My followers have spoken.
The majority voted in last month's survey for "The Craft of Writing" posts on Mulling it Over Mondays. Since "social media" came in second, I will attempt on occasion to include tidbits of info about platform building via the social media route.
Teresa, winner of last month's survey contest, suggests we begin with the book, "Writing Tools," by Roy Peter Clark. As he says on the back cover of his book, "Writing is a craft you can learn. You need tools, not rules."
Good choice, Teresa! Not only is there useful information for writers (and actually, anyone who picks up a pen), but it is compiled into 49 chapters...one for each week of the year, with 3 weeks off for a blogging holiday. Perfect!
AND A BONUS: for Mac Fans, there is a free download for the podcasts related to "Writing Tools"! Find it here.
THE PLAN?
Beginning September 3rd, Mulling it Over Mondays posts will feature a writing tool of the week from Roy's book. A simple, hopefully short post that summarizes the concepts in each chapter, which will help the writer to hone his/her craft.
Now, on to the WINNER of last month's post: ARLEE BIRD!!
Arlee has been involved in the gigantic task of organizing, running and posting the A to Z Blogging Challenge last April. He was a wonderful encouragement to those posting daily during the month. A to Z was a perfect way to grow our followers and develop our blogging muscles. Join us next year! Find the info from A to Z 2012 here.
As promised, Arlee may choose any handmade soap from my friend Daisy's collection at "Fresh as a Daisy." Now, before you laugh, I want you to know that my husband uses the "manly" scented soaps each day, and is hooked! Daisy's boys eagerly take baths with her creative "Camouflage" soaps. There are many other masculine scents to choose from. So, Arlee, check out her collection at "Fresh as a Daisy,"(look in the "photo" section) make your selection, then contact her at daisy soaps@ymail.com with your choice. She will arrange the rest!
Thanks, Arlee, for participating in my survey. And to the rest of you who helped to choose my post topics for the year.
My goal is to SERVE YOU, by posting helpful advice to further your writing career.
Stay tuned...I have another post idea mulling over in my mind. If you have any other ideas, let me know below...What issues do you struggle with as you write?
Congratulations to Lee! I know that awesome dude.
ReplyDeleteYes, Alex...he deserves to win the prize!
DeleteWonderful goal! Great post!!! I just read your post at Arlee's blog and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tyrean...I'm glad you enjoyed both posts. Hope you can stay tuned for my "Mulling it over Monday" posts due to begin in September. I appreciate your comment!
DeleteCongrats to Arlee!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to those Monday tips!
Thanks, Ruth! It will be good to be in a routine once more. This summer has put me off schedule...I thought I would have more time to write and post. Not so!
DeleteYay for Arlee.
ReplyDeleteI love your goal
Thanks, Lynda...I hope it is helpful to all who read it. It certainly will get me reading a few more books on my Writer's shelf!
DeleteMy struggles are topics that interest others. And. . .I don't tweet. I don't write about my family. . .too personal, my grandson has autism, my heart breaks every day. I am not writing a book, although I love to write short stories and poems. My idea is to have a conversation about what I read in the Wall Street Journal, which has topics about everything. This past week I have written about the Olympics, Marilyn Monroe, the shooting in Colorado. Just "talking" over a cup of coffee or tea. . . .
ReplyDeleteYes, it's important to dialog about current events, since they affect everyone. I occasionally blog about events in light of the places we visit during our family vacations. Many times, they are linked to history, and, as we have heard, "those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it"! Thanks for stopping by...
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great book. I'll be putting it on my list!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Sharing what I am reading will prove to be good motivation. I'm looking forward to what I will glean from "Writing Tools." Hopefully, I can take bites and deliver them in a clear and concise way. Thanks for stopping by, Debbie!
DeleteHere a bit late. I'm still trying to catch up on the return of my vacation. What a ton of emails I've been sifting through!
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to have been awarded the prize and I will email Daisy now.
Thanks
Lee
Wrote By Rote
I'm so glad you've connected, Arlee...congrats! Let me know if you have any issues with receiving your prize. Enjoy!
DeleteReally looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Thanks Debbie...I hope they will be helpful!
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon. I've nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award. I always enjoy visiting your blog and come away from it a much better person for having visited. Please visit my blog, http://jimlwright.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/301/, to see my post about the Reader Appreciation Award.
ReplyDeleteI am honored, Jim...thank you! As I have very little time these days to take on awards, and all they involve, I won't be able to return the favor in the same manner. But, I have tweeted your post, and do appreciate your blog...congrats on your award!
DeleteJust stopping by on my way through the A-Z Roadtrip to say hi :)
ReplyDeleteSiv Maria's blog, Been there, done that...
Thanks for stopping by, Siv. I'm way behind on my blogging travels. Hope to see you soon!
DeleteI love this idea and will be sure to keep track of each post. There is so much to gain by reading not only what others have read, but by reading these guides from writer's who have excelled. I need to start a regular blog to keep up with all the wonderful ideas I read on other's blogs. :)
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Sue. You are right...there is so much to learn from the experts. Thanks for stopping by! Hope the posts will be helpful to you...
Delete