I've been having a great discussion this morning with my YA Highway besties about blogging and why authors so often fall away from blogging after they get a book deal. (Our conversation was
inspired by
Elana Johnson's recent post, though by no means was it
about her post or her own blogging choices. Elana is absolutely amazing and I've wondered more than once how she manages to do it all!)
So, not blogging. Is it lack of time? Lack of inclination? Lack of motivation? The feeling we have nothing to say or that the advice we want to impart has been done *so* many times? I don't know, probably a mix of those things and more. Maybe it's even the reality that, even though aspiring authors are encouraged to blog, many of them don't like it, want to do it, make it a priority, etc. They do it because they're "supposed" to, but once the agent or book deal comes along, it doesn't feel like such an immediate necessity.
For me, it's a combination of being busy and not feeling like I have anything relevant to say.
The solution?
Blog when I want. I stress when I hold myself to a blogging schedule. It isn't a priority for me what with family, life, art, home, other work, deadlines, communication and, even, blogging at YA Highway being higher on the importance scale. So I'll blog when I feel inspired, when I have some moments to jot down my thoughts or want to share something with the few folks who (very kindly!) read my blog.
Blog about what I want. My favorite author blogs are those that present content beyond the writing process. That can be anything from travel writing to remodeling, from celebrity musings to sociopolitical ideas, from brief ideas to elaborate infographics. So I'm not going to limit my blog to the writing process. It'll be about whatever I want. It's possible that, in this way, I can feel more like my friends and readers are getting to know me and I can get to know them.
Having said that, the writing and publishing community are big parts of my life, so expect to occasionally see my thoughts on books or revision craziness and, of course, Road Trip Wednesdays. Other big parts of my life are my family (which I've always been hesitant to blog about--it's just a reality of being a rather private person), food, travel, sports, art, music and whatever else catches my random fancy.
In that vein:
I went to a midnight showing of Breaking Dawn last night. It was with a group of girlfriends and we had a blast. I snarked when appropriate and giggled throughout the entire childbirth scene. I think my favorite part of the movie, however, was SMeyer's cameo. Those fascinate me. The camera always focuses on her for this one, drawn-out second wherein she takes up the whole frame, then moves on. I'm laying the law down right now: if any of my books ever are made into films, I'm so demanding a cameo. I will play a tree. Oh yes, I will.
I am not a patient person. It's been nearly 5 months since I filed my K-1 fiance visa and the wait is killing me, day by day. There is the distinct possibility that I utterly despise the faceless entity behind immigration. HURRY UP, USCIS!!!!!!
I'm excited to be with my family, including my far-away fiance who is crossing vast oceans to be with the family, for Thanksgiving. My mom recently moved and I've spent more than one day in tears over the idea of a Thanksgiving away from my family. It just isn't normal for people like us, who have always gotten together for this important holiday. I recently put together the T-day menu with my mom. I think it's drool-worthy, if rather basic:
Appetizers:
Deviled eggs
Spinach dip
Artichoke crab dip
Veggie tray with ranch dip
Assorted crackers, chips and breads
Dinner:
Rosemary, Thyme and Sage Roast Turkey
Brown Sugar and Cloves Spiral Ham
Turkey gravy
Ham gravy
Sausage Cornbread Dressing
Herb Dressing with Apples and Walnuts
Cranberry Orange Relish
Crescent Rolls (my sis-in-law makes the best!)
Rustic Sourdough Rolls
Mashed Potatoes
Honey Ginger Carrots
Bacon and Cranberry Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Creamed Corn
Roast Broccoli and Cauliflower with Parmesan and Pine Nuts
Garlic Sea Salt Green Beans
Sweet Potatoes with Praline Topping
Greens and Baby Spinach with Pears, Hazelnuts and Blue Cheese Dressing
Desert:
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie with Cinnamon Syrup
Lemon Meringue Pie
Chocolate Guinness Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
Strawberry Gelatin and Ice Cream
What are you planning for next week? A big menu? Time with family? Watching some football? Sleeping in everyday of the break? Working that horrible Black Friday?
Have a super weekend and amazing Thanksgiving, everyone!