Buccaneer Blogfest: Week One, Day Two

 
I'm back (again) with day two of  the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young. Thanks ladies, you're doing a fantastic job hosting.

First, I'd like to say thank you for all the comments on Monday's entry. It's really nice getting to know so many new people. I've read some great blogs over the last few days, connected with some interesting people, and I can't wait to get to know more of you as the fest progresses.

Additional thanks to everyone who commented on Tuesday's entry, either wishing me luck in the NA Pitch contest, or to comment on my flashfiction. The support is much appreciated.

Okay, on with today's post.

(July 11) Why you did you start blogging? What are your goals for your blog?

In November 2010 I took part in NaNoWriMo for the first time, and started this blog as a way of sharing my experiences while doing the challenge. In January this year, I decided to take my writing more seriously, with the hope of publication, and treat writing as a job. That's when I re-branded my blog (from Clare's Adventures in NaNoWriMo to Clare Dugmore Writes), and started taking part in fests, contests and the like.

My aim is to connect and make friends, with other writers in all stages of the writing/ publication process. I want to form a support network where I can come, to exchange advice, support and general experience of the writing process.In addition to that, I want to also make friend with the people I share experiences with. It amazes me how someone can live on the opposite side of the world from you, and you can still have so much in common, or how you can come from completely different walks of life, and still find something to connect with. I love making new friends, and some of my best friends I've made online. I hope to make more through this blog, and fest. 

21 comments:

  1. Have we really only been blogging since January? Seems like forever!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, it's crazy isn't it. Seven months, and it feels like years!!

      Delete
  2. I think blogging is a great way to network and meet new people. With everything else I've tried, I believe it's the most powerful tool in marketing yourself. And this is a great blogfest for doing that too. :) The writing community is such a wonderful one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is. I'm sometimes a little jaded about the internet, because some forums and message boards can be quite nasty, but blogging - or at least writer's blogs - are the complete opposite. There's a real feeling of community and camaraderie.

      Delete
  3. No forums for me. Like you, I find them the jungle where the nasty prowl for victims. Good to get to know more about you, Roland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the trouble with the faceless internet mentality.
      Thanks Roland. :)

      Delete
  4. I love it Clare! Absolutely love it! We really do need to treat writing as a JOB if we want to succeed. That's been one of my goals lately and I'm glad you think the same way. Luckily the writing community is amazingly supportive. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Leigh, glad you like the philosophy. Yes, I'm so glad of the writing community, it's a great place and can really help you succeed.

      Delete
  5. The support and friendship here can't be beat!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I still have yet to take part in NaNoWriMo. I think it's because I start eating Thanksgiving turkey much too early, and start my food coma halfway through November. :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And that's why I'm glad I'm not American! I'd go into a turkey coma! :P

      Seriously though, you can do NaNo at other times if you're interested. There's Camp NaNo in June and August. Plus there's no hard and fast rule stating you HAVE to do it in November. Last year I did it in October.

      Delete
  7. I, for one, am so grateful for finding you and your blog Clare. My online friends keep me sane! Don't know where I'd be in my writing journey if it weren't for all of the encouragement and support I find through you and my other loyal blog followers.

    I actually started my blog after taking a class at a local college, given by romance author Donna Fletcher. She was so supportive and encouraging to all of us newbie writers. She was the one who suggested I start blogging right away, for all of the very same reasons you shared above. So here I am, a couple of years later, still plugging away! Best advice ever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am grateful that I found you and your writing too Jay. Yes, online friends are certainly great for helping with the sanity - I agree, I wouldn't have gotten nearly as far as I have with my writing without the support from you and the writing community. :D

      That's excellent advice you were given, and it's great that Donna Fletcher was so supportive of new writers. Those authors, who look out for the newbies, are my favourite kind. :D

      Delete
  8. I love your banner! Very lovely. :) Great connecting with you through the blogfest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Nice to connect with you too.

      Delete
  9. Hi Clare! I too have been amazed at how many great friends I've made online and am so excited to meet more in the fest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon! yes, the warm of the community has amazed me too. :D

      Delete
  10. Congrats on winning NaNoWriMo and what a great reason to start blogging. I also won Nano in 2010 and 2011. It's so motivating. It seems like almost everyone is amazed by how awesome the blogging community is when they get into blogging. I know I was. It's a great way to make friends all over the world. (At first I typed worlds, but I don't have any alien bloggy friends--that I know of--yet)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the congratulations, and congrats to you too for you two wins. It's a great motivation to knock out a first draft of a novel. It really is great for making friends all over the world, I've met so many fantastic people. :D

      Delete
  11. Hi Priscilla, thank you so much, glad you like my blog. :D

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to read this entry, and comment. I really appreciate it.