Beyond the Blog

"Cause you are beautiful no matter what they say

Words won’t bring us down, oh no

You are beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can’t bring you down, oh no

So don’t you bring me down today"

- Perry, Linda. Song “You Are Beautiful” Christina Aguilera

I appreciate anyone who reads my blog. I really appreciate people who comment on my blog after I’ve commented on their blogs. I treasure my followers. I adore my regular commenters.

If you fit any of these categories, this post is for you, as well as the above lyrics. There are several posts I’ve written that have revealed my vulnerability – either about my depression over a teaching or writing setback, or when I’ve been brave (stupid) enough to post the beginning of a manuscript or a link to a contest that has my first 250 words. You have come through for me multiple times with feedback, encouragement, and inspiration. Thank you.

When I first blogged, I didn’t know the strength I could acquire from this awesome community of teachers and writers. When I wrote “Half and Half” the other day, KarenG admitted that she skims the teacher posts. I’m sure there are teachers who skim the writer posts. Then there are the writer-teachers who appreciate both halves of me. And there are even those who read through all of it.

This post will list my regular commenter-teacher-writers, why I love them, and will make you realize that you’d be crazy to not check them out! Some of them I’ve formed relationships with beyond the blog, so I consider them friends.

Teachers (mostly teacher-writers):

http://tiffanynb.blogspot.com

Tiffany’s blog is called “Something About Everything” and that sums her up! Going to graduate school, substitute teaching, and working at Target and a hotel takes up most of her time. She’s an avid reader and wants to write. The name of her blog is perfect!

http://veterankindergartenteacher.blogspot.com/

You know when you meet someone and they are so good that you realize that you’re just a horrible person, and you’re lucky that they even talk to you? … Maybe that’s just me. But Pamela is just a nice person and her posts never fail to touch me.

http://storiesintheordinary.blogspot.com/

Shelly is a writer and a substitute teacher, so (of course) she’s awesome. No matter what I’m writing about, she has a: been there-done that reply. Her posts are mostly about writing, and one of my recent favorites is “The Plot Hole That Saved My Life”.

http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/

Beth just got a multi-book deal, so congratulations! She’s also a high school English teacher. Check out her blog and you’ll get glimmers into her teaching life, and big looks into her writing life. I wish her much success.

http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/

Elana, in addition to her blog, which offers advice about writing and blogging, she also helps run Query Tracker – a wonderful resource for writers. Her posts are full of personality. I have no doubt that she’ll go from agented to published in no time.

http://choices-lovetoteach.blogspot.com/

Anne is a fellow substitute teacher and also a poet. Check out her sweet poet posts along with lovely pictures. Since I’m intimidated by poetry, I’m always impressed when someone writes it. The fact that she shares it is even more impressive.

http://surfiesays.blogspot.com/

Surfie has recently entered the zany world of substitute teaching, but she’s also a writer. I assume she got the name of her blog from the game “Simon Says”, and her posts are as varied as the moves you have to do in a game of Simon Says.

Writers:

http://windedwords.blogspot.com/

A former scientist and mom of three kids, Jackee is an amazing person. We met on Mary’s Kidlit blog and became manuscript exchange partners. (Beta readers?) This writer has had more full manuscripts requested than anyone I know. She’ll get there.

http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com/

I met Karen through Nicola Morgan’s anniversary, and I’m so glad I did. She just had her third book published. She’s been through the angst of it all, and shares her experiences and gives advice on her blog. Karen also asks questions when she needs feedback. Even published writers have questions.

http://ten-lives-second-chances.blogspot.com/

Another Nicola Morgan find – Old Kitty my biggest cheerleader. Her comments on my blog and her posts make me smile. I almost don’t want to mention her because I don’t want her to get too busy on your blog to visit my blog! Her blog gives slices on her life, along with the occasional videos when she’s putting off writing.

http://virginnovelist.blogspot.com/

With a name like “Diary of a Virgin Novelist” how could I not become a follower? Rebecca and I seem to go through the ups and downs of being a writer (self doubt, bursts of productivity) at the same time. Her personality shines through in her posts.

http://sortofwriting.blogspot.com/

I hope to meet Brigid when I visit Dublin. She’s had a few radio spots and is looking into some local writing to pay the bills. Every once in a while she puts snippets on her blog. Recently, she changed the name of her blog and lost many comments, so if you want to go back and beef up some old posts, I’m sure she’d appreciate it.

http://inkpotsandquills.blogspot.com/

Splitting her time between Wisconsin and Ireland, Ann is a lovely person. Her posts are varied from writing to life. She’s been winning a lot of awards lately, so you can find out many interesting facts about her. (Shirley Temple?) Her writing samples are wonderful.

http://roxyhaynie.blogspot.com/

How can I not love someone whose Muse is Daniel Craig. He’s hard on her if she’s not writing or eating well. Follow her blog, and you’ll get pictures of him too. Her entertaining posts are often about writing, but many are take on other fun subjects.

http://authoraubrie.blogspot.com/

Aubrie may the most prolific writer I know. The woman writes so fast, I feel like she’s got a new book every month! She has e-books, and a book coming out by Wyvern Publications this summer. Check out her distinctive book covers. And she’s a flutist.

http://juleswrites.blogspot.com/

Here’s a woman to watch. Julie just sent her manuscript out, and I have no doubt that if the rest is as powerful as the beginning, she’ll have a contract in no time. Read her posts, and you’ll be in awe of her talent.

http://stiryourtea.blogspot.com/

I don’t know what to make of Tahereh. (I’m jealous.) She started her blog five minutes ago, and has 254 followers. By the time you read this, she’ll probably have 100 more. Reason – she’s hysterical, but it comes from understanding the writing life. Oh, and she’s 22.

http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com/

Susan is another writer whose blog is a little of this and a little of that. She’s got some good book recommendations for writers and readers. Recently, she compiled a list of recommended agent blogs as well.

http://writinginthewilderness.blogspot.com/

Sarahjayne’s blog is mostly about writing and always asks good writing questions. Check out her blog to find out to make your blog green. (I know, I had no idea that blogging was bad for the environment either.)

http://wool-n-nuts.blogspot.com/

Niki leads a life much different than mine (She’s halfway around the world and lives on a farm.) But I have no doubt that we’d be friends. She’s doing the A to Z blogfest this month, which give you an idea of her regular amusing posts.

http://hampshireflyer.wordpress.com/

Author, anthropologist, and avid book reader, Alex has a distinctive writing style. And the first time she ever commented on my blog, I had to look up a word! Her posts are varied, so I always wonder what she’ll write about.

Whew! That was a lot of work – more than a regular post. I wanted to add even more people, but I decided to stick with regulars – especially those who have been commenting for a while up to now, and I tried to stick to writers. Keep commenting and I’ll make another list soon!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. I’m visiting my sister in Jersey City (That’s Joyzee City.), but I’ll be taking the Bolt Bus, so my laptop will be able to go on the Internet. Huzzah!