Friday, June 25, 2010

Writers and Their Lives


You all have probably been wondering why I’ve been talking so much about my family and my home life this week. The answer is simple. I want you to know me, how I write and just what my influences are in my writing world. As you can tell so far, some days are great while others are less than stellar.

The reasons are many and I could go on all day about the importance of why. But for those curious few, I know I need to connect with my readers, be they other authors or fans. Being a writer is just so exotic to some people and it’s taken me a while to figure out why. They think the lifestyle is always rosy with wonderful things happening all the time. Those same people also think if they were rich or maybe a movie star, things would be different.

They have one part correct...life would be different...but certainly not like they thought. LOL!

My point is that I am just like every other person. I have wants and needs and desires. I have hopes and dreams, which need to be met or fulfilled. I take showers and put my pants on the same way as everyone else. I am extremely approachable and if something is going on where I don’t want to be around people, I will remove myself from the situation.

I have foibles and get things wrong. Most of the time I am lucky and get it right. When I do get it wrong, I’ll admit it and try to fix it. Sometimes, things can’t be fixed and I’m grown-up enough to know and understand this fact. Yes, there are those in this world who don’t like me and while I don’t understand this, I can accept it.

I am not a mysterious person but if there is something, I don’t want you to know, I won’t tell you. There are some aspects of my life meant to be private and I’ll be the first to let you know if you overstep. Scary fans creep most people out and I have my share of scary fan stories to share should the subject ever come up.

Why am I doing all this? True, I want you to purchase and read my books but I’m also a human being to needs to connect with people. I love connecting with my readers and fans and fellow authors. So now, I’m asking for a little help from you.

Let me know if it’s too much or too little. Let me know if you want more about writing and less about me or suggest a better balance. Most days, I just write about the first thing that pops into my head unless I’m going on vacation and need to plan it out a little better. Most of those days, I will have a blog column related to a certain aspect of writing as I always have those articles ready for inclusion. I will more than likely be including more in the realm of science articles since I’ve been trending toward more science fiction romance here in the future.

I’m anxiously waiting to hear from you all just, what you expect to see in this blog from me.

See you all tomorrow!


Lynn

12 comments:

  1. Hey Lynn,
    I think you have a great balance. You have shared who you are, writers advice, opinions, humor and it shows that you are a human being first. I think it's great when readers get to know the Author, within limits of course to protect your own privacy. It's harder for an Author I think because we ALL get to meet Lynn while you get to meet many, many different fans. :)ButI enjoy your blog and think it's balanced well.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think it's always a good thing to let readers know we writers are "real" people. I try to do that as well. For me this time of year is always a difficult one which I will write on my blog as Marie Roy, and perhaps also as Collette Thomas. Summers were always my favorite time of year. Eight years ago on July 4th weekend that all changed. I still manage to enjoy summers, but with bittersweet emotions. Your blog has encouraged me to write this week about my life to let readers know who is this writer.
    Collette aka Marie

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's a fine line between sharing with our readers and giving web stalkers enough information to find us. I'm glad you balance these. It's not easy, because our natural tendency as writers is to go into detail.

    I have an author friend who writes about young characters, and they're so realistic you figure she has to be under 30 to write that way. What a shock when I discovered she was 86! Her writing is brilliant, and perhaps she has such insight because of her age.

    Do you think there are some things -- like age -- that would keep some readers from picking up our books? How much do we share with readers? And how do you figure it out?

    Great blog, Lynn.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Collette,
    you didn't say why the weekend of the 4th is difficult for you, and you certainly don't have to. I wanted to share something about this weekend with you. When my youngest son was in the military, I didn't cry over missed Christmas or even his birthday. But I sobbed my heart out on the 4th of July, because he always loved parades, and had been in many during ROTC in high school. He was patriotism personified, and we always celebrated the 4th together. He made it through his enlistment and came home, much to my relief. But I still can't take part in celebrating any of the holiday without having tears in my eyes. Some days bring sad memories, and others bring beautiful ones. I hope that whatever affects you this season becomes less painful over the years, and you find peace.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm not a writer but I do enjoy reading what goes on in a writer's mind. It doesn't have to be about writing or your family. Sometimes the best blogs come from what's on your mind--a rant, a rave, a problem you just need to talk out to clarify it in your mind. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Carol,

    Thank you very much! I appreciate the feedback. It's so hard to know what people want or don't want to see. I try to let everyone just how important they all are to me.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  7. Collette,

    I'm glad I can provide some inspiration for you. It makes me know I am doing good things with this blog.
    And that's all any writer can hope for when sharing themself and their writing.

    Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your feedback.

    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kayelle,

    I'm glad to find that the balance I try to achieve is evident. It's hard to know where the line is sometimes.

    Great antedote about the older writer. It shows that no matter what one's age, you can really have your finger on what makes a younger generation tick.

    And now, I'm going to try and answer the questions you posted here.

    Do you think there are some things -- like age -- that would keep some readers from picking up our books?
    This is a hard one and sometimes I do think my age shows through my writing. Others, I think no way. But for me, it doesn't matter the age of the author at all as long as I enjoy the book. I only hope readers would treat me the same way.

    How much do we share with readers?
    Again, another fine line. I used to write for the government and occasionally was the one to do the press releases. Since I worked in a sensitive area, there was only so much I could say. It's a learned trait to tell people things they want to hear without being specific.

    And how do you figure it out?
    It's not just hard...it's damn hard...when you think about it. People can find out so much about you from the internet. And my policy is to be honest without giving specifics. A lot of times, I will write a blog post then let it set for a day. When I see it with new eyes, there are times when I know I've said too much. I cut it back then wait a few hours before I post. It's worked so far for me.

    Thanks for your comments. I really do appreciate them.

    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great post about your son, Kayelle.

    Thanks!

    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  10. She,

    You're absolutely right. Some blogs I write, I don't plan while others, I do. It just depends upone the mood.

    I'm glad you enjoy them.

    Thanks for the feedback. I really do appreciate your comments.

    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  11. I truly believe a writer has to write what's on her mind. You can't force writing on a subject that you don't feel passionate about. The writing will reflect your ambivalence. You have a nice balance, so keep 'em coming.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for the answers, Lynn. I appreciate your feedback. Good advice!

    ReplyDelete