“Hell, there are no rules here – we’re trying to accomplish something.“Â Thomas A. Edison
That is one of my favorite quotes. It speaks to me on multiple levels and serves as a reminder that there is no one way to do this right. Every day I come here and I try to do three things:
1) Become a better writer.
2) Build a bigger platform.
3) Publish my book(s).
In between and intermixed I do my best to build and cultivate relationships with the people who hang out here and the people I meet elsewhere around the ‘sphere. Some days are really easy and some are hard but as long as I feel like I am making progress I am happy.
It is only when I feel like I trapped that I get truly crazy. And those moments do exist. They crop up from time to time and I feel like I have been punched in the mouth, kicked in the balls and slapped across the face.
But the beauty of struggle and challenge is that it lends itself to writing and that serves a purpose. It is well past midnight and my bed beckons, but before I go a few more thoughts to share.
I am still trying to determine whether I should start an email newsletter. If so I will select either AWeber or MailChimp as my newsletter “provider.” The point and purpose of the newsletter is to continue to build connections and build the platform. Yes, building a platform sounds kind of sterile but it fits with my goal.
I want to become a published author and that platform goes a long way towards things.
My “About Me” page needs to be polished and reworked. It is one of the most important pages in this blog so I want to make it better.
Here are links to recent posts:
- You Can’t Break A Broken Heart
- What To Do When Your Life Is All Hype & No Hoopla
- The Most Frustrating Part Of Blogging
- Twitter Is Dead!- Long Live Twitter!
- Write Now Words Worth Reading
- The Social Media Echo Chamber Isn’t Really Important
- The Five Dumbest Dad Bloggers
- The Story of My Life Told Via Music
- 1 Foolproof Way To Become a Better Writer
- Sex, Lies & Blogging- The Post That Went Viral
- Daddy Blog Like a Jedi Master
- Eight Years Later
- Pools of Blood
- Will People Read/Remember Your Posts?
Opportunity and momentum are the words I’ll go to sleep with tonight. Opportunity refers to what lies in front of me. I see multiple opportunities to do something big, special and important. Momentum is what I have right now- I am actively moving towards these goals and need to take advantage of that momentum.
It is always easier to move when you are already moving than from a stationary position.
Got to run now. See you in the AM.
Hey Jack, I agree with Bill.
We need to see your mug and you DO need to be everywhere which from my perspective you are or at least a lot fo the same places I sometimes visit. It might be shameless but if you have something of value to add (which you do) then it will grow. Who the heck am I to say? I am new and my traffic is slight but that’s ok. It will grow.
I agree that the “about” is very, very important especially from a “why are you here” perspective. Opinion and asking others to give feedback is huge for me and I ask often. Trying to get one on one with other bloggers is what I am trying to do more and more of because it allows of honest and real feedback.
I have no doubt that you will make it if you keep at it. Enough of the pep talk crap, right?
Hi Ralph,
We are in agreement on many things. It is not an easy hill to climb but I am not upset by that. Worthwhile things should take some effort and I am happy to put some in to this.
It is a challenge to find the kind of time I want to put in, but it is worth it. The relationships that we develop make a significant difference and they are part of what make blogging so enjoyable.
I am grateful for your time and the others who are part of our community.
“It is always easier to move when you are already moving than from a stationary position.” Totally agreed. That’s why though I get stuck in a vicious cycle very easily, not for writing (I am not a writer) but for everything else.
As a long time reader who does not leave intelligent comments (unlike your other readers), I am rooting for you.
Your comments are worthwhile and meaningful. I am not one of those bloggers who gets crazy when people don’t leave 5,000 word novels that demonstrate that they have a “true” and complete understanding of my posts.
I appreciate your support. Keep on doing what you are doing, it is fine.
You are reaching where you are wanting to Jack!
I think as long as you are moving, you are doing good Jack – and that is exactly what life is all about. To keep moving ahead, to keep progressing, to keep striving to get better each day – isn’t it?
Yes, we all do have our down or tough times, but like they say, tough times don’t last – tough people do. Those are the challenges life puts forth us and by facing those challenges, we become wiser and stronger.
Ah.. a newsletter is in the pipeline for me too, guess I still need to decide which one too. Have to just sit down one fine day and decide things.
There’s always a pending to-do list that each one of us also have Jack. Guess we just prioritize and take up things as they come and do the other tasks with time. I am sure you would be able to accomplish your goals with ease, once you are at it. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Movement is important- that forward motion makes a significant difference. What is challenging for me is to remember that I am making progress even when it feels like I am walking in the mud.
The newsletter is a big step. I want to do it right. Have you made plans for how you want to use it?
Feel free to use my picture Mr Anonymous if you really want to scare….er, uh gain some traction.
Just my opinion, and we know about opinions right…….if 1, 2, & 3 are you immediate goals you need to cover it all. Even if it seems shameless, you need to be everywhere. As we all know, it won’t resonate with everybody but the more eyeballs you get I think the more traction you will have.
I don’t know Jenny Lawson’s @TheBloggess’s history or background or how she got to be so popular, but if I could can whatever she’s doing that would be my model. She has a tremendous outreach and supportive community.
Have a good weekend, and catch a wave dude………….
Jenny has a pretty good handle on things and if she was smart she’d point people in my direction and take some of the pressure off of herself again. Really, That Bloggess traffic is pretty damn good when it comes.
She hasn’t ever directly linked to me, but she has hinted and pushed people this way, oh yes she has. And I am grateful but I would do a damn jig if she wrote a post about me.