A quick moment of self-promotion: “Shadows Across The Pond” is coming this week. I thought it would be published by now, but the review process on Amazon is taking longer than usual. Stay tuned!
BLOGGING
How many of you have a blog? I’m just curious. Why do you have one? What value do you get from it? You can answer in the comment section if you want; or don’t! I started out blogging as a way of adding to my writing platform. Today, though, I simply blog because I enjoy it. My following is small, but I’m fine with that. It’s just for my enjoyment, and the interaction with others is a pleasant bonus for this introvert.
How about vlogging? Podcasting? Facebook Live? Do any of you do any of that?
I still think I’m going to do a podcast one of these days. Self-deception is a wonderful thing. It’s like taking hallucinogenic drugs without taking the drugs.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS
A confession: I’m a Youtube junkie! I love videos about tiny houses and farming. Right now I’m hooked on two in particular: “Farmhouse Vernacular” and “Gold Shaw Farm.” The farmhouse video in particular is entertaining and habit-forming because of the young woman who produces and stars in it. She is simply a delight to watch. Very little of what she says about their farm applies to my life, but I enjoy her enthusiasm and her willingness to take on any job with a childlike spirit of adventure. Plus she’s kind of a goofy dork, and I like goofy dorks.
Anyway, I mention those two because they have huge followings on YouTube, and I suspect the huge followings are because of the delivery and personalities. You have to be able to sell your own work, whether you are a YouTuber or a writer or an artist. Without self-promotion, you are doomed to languish in relative obscurity. Now me, I’m quite comfortable living in obscurity, but there may be some of you who would enjoy a little limelight, so that’s why I mention it.
REFLECTIONS
From a writer’s standpoint, I wish I was younger. I wish I had started this writing journey twenty years ago, when I had the time, desire, and fortitude to really dive into it and make a success of it. Today, well, I just write because I enjoy it. I doubt seriously if I’ll ever find fame, but I’m fine with that. It would be nice to receive a sizeable income from my writing, but the effort it would take, today, to make that happen just isn’t something I’m willing to expend.
I’m just being real!
I know I can write. I know I can write well, and that’s all the confirmation and affirmation I need.
It’s nice to be that secure. It took me a long time to reach this point of inner-security in my life, but I finally made it, and for that I say “HOORAY!”
I hope this finds you well! Have a fantastic week, stay healthy, and I’ll catch you down the road of life.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
A man I know was telling a woman not to search too hard, that when the time was right, she would find the right person. He felt it was better than making a huge mistake just because she felt the need to hurry.
I remembered you and I remembered Bev and I remembered your many stories and I still wonder who found who first. Well Bro, you say your mind works like that sometimes. A successful partnership. Don’t ask me why I’m saying that. I don’t know. Haha.
Hope you get the book sorted out soon. No, you don’t need to be younger. You’re doing fine. You want to do another 50 years in this ‘crazy’ world of ours? Lol.
I understand why you like the farm videos. Me, I like Chinese movies. I have been told that my poetry is up there with Rumi, Shakespeare and others, but I have not made it. Maybe we’ll get extra merits in heaven, you and I, not yet, not yet … but let’s us hope.
Hey Bill!! I have been crazy here with work and remote learning for my kids. My blog has taken a back seat. But funny you mention YouTube as almost two years ago I started to take my channel more seriously and still upload videos there regularly when I can now. My following isn’t huge, but decent for someone just having fun I guess. That said, happy to stop in and read what you have been up to. Congrats on the almost published new novel and hoping all else finds you well this week 🙂
Thanks so much, Janine! I will have to find you on YouTube and see you “in person.” That will be fun. Glad you are well. Let’s hope things get back to normal soon, my friend.
Blogging is an outlet for me. I write so I can develop as a writer and put those obsessive thoughts down before they overtake my mind.
I do understand that, my friend. Writing is a release for me. Imagine my surprise when I discovered my obsessive thoughts were actually interesting to others. 🙂 Thank you! I hope this finds you well.
Hi. Bill. I have a blog mostly for the purpose of trying to encourage anyone who reads it. There may be few, but that’s okay. In the present, unlike HubPages, I can communicate with people on my blog (or yours), so I’m glad for the opportunity to stay in touch, my friend!
It’s pretty much the same thing for me, William. It’s just another way to stay in contact with people I respect. Thank you sir!
Congratulations on the imminent publication Bill! Like you I started blogging as part of my wider writing platform, but found that I really enjoyed writing it and the interaction with others – I’m yet to try any other platforms and it certainly wouldn’t be Youtube if I did 🙂
Thank you Andrea! I simply don’t have the drive I once had. There are things I would like to do with social media, but the will is missing. lol
Blogging gives me an opportunity to showcase my work. Also, I like the interaction with fellow bloggers (would probably never meet them in real life). Congrats on your publication. You are secure with your writing and that is all that matters.
I am in total agreement with you, my friend. It’s nice to “know” so many people from around the world, even though we will never meet face to face. It gives me warms and fuzzies. 🙂
Hi Bill although I have not had a blog it is something that appeals since we made the move to a new country, new language and different life. I have been asked by many friends to do one as they are interested in our life here now but I still have not found the time yet to do one! Thanks for your post love your honesty and best of luck with your new upcoming book, good things my friend !!
Good morning Irish! I wish you would do a blog. I think your story is an interesting one. Give WordPress a try. It’s easy to set up and it’s free.
My best to you and the Mickster!
Hi Bill.
Thank the gods we can at least still comment on your blog. HP is getting more frustrating and the format they use for their niche sites is uninspired, to say the least.
I most watch film review videos on YouTube. They’re both informative, amusing and I’ve learned a lot about what makes a good film.
I’m so looking forward to ‘Shadows’. I’m adding it to my Christmas wish list.
Have a great day, Bill.
Good morning Zulma! Yes, for sure, HP is starting to annoy the hell out of me. I suspect I better grow accustomed to it, though.
The book should be published today. I don’t know why their review is taking so long. It’s never gone on this long before.
Sigh!
I hope your week is a good one. We are “suffering” through a solid week of rain, and I’m growing weary of it.
Hi Bill.
I got an email this morning from HP and it mentioned discussions concerning comments on articles. Here’s hoping they’ll let us comment again.
I hope you are right, Zulma! I doubt it, but I do hope. 😦
I hear ya, Bill.
I too wish I had known I’ll land up being a writer…would not have studied Biochemistry for 8 years. Sigh!
Would have invested in that money by becoming a good writer.
Destiny sure has its ways.
I too love blogging, and have just a handful of people dropping by esp to comment. But that’s okay. I am content on that note.
Never tried Vblogging or podcast. But your topic looks interesting, and I wish you luck.
Good luck with your new book. Let me know if you want me to host your new release on my blog. I would be delighted to spread the word around.
That is very kind of you, Ruchira! Thank you for the offer. If Amazon ever releases it, I might take you up on it. Biochemistry for 8 years? Oh my! I would be lost, I fear.
I’m so excited for your book Bill!
I do blog. I enjoy it because it’s fun sharing thoughts and seeing how others feel about them or learn from them. I especially love when others expand what I’ve shared by sharing their own thoughts. I especially love The Essential Creative but it’s fun doing some of the Shell Vera blog posts too.
I love reading your blog. You share a nice mix of thoughts and lessons. It’s always great to stop by!
Thanks so much, Shell! I wish I had more time to spend with other writers on their blogs. There are just so many, you know? It’s impossible to get anything done and visit them all. Sigh! Well, at least I try to visit you as often as possible because, well, you are a quality human being. 🙂
Thank you so much, Bill! I understand that desire. When I take time to sit, I find some great blogs I enjoy reading. This year has been wonky and I’m way behind in keeping up but make sure I read yours whenever so can because when I fall behind I know I’ve missed some wonderful thoughts. It’s not often I come by yours and leave without a journal prompt or new idea to explore in my short story notebook!
I feel the same way about you. You’ve become a mentor of sorts in writing and life and over the pat decade of reading your blog. One of the nice things about technology is the connections we can make with those across the country and across the globe! Thanks for being a stellar human who does his best to add joy to the world. I appreciate you my friend!
And I appreciate you, Shell! Thank you for the lovely words. The feeling is mutual. Have a fabulous weekend!
I know what you mean about not having the energy needed to market your book like you would like. I am personally so involved with working on developing aspects of our “farm” and substitute teaching that writing and marketing that writing has taken a back burner. I still have so many ideas rolling around in my head, but no time to do much about them!
Congrats on the new book!
Thanks Donna! Life has a habit of getting in the way sometimes, doesn’t it? Good luck with those farm projects.
Wishing you every success Bill with your book… I look forward to seeing it in print.. We write to make a difference.. We write because our passion to communicate via our thoughts, our stories and our experiences drives us to put those words down on paper..
Of late that inner drive has not been there for my blog.. my passion has been diverted into writing to our political leaders on the psychological damage being done in Lockdowns here in the UK.. and the nonsensical confusion of pure madness of our new laws which have taken liberties and freedoms from us.
So my energies that, which I still have, are being channelled into helping others… As my neighbours are losing their business, and my high street is looking more like a ghost town..
I would love to listen to a podcast from yourself.. and you can find some wonderful informative and enlightening things on YouTube.. I do not watch msm news any more.. 🙂
And while I have done the odd garden video and uploaded it to YouTube… I doubt I would be brave enough to sit behind a camera to talk directly into the lens.. Lol..
Sending thoughts your way my friend.. 🙂 💚🙏
I greatly appreciate your thoughts, Sue, and I love that you have channeled your writing into political discourses. There is a great history, in your country and in ours, of writers making a difference speaking out about politics. Well done, you!
As for podcasts, we shall see. I would also like to start up making videos again. Time always seems to dictate my actions, and so far I barely have enough time to write my fiction and take care of customers.
Anyway, sending you best wishes from the States. Take care, my friend.
Thank you Bill… and cant wait for your book. 🙂