Hello everyone! Welcome to 2021! Is this going to be your year? Do you have exciting things planned? I definitely do and a lot of my plans are thanks to the friendships I've made in the blogging world.
Have I made friends in the blogging world? You bet! I've been blogging since 2007 with a travel blog, which morphed into a writing blog. I wonder how many thousands of words I've published here? As Ray Bradbury said and I paraphrase, get the millions of bad words out before you write good words. By taking my time publishing, I hope I've already used up my "bad words".
Which brings me to blogging friends. Wonderful people like Yolanda Renee, Michael di Gesu, Donna Hole, who've all critiqued my work. Then there's Joy Campbell from the old days of blogging who continues to inspire me with her productivity, to Pat Garcia who's a standout friend in the new days of blogging and kindly read my first vampire book and said wonderful things about it.
Those who've been around the blogging world for ages would probably agree that 10 years or so ago was it's Golden Age, where friendships were formed, knowledge was gained, we helped each other by reading each other's work etc etc.
Many have abandoned the blogging world for the more instant gratification of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc etc. I'm on all those, sporadically I admit, but to me I think the time spent blogging is more rewarding. I say that as an unpublished (except for a 2015 vampire novella) author. Maybe I'll change my mind when I throw myself into the frenetic self-publishing world. I'll let you know.
I've yearned to meet these special bloggers. Nas Dean was my earliest blogger friend who invited me to Fiji for 6 weeks to house sit while she and her husband Rajesh traveled to America. While there I wrote a Fijian romance which is rather pathetic but I might pick it up one day. And I wrote a horror story for Entangled Publishing, which was my first attempt at horror and was rejected of course.
Lynda Young is another blogger I've met. She moved up from Sydney to Brisbane and we met in cafes when we could and encouraged each other to publish. Well, we know Lynda did ...
I've often thought of getting Donna, Michael and Yolanda together, but that would be some task, especially in these days of covid. Australians aren't allowed to travel overseas for starters. Michael and I have talked of meeting in Paris, but that may be a long way into the future now. But blogger friends don't have to see each other face to face to remain friends. Pat Garcia and I tried to organize a meeting when I was in Paris in 2019 and she lives in Germany. Nothing worked out, sadly, but I live in hopes that one day in the future we'll meet.
Of course, there are many blogger friends I haven't mentioned. You know who you are. There's the WEP team, Olga, Nilanjana, Laura (I've already mentioned Yolanda). There are WEP members who I interact with such as the delightful Elephant's Child, a fellow Aussie who stepped in last year as an admin and helped out when needed. Space does not allow me to sing praises to you all, but know I love and value you, each and every one.
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Now here's a friendship group who support each other. The wonderful world of WEP (Write...Edit...Publish) where we have formed many friendships. If you've never written for this online writing community, February would be a good time to start with our first challenge, The Kiss. (All arty prompts for 2021!) See my sidebar!
43 comments:
With the vaccine going out quickly, others developing herd immunity, and the cases coming down quickly, a trip to Paris could happen sooner than you think.
I didn't even try to name anyone. Too many, and yes, so many who no longer blog with us. Still my favorite social communication though.
I'm with you on that, Alex.
Blogging friends have enriched and expanded my life. Immensely. Immeasurably.
As you have enriched mine and all the WEP team. Thank you Sue.
So many friends! I do miss our meet ups.
And I'm sure you'll be pressing that publish button soon.
Haven't met up yet, but who knows? am already half vaccinated and so ready to say goodbye to all the travel restrictions...Online friends are a parallel support system just as valued as the offline ones are.
Hi Denise - it's been an amazing journey for me ... I've loved the blogging journey - even though I'm not looking to publish anything ... I've met people who've become friends, learnt things I'd have never thought about ... and I'd love to be able to meet many bloggers ... it'd be fun ... it is as you mention above: an enriching journey ... stay safe - Hilary
After 16 years of blogging, I've seen many changes, but many of the friendships have remained.
I really enjoy blogging more than being on other platforms too. I've haven't met any of my blogger friends but I still feel close to all of you from reading your posts and all our comments.
You've mentioned so many great people who I adore!
I've made so many great friends through blogging as well. Distances make meeting up with people a challenge but I'm glad we're friends!
Nice! I've met so many wonderful people blogging and one of them became a really close friend too!
You've mentioned so many of the same people I love being connected with. As big as this place is, it can be quite small. :-)
It's wonderful to be mentioned. I found you through the RFW and have never looked back. You my dear friend have taught me much! Especially about patience, thanks for all you've shown to me! :)
Hi,
The Prompt is intriguing, and I hope to be a part of it. I'll have t wait and see how things go with my launch.
Yes, I do look forward to you coming to Europe or that I have the wonderful opportunity to fly to Australia. I would love to see your beautiful country.
I am so thankful for the IWSG and for the WEP. I have learned so many things about writing and about myself. It is a privilege to be a part of both organisations.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Such a lovely post, Denise! I enjoyed hearing about your special relationships. I hesitated to name names, but I mentioned some too. Even though I knew I was omitting and/or missing some awesome people. I love the blogosphere, and I love the IWSG! Have a great day!
Thankyou Denise for this lovely post. Im hoping to write for the WEP this time.
Sonia from https://soniadogra.com
Hopefully travel becomes easier soon, but I feel like I've got to know so many special people even without meeting in person. So many great groups and connections.
It is wonderful you found so many friends through the blogosphere, Denise.
I love your illustration with hands holding the letters. Pretty and symbolic.
I miss them too, Lyn. I'll be making monthly trips to Bris again soon. Will contact you.
I just wish I'd studied the map and seen how close Bahrain was to Dubai. Then we could have met up. :_( Hopefully in the future...
I'd love to meet you Hilary. Who knows?
Blogging friends really stick with you.
The blogosphere is wonderful to make connections! You do so much Natalie!
Where would we be without our blogger friends?
It is that, Lee.
You have taught me so much too. I hope you're on the improve! Thanks for being you!
It is cute, isn't it?
I'm glad Sonia.
That's lovely Holly!
I wish that too, dear Pat.
I'm glad i wasn't the only one who named names!
Blogging friends really are the best. You put it so well Denise. Did you honestly house sit in Fiji for 6 weeks? How fabulous. I'm trying to think of a good story for the WEP prompt for February so that I can participate.
How amazing, the people you have met blogging. This is why I enjoy blogging, the amazing people and the generosity of those who you meet.
Well, whaddoyouknow.. we have a friend in common. The Elephanr's Child certainly is a delightful blogger. Couldn't agree more.
There is, Nick. I'm so pleased with your connection with WEP.
She certainly is, BG.
Yes, Kalpanaa, I honestly did. Lucky me. Have reciprocated twice.
And I do hope you come up with something for WEP. Your entries are always beyond awesome.
Hi Denise! I've made some life long friendships while blogging too. I would love to catch up with everyone in person!
What a lovely shoutout to those friends you've made through IWSG, WEP, and blogging. Even an excuse to travel here and there (and Fiji). Absolutely I agree with you, especially during these times of pandemic when words keep us connected, writing, and positive. May 2021 bring you many more words!
Wouldn't we all? But I'm sure you've met several Kelly.
Thanks Beth. Blogging is really important to me, especially during the pandemic as you say. I hope 2021 brings you many good words too.
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