I’ve just joined Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group and will be posting a blog the first Wednesday of every month about my struggles and triumphs concerning the writing world.
Since I first took up writing in the summer of 2009 I’ve struggled through many insecurities. To say I cringe when I think about the first draft manuscript I sent out to actual agents is a HUGE understatement. I’d like to think I’ve learned a thing or two in the past 2 1/2 years, now on my third novel. In fact, I’m kinda proud of myself today (if I do say so myself) b/c one of my New Year’s resolutions is to build my online presence. Not only is it just plain fun to connect with others, it can also be a deal breaker. I was just chatting with an agent who said that if there are two authors and a publishing house is only going to pick one because they are similar, they often look at their online platform to decide. So I devised a plan. Instead of blogging only once or twice a month like I have been of late, I’m committing to blogging every Wednesday. The first Wednesday will be for IWSG, the second Wednesday of the month I’ll blog about Stuff Kids Say since I’m a YA Writer and also a mother/teacher, the third Wednesday I’ll blog about Faith and how it’s connecting to my writing, and the fourth Wednesday I’ll review the books I read that month. Sound good? Got any better ideas for me? Please share:):)
I’d also like to give a shout out to having 90 blog followers (seriously, how’d that happen? Pity from Mom’s friends, no doubt). I just noticed how close I was to 100 today & I’m thinking a contest involving an agent would be a cool way to celebrate when I reach that milestone. So if you’re not a follower already, what are you waiting for? Come on, you know you want to:):):)
Jamie Ayres 
Just found your blog through the Insecure Writer’s Group and am now your 96th follower! I only came across his website today, and it’s been a huge help, connecting with other people who are in similar stages of writing/seeking publishing. Angst loves company!
Good luck!
That sounds like a good plan! I was lucky my publisher signed me, since I had no online presence at the time. They told me to get my butt online, which I did!
Visit other blogs and build friendships – that’s how it’s done.
And if you’re interested in the A to Z Challenge, visit my blog on Friday. That is a great way to meet new bloggers!
Ok, see you here every Wednesday then to see what you are up to. Good Luck and may this be your year. Love you!
I started a blog about a year ago but never took it seriously, until recently when I realized that by writing for my blog and networking with other bloggers and writers, I am actually enhancing my writing skills. Congratulations on starting the third novel!
Hey Jamie! I don’t usually follow by email, but I think you’re worth it so I’m following you now.
I’m right there with you, having sent a virtual first draft out to an agent who request a full. And it was a referral, too. GASP! Actually, I sent that draft to 2 agents! What a dummy I was. But it’s a lesson learned, right? That’s how I like to look at it. But I also try to advise other writers never to make the same mistakes I made.
As for the platform thing, yeah, all the agents say it’s important. That’s the reason I started blogging. But the reason I keep at it is b/c I’ve met so many wonderful people, especially through Alex’s IWSG. Why, just today, I commented on someone’s IWSG post and it turns out she lives 2 miles away from me! Can you believe that? So blog more and comment on other blogs as much as you can. That will garner you followers and comments galore. I just turned over 200 followers today and I’m now at 204, all b/c of Alex’s IWSG. And I get a lot of comments b/c I comment all over the place. Tit for tat.
I wish you all the luck in the world building your presence. Happy New Year!
Thanks for the encouragement, Nancy (and everyone else too)! Congrats on your 200 followers. What a small world! I love connecting with other writers outside of the U.S., too. I commented on one tonight from the UK through IWSG:)
Count me in, then. A new follower, taking you closer to that milestone.
Hey! Three novels in three years! It’s taken me ten to struggle through 2 1/2 – poor time management skills, I suppose. I do wonder about the platform business, though, mostly because (my day job involves a lot of social media) the amount of marketers who over-estimate the impact of blogging is quite frightening. I’d put an equal amount of time into developing a twitter or Facebook profile. That’s also more likely to engage you with actual readers. Personally, while I’ve shifted my blog to address writing more explicitly, I probably spend more time on Twitter – doesn’t eat into my writing time so much!
What a great idea, Jamie! So proud of you! Go for it!!!!!
I think your plan sounds great! I love your blog and would love to hear more from you. As far as an agent contest…yes! I’m all in:)
First time on your blog, and great to meet another group member:) I’m following your blog now:) Woohoo I think I just became follower number 100!!!
I love the IWSG! I’ve met so many great writers and appreciate the support!
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment even though I didn’t have a IWSG post this month! It’s not a great start for the New Year, but I’m suffering from the after holiday blahs I guess and haven’t had much inspiration 😦
Looking forward to following your writing ups and downs in 2012!
Yay for 100! Thanks, everyone! Look for details about the agent contest this coming Wednesday on my next blog:):):)
Can’t wait for the contest. Congrats on (almost) 100! I’m sure a contest with an agent would put you over the top and then some.
Hi Jamie! I just signed on to follow as well. 🙂 An agent contest would be super cool! I’d be happy to promote it when and if you do it….. I’ll blab it all over my blog and on Twitter.
OMgosh I cringe everytime I thin of my first ms too and how I was gutsy enough to send it to agents. I was such an amateur. lol