It was never in my life plan to be a blogger. I started this whole endeavor in July of 2008 to serve as a launching pad for my first book, Seeking Sara Summers.
It has been a wild experiment, to say the least. I’m not sure how purposeful, successful, or relevant this blog is in the grand scheme of things, but on most days, according to statistics, I have between 30-60 new readers. I have a small but growing list of folks who subscribe to my blog via email. Many others, obviously, who stop by from time to time. It’s not catching on like wildfire, but it’s catching on like most things in life, by blowing on the embers.
I’m not sure how many people actually order my book after visiting my blog, so that part is still an experiment, but the main benefit I’ve experienced is that I’ve met some wonderful new friends, as well as reconnected with some old ones. (You know who you are!)
I wasn’t sure what the focus would be at first. I have a lot of interests. But I have at least two passions. One is to write the best stories I can write (I am a novelist, after all) and the other is to support/inspire/encourage other artists and creative types to go for it, get unstuck and be creative, daily, weekly, monthly, always!
Thank you to all of you who read this blog faithfully, semi-faithfully, or even occasionally. I get emails from a lot of you whenever something resonates, and a few even comment on the actual blog. (I’d really like to get more comments, so if you’ve been holding back, please challenge yourself to take the next step. I never judge your comments because I am so thrilled whenever you share your thoughts.) Also, if you’d like the weigh in about what things you like to read most, I’d love to hear from you. Ask for what you want. I promise I’ll listen.
So to celebrate my 100th post, I’m taking out my ol’ cowboy hat (what can I say, I used to live in Colorado!) and I will put names in the hat of anyone who comments on this post. The winner will get a free autographed copy of Seeking Sara Summers (I’ll have Anne shut her eyes and draw the winner).
The drawing will be on Valentine’s day!
If you subscribe to this blog while you’re at it, I’ll put your name in twice. (Please verify your subscription.) If you already subscribe, just tell me in your comment that you’re already a subscriber and I’ll put your name in twice, too.
Again, many, many thanks to all of you, my readers. As a writer, I’d be nothing without you.
P.S. If you are a email subscriber and want to comment, simply click on the name of the post and it will take you to the actual blog.
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve always like free especially when its a book that certainly has me interested. So, I’ll throw my hat, so to speak, into the ring.
I would love to be entered into your book drawing. I especially liked your blog post: Resolutions that will truly, deeply change your life.
I love the cover to your book. Looking forward to reading your blog as well.
Thanks for participating! Your names are all now in the hat!
I look forward in reading this book and your future works.
Thank you for alerting me that you were running this contest. The book looks great, and I’m excited that I have a chance to win.
I’m a subscriber! Please put me in twice! Thanks!
The book looks great and my bookclub is considering it for a future read.
Hi Susan!
Congratulations on the publication of your new book. That is amazing!!! I would love to win! I am an avid reader. I was also wondering if you might like to do a giveaway on my blog? I get about 70,000 hits a month and my readership is women between the ages of 25-50.
If you don’t want to, it’s no big deal. But I would love to be entered to win a copy! And good luck with everything!
XOXO
Jen
{www.tatertotsandjello.com}
I subscribe, put me in the hat and let it ride, I feel like a winner already.
Susan,
Happy 100th post! Isn’t that the strangest realization, what a benchmark!
Please do NOT put my name in your hat, although it is a mighty fine hat. I have your book and love it. I’d like someone who hasn’t read it to have a shot at winning without competing with me.
You are a dear person. Congrats on your big day!
Nadine
I would love to be entered for the special drawing of your book! Thanks so much!
Maureen talks about you all the time and totally made me read your blog… which was nice, considering most people who give query advice and general ‘keep your chin up’ blogs are usually kind of downers to read.
Thanks for being positive.
Ah – I don’t need to go in the draw, I have a signed copy I bought already.
But go for it folks! It’s a lovely book and I highly recommend it to you all. If you don’t win, then buy it!!
Carrie
Thanks for all these wonderful comments. AND thanks to you lovely people who have already read the book and are stopping by anyway! I love you guys.
For those of you who are new subscribers, please remember to verify the subscription so you can get your name in the hat twice (check your junk folder if you haven’t seen that email yet)!
Hi I am already a subscriber and a Seeking Sara Summers fan. Love your writing and your book I hope there are many more to come.
Terrific!
SOUNDS LIKE A VERY INTERESTING BOOK I WAS GOING TO BUY IT FOR MY BIRTHDAY. So i,m throwing my hat in the ring and keeping my fingers crossed . hope you write many more books
After reading a chapter of your book, I am hooked.
Hello Miss Susan!
I was excited to get home in time to drop my name in with these other ladies. I have been snooping around your blog, FB, etc and can not wait to get my hands on a copy of yummy reading goodness!
Keep up the amazing work you do!
Heather
Sounds great – count me in please (Goodreads)
Hi Susan Thanks for nudging us into visiting your blog. I’ve just “rebirthed” my blog — hope to drive traffic to my online magazine. The economy has not been good to magazines and tourism this year, and I’m into both.
I am anxious to read your book, but will have to wait awhile. I live in central Mexico (hence the blog and magazine titles: Mexico Insights Facts, Fables, Folklore and Fiestas and Mexico Insights Living at Lake Chapala. New books are slow coming here. We order them and then have friends mule them into us, or wait until some tourist leaves one behind! We do have a 27,000 volume library (in English)here and I’ve seen several newer books Sarah’s Key, the new Dan Brown, Kingsolvers Lacuna, etc…and when I volunteer at the library on tuesdays I check for Seeking Sara Summers.
Thanks for the reminder. Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Judy King
I’ve been doing a ton of blog research during the past month…your header is wonderful, certainly distinctive and memorable, I’ve learned that’s a good thing! Something you might look at is that it’s hard to find the subscribe button…I know, we writers don’t like to be pushy with sales, but I’ve come to the realization that if I want to survive, I need to become more self-serving…even obvious about selling…I’m striving for self-serving slut!
I did find it, and I did subscribe, so pop my name into that cowboy hat…Maybe
My cowboy hat has lots of names in it now. Keep them coming!
Judy, thanks for your comments and suggestions. I understand what you mean about “self-serving.” I think women, especially, have a harder time with that. We’re so used to serving everybody else. But we might as well swing for the fences!
Congrats on your 100th blog post. Here’s to 100 more! Clearly I have a long way to go in the blogging department.
I started the same place you did, John. Keep going! And thanks for commenting!!
What a nice way to celebrate!
Congratulations on your 100th post. Blogging takes more of a commitment than most people realize.
Congratulations Susan! You are an inspiration….