Sharon Lynn is the author of the Maddie McGuire cozy mysteries. You can find out more about her on her website, www.sharonlwrites.com, or by clicking here, read her last post here, and buy her books here.
Okay, here goes: I confess that I am horrible at blogging. I read my fellow authors’ posts and find them fascinating, engaging, and often quite helpful.
My posts? Well, I stopped doing them, which I’ll get to later.
Part of the problem is that blogs should build a personal connection to the readers and tell them something new they don’t know about me. The thing is, I’m an introvert who does not take emotions into consideration when making decisions. Emotions are for home. Don’t get me wrong, I’m super friendly. Some would even describe me as fun to hang out with. But I’m not someone who shares. Because of that, I am a very good listener, which is not a skill that translates to blogging.
In my delightful local bookstore, Bright Side Bookshop, I discovered a lovely deck of cards called “Achieve Your Bliss.” Each card had a task for you to do to make yourself and the world better. Things like, “Every morning, think of something you are grateful for.” Great advice! The next one advised, “Ask a stranger how they are and really listen to the answer.”
That’s when I put the little deck down. Why? Because the answer to that question is personal, and I would never be so presumptuous as to expect an in-depth response. And I wouldn’t offer one, either.
You can see where I’m going with this.
When I’m in a Ride Share car, going to the airport, and the driver asks my destination, I never say the city. “Southern California,” will suffice. I know they’re being friendly, that they aren’t stalking me or being nosy, but the answer to my travel destination is personal, and they don’t need to know what it is.
So blogging is difficult. I can be generic and bland till the cows come home. But personal? I cringe at the thought.
I took a course from the amazing Jane Friedman on author marketing.
Everyone waxed poetic about blogs. I cried a little inside. Then, she offered the best advice I’ve ever gotten. “If you hate doing something, don’t do it.”
The heavens opened, and angels sang! I stopped blogging. Immediately.
And I moved my newsletter to 4 times a year instead of monthly. My newsletter signup
I now blog twice a year with the Blackbird Writers. And my posts are the weakest of our lot. As an example, read GP Gottlieb’s latest post.
Thrilling! Personal! And don’t even get me started on the wealth of useful advice from Christine DeSmet (the two most recent posts as I write this). Thought-provoking! The same can be said for all our mystery authors, which is one reason I am honored to be in this flock. I want my posts to be better, but whenever I get the Official Nudge to start writing, I panic.
Two personal things I would like to share are that I have a border collie/mini-Aussie mix who is awesome (pictured). The other is my love of baking. On the Blackbird Writer’s Facebook page this week, I’ll be posting some of my favorite recipes.
If you want to know how I am, let’s have lunch and get to know each other. It’ll be fun!
You do posts very well. And I’m taking your word re the newsletter thing. Thanks!
Thanks, Anne! You’re always supportive and I appreciate you so much!
Sharon — This post made me smile (a big, face-breaking smile) all the way through. And you know what? All I ever need to know about a person is whether they’re dog people, or not. That tells me everything I need to know. You’re my kind of people.
Thanks, Laurie! I’ve met more good friends walking dogs than any other way. They are wonderful creatures.
Wonderful. I feel your pain.
I’m glad you get me. Introverts Unite! (quietly, and from across the room)
A great post. You’re funny, honest, and one heck of a good writer with a nice dog. Enjoy being you!
Thanks, Christine! Any praise from you means so much!
Thank you for your honesty. I would argue you spoke eloquently for the many who are too reticent to speak up. Thanks also for the reminder that I need to be sensitive when I relentlessly ask questions. Not everyone is comfortable going as deep as I’d like to take them.
To be fair, you wouldn’t have been much of a journalist without that questioning instinct.
And yet, Sharon Lynn, you are such pleasant company and a great interviewer. Everyone has something to bring from our roost to the world. I’m thankful that you’re part of our flock.
Thank you for the kind words, Joy! It’s easy to interview such fascinating authors.
Great post, Sharon. Nice balance to the over-sharing that can be found on social media (not on Blackbirds, though). Do we really need to know every detail about an author’s real life? Also, I love your dog photo–a lot!
I have a friend who is an over-sharer but she is kind enough to warn everyone in advance. I never read further when she does. I love your dog photos too!
Yes, you are fun to hang out with! And you’re a great interviewer. And I think it’s much harder to listen well than it is to talk. Loved this post…I quit blogging also, years ago.
I always love a good chat with you, Margaret! It’s a comfort to know some of my favorite authors don’t blog either.
This is the week to be especially thankful, so I’ll say that I’m thankful that you and I have gotten to know one another. I feel your pain. I also dislike blogging about myself. Sometimes, I share something literary instead to satisfy that monthly newsletter obligation. Maybe it’s time to switch to quarterly, too. Thank, Sharon.
I’m so thankful I’ve gotten to know you too, Sherrill! I love your literary posts – some of my favorite!
I just love the “if you hate doing something -stop doing it.” Simple! So often we feel obligated, unable to keep up, and we force ourselves to keep at something, not because we must, but because we think we should. See? You crafted a thought-provoking post!
Thanks, Laurie! Yes, simple and so effective.
Your kindness shines through all your writing!
You always make my day!
I guess that means you wouldn’t want to have your handwriting analyzed, lol.
My philosophy: do what gives you the most joy.
Hahaha – I live in constant fear that you will accidentally see a sample of my horrible handwriting! The only elementary subject I ever got a bad grade in was penmanship.
I love the joyful philosophy!
I liked the bit of personal information you shared about why you are uncomfortable with blog posts. I don’t like them either. And who wants to reveal their inner secrets on a blog? But it helps to have such a cute dog. People love to hear about that.
I get this. It is so much easier to share things through our stories, rather than having to share something personal. I’ve never had a blog for that reason, so its nice to know I am not alone. 🙂 Thanks for the great post.