Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

IWSG Day: The Shy Blogger

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Hello my friends! It’s IWSG Day, the first Wednesday of the month. This is the day we post our thoughts, talk about our doubts and fears and discuss our struggles and triumphs. We are thrilled to offer words of encouragement to all our fellow writers because that’s our purpose.

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the April 3rd posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, T. Powell Coltrin, Natalie Aguirre, and Pat Garcia!

Each month we have an optional question so here it is:

April 3 question – How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?

I started blogging in 2007. It was a secret blog until a friend outed me, but I eventually got past being a “shy blogger” and loved it. In 2015 I left  my comfortable blogging home and came here.  I guess I got burnt out because I was blogging often, about writing, family, and I loved the A to Z challenge. I can say I was a faithful blogger even doing some book reviews. I also had a regular feature called Louisiana Saturday Night where I interviewed Louisiana authors. I haven’t felt that motivated here at my WordPress home. Not sure why. Maybe it feels a little too fancy. Honestly, I don’t know. I’d love to blog a couple of times a week but I just don’t feel motivated to do it. Any ideas?

I don’t know how long I’ve been on Facebook or Instagram or X (Twitter) but I consider those platforms enemy territory. Too many strangers with foul mouths and hateful dispositions. Here, on my own little plot of real estate (as some call it) I figure if you want to know my thoughts you can pop in whenever you want, but on FB or Twitter, it’s a different story. I guess I’m still pretty much a “shy blogger.”

Then again, I’m not shy in my imagination. I imagine myself hosting podcasts, interviewing all kinds of creative people. Even teaching something fun on my very own YouTube channel. Speaking at wonderful writers’ conferences. Isn’t it funny how we can live in our head? Just call me Walter Mitty, but aren’t we all to a certain extent?

Tonight my daughter asked me if I’d like to learn to quilt, and I answered that I wanted to know how to quilt, not learn. I think that might be where I am right now. I want to do a lot of things, but I don’t really want to learn how.

At this point in my life, I need to do what I already know how to do, like write—not take on new challenges.

I admit, there are things we DO have to learn on a daily basis: ever changing technology, all the different changes in social media, new iPhones as well as things that keep our publishers and editors and agents happy. That’s about all I can keep up with.

Where are you at this point in your life? What are you learning these days?

 

IWSG DAY: Ever Blog A Book?

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Today is IWSG day-the first Wednesday of each month. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Our purpose is to share and encourage.  You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page. 

I have a question: Have you ever blogged a book? If so, what kind of book–fiction or nonfiction? And how did you go about doing it?

I have several nonfiction book ideas and I’m wondering if I’ll accomplish more if I start blogging about them. Not sure what avenue to take. Or exactly how to do it.

One book I’m writing is about the experiences of a woman who went blind for many years, then God restored her sight.  I have hours and hours of Q&A with her. Her life as a blind woman is amazing but I can’t figure a way to blog about her in short posts without writing the entire story. And I’m not even sure I should blog her story.

Any ideas? Would love to hear your thoughts on blogging a book, and any experiences you’ve had doing it.

Be My Guest

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I used to blog every day. And during April, I always participate in the A to Z Challenge—blogging every day. For some reason, I’ve become lazy, (busy?) and have to force myself to blog. This might be the perfect time to bring guest bloggers onto the scene so here’s the deal: I’ve started a new blog called Be A Real Writer. I realize that doesn’t make much sense but hang with me here; keep reading.

I have a passion for writers. I love them—one and all. I especially like learning how writers write, and that’s what Be A Real Writer is all about.

Be A Real Writer isn’t just about blogging or promoting your books; it’s about teaching and mentoring others—and promoting YOU. I read recently that we should be promoting our name—not just a title. So, let’s keep that in mind.

When I read a book anymore, I don’t read for the enjoyment. I think I lost that ability when I became a writer. It’s a rare book that makes me forget to study it, or wonder how the author went about pulling it together, how he hid clues so well that I couldn’t figure out whodunit. When I read a short story or poem—I’m curious to know where your idea came from, how many times you rewrote it or how much you concentrated on word choice or symbolism, and if you may have used the three act structure to help you lay it out.

So, how you plot, research, manage your time, construct a short story or poem, overcome procrastination, promote, plan a career, or find a publisher or agent is valuable information—to all of us. Anything that helps you Be A Real Writer will help others. Interested in submitting to me?

Please keep your submissions no longer than 500 words. Make certain your submissions are error free. I won’t post without proofing first and will do light editing if I think your submission needs it. Pictures are welcome if you have rights to them. I especially want a pic of you and your title(s). Always include your bio with urls for your blog, website and where readers can purchase your books. At this time, posts will be made Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And until I gain more followers on the Be A Real Writer blog site, your post will be used on both blogs. Fair? Please: No erotica and no profanity.

On Monday, June 3rd, I will introduce you to my first guest blogger: L. Diane Wolf . We’ll learn how to put together a nonfiction book.

On Monday, June 10th, you’ll meet Jo Huddleston who will tell us how her Caney Creek series came to be.

As I write this, all other dates are open, so let me hear from you. (And pray I stay organized! I’m a little nervous about this undertaking.)

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me: jessyferguson (at) gmail (dot) com.

Last, please follow my blogs:
http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com
http://realwriter.blogspot.com/

ACCLIMATE

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ac·cli·mate
To accustom or become accustomed to a new environment or situation.

_______

I’m participating in the A-Z Challenge this year. Starting on April 1st I’ll be blogging an entire alphabet of things during the month.
What was I thinking!?
Actually, I was thinking it might challenge me to stretch my imagination, write daily and create a habit.  Next year, maybe I’ll create a theme like the more experienced A to Z bloggers do.

Downtown OKC is under construction. Merchants and shoppers (as well as those who work downtown) have to acclimate to the dust, the horrible traffic, detours and sometimes little or no business. I feel like my life is under construction. So, as I become acclimated to living in Oklahoma, my new surroundings among other things, I’ll also acclimate to a new writing regimen. Being in a new place is like a do-over, a fresh start–a new beginning. Let’s see what happens.

Self-Promotion: An Interview with Me

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A quick note: My friend Sylvia interviewed me for the BWG blog. I usually shy away from interviews and guest blogging and very seldom promote myself. I feel more comfortable here in my own little corner of the world–at Praise, Prayers and Observations. But, if there’s one thing Southern Writer’s Magazine has drummed into my head, it’s self-promotion. So, You can read my short interview here. I met Sylvia when she took my Nonfiction Bootcamp course a few years ago when I taught for Lamar University Continuing Ed. She’s a good writer and I’m thrilled that she took over the BWG Newsletter and blog. She’s doing a great job. Check out her personal Writing In Wonderland blog here.

Have a great weekend. See you next week.