You know, I could start singing the theme for you, if you’d like.
Sunny day. Sweepin’ the clouds away…
We all know it. Or at least those of us born in 1969 or later really know it, particularly here in the U.S. (I’m so glad that at least I can honestly say I’m not in THE oldest class of kids who watched. Okay, I’m part of the second oldest kids that watched. In 1970. Oy.)
This isn’t a blog about TV, by the way. You probably don’t believe me. I wouldn’t blame you.
I had planned another topic today, one more related to the book itself that I’m working on. Okay, here is where I think I’m supposed to pipe in with that mandatory early plug – I suppose I’d better get used to this… *coughs*
THE MUSE UNLOCKED coming this summer!
And now, this is where you’re supposed to add a flag to your calendar to remind you to check on its availability then. So go ahead. I can wait here. Go on.
I wonder if I could hire George Clooney to step in and say that little book promo every time for me as my spokesperson. And I could just sit back and watch him…say it. Uh-huh. Or Stephen Amell of ARROW. Yeah, that would work, too. Or my Man of Steel, Henry Cavill. Mmm.
<Crickets.>
<Crickets.>
Sorry, lost myself for a moment.
No, this isn’t a blog about TV, my book or singing really great TV show themes poorly.
But I think it should be known that anything I’d sing for you this morning would sound much, much sexier than my usual nasal Midwestern twang thanks to my LOWER, raspier Kathleen Turner pipes that I’m developing courtesy of one miserable head cold and nagging cough (So I’ve got that going for me…) These two guests are determined to ruin my birthday weekend, but I’m not going to let it. No way, no chance, nuh-uh.
So… what is this blog about? Good question. I think my cold medicine’s kicked in and I don’t really know anymore.
Oh wait, I do know. Focus, Chris, focus.
Community. That’s what it’s about. Now, I remember.
You see, when I entered the Twitter community back in 2008, I was an editor for a magazine, so my interaction and updates were pretty specific and mostly locally-driven. In 2009, when my job changed from full-time editor to holy-shit-I’m-unemployed-now, I had to broaden my mind and my message, and go for it. After all, I could write for anybody, anywhere, anytime – and hey, that included me. So I started talking to people of all backgrounds, professions and home turf as I grew my work as a freelance writer and editor. Twitter basically opened the door to the world for me and invited me to take a step outside.
So I did.
Fast-forward four years.
Now, I’m out here exchanging wise quotes and lyrical sound bites with a former journalist based in Singapore, chatting romance and book boyfriends with an aspiring Canadian author I’ve since met in person and completely adore, and volleyed delicious double-entendres and what-not back and forth among a charming collective of erotica authors across the U.K. and the Land Down Under. And here in the States, I’ve truly enjoyed clinking virtual toasts with the newly published and engaging in conversations about everything from the writing process to Walking Dead with newbies like me and already published, successful authors.
I’ve been dazzled by how giving folks are in the writing community, and it doesn’t even matter the genre. I am regularly interacting with fantastic writers beyond the realm of the contemporary romance scene — erotica, suspense, vampire thrillers — and it doesn’t seem to matter to them if I’m bound for one genre and them, another. All that truly matters is that connection, a genuine appreciation for each other’s work and the opportunity to learn from each other. That last one’s immeasurable.
I am discovering a surprisingly symbiotic network out here in a field that I may have falsely presumed was solely about self-promotion but whose outstretched, open arms have embraced unexpectedly and invited me graciously to be a part of the network, despite not being published yet. The words of encouragement and support are beyond anything I could have imagined.
Now, for years, I haven’t been above gushing about people who I admire, for their work or the way they carry themselves, and I don’t think anything of doing this and spreading the love. It’s so refreshing to see writers out there doing the same for each other in the published world, and I so look forward to gaining my full-access membership card to this club. Soon… soon…soon. Must. Keep. Plugging.Along. Am trying to finish those all-important final steps.
So a special thank you to the members of my little informal, eclectic Sesame Street. People like…
…just to acknowledge a few. Thank you for making me feel a part of something much bigger than a silly little book written by a lowly copywriter thrilled to be invited to her first prom. Yep, I guess I am on my way and the air is definitely sweeter with you in it.
Much love to my favorite posse of writers. I encourage you to check out their work which runs the gamut of genres, writing styles and formats.
Enjoy the rest of your day, everybody. And happy reading!
ck
What’s a pretty thang like you doing over her in the corner on the night of her first prom? Nobody puts Baby in a corner! May I have this dance?
On a serious note…I am both humbled and genuinely appreciative of your support, Chris. The volume of like-minded people I’ve had the pleasure of connecting and forming Twitter friendships with has astounded me.
Thanks, hon!
I would so happily accept that dance, missy. Our little neighborhood is truly one groovy-ass place to cut a rug and I couldn’t be more pleased with the delightful company. Oh, and I prefer gardenia for my corsage. Just sayin. xx chris
I will personally run the Canadian chapter of the “George Clooney & Henry Cavill for Book Promos” campaign 😉
Thank you so much for lovely words and for including me in this wonderful post about community. I am so honoured to be a part of yours and look forward to all of the support, fun and chats about book boyfriends that are still to come. When you make it to Toronto, you know who to call!
I knew I could count on you to help me with that campaign! Ha! I look forward to continued chatter and will do my damnedest to make a passport happen between now and our trip after next to Rochester. 😉 My college roommate lives up that way, too, so that would be splendid to see you both and visit your absolutely fantastic city again. xxx Chris
You’re awesome. This is why I love writing. Honestly, I feel special knowing I’ve contributed to giving you that great feeling, too. Have we adopted you into the Writer Secret Society yet? You’re absolutely one of us.
Wow. What an honor it would be to be adopted into your society. Is there a handshake I need to learn or anything? 🙂 Thank you for the comment…and especially, the inspiration. Look forward to your future guest blog, too!