan B. I need a plan B. Off to formulate a plan B.
There is no mystery why people hit up new blogs: they found you online participating in discussions in other communities, and so followed you here.
That's how the interwebs work.
First of all, isn't Kristan great? She is so sweet and helpful. Everyone needs to check out her blog (after you read Kiersen's, of course)! : )
Secondly, I can't remember how I found your blog. I'm sure it was a random accident(accident fated by the Gods...maybe), however I'm so glad I did.
Your blog inspired me to write a blog of my own. And that opened the door to meeting all kinds of fun and interesting people (oh, and also another way to effectively waste my time. Even though I refuse to admit I'm wasting time. I like to call it "networking").
So thanks Kiersten for putting up with us and continuing to entertain us every day (no pressure, though)! : )
I found your blog from a tweet Michelle Wolfson posted with a link.
I added you to my highly exclusive google blog reader list because you post informative and hilarious posts. Plus I have a crush on Laptop.
Though the Angela Lansbury thing has me a little thrown off. Something about her always bugged me.
Caroline--Yeah, if you ever see her or Monk, get the heck out of dodge because someone's gonna die...
Debra--It's always interesting when the balance changes. But I hope that my blog is still a community of sorts, and continues to be.
Kristan--Yeah, but is Booth as hot as Angel? (Tee hee.)
Kaela--I think you've hit it dead on. Branching out from "This is only interesting to people who know me" to "This is (hopefully) interesting to a large audience AND people who know me."
Laura--That's nice to hear! Sometimes I feel bad that I'm not very helpful. But I figure, what works for me probably won't work for you, right? So unless it's very general advice or rah-rah-rah go write, I don't really feel qualified to instruct others ; )
RK--Yup. I read a lot, don't comment much.
Patti--YES! The sudden revelation that they know stuff about you you didn't think they did...very jarring.
Linda--Nah. I'm just too lazy to cut them off.
Lisa--Oh, bummer! I barely made the cut-off date. September 21st is my pub date! Congrats!!!
Rhonda--My plan B was always peddling v1agra and ciali$ via mass spam emails under the name Reynaldo Chestnut. In fact, I may still fall back on that.
Anthony--Wait, THAT'S how the internets work???
Kimberly--Absolutely it's networking! I'm not being sarcastic, even. I've found all of my best crit partners through networking online.
Rissa--Umm, actually I was just being goofy with the Angela Lansbury thing. I had to look her up on IMDB to be able to make all of those references. I had no idea she was a voice in Anastasia and The Last Unicorn.
Mostly that was based on a comment Hot Stuff made once after seeing something I wrote about James McAvoy online. He said, "I'm just glad you haven't found out about my Angela Lansbury fansite." Which I thought was pretty hilarious.
Awesome post! And something I've been thinking about ALOT lately.
I have been very addicted to blogging as of late and meeting all kinds of new people but it can be quite scary at the same time! Mostly when (as you pointed out) it's someone you actually have contact with during your "normal" life and they mention something from you blog. Much stranger than random strangers for some unknown reason.
BTW - I found your site through the awesome Kimberly Franklin I think. Love your humor!
This is a great topic, and one I've been pondering recently, too.
I found your blog because someone was hooraying on their blog that you found an agent. I wandered over thinking "this girl has to be doing something right!" Then I stayed because (not to sound *completely* stalkerish) you seem like someone I want to hang out with :).
In fact, that's why I follow most of the writer/reader/random blogs I do. To read someone's posts day after day you want to feel like you're hanging out with them and having a good time. At least, I do. I love blogs were I can get some insight into writing while also having a laugh with cool people.
Also, my husband has a theory that Jessica Fletcher is secretly always the murderer. Why else are people always dying around her??
I'm about 98% sure I found my way over here when Ms. Natalie Whipple linked to your blog when you got your book deal. Well, you're blog is funny, honest, and insightful. Who could resist?
I don't remember how I found your blog but I am glad that I did. Your post always make me smile. I think that is why I stick around and read :)
I found your blog when I was reading Aprilynne Pike's blog and you entered a contest about ghosts. You ended up winning it, but even before you won I liked your entry and linked to you and...well, there it is. I started reading you and found a lot of my blogging friends out of your blog. So thanks! Funny how all of that works, huh?
Not really related to this post, but did I miss the promised finale to Park City Zombie Apocalypse?
I love your blog; it is my fave. Very warm and cheerful and sufficiently sarcastic to keep my interest, too!
Sad about putting fewer pics of the cutie pie hooligans up on the blog but I understand. At least HALF of my conscious hours are spent with a buncha fun and funny 2nd graders and I will NEVER put up a picture from my classroom on facebook or blog because there are weirdos out there who would view such pictures in a less-than-innocent-look-at-the-cute-kids manner.
As much as we love pics of your kiddos, we are fundamentally strangers, we realize that. Okay, I do, but I've never read every. freaking. post. lol
Thanks for blogging!
I like reading your blog because it helps me realize that most writers go through the same thing, even if I feel alone. Writing is a bit of a lonely business by nature and it's nice to connect with others in the business, published or not.
I click with your blog because it is professional, unflinchingly honest, compassionate, funny, and insightful. I am still struggling to find my niche with my blog (and probably don't add enough humor to it), but it's a treat to read your blog, and it gives me a successful model to follow, both as a writer and a blogger.
I'm over from Jenn's blog, but I've had the same thoughts as you, and thoughts on my privacy vs my public life! And I do sometimes angst over whether people will love me or hate me or buy my book or not buy my book just by the lack of a good post or am I becoming boring or dang I can't visit very often because I'm busy and need to write/edit/etc -but mostly I'm just trying to enjoy my blog and have fun with it ....
lawdy!
I dig through your archives a lot, but still haven't read absolutely everything. Um, I found you by Googling "paranormal books, new and upcoming". And you were on, like, page six.
And thus I was introduced to blogging. (I mean, yeah I knew it existed, but I really didn't care.)
So it's all thanks to you that I've made tons of friends that I'll probably never actually see in real life and although this could be deemed as dangerous, hey. I'm sensible.
Thanks.
I started reading your blog back when you and Stephanie Perkins had that competition with Carrie and Natalie. Funny Stuff. I kept reading because I enjoy your posts, whether you are singing silly tunes about grammar or writing about words that hurt or warning us to go to the emergency room if we have certain symptoms. I don't comment all of the time, but I enjoy what you have to say. Thanks!
Preeetty sure I found you a la Nathan Bransford's blog, but it's honestly VERY hard for me to remember. S difficult, in fact, that I do not currently have any clue whatsoever.
I've often thought about how I as a reader, because of my sheer enjoyment of fellow writer's blogs, sometimes have to remind myself to still have at least a little bit of a professional attitude when commenting, especially in Nathan's case, as I imagine I will someday query him.
But I wonder if it has something to do with the place where authors like yourself and we followers interact? As I am your friend on Facebook, it seems like that is a place where one can be "less formal," simply because it allows for it.
As for the world of blogs, I think the ways in which I comment have a lot to do with what is being asked or discussed, which, until you posted that quick poll about what our favorite YA novel is, isn't a subject I often find discussed on Facebook.
Hopefully I've said something here that has made sense in some way. haha.
So much of this is so true!
I'm (finally) trying to (one day) get that darn website up (before book 1 goes out for submission *sigh) soon and was having a conversation about transferring the blog. Of course all the posts about agents and writing and formatting, etc will go over, but are there any that it wouldn't hurt to be left behind? The goofy, the ones showing all my glamorous smartassity?
We'll see :)
And, of course I'm going to buy your book!
Bria
Well, um, I'm pretty new here--just found you through Natalie Whipple and I'm sure this is the first, or maybe second time I've commented. But I've been reading your old posts and I've just added you to my blogroll of coolness (LOL, or at least I like to call it that :)).
I love blogging but I always struggle finding topics of interest. It's still fun though and I think my favorite part is all the networking with all the fellow writers out there. :)
Can I have Peter Falk's Columbo?
Love your blog. Glad you're doing it. It personalizes you the author!
No idea how I found you but now I read you every day. You're about my age (except I've got no kids or husband) and you write YA and I'm trying to write a YA novel too, so that's why I keep coming back! I love the posts about the industry, what it's really like to have a book deal and all that. I'd love to know what the time schedule is for you once you hand in the final manuscript. Is it manic rushing from one deadline to the next with revisions from the editor? Do you have more time off than you realised? I'm trying to write a 4 book series, and will only write the first one before I start querying agents, but how far into the 2nd one should I attempt to work before I have a deal? My issue is, if it works out to be like the music industry, ie. The first album is always amazing because you've had no time limits on writing and recording, but then the 2nd album you only get X amount of months and you're under pressure to deliver results. Is it like that with writing a series?
Also I have a question, what do you think the chances are of getting an agent overseas (as I am in Australia, but would prefer to be published first in the US or UK). Did you ever query UK agents/publishers?
Thanks!
Heidi
Nothing beats Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. That is all.
No pressure.
Heidi--It depends on what's going on. Sometimes I am rushing, sometimes I have nothing. As far as series, just make sure the first stands completely on its own, because a lot of publishers will only buy the first book and see how it does.
There is a lot of pressure on the second book, but I write fast anyway, so that wasn't as much of an issue. I usually recommend writing something completely unconnected to the book you are querying, so you don't have all your eggs in one basket. But if you are battling the muse, there's no harm in writing the second book. I don't regret any of the books I've written, even if they never get published.
I didn't query publishers in the UK, but there are a lot of Australians that are published in the US. Check out Steph Bowe (heyteenageroftheyear.blogspot.com, I think), who is Australian, repped by an American, and now has deals in Australia, the US, and Spain, I believe. I don't think it'll be an issue because everything's done through phone and email anyway, and you speak English, so there are no concerns there.
Good luck!
Thanks so much! :) Yes I've been working very hard at making the first book standalone because it's a huge pet peeve of mine when nothing gets resolved at the end of book one. It's more Harry Pottery than Twilighty in terms of being able to jump in at any book and have a good story. I'll check out that link xo
Heidi,
What kind of YA are you writing? Mine is YA fantasy, inspired (loosely) by Twilight and heavily by Harry Potter (although not about witches, wizards, magical schools, vampires, or werewolves, lol). Not to sound stalkerish, but it SOUNDS as if we have a good bit in common and I am looking for a possible critique partner. If you are interested check out my blog through my profile and maybe we can talk - I tried to find your contact info through your profile, but no email was listed.
:)
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