Welcome
readers, writers, authors, and bloggers!
We're
glad you're here! It's the First Wednesday of the month; when we celebrate IWSG Day in the form of a blog hop
featuring members and guests of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh (Thank
you, Captain!) and fostered by like-minded associates, IWSG is a comfortable
place to share views and literary news as we record our journeys. Check out the
January newsletter here.
The
awesome co-hosts for the January 1 posting of the IWSG are Joylene
Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Natalie Aguirre, and me, diedre Knight!
Today’s
entirely optional question: Do you follow back your readers on
BookBub, or do you only follow back other authors?
Good question. And
one I’d gladly answer had I ever heard of BookBub before today’s optional query.
I’ll add doing some research into BookBub to my list of New Year goals. I do
know that I haven’t followed back a reader for years, and that was with a
promise to let them know when I wrote the sequel to a book that about a dozen
good-natured folks read and reviewed (mostly favorably!). I’ve yet to write the
sequel, yet, being the operative word. This year does not look promising, but
who knows?
I try to keep
resolutions, plans, pledges, promises, vows – goals by any other name, to a
manageable minimum so as to keep headaches to a dull roar and regrets out of
the equation. That’s why I tie up loose ends first. However, the current
condition of my desk suggests there’s been a struggle. I wonder who won.
The best thing about
sharing your goals is giving others fuel, ammo with which to shame or coax you
into completing a successful tying up of loose ends –OR- the warmth of a smile,
a nod of confidence, a hug of courage that keeps your muse on the path of
creativity – rather than traipsing off into Dorothy’s poppies. Support is
everything. Support is something I think should be on everyone’s list to seek
or provide.
Last year was, all
in all, a good year in terms of writing. I have faith that this year will be
even better. I even managed to read 41 books, most of which my daughter had
made into miniatures that fit into a glass Christmas bulb…sometimes Christmas
makes my eyes water.
I’m off to see how
your year is getting started!
Happy writing, Happy New Year, everyone!
Bookbub looks like something worthwhile for both readers and writers. From their website :
ReplyDelete"BookBub is a free service that helps millions of readers discover books they'll love while providing publishers and authors with a way to drive sales and find new fans."
I'm a terrible procrastinator! Tying up loose ends, finishing projects - not my strong suit! ☺
Your daughter's ornament is so thoughtful and inventive! Must get that from her mom.
Wishing you a stellar year, diedre!
Hi Debbie!
DeleteI look forward to checking out BookBub, though I still haven't fully explored Goodreads or Reedsy...Maybe when I'm fully retired - ha!
I hope your year is fabulous!
Clever idea with the ornaments.
ReplyDeleteI need to be better with BookBub.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
Hi Alex!
DeleteThe ornament explains why my daughter was so interested in my reading list. I already feel special when we read a Christmas story together each year ;-)
Co-hosting is my pleasure, thanks for the platform.
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI am on BookBub, whether its helps marketing books is another story.
Wishing you much success in 2024!
Thank you for co-hosting!
Happy New Year, Cathrina!
DeleteMuch success and happy reading to you as well;-)
Thanks for co-hosting with me. I don't do anything with BookBub either. I'm glad your writing has been going so well.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG Wedesday's New Year, Diedre. Thanks for co-hosting. I'm not on BookBub either. I tried to find my way around it last winter, but headed up in a spin. I'm like you, trying to keep everything down to the simplest routines.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Joylene! Thanks for co-hosting along with me.
DeleteNavigating all the apps and offers is often a job by itself;-) I like things a little quieter.
I don't find BookBub as confusing as other social media platforms. I follow authors and sometimes leave reviews. Hope 2024 is a great year for you. Thanks for cohosting this month.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Diane!
DeleteI really should leave more reviews. BookBub may be just the ticket.
I always cross-post my reviews to BoobkBub, or at least try, and am amazed how many authors aren't on it.
ReplyDeleteHappy New year!
DeleteWhat a terrific idea! Time-saving too.
BookBub was my go-to when I started out (there wasn't much else!) but my attentiveness lapsed when so many other venues popped up. Time too return to those basics!
ReplyDelete"So much else" is exactly the thing that keeps me from joining every new thing I hear about. Yes, basics are always welcome. Happy, prosperous new year, Nancy!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting today! I love the ornament idea. That's way cool. Good luck with your goals! I have goals too. I'm just hoping I can stay on track with them.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Loni!
DeleteThe ornament is definitely unique. I love it. I have the same hopes of staying on track as you do.
I'm not a big Book Bub user. I just don't have time for it. I do use it for recommendations. As to those new year's resolutions...I skip them. Otherwise, they haunt me with ghostly reminders of failure. :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Lee!
DeleteI can understand how you really don't have the time;-)
I figure if I just don't call them resolutions they won't seem so daunting.
"ghostly reminders" calls to mind the phantom enchantress I recently met in your latest release, "Rattlesnake" - a highly recommended read ;-)
I'm starting to not feel so bad about being ignorant of BookBub. Not that I was feeling bad. Hard to feel bad about not knowing about something that doesn't mean much to me at the present. Maybe it's in my future, but so far I haven't even looked it up.
ReplyDeleteLee
You might be surprised to realize just how many people follow or at least have heard of you, Arlee bird! You really are "all that" ;-)
DeleteWishing you a totally pleasant year!
I went to the site and have no idea what's going on. Saw that one person followed me so I followed back. Might investigate more about BookBub, but honestly I have so many books around my house still to read. Currently I'm reading one that I got over 50 years ago and never read. I have a lot of books like that.
DeleteLee
This is Lisa Buie-Collard, for some reason Google won't let me sign in with my account! Just to say, thanks for co-hosting this month, first of the year, and I've decided to read at least 25 books this year...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Lisa!
DeleteGood for you - and may you discover the most engaging stories!
I adore your line about evidence of a struggle on your desktop and then wondering who won - hahaha
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, PJ!
DeleteHappy to please. Laughter is good for the soul, they say, if not for the lines on my face. But it does give them an excuse to be there ;-)
Happy New Year, Diedre! I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who hasn't heard of BookBub until today! Honestly, I'm not interested in yet another social media platform but if it works for folks, I say enjoy it! Best of luck with your writing in 2024 and thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteJen
Happy New Year, Jennifer!
DeleteI agree. As it is I have to set a timer for social media or I'd never get anything done.
Happy writing!
Thank you for co-hosting today! And Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI’ve heard of BookBub before today’s QOTM but never joined until now. Don’t know whether I’ll manage to keep up with it.
2023 was the first time in a long while where I was able to meet my goals. I stopped trying to reach for big, unattainable goals. Instead focusing on managing micro and manageable ones.
Good luck in having another good writing year. And love the ornaments.
Hi Lidy!
DeleteI appreciate smaller steps on the road to goal achievement. No need to run with giants ;-)
Have a wonderful year!
Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG question, Diedre. I don't have any published books, but I have heard of BookBub. Here's hoping the chance arises for me to have a published book. All best to you in 2024!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Victoria!
DeleteI'm hoping the same for you ;-)
Hang in there, it's really not as hard as it seems.
I have a profile on BookBub. I suggest you keep writing and don't even bother to research the site. Wishing you success this year with your writing projects! Thanks for cohosting!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
DeleteYou're probably right, I best not wander off into the poppyfield ;-)
I'm seeing that a lot of people aren't active there, or have never heard of it. But apparently readers go there, LOL, so it might be worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting and Happy New Year!
Hi Gwen,
DeleteI must be spoiled by Amazon always at the ready with reading suggestions similar to what I've read ;-) But I would like to know if anyone reads my books...
Have a stellar year!
Oh, I love that crystal orb with the miniature books. What an adorable ornament for your tree. How did she insert them inside?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Olga!
DeleteI'm pretty sure she hired some crafty person - though she's pretty crafty in her own right ;-) I'll have to ask her. I still don't know how the miniature ship got into the bottle...
Happy writing!
The mini books are great! Hope 2024 gives you peace and lots of opportunities to read and write!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jemi. I hope the same for you as well.
DeleteHappy writing!
I've used it a LOT as a reader, but haven't made much use of it as a writer so far. Thanks for cohosting today! @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Happy New Year, Samantha!
DeleteGood to know.
I do enjoy the mingling aspect of co-hosting ;-)
Happy writing!
Being a model maker/crafter myself, I have to say I ADORE those miniature books. I've seen those around online but I haven't tried them myself. I may have to try something like that in the coming year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, C.D!
DeleteI wondered if you'd heard of this particular craft ;-) I kind of figured you had.
May all the best be in store for you in 2024!
Happy New Year! Thanks for co-hosting this month. Looking at my desk is not healthy. I use it to work but try not to look at it when I walk away. He he.
ReplyDeleteSo that's the secret! Haha.
DeleteHope you have a fantastic year!
I LOVE the Christmas bulb with the miniature books! Also that you read that many books in a year. My TBR shelf is full and doesn't seem to get smaller very quickly in this fast-paced life. And I agree: I fully believe in supporting each other, as writers and just as humans. Life is short and friendships can make so much of a difference. Even just a kindness, even if you don't know what that does for someone later. Happy 2024! And best of luck with your writing.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Miffie!
DeleteMay 2024 be everything you hope for.
Your daughter is very clever. Certainly, the ideal decoration for a writer. I'm. impressed you were able to read 41 books last year. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG blog-hop this month.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Lynn!
DeleteIt's my latest favorite ornament ;-) I was surprised at the number of books I managed to read too, considering I only read on vacation or on weekends.
Wishing you a fabulous year of creativity!
Thanks for co-hosting with me. I only get emails from BookBub with book sale offers. I love your daughter's ornament. Such a great idea for a book lover.
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to co-host with you, Natalie ;-)
DeleteThe ornament certainly is unique - and personal. A bona-fide treasure, I'd say ;-)
Have a fantastic year!
Sometimes, I wish I'd never heard of new places to promote books. It's such a bother having to tell people to read my book. Takes all of the fun out of it!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Elizabeth! You're the first person I've ever heard say aloud what I've always thought ;-) Thanks for sharing ;-)
Delete