This is technically the 2nd post on this new spiffy blog, but I’m not new to blogging. Been blogging since 2013, but I’m not a dedicated blogger and I don’t have a huge following.
Which is totally fine because it got me thinking about what I want from this blog. What can its purpose be? Other than, you know, updating you lovely readers on latest releases and other news.
And then it hit me: I love, love, LOVE reading writing-related blogs from other authors. Like, the blogs that really peel back the layers and reveal that writing isn’t a linear process. On the outside, business-wise, yeah, sure. There’s a very similar process most published books, traditional or indie go through before they get to readers. We got the first drafting stage, self-edits (maybe), revisions, off to beta readers and/or critique partners, more revisions, maybe off to another set of betas and CPs, even more revisions, polished enough to hit submit to agents and/or editors. Rinse and repeat with new book. And then there’s big picture edits, line edits, copy edits, galleys or ARCs somewhere in there, and final AAs before the book is officially out of the author’s hands.
Okay, PHEW. That took a lot out of me. My point being that there’s a ton that happens behind the publishing curtain, when the author is alone with their tablet or laptop or desktop or notebook (hey, old school is always cool!). Where the magic happens. The real real magic.
I call it magic, but it can be writer’s block, doubt crows, etc. Moments where the author is wondering, “What the heck am I doing? Do I even want this? Will I ever be published? Can I make this a full-time career? Great, my book’s out—so, when can I quit my day job?”
It’s those stories on blogs that I come back to time and time again. For camaraderie on this sometimes lonely journey. For a boost when I get all sulky about my own writing. For hope that I’ll be able to make a living (part-time or full) from my stories.
So, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to add to those type of blogs that don’t intend to be inspirational (but totally are!) to other authors, published or pre-published.
Love
Hana
Hana Sheik 