Dear Reader,
I’ve been told people don’t care about author’s websites anymore; it’s all about our social media sites. I’ve also heard tons of tips about blogging. Do this. Don’t do that. None of it matters, though, if no one’s reading your blog. I admit, I rarely read blogs, but I do check out author’s websites. Especially when they’ve written a novel or short story that I like. Do I read their blogs? Not so much. I use my reading time to read the paper and fiction. It’s a nice balance, I think, of fact and fiction. When I check out an author’s website I want to see what they look like. Then I can hate them for penning a best-selling novel at twenty or commiserate with their years of banging-out award-winning novels no one’s ever heard of. I don’t care how many dogs they have, or what they like to eat for breakfast. Nor am I that interested in their tips about writing, which, I admit, I too like to write about, and have done as evidenced by my past blogs. But seriously? If you want to write, just do it. And read too. Critically. Why do you like a certain passage? Or book? Figure it out and put your own spin on it. That’s pretty much all there is to it.
That said, I’m not going to tell you about my cat. If you want that kind of info you’d best check out my Facebook page, which, I admit, I pretty much neglect. But when I do post things, they are either semi-personal in nature or what I like to think of as banging my little drum: Read my newest Novel! See my latest play! (If you’re lucky you’ll see a picture I’ve been tagged in, one of those horrible shots where I’ve just taken a bite out of a sandwich.)Â I hate it when other authors use their social media sites to promote their latest works, but what’s a girl to do? Publishing companies can only do so much. A writer friend of mine had her publicist say, “Get me one hundred tweets by Monday.” The reality of this just about made me lose my lunch. What is this world coming to?
So here’s a tip: If you really want to know about me, read my books. It’s about as close to me as you’re going to get. Unless you’re one of my friends. Or come to one of my improv classes. I put my heart and soul into every novel, and yes, they are all fiction, but what is fiction really but cleverly disguised truth?
I hope this doesn’t sound too cynical. I’m pretty sure that’s a no-no when it comes to blogs. I will ask a favor of you, if you happen to come across this blog, and read it all the way to the end, leave me a comment. I feel as if I’m casting a bottle out to sea. I’d like to know who’s there when it washes up on the giant cyber beach of the web.
Yours truly,
Clifford
I read everything you write 🙂
I will have to check out your website more especially since I would like to join your writing group <3
Yes, Chris. I have your name on the list! Thanks for checking in,
And I love you for that, Ruth. You are one of the anchors in this stormy sea.
Hi Cliffi, I’m reading you and watching your antics and reading your books, and remembering the fun of being in your classes many years ago…. you are still in my circle of awareness and caring! xoxoxo
Kim
Yes. We had some fun in that improv class. I remember it being filled with wild-assed women. And your SpotLights were fantastic!!! Proud to call you my friend.
It’s a shame that I don’t take any advantage of the ability to interact with an author with greater ease via blogs or websites or whatever. I suppose I’ve just been habituated to being a passive reader. Well, I mean passive in terms of communication with the author. There is no passivity internally with a good book —as all yours are. I do love to discuss books and movies I enjoy, but I guess I’m lazy when it comes to writing about them or contacting the author.
Maria, I am the worst about contacting authors that I like. So don’t beat yourself up. Anyway, you are a true pal and they should make the day our lives crossed a national holiday. : )
Cliff, you know I read everything you write & think you are terrific. Proud to call you my friend too.
And we’re gonna see you in May. I am very excited. You’ll get to see our new van. Her name is Maude. : )
Hi Cliffie!
Read and enjoyed this entry (checking websites to see what the author looks like to know if you should hate her- ha!).
The idea of more social media makes we want to lose my lunch. I keep trying to pull back from all of it I think it’s really bad for me personally. I think it’s giving me ADD and OCD.
I’d rather read books and check out blogs.
Or take improv with you and Dixie and our beautiful community.
I’ve loved your books. I need to see if I’ve missed one.
Xox
You sweet pea. I was just thinking about you the other day. I’ve been listening to The Moth, thinking how hard you tried to get that going to Santa Cruz. Thanks for your efforts!
You know me. I’m still a blogger since I haven’t made it to “Writer” status yet, let alone Author. But I totally relate to your wondering if anyone is out there. I’m thrilled when someone tells me they love reading my blog, but I’m even happier when I get an actual comment. And if I lived near Santa Cruz, I would be in your Writer’s Group!
I applaud bloggers! It’s a rough world out there and getting readers is tough! I say, go Connie, go!
I read everything you write as soon as I hear about it!! XOXOX
Dar, you are such bright spot in all this. An ally to us writers! Thank you. : )
I never read this blog. I’m glad I did tonite. It’s cuz I got directed to it. Maybe that’s something to do. It helps to see ALL the things that are on one’s plate.
Love that fiction is cleverly disguised reality….
Love you, your work, your musings….
Thank you, Paula! I assume by directing you to it you mean that I put it on Face Book. Yes, without FB no one would ever see my blogs. So, love it or not, social media is doing its job. Thanks for reading my novels. That means the world to me!
i just love you, Clifford. I miss seeing your bright smile in class; one of these Saturday’s I will drop in (promise…). Keep writing and playing, you’re so good at it.
Booke! I miss seeing you. I think of you often. When we were at Esalen last time, I remembered what good use you made of the Free Box! Keep dancing!
Keep banging that little drum!
Heck, get a drum set.
Andy, you are one of my role models. Don’t your arms ever get tired from banging?
Well, you wrote it so now I don’t have to! I feel very much the same way. I started a blog because it did seem like every month or so I’d come across something I’d want to rant, er write, about. But the dwindled. I’d much rather focus on my writing, which languished with “promoting” a book and dealing with all the behind-the-scenes parts of getting published. Now I’m ready to get back to writing and have to pry myself away from Facebook, which is depressing–no, I’m not on my eighth book this year. No, I do not have the most clever cat ever. No, I didn’t just eat The. Best. Meal. Ever. Huge fan of your writing, so whatever it takes, keep it coming!
Elaine, nice to know other people go through this too. It can be so daunting. And, like you said, what you really want to do is write! Keep it up!
Read your blog because I saw the link on Facebook. Dissappointed you didn’t talk about your cat. Kidding. If you’re going to write, I’m fine with that being a novel.
Dillion, I do have a cat. He’s old. And sweet. And grumpy.
Aunt Cliffi!! Reading this from my office in Lewisville, TX, because I was “multitasking” while on a conf call. 🙂 I love your books & you! Harper would want me to tell you she loves Otto, too!
Give that girl a big kiss for me. DIxie Grace too!
Very well put.
Thanks! It came from the heart.
Girl you are just fine!!!!! Don’t drive yourself crazy with all that stuff!!! As long as you do what you love all will be fine!!!!! Lovehugs to you and Dixie!!!!
I remember those read-clouds in GFS creative writing class and can hear your voice in your blog just like, well- the decade we went to high school!
Just read Maye’s request and loved it! That’s how I landed on this page. I’m not on facebook and about a year too late with my comment 🙂
Just wanted to say I truly like the message in the bottle and it reached the shores of the Netherlands. Warm greetings
Wow. This made my night! Thanks for writing, Linda!I love hearing from readers.
Stumbled on to this blog after reading Middle of Somewhere. Loved it. I am a big Fannie Flagg fan, even had a dog named Kyle.
I think you should keep writing in every format. Each is different and important. I e-read and listened to Somewhere. You did a gread job on the audio book as well.
I am new to fandom.
Trying to write a memoir and will look into your class.
I also enjoyed “Blood.” Thank your dad. I felt a thrill today. 5/17 of my current rehab patients have had hemodialysis at some point.
Hey M, thanks for checking in. And thanks for your kind words. Good luck on that memoire. I think writing truth would be tough.