Monday, January 9, 2012

Top Ten Reasons I Suck at Blogging (Part Deux)

I realized this morning that I should probably get a post up on the ol' blog. I mean, we're already over a week into 2012 and I don't have anything ringing in the new year or saying farewell to the old one. (Although, last month I already posted my predictions for what will happen to me in 2012, which should sort of count.)

Out of sheer laziness, I started checking out my archives, seeing if there's anything in there I could re-post and give new life to. In my quest, I came upon this post wherein I state all the reasons I suck at blogging (with only a little over half of them being actually true). It was then I realized, "Man, I still suck at blogging!" However, the reasons from my first list no longer apply.

So, in the spirit of being honest, I thought I'd rattle off a quick list of CURRENT reasons I suck at blogging, avec pictures. And those reasons are...*drumroll*



10. The last several months I've been spending an inordinate amount of time cutting, revising, rewriting, and tightening my first novel, DESIRES OF THE SOUL, in preparation for my agent query campaign. But the hard work paid off because as of last week, I'm finally done with it. It's now as good as I can get it until I'm lucky enough for an agent or editor to rip it to shreds--er, I mean, gently offer new suggestions--to make it even better.




9. I've been dedicating three hours every day to training my cats, Tigger and Hooch, to do circus-type tricks for a street act as a lucrative side business on the weekends. I saw a guy do it in the Florida Keys so I know it's possible, but they don't seem to be catching on as quickly as I'd hoped. I'm sure it'll be any day now, though.




8. At the end of January my family is moving from our current location in Pittsburgh, PA to San Antonio, TX and there are a lot of details to iron out in a cross-country move, including a week-long trip to San An for fun and house hunting. This is our second big move--the first being from our home state of WI to PA two and a half years ago. This should be our last move though and I'm so excited to finally be able to put down some roots! Sadly, I think romance novels may have skewed my image of the Deep South, because no matter how hard I looked, I couldn't find anyone who looked like this guy. More's the pity.




7. Poodle Painting is one of my new favorite hobbies. Obnoxious you say? Why, yes...yes, it is. 




6. After hoping and wishing for over a year, I finally got a NOOK Color for Christmas (thanks hubby!) and proceeded to download and read an obscene amount of books and novellas, forsaking all other things such as writing, blogging, tweeting, and showering.




5. Wanting to do my part in the world to help understand new species, I traveled to Australia as a part of a group who studied the new species of Kangaroo, called the Lazy Kangy. Unlike typical Kangaroos, these adorable creatures are content lazing in the sun, striking Playboy-esque poses to attract their potential mates.




4. I wasted a good two weeks stalking my inbox waiting for an email telling me how I placed in the RCRW Golden Rose contest.  I was so ecstatic when the email finally came and I learned I'd placed first in the Contemporary Series category and the agent judge requested a full from me. My first real contest was a complete success!


3. I was acting as a CP and Beta for a couple of good friends. I take that job very seriously and make sure to give them as much feedback as possible. It takes a long time, but what we both get out of the experience is worth it. Not to mention the gift of reciprocity when it's my turn who needs them.




2. I'm a HUGE Transformers fan, so when I spotted THE Bumblebee in the parking lot of the movie theater, I had to stop and schmooze with him. I acted like a total bumbling fool, but he was very sweet and grounded. He let me take this picture of him and we've been pen pals ever since. Come on, if you could be friends with an Autobot, wouldn't you?






And the number one reason I still suck at blogging is...


1. Honestly, I just don't think of it! I don't have near the audience I used to before I went off-grid for a while, so I no longer feel that sense of urgency to put up fresh content. I know, it's a crappy reason. But I just said I had ten of them, not that they were all good ones (or even real, for that matter).


So one of my goals this year is to post once a week. I think that's a reasonable expectation of myself. And because I have a different audience now than I did when I started, perhaps I'll revive an archived post once a month too. Oh, and because I'll be working on writing the sequels to DotS this year, I should have plenty of content to bring back Wee-Bit Wednesdays. Those don't take any time at all. Just a quick copy and paste of a snippet, and voila!

Feel free to berate me if I don't stick to the plan. I respond well to peer pressure. :)

Ciao, bellas!

14 comments:

  1. You don't suck at blogging. Gina, you were just too busy. That's allowed!

    Yay for the return of Wee-Bit Wednesdays!

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  2. My mom told me once that it's a good idea not to let your hobbies stress you out. I apply this rule to blogging. :)

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  3. I agree with Jamie..with your schedule of events, I don't know how you get done what you do get done! I was quite entertained from some of your reasons for not blogging as much. Now, next time you get to Texas, if you truly want to see guys that look like that picture, you're gonna have to hop on a horse at hit the cattle round-ups. That's where they are! Not on the streets...silly girl. Love you bunches...

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  4. Your number one reason is also my reason - believe me, I post even more infrequently than you do! Good luck with your move! And congrats on finishing your novel and doing so well in the contest!

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  5. Funny stuff! My goal for 2012 is to check your blog weekly and berate you if you don't.

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  6. Jamie, Ruthie & Tiana: thanks for the encouragement girls. I love knowing that you always have my back! You know, that and that you'll always help me justify my downfalls, like a good friend should. LOL

    Auntie Mar: I suddenly have an inexplicable urge to herd cattle. Now to think of a plausible reason to give hubby when he looks at me like I've gone nuts.

    Panj: Positively love your goal for 2012. And your total willingness to commit to the task of berating me as often as every week illustrates the dichotomy between friends (who are total enablers, bless their hearts) and my sister (whose altruistic nature doesn't balk when a little tough-love is called for).

    I love you all.

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  7. I can totally relate to your top reason! I went on hiatus and it's like all my followers decided to escape my clutches (which weren't that tight to begin with). I may not get over here all the time - because I, too, forget, very easily - but I'm still supporting you!

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  8. Thank you, Emma! Yes, we blog followers can be a fickle beast can't we? *lol* Thanks so much for checking in, and I hope we "see" more of each other this year!

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  9. Okay, I wrote this long clever message, but it won't let me post. Keeps asking which profile to use and lists things I don't understand! *sigh*

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  10. Um...then how did you post THAT comment? LOL BTW, thanks for trying, mom. It means a lot to me. :) Love. P.S. Ask Angie how she did it.

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  11. If you actually do find a guy like that in San An, let me know cuz I'll be moving right next door. Man, he's hot!

    And don't worry about not blogging, seems you've got a lot on your plate. No biggie. We're always here.

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  12. Don't worry about it Gina. I bet traveling to Australia to study the Playboy Lazy Kangy really took a lot out of you and your time. It's totally understandable. It's great to know that there are people like you that take their time to help save human-kind. :)

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  13. Anne: I'll keep you posted on the cowboy hottie front with a list of available housing nearby. ;)

    Shorty: I knew you of all people would understand my benevolent nature toward the Animal Kingdom. Love u! ;)

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  14. Okay, it's been two weeks now. Moving halfway across the country is NO EXCUSE! Berating words! love you.

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