Last week, I updated my old story blog. I avoided it for about two months while I worked on this whole publishing thing, getting the hang of this roller coaster and figuring out my limits.
I shouldn’t have waited so long. Sharing stories online is a joy like no other. The culture that has developed on the blog makes me happier than a five star review.
The people who read my story trust me as a storyteller. They never doubt that I know what I’m doing and they rarely question it. Likewise, I trust them as readers. I trust that they are stopping by because they really like to. They aren’t just stopping by because they’re my friends, though many have become my friends outside of the blog.
And what we share is magic. For a short while, the story really lives. We talk about it as if it were a living thing and these people exist somewhere outside of my own head. That is precious. That is the best gift anyone can give a writer.
It’s like my own little book group. I joked on a friend’s blog that I wanted someone to tell me I was wrong about my own character. Well, silly me, that’s already happened on the story blog. And the person who commented used the text to support her opinion.
I shouldn’t have avoided posting on that blog for so long. I’m determined to get back into it and finish more stories and start posting up other random ones that will probably never be published but take place in the same world.
It’s reminded me exactly why I like sharing stories and given me the strength to continue doing more. I have a list of stories I’d like to write, and yesterday I just dove right in with nothing more than a pen and a notebook.
So here’s my one bit of writerly advice: Do what you really love to do. Posting online and using a game to take pictures, that must appear so unseemly to some of the more traditionalists. (And I believe most writers, especially those with degrees are much more traditionalist than some of them admit.) Especially since these stories are tied into books I’m publishing now. But that’s sort of the point of self-publishing for me– break the mold and trying something new.
I’ve posted the link before, but I’m not going to post the link now. Mainly because that’s sort of my little sanctuary. But if anyone is curious you can always email me. I’d only ask that you respect the culture of that story blog. It’s not for critiquing. It’s meant for diving into my world and sharing it with me.
Ashlee Scheuerman
That sounds like fun, and I’m glad you have a place you enjoy going to! I’ve never really participated in anything like that; only online roleplaying has come close for me (which was its own kind of practice, and I’m grateful to the people who let me play along 😉 ). Expect an email soon!
~Ashlee
http://ashleesch.com
http://theDragonsHoard.bigcartel.com
N.M. Martinez
Oh, online role play is another one where I bet secret writers hang out. I never got involved in that, but I think it is great practice for different skills.
I need this online space. It’s kind of nice to know I’m not a total screw up as a writer, that there are people who can enjoy the story and really dive in with insights and questions from angels I haven’t even thought of.
Michelle Davidson Argyle
Oh, wow, that sounds like fun! I adore short stories, and I think you’re right about doing what you love to do. That’s why I’m self-publishing short story collections (like my True Colors one I just released). I adore putting it all together all on my own. I don’t want to do it for my novels, but short stories are different for me. They are seriously a pure love for me. I’m really happy you have such a nice community for sharing your work!
N.M. Martinez
People have told me that people don’t like short story compilations, and I’ve always thought, “So?” I love short story compilations. If you like doing it, and if the project or story calls for it, then it should be done!
Thanks. I’m very thankful to have that community. They help me grow in ways I don’t even expect.
Amy Rose Davis
You are so right to revel in the joy of it. I wish the joy weren’t so damn addictive. 😉 Great reminder!
N.M. Martinez
True, the joy is darn addictive. I’m just being more low key with it, worrying less about how many books sell or what people say about them. The online blog is so necessary for my own sanity and happiness.
Laura
Well you know I’m a fan of web stories too! 😀 I haven’t been neglecting mine so much as just trying to find the time. It still breaks my heart that I’m not able to put 100% of myself into both stories at the same time, lol! I tried for a while to run 50% on each of them, but that didn’t work either. I’m still trying to find a balance that works. Because you’re so right, it’s such a special kind of storytelling.
N.M. Martinez
It is hard to find the balance, especially when you’ve got a family. (Another writer friend was discussing just that this week.) Part of the balance seems to be scheduling which is something I’m horrible at, but I’m working on it.
The web serial is a nice way to recharge and refocus, and sometimes I need it so badly!
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