Today’s tip for writers is: take time to play.
We take time to write, improve our craft, publish and promote our words. We understand that there’s this word “social” in social media, but we get so serious about promoting that we for get to play. We forget to be social.
Within a span of two weeks, I’ve had two fellow bloggers reach out to me at Carrot Ranch with a Liebster Award. In essence, I was called up to play. Back in December I had a fellow writer surprise me with a Sisterhood Blogger Award. While I was thrilled and delighted, I failed to play.
And that’s not good for the writing soul. We need to take time away from our busy-bee business and interact with people as people (more than writers or readers, buyers or sellers). As one blogger told me, “It’s always a great feeling when we realize we’re not talking to thin air.” Yes, it’s a great feeling to be asked to play hopscotch on the playground instead of watching from the shadows.
Publicly, I have four writers to thank. Susan Zutautas of Everything Susan who calls me out daily to play while keeping her own writing energized and prolific. Thank you for the Sisterhood Award despite my fumbling the play. Lorraine Marie Reguly of Poetry Perfected for taking time to research and post what the Liebster Award is all about. Maggie (Cafe Maggieato) of Just Get it Written for honoring me with the first Liebster Award. Her blog is an inspiration to writers. Norah Colvin of Norah Colvin for honoring me with the second Liebster Award. Her blog is full of intelligence and educational advocacy. Thank you!
Yes, Writers, I hear the call to play and will respond with a post for each set of Liebster questions. To the rest of you out there, tapping away at keys, remember to pause and play. It just might refresh all your serious to-dos and writing!
Liebster Award — Just Get it Written Response
Liebster Award — Paying it Forward Response
Congratulations on your award!
I appreciate the links to my sites, but I would really like for you to correct the spelling of my last name!
Thanks!
Ah…so sorry! That’s one way to get the attention of a blogger you look up to–misspell her name. It’s corrected!
And thanks for stopping by!
You’re right. I am sure the error was unintentional, and I thank you for correcting it. 🙂
And you’re welcome. I always check out the posts of people who link to my site. (P.S. Most bloggers do! This is a secret not too many people know!)
Thanks, Lorraine! And that’s a good tip to know!
The best part of working / writing online is the people we meet and interact with on a daily basis. Thank you for being my friend!
I agree! The connectivity and friendship is the cream on top! Thank you for being my friend, too!
A really good angle on the award system. However serious we are about our fiction and blogging – and, let’s face it, we got into this because we take words very seriously – there’s something gone wrong when we forget to play. Often our best writing comes from a sense of playfulness. (Or mine, anyway.) Congratulations on your double award – enjoy playing along with you.
Thanks, Ann! I’m enjoying the interaction!