So I'm still thinking about all the changes I want to make to my blogging habits, but I do have a new schedule tentatively worked out, for now.
You'll see a new page up there, across the top. Blog Schedule, I think I called it. I published it last week, so I can't remember exactly what it says, but I'll paraphrase it for you, and hopefully I'll be close. Basically I'm going to use Mondays and Fridays as my main blogging days for now. Mondays will be about whatever and Fridays will usually be a query critique, unless I don't have one scheduled. These will also be the days I read your blogs.
I will sometimes post on Wednesday or Thursday (Thursday for query critique intros, Wednesday for other random stuff) but I won't be reading blogs those days. I wish I could, and maybe I'll get back to it more, when I finish these revisions, but right now I have to finish this book. I have an agent waiting on the full, but I told her I want to cut it to a reasonable length first.
So anyway, like I said, nothing is set in stone right now, but that's how it's going to work for the next little while.
Now I want to introduce you to the writers I met at WFC who I haven't had a chance to mention yet.
Rob Ziegler is a friend of several of my friends, and it's funny, because we hung out a few times before I realized that he had a huge book release going on for the con. His novel Seed was the featured release at the Night Shade Books party on Friday night. It was a pretty big deal. I'm reading it now, and it's incredible (blurbed by Paolo Bacigalupi, hello). The only thing that sucks is I never saw Rob after Friday night, so I didn't get my copy signed. you can find Rob at his website, or on Twitter.
Another friend of all my friends (and another Night Shade Books author) Bradley P. Beaulieu is the author of the epic fantasy series: The Lays of Anuskaya. The first book is called The Winds of Khalakovo. I got to hear him read from the second volume, The Straits of Galalesh, and it was very good. If you visit his website, you'll see that his novels have some incredible covers. You can also find Brad on Twitter.
I just happened to end up at Frederic S. Durbin's reading, because some friends were going. I'm glad I did, because the short story he shared with us was very entertaining. Frederic's first novel, Dragonfly, was released by Arkham House in 1999, but he has a new MG novel, The Star Shard, that will be out in February, next year. You can per-order it an Amazon. You can also find Frederic on his website, or his blog.
So that's it. I've got something special coming up later this week, but until then, have a good one!
About your blogging schedule, I'll miss seeing your blog pop up in my reader every weekday at 7 am, like a Pop Tart of cool to start my day with, but I also want to read your book, so you do what you gotta do.
ReplyDeleteNow off to check out these authors...
Thanks for cool linkage. I wish you all the best in getting your novel finished because I can't wait to be able to read it.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to work on my own blog. There are issues I have to work and I hope to get everything in line soon.
Priorities, right? Good luck with your revisions :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you have a plan. And that an agent is waiting for a full! That's exciting and it sounds like you have your priorities straight.
ReplyDeleteNow it'll be my turn.
I think your new schedule makes a lot of sense. Writing has to be a priority. Good luck with that full!
ReplyDeleteI usually don't read many blogs on the days I don't blog. I set it apart strictly for writing!
ReplyDeleteOh, much good luck with your revisions, Matt. It's important not keep that agent waiting too long.
ReplyDeleteyour new schedule sounds super wise, mr. matt! now get to revising, sir!
ReplyDeleteThe only reason I comment on blogs on my non-blogging days is because I'm catching up on comments left outside my blogging/commenting window (the time I set aside to blog on blogging days).
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your schedule mirrors mine, Matt. :D
good luck and yes, mondays can suck it!
ReplyDeleteI think I need to follow your lead and do a blogging schedule myself. My life is so crazy right just in general that I feel guilty when I don't blog/read blogs. And, it really shouldn't be that way! Good luck with your revisions and all the cutting you need to do!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand reorganizing your blogging schedule. Do what's best for you. We'll all be here. I've been struggling to come up with a regular posting schedule as well. I vow to do it before the end of this year!
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
Oh you TEASE!!!!
ReplyDelete:-)
Take care
x
I just retried a blog schedule and kepyt it very simple this time. Good luck with it. I read from your blog critique i think it was, that its important for your readers to know when to pitch up. Off to the links now. thank you
ReplyDeleteI think that will work Matthew. Monday seems like a good day--most everyone (readers) wants to start the week off right and is blog browsing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your schedule!
ReplyDeleteSomething special, huh? YEAH!
ReplyDelete~JD
I'll admit I haven't had the time to read blogs in several months, because of having too much going on. Best of luck w/ getting your book ready for the agent--that's so exciting. Also, that picture of you w/ your little girl is adorable! :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I'll miss your regular blogs, they are a part of my procrastination habit. I'll also miss you awesome comments on mine.
ReplyDeleteBUT, it's all about the writing.I'm currently up to my ass in nano and having a great time. I still take time for my little diversions,when necessary.
Bonne chance!
Good for you for setting priorities! Looking forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteHey, good for you!!!! Hope your first week goes well!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new schedule!!!! I'll be here on Mondays and Fridays :)
ReplyDeleteSchedules are good!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alex, schedules are good!
ReplyDeleteYou are so organized. I imagine you live in one of those uber clean houses where the towels are adjusted to the same height on the rack.
ReplyDeleteWriting first, blogging second (says the girl who is reading blogs instead of writing right now ;))
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I am seriously thinking of going to two days a week because of time limits and no time to read everyones blogs. I'm still mulling it over.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I'm gonna miss you ... You are one of very few blogs that I make a habit to read every day. Well, good luck with the new schedule, Matt. I'm sure it'll do you good!!! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the progress of your book! (Good Luck with that)
ReplyDeleteMondays aren't my fave day either. Fridays I consider part of the weekend, and always have.
Flexibility is good, and schedules work well if you remember they aren't carved in stone. They're a guideline.
I'm glad that you've got a tentative plan now, and that you'll keep blogging. I've learned lots on this site about monsters of various types and friendly bloggers.
Keep on writing! I'll still check in regularly for updates.
ReplyDeleteYou go do what you gotta do.
ReplyDeletePardon my purposeful grammar mistakes.
Can't say I'm really surprised that the Blogonomic Downturn hit the QQQE. Everyone is making cutbacks across the blogging board, myself included. It makes you wonder all about the future of blogging in a way.
ReplyDeleteHow cool to be able to meet such amazing writers at these conferences!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your blogging schedule. I've definitely cut back on blogging myself. You gotta to make time for the real writing!
Michael Offutt wins comment of the week!
ReplyDeleteGet that novel into shape, my friend. The QQQE army wants to read it. Soon.
Good luck with the new schedule :)
ReplyDeleteI only post haphazardly at best, but it's the visiting of all my lovely friends that takes all the time. I always feel so guilty because I don't get around often enough. I truly miss and care about my fellow writer friends and I sincerely want to know how they are doing...but man, it does suck the time away from writing and family...and, yanno, bathing once in a while. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnywhoodles, my point is, I feel you. I post way less than you are proposing to do in your new, less-posting schedule...and I can tell you it is impossible to get around to everyone. I just hope and pray people forgive me and not think me rude. *sigh*
I think it's also why I love twitter. I can hop on, check in, say hello to lots of people and then pop off. I can still feel connected in way less time. True, it's not in depth, it's quick 140 characters, but at least it's something.
And, my good friends know to email me. And my closer friends know to text or call me if they want a speedy response.
I wish you well with your new schedule. I wish you even better writing. YOU HAVE TO PROTECT YOUR SACRED WRITING TIME. And family time. Do so sans guilt. :)
Hugs,
Lola
I'll read on all the pink and orange days. No, no, maybe the yellow!
ReplyDeleteDamn. Colour coding always confuses me.
Glad you'll still be critting queries :)
ReplyDeleteAs my grandfather would say (use old Jewish man's voice) "If you wanna be a writer, you gotta write." Write on and I'll check in with you on Mondays and Fridays.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. I just recently decided to blog only on Mondays and Fridays.
ReplyDeleteVery sensible of you, Matthew! :) I never understood how you could keep up the insanity of a daily or almost daily blog.
Good luck on those revisions and get back to that agent pronto.
Matthew, you continue to be a gobsmacking inspiration. Write your book so we can read it. I may shamelessly adopt your blogging sched, because I need to write my wip and I am scrambling. I will give you credit for the idea.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you've ever had Ardbeg whisky, but I will send you a bottle, or, better yet, next time you're in CA we'll all get together and toast your success. :)
Very cool, and a very reasonable schedule. Nicely done. That's what I do--unless you know, Monday blows up like mine did yesterday. Then I have to rearrange my reading days. But typically, that's my M-Th deal.
ReplyDeleteNow let's get that book shiny! :o) Whoot!!!
Good to know, thanks! And hey, how does one go abut getting her query critiqued anyway? I'd be interested. Thanks, Matthew!
ReplyDeleteWhat if I post a hard-hitting expose' on how a strict lobster meat diet will enhance writing ability/make your poops smell like butter on a Thursday? Are you saying you WON"T read that?! Your loss, buddy.
ReplyDeleteGood schedule, Matt. And even if you can't make those days happen, no worries. Go get that agent! ,3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the intro! And I hear you on the blogging - it can take up a lot of time. Writing has to come first!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you met some cool people.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your revisions. =D
Sounds like a good schedule! And fingers crossed on the agent :)
ReplyDelete