Friday, May 18, 2012

Thanks.

Alternative title:  The One Where Michelle Goes Hog Wild With The Links

Bear with me here...

Last August, I openly proclaimed that I was going to give this writing thing a go.  People were gracious enough to read that post and there was a great deal of support.  I struck up a conversation with an old friend (who I, frankly, need to reach out to again because she is so fun!) to talk about writing as a career and other things.  I said I'd write more and all that jazz and then I kind of didn't.

But then that friend sent me a message that I should check out a writer's Boot Camp designed to get you started on a writing habit.  I went back and forth about whether to join, mostly because I was scared to death of the writing thing.  I wanted it so badly and if I failed, what would I be?  I mean sure, I think I have a life long career in my day job, but it doesn't feed my soul, you know?

So I signed up and I met Lisa.  In the 6-week online class, I gained confidence from classmates and Lisa in a safe and convenient online environment.  The class was perfect and when it ended I continued to work with Lisa.  I would highly recommend her classes if you're looking to improve your craft.  I get nothing by endorsing Lisa's classes.  But I feel like I've learned so much from her and I'd be doing you a disservice by not telling you about her!

In March, I discovered Yeah Write.  I lurked for 2 weeks and then I jumped in with this post.  Basically I joined a contest made up entirely of people I did not know and asked them what they thought of my writing.  Since I didn't tank, I have continued linking up. Yes, I'm aware that you're aware since I never shut up about it.

Here's why I don't shut up:  Those people are some of the nicest, most supportive writers I've ever encountered.  I've heard people talk about community and what not online, but I never thought I'd have people I only know from the internet who would have such an impact on my day.  I never thought Twitter would become an awesome place for me to hang out, but it has.

Since I started linking up, this post and this post have been selected as Lurker's Favorites at Yeah Write.     I am touched and honored.  Twice I have broken the top ten, including this week's post.  I'm not bragging.  In fact, I'm shocked by this.  I never thought that I'd have people tell me publicly they like what I write.  Sometimes I get teary thinking about how sweet some people are.

liebsteraward2.png

On May 8, 2012, I was the recipient of a Liebster from Karine at 2 U, Love Mom.  That's when I said, "Oh, SHIT!  I got one of those from Jennifer at Jennifer at Life on the Mamarific Merry-Go-Round back on April 12 and the ungrateful ass that I am, I never acted on it!!!!"

When you get a Liebster, here's what you do:
1.  Thank the blogger who nominated you for it.  Thank you!!
2.  Link back to the nominator blogger(s).  See above.  Then click the links!
3.  Display the Liebster Award Logo.  Proudly.
4.  Nominate 5 bloggers with fewer than 200 followers - actual followers, not Facebook friends or Twitter followers.
5.  Let your nominees know so that they can do the same and keep the awards rolling.

So, to sum up, I am overwhelmed by the last few months.  I now have no trouble saying I write.  I tell people I blog and I'm working on a memoir and I actually DO both!  I make time for it.  It's a habit.

Thank you to Erica for organizing a wonderful spirit and community at Yeah Write, all of my awesome new writer friends (too many to list, but go see who I'm talking to on Twitter or liking on Facebook and you'll know), Lisa Romeo, my IRL friends and family who have always supported my writing, especially my husband, Kris, who has always been my biggest supporter in EVERYTHING.

Maybe I'm getting a bit carried away here, but I could not have come this far without all of you.  THANK YOU.

So, back to the Liebsters.  I nominate the following blogs for this award:

1.  The Chrome Phase
2.  Treading Water In The Kiddie Pool
3.  Scribblesaurus Me
4.  Sperk*
5.  Way Too Much Aubrey

I promise that if you visit these blogs, you will be entertained, amused, informed and fall in love.  Go check them out!  Also, I did my best to look to see if they have less than 200 followers.  If I was wrong,  I mean no offense by underestimating your numbers and please don't take my Liebster away!!!!

And with that, I'm running away for some family time this weekend.  See you Monday when I have my very first guest post up and I'll tell you where you can find me as I do my very first guest post for someone else!

~~~
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8 comments:

  1. What a wonderful way to start my morning: all these lovely compliments before I've even had my coffee. Thank you.

    It's no secret you've become one of my favorite blogging writers. Keep learning, keep growing and you'll get where you want to go in no time.

    Have a fun family weekend!

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  2. Aww...thank you so much! I can't believe you've only been doing this since August. When I read your posts, your writing sounds so natural and effortless, I would have guessed you've been at this for years.

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    1. I have been writing on and off (mostly off) for a while, but only decided to get serious in August. I appreciate the compliment though - I assure you, it doesn't feel natural or effortless coming out!! Probably true for most of us I guess.

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  3. Oh my goodness!! Sweetest thing ever, thank you hun! I seriously can't believe I'm on the same list as those other bloggers you chose. You are a wonderful writer, and I can always count on you to leave meaningful comments and encouragement. I'm sorry I'm not as good at the commenting... Especially lately! I've been sitting around feeling sorry for myself because I'm in pain. lol Thank you, Michelle!

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    1. No need to ever apologize! I feel like i miss so many posts by people I love to read, but that's life and I think we all get that. You deserve to be with these other writers. I always look forward to your posts!

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  4. You certainly did not get carried away. I share your sentiments for Yeah Write. I'm a better writer because of it--all the reading of the quality blogs that link up every week, reading Erica's tips, and continuing to strive to do it better each week...because the people in the Yeah Write community deserve my best work. They have been so genuinely supportive and I feel it deep deep down in the gut. I could get carried away right here in your comment section!

    I'm going to check out that writer's boot camp. Thanks for the info.

    And wowsie--thanks for the award. I'm honored you thought of me.

    Enjoy your weekend! You deserve it. xo

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    1. If you want any more info on the boot camp, let me know!

      I feel like I don't want to just churn out crap - I want to write better, try new things, etc. for yeah write every week. It really does make me strive to be better!

      Your response post blew me away!!

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