Thank you everyone for the kind words of encouragement that continue to roll in. I know I’m not the only person out there without work, and it brings a much-needed smile to my face to be a part of this amazing, supportive community.

I’ve been pondering things like income lately, since I don’t currently have one. And also reading a whole bunch of posts on self-publishing. Is it the wave of the future? Is it the ticket to getting rich? Should or shouldn’t we bypass the gatekeepers of publishing?

I’ve come to the conclusion that the answer to all of the above questions is ‘it all depends on who you are’. I used to (until about five days ago) work for a marketing company. I know what it takes to get a name out there. I also know what it takes to prove whether or not the marketing is working and figure out which way to go next. It’s hard work. Some people can rock it, some people not so much.

But then again, everything in writing is perseverance. Whether you go traditional means or not, at some point you’re going to have to work your fingers to the bone on something that isn’t writing-based. You want your self-pubbed book to sell? You’ll have to promote the hell out of it and you. You want an agent and/or publishing house to pick up your book and do that for you? You’ll have to promote the hell out of it and you…just along different channels.

Which is so not my point except that I have some thoughts about a project and if it’s still shiny later today, or tomorrow morning, I’ll probably start putting it into action and will want y’all to be a part of it ^_^

That’s awesome thing #1.

#2 – the A-Z blogging challenge starts on Friday. There are about 800 participants at this point and it’s going to be absolutely epic. I’ve put some thought into this concept and since my blog is about the journey of writing, my A-Z posts will be as well. Y’all should know I consider myself a master at manipulating any topic to suit my needs, so I’m pretending that will make this challenge easier. Even if it’s not, it will be a total blast and I’m looking forward to participating and getting to meet scores of new bloggers.

#3 – EPIC CONTEST! Is It Hot In Here Or Is It This Book? is hosting an amazing blogfest/contest. I wish I was the only person entering, because the grand prize is a full manuscript request from Suzie Townsend of Fine Print Literary Management and I can tell you right now, this woman is awesome to stalk follow online and I would squeal like an anime schoolgirl to have my manuscript in her hands. But I’m not selfish by nature so everyone should know about and go enter this epic event.

What’s happening your corner of the world?