Changes to the blog

After some debate, I’ve changed the aesthetics of my blog. I’ve done so in the most practical way possible: I’ve reduced noise and directed attention to only the priority areas. Partially this was inspired by my constant need for change, but it was also inspired by my need to consolidate and regain some professionalism. Anthony made a valid point concerning sidebars: they are somewhat passé, especially in regard to the eReader revolution, of which I definitely play a part. Tam suggested that I make meta work for me; that’s where the simplification came in. And until Connor and his friend invent (and share) an awesome replacement for blogrolls, I’m not going to include any.

Speaking of Connor, he reviewed my blog not long ago, and I feel guilty because I changed almost everything so his review is kind of obsolete now. I even thought about changing the title. I didn’t. As you can see. But that took restraint. And a fear of Connor’s wrath. Good thing he lives across the country, right?

I don’t think I ever posted it on here, but Connor interviewed me a little while ago. He’s the second person to ask me for an interview. That’s got to be a good sign. Anyway, if you check it out, you’ll get to read about me rambling on about my life: writing, editing, parenting, Grit City Publications, book reviews, etc. I tried not to be boring but hey, it’s about my life after all.

There’s not much else to report at the moment. I’ve spent the last week battling my temperamental internet connection while trying to format two titles for April’s catalog launch. They’re done. I’m so relieved. The artwork is fantastic and everything looks great.

The internet is still being a jerk, though.

 

Oh yeah this is my Saturday night

I’m actually going to skip boring you with the details of my weekend. They’re not exciting. You should know that already, because I’m blogging on a Saturday night. The truth is, I had to check the calendar on my laptop to verify that it was, indeed, Saturday. Say no more, right?

During the past few days, I’ve spent some time with a couple of the stories set to release during our catalog launch in April. Formatting them. Reevaluating placements for artwork. Proofreading. Again. And working on some synopses that (hopefully) will make you all KILL to read them.

Because you’d kill for a good story, right?

It seems like these stories have been in the illustrators’ hands forever, but that’s just my impatient inner enthusiast talking out of turn. And needless to say, this artwork was worth the wait. I’m super happy with the way everything turned out, which is getting me geared up for all things emotobook.

And all things blog. Like this one. And like the several other ones I run. But especially this one. It needs a makeover. Maybe just something subtle. I… don’t know yet. BUT one thing this blog definitely needs is a better blogroll. I have this crappy list of links on the left sidebar that I haven’t updated in years.

For a while, I was visiting over 100 blogs. I didn’t have time to give everything my full attention, of course, but I wanted everyone I knew to discover these resourceful sites and network with all these people- these fellow writers and creative souls. But having long lists like that is a huge turn-off.

If every blog had a button, I’d snag them all instead. Not a hundred of them. Maybe ten. But maybe I could create a page for other blogs and include whatever photos or logos I can for them. My question is, what would you like to see? What kind of presentation would make you most likely to check out those links?

I’ve learned so much about blogging just from doing it and from reading other people’s blogs over the years. I’ve read countless articles on how to blog successfully and I’ve helped people set up their blogs and websites. I’ve taken document and web design classes. This is very obviously not apparent by looking at this particular blog, but I do know something about this stuff. Not the technical stuff, but the other happy nontechnical stuff.

Tomorrow I’m supposed to help a friend create a blog. I figured I’d show him some of mine so he can see different styles and layouts on different hosts. But as I’m texting him, giving him solid tips for blogging success, I realize I don’t follow most of it. At all.

So the first thing I need to do is try some kind of schedule so I’m not posting so erratically, start posting some more substantial stuff, and then maybe attempt some kind of organization.

Any suggestions about organization or content?