Who do I love? Could be you ...

That's right, brothers and sisters, I *heart* all of you.  Today marks my first attempt at paying it forward. (BUT NOT IN THAT CREEPY HALEY JOEL OSMENT MAN-BOY KIND OF WAY ...)

I mentioned last week my complete FAIL when it comes to accepting and reciprocating all of these blog award things.  As a remedy, I've decided that each week I'll randomly select a blog follower (or 2) of mine to highlight on Ye Old Blog.  Sound good?  Great!  Let's get cracking ...

WHAT'S COOLER THAN BEING COOL?  ICE COLD!  Oh, and these blogs.

Fiction Lessons from My Reading by Kay Theodoratus

THE BIO: Kay is one of my longtime, and dearest, blog followers.  She comments frequently, and makes me laugh (bonus points for that).  I've been looking for an excuse to heap praise on Kay's blog (and have many times in other forums) for such a long time.   In terms of writing thoughts and tips, Kay offers some of the most straightforward and honest you'll find.  Don't believe me?  Here's the bio from here blog:

"I do the fantasy writer thing -- for adults and tweens."


Pretty straightforward, no?  :-)


WHY YOU SHOULD FOLLOW:  Kay is one voracious reader, reading both for fun and critical analysis.  She's almost always got her nose stuck in a new book.  The best part?  Kay shares her frank thoughts and insights on her blog.  You all know how I feel about watered down book reviews, and you won't find them on Kay's blog.  Furthermore, she has a tremendous knack for stripping away "the fluff" of a novel and finding the stuff that applies to the writing, which is what most of us care about.


THE SAMPLE:  Here's an excerpt from one of her blog posts -


"Everyone wonders where author's get their ideas -- readers and writers, alike.  Fantasy writers probably make people wonder more than mainstream types.

Imagine my delight when I read the back notes in Laurell K. Hamilton'sFlirt where she discusses how she discovered and shaped an idea into a novel .  She also blew my mind.  Hamilton has written 29 books in 15 years, probably more since I think she's finishing one now and has another at the publishers.  --  Makes my 500 words a day [sort of] anemic at best."  


Nothing Cannot Happen Today by Misty

THE BIO: Misty, like most of us, is an artist spreading her wings in the blog world.  She has a poetic soul mixed with a fun and eclectic style.  There's also a dash of practicality.  Her bio simply reads:

"I'm a writer."

It made me smile, because sometimes it can (and should) be that simple.  Right?

WHY YOU SHOULD FOLLOW: Misty clearly has a passion for writing, and she shares it beautifully through her words.  You'll find lots of poetry and writing samples.   You'll also find heaps of practical life tips (as they apply to writers, of course), including info on eating on a starving artist's budget, and how to exercise patience both in writing and the real world.

THE SAMPLE:  Here's a poem/lyric from the blog -

LET'S RIDE



Jump into your big boots, Scribble Mates.  There's work at hand.
Ok.  We're world builders. 
So tonight, we build.  
Let's make Area 51 look like a
leopard-printed rabbit hole.
Yeee ah.
In the morning, we can buy new lamp shades
and hose the place down with bleach
but tonight,
oh honey
tonight,
WE RIDE.


Hope you enjoy the blogs as much as I do, and check back next week to see if your name/blog is in the spotlight.  Happy weekend!

~EJW~


28 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, EJ. My fingers are nearly speechless with gratitude. You love me, you really, really love me...hehehe. You know what they say...it is easiest to love those who find you loveable. You've just made it incredibly easy for me to love you. Thanks again for the honor.

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  2. Misty, you're very welcome AND deserving. You do great things--terrible--but great.

    Sorry! My Harry Potter is getting the best of me today! :-)

    Seriously, giving you a little love is the least I can do to show my appreciation for your support of my own blog.

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  3. I will have to check them out. Thanks. That was nice of you to pay it forward.

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  4. You totally creeped me out with the ghost movie kid! NOT nice for a Friday. Have a super weekend!
    Edge of Your Seat Romance

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  5. Thanks E.J. for pointing me in the direction of Misty. I think we follow all the same blogs. I really felt a connection.

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  6. @ Raquel: HA! There is nothing 'normal' about that kid... erm, guy ... OR whatever he is.

    Did you see his chest hair? Mmmhaa ha ha ha

    @ Diana: I'm nice on occasion. It balances out the mean ...

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  7. What a fantastic way to play it forward! The "why" is a real selling feature. So, yes, I will click!

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  8. @ TDR: I know what you mean about following similar blogs. I always think that everyone is already acquainted, but then I jump over and see a great blog with 30 followers. I just want to do more to help get the word out. (If I can.)

    I definitely get a similar vibe from both you and Misty, now that you mention. By similar I mean colorful, creative and awesome.

    EJ

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  9. That's a great idea, promoting your followers' blog. A nice way to spread the love. Wish I'd thought of it.

    Dan

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  10. How cool! Love how you're paying it forward! :)

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  11. Very cool! It was neat to get to know those guys a little more :) And Bo Diddley...get out of here! Can you rock any more EJ???

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  12. @ Dan: I don't have the patent. You can spread the love, too! ;0)

    @ Jess: Bo knew guitar. I'm a quasi-blues and rock guitar player in my 'other' life, and he's one of my favorites.

    @ K: I thought about personal checks, but that got voted down by the accountant (my wife)!

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  13. Why you got to hate on Haley?

    BTW...fellow crusader sayin hi.

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  14. You have a way with words. I look forward to someday receiving such kindness. And I look forward to checking out Kay and Misty's blogs.

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  15. Very nice, EJ! I bet you're good with the ladies too. ;)

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  16. Hey, thanks for the mention ... complete with typo. You're setting a great example for the networking part of the blog-o-sphere.

    Actually, I'm amused by the typo because I reread the blog several times before I publish and once afterward. The little buggers still manage to hide until they cause the most embarrassment.

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  17. @ Kay: You're very welcome. Meant every word ...

    As for typos, I think that's inevitable in blogging if you do it frequently. In fact, I just read a post this morning from a VERY famous blogging former agent that had 3 or 4. So you're in good company! (As am I, I'm afraid.)

    Besides, that's why they have the 'Edit' button for the links. :-)

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  18. E.J.: Couldn't link to the links you psoted.

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  19. You best listen to your personal account! I have it on good authority that wives - I mean, personal accountants know what they're talking about! :)

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  20. Thanks for the non-creepy Pay it Forward. (Haley Joel Osmet in a wife beater is etched in my brain b/c of that movie. ugh.) I am grateful my awkward years were not recorded on the big screen.
    I'll check them both out.

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  21. Awesome. I love learning about new blogs. Off to check the out!

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  22. They sound great, =). I'll have to check them out.

    Katie S. Taylor

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  23. Great idea! I don't know Misty (will check her out) but I do know Kay. So thrilled to see her get some limelight, because she's the last person who would ever seek it, plus she's got tons of writing wisdom. She's critiqued some of my work and she's the best CP I've ever had.

    I hope you don't mind but I'm copying your idea. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

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  24. Headed over to make some new friends. Thanks EJ!

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  25. That is such a cool idea, I am behind on handing 3 awards out and it's getting a bit ridiculous. I love your idea much more authentic and it sounds like a great blog.
    p.s. I'd love to know if you think I do watered down book reviews :P
    Catherine

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  26. Hey EJ, I'm passing onto you the "One Lovely Blog" award. It's great material to use if you want a blog entry that's easy and quick to do. I'd also understand if you don't want to bother with it because it's basically a chain letter with a little picture. Enjoy if you want it and just grab the .jpg from my latest blog entry or the "Award" page I created on my site to house such novelties :).

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“Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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