by Barb, in book jail big time, in Maine
Wickeds, since we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary all month, I feel I must ask: What have you learned from your ten years of blogging?
Julie: The main thing I’ve learned is that the business of books is better with friends. It’s fun to celebrate each other’s success in public, and to talk about each other on panels and at events. I always give away Wicked bookmarks as well as my own. Six voices are stronger than one.
Liz: Definitely that, Julie! I’ve also learned to enjoy the moment more. I still remember getting my first box of books and being blown away…but I don’t know if I enjoyed the moment as much as I should have. I’m one of those people who is always on to the next thing and I’ve been working on that. Today my goal is to stop, appreciate and enjoy every new book, every launch and every other experience that comes with this business!
Edith: I’ve learned that each of the six of us has our own strengths. One is great with blog statistics. Another often invites diverse author-guests. Another wrangles the calendar/spreadsheet. One of us checks the blog early and fixes it when a post was scheduled for PM instead of AM. Another has great ideas for our monthly themes. And so on. We couldn’t do it without each other, and isn’t that how it should be?
Jessie: I’ve learned how enthusiastic and supportive the mystery reading community can be. It is always such a lovely thing to share news, launches or fun bits of research on the blog because there readers give such a warm reception!
Sherry: All of the above! And I love our “we’re going to need a bigger boat” attitude as we find new authors and have former guests back when new books come out. I remember going to our very first Malice as the Wicked Cozy Authors in May 2013 (you can read about it here) and trying to get the word out about the blog!
Barb: I’ve learned the blog is a lot of work, (she says as this month’s wrangler), but so, so worth it for the fabulous authors, commenters and readers we’ve met along the way.
Readers: Have you learned anything interesting from reading our blog? Let us know what stands out. Julie will be choosing a name to send copies of her Theater Cop series.
I feel like I get to know about you as people, not just authors and I enjoy that. I only discovered this blog around a year or so ago and I believe it’s from following Edith on FB. Thank you so much for this chance at your giveaway. pgenest57 at aol dot com
Thank you for reading!
I’ve learned you are a close-knit bunch of ladies, full of fun and information, and really enjoy what you do!
Most days, haha.
Learned how easy it is for my feet to hit the floor because I know the Wickeds will be there to greet the day with me. 🙂 The big thing I can think of is learning how attached one can become to the characters in a story. How when reading a series you enjoyed the book you have just read, but then you start to immediately wondering who and what the next book will be centered round and looking forward to it coming out.
Love how you all work like a well oiled machine. Please keep it up – this year and in years to come!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
And we love seeing you every morning.
So many cool.ladies on this blog.
Oh, wow. I thought I was long past cool. But I’m flattered.
I think I met all of you through this blog. Love starting my day here and it’s a go-to spot for me when a new book comes out.
I am so happy to hear this, Liz. And we are so happy to host you.
I always look forward to checking the blog to see what new books are out and being written. And new to me authors!
I’ve learned how much more is involved in writing and getting a book published than I had ever imagined. That makes you huge output all the more impressive. And it makes me appreciate the effort all the more.
I also learned that I look forward to opening my email each day to wee what new surprises you folks have. Thank you.
I’ve learned too many interesting things to count! From learning about New England life to meeting so many amazing authors, it’s always something new. Cheers to 10 years!
Thank you, J.C.
I love reading about new books (yours and your guests’) and about background information – where your inspiration comes from and the writing process.
I like reading where other writers’ find their inspiration, too.
I love reading about your writing lives and personal lives. I’ve also learned that I actually do like a blog. I’m not sure why, but I never bothered with blogs before. Thank you ladies!
I have several blogs I follow and I do like them.
I have learned how hard it is to be a writer and how fun it is, too. You ladies have so many adventures. I have also learned the titles of many books to add to my TBR list. Notice how I said list not pile. Yes, it’s come to that.
I think a list sounds much more efficient than a pile.
i’ve learned how mutually supportive your are. Also, that you all seem to work hard and still make sure to enjoy the simple things in life
We do work hard, and I think you’re right. We do enjoy the simple things in life.
I enjoyed learning about your lives, before writing and how you became full time writers. About your lives and New England and the area.
Thank you, Anne. W all have taken winding paths to this writing life.
I look forward to reading what you and the other authors have to say. Very interesting and if I learn something that is a bonus.
Thank you for yet another insight into your lives and how you support each other!!! What stands out for me from reading your blogs is that you are totally dedicated to writing, and that your passion for it allows all of you to form a strong bond that can only become stronger by the day. That is such a joyful, admirable and unusual thing to know…. especially in this age of texting someone who is standing next to you 🙂 Kudos to one and all, dear friends! Keep Calm and Continue Supporting Each Other…it shows!!!! luis at ole dot travel … (Barb: since you are in book jail, could I mail you a cake with a file inside?)
Yes, please! A cake with a file inside.
I always enjoy reading about new books coming out. I write name and author down and look for it. I enjoy reading about your adventures. Would love to win a free book.
Good luck, Nancy.
This isn’t something specific that I’ve learned from your blog, but that I’ve loved seeing your blog demonstrate – that’s how warm and supportive the mystery writing community is. A morning visit with the Wickeds is like a fun brunch with close friends!
The mystery community is warm and supporting.
Your talent, creativity and perseverance. New England and your research and travels.
Perseverance is a good trait for a writer.
I have learned how much hard work goes into each book from writing to publishing to promoting just wow.
It feels like just wow to us too.
I love seeing pictures of and hearing about your families, your pets, and your travels. I’ve learned that success is much better with the support of friends…I love how proud you all are of each other! cking78503(at)aol(dot)com
We are proud of each other. We did a little stock-taking at the retreat last weekend and learned that so many of the things we put on our vision boards 5 years ago have come true–at least for one of us, meaning different of us have achieved various things on our list.
All of those things sound about right to me. I especially love what Edith said. Yes, we do need others to be our best. (Says the guy with a solo blog.) (No need to enter me in the giveaway.)
hehehe. Solo blogging is also a cool thing,
I’ve learned a lot about what goes into writing a book
We’re glad you have!
I have discovered a great many new to me authors on this blog.
I’ve learned what a lot of work it is to write a book and the research that goes into the subject. Also, what a long process it takes to get the book published and in your readers hands. I admire your determination and patience that goes behind your work. Congrats on your 10 year anniversary!
I learned that authors are real people with feelings and that they care about their readers. We are important to you not just because we read and buy your books. Of course, those things certainly help, but it isn’t ALL that you care about.
I have learned something that I already knew, but now in a different way from you all as a group of like-minded persons. Friendship. Camaraderie. Loyalty. Sharing. Achieving. Reminiscing. Support. Success. And so much more. Thank you for that. I say in a different way, as I am not a writer, but all of these things mean so much to me and to see all of you practice these traits together is awe inspiring.
I have learned about a lot of cozy mystery authors. They have a heart of gold. Their stories are fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I agree with Madeleine. But besides that, i see that is more than luck that you all fit so well together, it is fate. If anyone could find two or three friends/ colleagues who can offer the professional and emotional support that you all have found, know that it is to be treasured. It has obviously provided a perfect platform for you all to flourish. Your positive energy is inspiring and your real lives interjected in the blogs gives hope to ordinary mortal authors.
I’ve loved learning from your combined wisdom and wonderful insights into the writing life and your long-standing friendships! And thank you for sharing your experiences and opinions, both individually and as a group.
I have enjoyed seeing what the various authors choose to share in their posts!