Hi there. Like many, I started a blog years ago and let it languish. I hope to be more serious about this one with an initial goal to post twice a week.
Focus
To start, my focus will be fourfold:
– Writing. I hope to share some things about writing that others find helpful, drawing from 15 years of editing and working with more than a hundred authors.
– Publishing. This is a tumultuous and exciting time in book publishing. I’d like to share my perspective, help to dispel myths, and even help writers become published authors.
– Creativity. One of the leads in the movie Chariots of Fire said that he felt God’s pleasure when he ran. I feel God’s pleasure when I’m creating. I really enjoy thinking, talking, and learning about creativity.
– Work and life habits. Have you ever learned a shortcut in a software program, and it ends up making a real difference in your productivity? I want to devote some space here to discussion about improving the way we work and live. That could mean everything from a software shortcut to conflict resolution to developing a life plan to thinking differently to managing email to . . . well, you get the idea.
Inspirations
Many people inspire me, but when it comes to blogging, I am nothing less than indebted to Todd Henry, Michael Hyatt, Rachelle Gardner, Seth Godin, Chris Brogan, Jon Acuff, Rachel Held Evans, and Chris Guillebeau. They “do the work,” to use Steven Pressfield’s phrase, and they rock my world.
Hopes
An initial question I often ask authors when I begin working with them is “What would success look like?” It’s amazing what a little reflection on this question can do. As I begin, I am aware of some ways this blog could benefit me. For example, I have already drafted several posts, and I just really enjoy the process of articulating thoughts and trying to do so in a way that will resonate with others. But my deep hope is that this blog will help you. What would knock my socks off is if this space became a gathering place for a community of people who helped and supported one another on the creative journey.
Thanks for reading.
I like “Do Your Art.” It’s a good bit of clear thinking and communication. I couldn’t have said in ten thousand words what you said in far fewer. Thanks.
Thank you, Brad, that’s very kind. I’m glad it was useful to you, and I hope you can think of a few others who might be helped by it.
Welcome (back) to blogging… fun to “hear” your voice here. A year + in and I’m still tooling along the creative journey and finding it oh so enjoyable!
Thanks, Michelle! I’m so new to this (this time around) that you have nothing but respect from me for sticking with it for a whole year!
I find it interesting that the photo you chose is both beautiful and terrifying (deadly). Can’t wait!
Brenda, thanks. I assume you’re referencing the jellyfish and not the other images that cycle through, though I guess if the Motel sign fell on you it could be deadly too! I snapped that shot at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. The aquarium there took pains to make sure good photos were possible, and I’m grateful!
Welcome (again I guess) to blogging. I love the idea of feeling God’s pleasure when you are being creative. Enjoy your blog, I look forward to reading more. Kaye
Thanks, Kaye, for making the first comment! I’m excited to have taken the first step!