As I said last week this is the eleventh month of the eleventh year of our blog. That led me to reflecting a little and looking up things about the number eleven. According to https://www.thefactsite.com/number-11-facts/ the fastest recorded time for eating an 11 pound (4.99 kg) cheesecake is nine minutes. This record was achieved by Sonya Thomas, an American competitive eater from Alexandria, Virginia.
Wickeds, what have you learned over eleven years of blogging?
Barb: I’ve learned that I like writing blog posts. The length and the topics speak to me. In another life, I would have loved to have been an essayist or a columnist. I had no idea I would like that work before the blog.
Edith/Maddie: Barb, your posts have been some of the best ones! We’ve all gotten more fluent with the mechanics. I remember in the beginning, Sherry was particularly nervous that she wasn’t doing something right. We’ve also learned that we or our guests need to own the rights to any picture we include. That we all make the occasional mistake in scheduling or producing a post and that it’s okay – we fix it and move on. And that consistency is a good thing. We’re here for our readers every weekday come hell or high water and they – you all – can count on that.
Julie: I’ve learned how valuable it is to make space for conversations, and celebrations. And like Barb, I love short posts that can provide a brief respite for readers. Authors love coming on the Wickeds blog because we have engaged readers. And how much fun is it to give a new book a platform?
Also, an 11 pound cheesecake in 9 minutes? My stomach roils…
Sherry: I agree, Julie. I can’t imagine doing any food competition. I have watched the hot dog eating competition with fascination and horror a few times. As Edith said, I was terrified in the beginning. But I learned I could do it and, apparently, people were interested in what I has to say. I also agree that being able to lift up each other and other authors has been the best thing about the blog.
Jessie: I like cheesecake, but 11 pounds! Yikes! I’ve learned that an enterprise like the Wickeds blog has the ability to build community. It has been amazing to get to “know” people over the internet in this way, both guests and readers through their comments. It has been such a delight!
Readers: What have you learned reading our blog?
The Wickeds 
I like the snippets we learn about the authors and their work.
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So do I! I like the interviews you do with authors.
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So many cool things! One that comes to mind was learning about Phyllis Betz’s academic study of the cozy mystery. Gotta love respect like that!
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I agree!
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Each year, month, day – confirms what a wonderful group of authors are the Wickeds. Love the way they give us different ways to see things, bring us old friends or new to us authors, love learning new things about authors we thought we knew all about and love the way we get to learn about new books as well as those we might have missed. The Wicked Authors is the first post I read every morning. So thank you for all these years and please keep up doing what you do so well.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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We enjoy the stories you share!
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I’ve learned you are a great group of people, not just great writers.
Also, 11lbs of cheesecake in 9 minutes???? Yikes!
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Thank you, Liz! You are also a great person and writer!
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Ladies, I have enjoyed all your posts and your guests. There is so much talent all around. Barbara, you could write a book about writing with all your observations and knowledge.
Thank you all for keeping it going.
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Barbara should write a book about writing! That’s an excellent idea!
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I’ve learned how supportive you all are of writers and readers. It’s been so much fun to read and respond to the comments.
Seriously, 11 pounds!
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I think most writers, like you, support other writers.
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I may not always comment, but I always check in with you all to see what tidbits you feel like sharing–and by “you,” I mean writers and readers. Thanks for creating this fun community of fans!
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We are delighted that you are a part of it!
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I learned that people won’t enjoy eating cheesecake given the chance. I mean, why would you eat that much cheesecake so quickly instead of savoring it?
I’ve also learned behind the scenes stories on many books I’ve enjoyed and found some great new authors while reading your blog. I look forward to popping over every morning.
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Ha! I love the behind the scenes stories too.
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I can’t even imagine that much cheesecake. I generally spread one normal portion over several days.
I love the insights, recipes, and news of coming books.
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I’m with you! A few bites of cheesecake is plenty!
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Eleven years is quite an accomplishment! Congratulations to you all! I look forward to your blog every day and have sincerely enjoyed “meeting” you all through your thoughts and comments. It is lovely to learn a bit about what’s behind the wonderful books you all write and share with us as well as meet some new authors and hear their stories. Thanks! Anybody ever hear about cheesecake bites? LOL!
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Eleven pounds in nine minutes? What a waste of good cheesecake!
I’ve learned that being a published author is so much more than writing. I’ve learned to appreciate how fortunate I am to have you talented ladies to turn to when I want/need a really good read. And I love the backstory of how the various settings and characters have come about. I thoroughly enjoy the personal things you are willing to share with us. Thank you for a wonderful eleven years.
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