No, not really.
I’m not going anywhere.
Yes, I’m stepping away from the blog and I’m also handing off the baton on hosting the podcast.
After 416 episodes, it was simply time to give the podcast a fresh energy and a fresh voice. The new podcast host is Farrah Frances and she’s fantastic. Watch for information soon about the best way to reach out to Farrah and get yourself booked!
Thank you to all those who have joined me as guests over the past decade. The last one was a chat with Paul Martz. Just go listen to it. A great chat.
Second, yes, this is my last blog. There is tons of advice out there, tons of good counsel and insights, too. I don’t know how many years I’ve been posting here on the blog but there’s a point at which you’re not sure what new you have to offer.
As I’ve said before, we live in the best year (right now!) to be a writer. You have every option at your disposal. You have complete control. Soup to nuts. From word one on paragraph one all the way through production design and marketing. It’s all within your control.
You also have the option of going after the big wide world of traditional publishing and I recently published a whole series of blogs about why I think that remains a valid, worthwhile option. The talent out there among traditional publishers is incredible. You want them helping you with your work.
One final thought.
My father used to have a saying: To have a good time, give a good time.
He meant if you were going to a gathering of any sort, that it was up to you to bring the vibe. He never had a drink in his life. He was not a partier. He simply meant you couldn’t depend on others to create your mood.
Same is true in the writing business. To have a good time in this business, give a good time. Not published yet? Get out to book events. Go meet authors. Of course you’re reading nonstop, but write reviews too. Call up local authors and build a network. Grab coffees or lunches, bring thoughtful questions, make friends. Be visible. Be engaged.
And, oh yeah.
Write.
And write some more.
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See you at Colorado Gold.Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash