Rambling Prose: Writers Write

To Blog or Not to Blog

I've been dithering. Not uncommon for me, just ask my husband. I have a gazillions things I want to do and not enough time in the day to get them done, not because I can't but because I dither. That isn't to say I don't get things done, it's just that I must wade through the litter of dither to get there.

I haven't  always been that way. I am by nature a take-charge woman, and not always a sensitive one, so Katie-bar-the-door or I'll run over you. I don't mean to, but focus at some point becomes obsession. An agenda is meant to be followed.

I've written about this before, so I won't go into detail here, but a to do list at this point in my life is essential. (Check here for prior post). There are days when even a to do list doesn't help. Sometimes I stare at it, my eyes glaze over and I turn to my iPad and play Word W.E.L.D.E.R. Work? You're kidding, right? Who am I trying to impress? What do I think will happen to the thousands of words I've written and published over the years? 

So begins procrastination and self-doubt. I have to give myself a swift kick in the posterior to get off the pity pot and move on.  

 

So What?

 The dither deal today is that I'm seriously thinking about going back to publishing an e-zine. I did on off a year or so ago, but I didn't have the patience to give it time to build a readership, and I couldn't figure out how to make money at it. This is nothing unusual. I've done a fair number of the things in my life that either lost money or never made a dime. I guess getting and being and maintaining a rich lifestyle isn't a driving factor behind my choices.

So the dilemma is this. I've been working diligently at building a web presence with the idea of selling my books: Tiger Lilly, Not Just Another Day, The Ballad of Bawdy McClure, and Future Imperfect. Why I believed creating three blogs and maintaining a website would accomplish this I'll never know. To my knowledge not one single book has been sold as a consequence of all this effort. It doesn't help that two of them are sci-fi, one is daily devotional and another is contemporary fiction about family relationships. Does anyone see the problem here? Try creating SEO protocol for that mess.

Back to the Topic 

I stopped publishing the e-zine about eight months ago. For the effort I was putting into it, I saw no measurable indicators that any but a handful of family and friends were actually reading it. I'm doing the blogs because... Well there you go, I'm not sure why I'm doing the blogs. I THINK it's building my web presence and my author platform, however I'm seeing no measurable indicators to prove that it is.

Bear with me folks, I'm on a ramble here, not to mention a dither.

One of the blogs is tied to my radio show, Writer's Block, which airs each Tuesday morning at 9 a.m MST. It is a program about writing and writers. I invite authors (published and want to be published)  to be interviewed in-studio or as call-in guests. Following the program I summarize the discussion and do a review of the program in my Writer's Block blog.

Joy inthe Morning is a blog of brief inspirational readings or poems. It is tied to my spirituality and will likely lead to a second book of daily devotionals.

The blog you're reading is the third blog. Rambling Prose is about what ever strikes my fancy, kind of like my now dormant e-zine, Happenstance, life happens. Even so, it doesn't have the flexibility of an e-zine, or if it does I haven't figured out how to make it work.

Still with me?

And then there is the Sharon Vander Meer website, which remains fairly static with general information, only updated once a week with links to Writer's Block program summaries.

Coming from print media I still think in terms of graphic design, popping pix and writing to section demands. Is it food and lifestyle? Does it fit in features? Sports? Trends? Books? Travel? Commentary?

For what I want to do, an e-zine makes more sense because my interests vary and as much as I want to be a writing machine punching out books by the dozens, the truth is my curiosity and dithering eclectic tastes do not contribute to finishing yet another manuscript, and I'm not much good at marketing the books I've already written! Still, I forge ahead.

And – this is a biggie folks – I love talking to writers. I enjoy promoting their work. It tickles me silly to publish words crafted by talented people. I enjoy reading and doing book reviews. 

That doesn't  leave a lot of time for additional writing, but I forge ahead.

Now What?

So, the questions for me are, "Do I continue to maintain three blogs and a website – none of which are doing what I want them to do (sell books), or do I go back to e-zine publishing creating something on the order of a literary journal? And if I do, is it possible to have an income stream?"

The question for you as a follower or reader is, what do you think? Check out the published e-zines at this link and the one above, and give me your feedback in the comments section below. I'm sort of looking for a better understanding of what will work in the web environment we are now living in. To blog or not to blog, that is the question.

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Happenstance, life happens in Las Vegas, NM

I'm only three days late posting that the March Happenstance, life happens issue is out. You can read it right here or go to the web magazine at www.happenstancelifehappens.com. Have a GREAT day.

Open publication - Free publishing - More spring

Happenstance for March

This is what the March issue looks like but you can't access it until March 7! There are great articles from previous contributors and a new feature from Connie Mack. Her mind works ninety miles an hour and she has a lifetime of accumulated wisdom to share in prose and poetry form.

There's a great article about line dancing that looks at the healthy benefits of an activity that is just plain fun! Denise McElroy is the instructor. Hilda Wales sent in a beautiful thoughtful poem about spring. Her submission is one among several featured in Spring into Being: Poetry.

Look for the new issue on Monday. There is much, Much, MUCH more in it.

On a different note, I'm working like mad on the website. My grateful thanks to Intuit who has created a Mac compatible version of their website software. It is making my life so much easier! Not easy, mind you, easier.


PDF Books for Sale

Tiger Lilly and Someone's in the Kitchen are both available in PDF format for $9.50 (p tx) each. If you want a CD version add $4 for shipping and handling (unless you plan to drop by the office to pick up your CD). E-mail fsharon@msn.com and let me know which version you want and I'll give you the exact price. Mail your check to Happenstance, PO Box 187, Las Vegas, NM 87701.

March Contributors:

Kathy Allen
Nancy Colalillo
Pamela G. Daves
Robert Gallegos
Connie Mack
Maggie Romigh
Kayt Peck
Niki Sebastian
Hilda Wales
Moi (Me)

Have a happy...

Business on the net

Uncle Tom's Cabin, sold on E Bay

I did it! I sold something on E Bay! Well, I guess before I get too excited I should clarify that I sold an item for $3.13 that was probably worth ten times that. I paid $1.09 more for shipping than I collected from the buyer. I had to package it, which cost me something. Bottom line, I probably made zilch on the transaction, but I learned a lot of lessons. Here are a few if you're thinking about selling on line with E Bay.

1. Put a minimum on your item instead of starting at the .99 opening bid price.
2. Do as much research as you can to find out what similar items sell.
3. Be sure you get correct weight when you set the cost of shipping.
4. Don't be disappointed when you don't sell your item for the price you wanted. It's a bit of crap shoot when you come right down to it.
5. Take good photos of the item.
6. Be 100 percent honest about the condition of the item.
7. Promote the sale by using Twitter and Facebook and other social networking sites to let people know you've posted a new item.
8. Be prepared for the shipping side of the transaction.
9. Do use the printable shipping label. It makes sending your item so much easier and you don't have to stand in line at the Post Office. (You can also ship FedEx or UPS).
10. Make sure your first posting is of an item that you don't care how much you get for it. Treat it as learning experience.

There are options for how to get paid but the Paypal options seems the easiest. The company is well set up to handle transactions in a secure manner.

So, I didn't make anything on my first sale, but the experience encourages me to try again. We have a ton of old books that—if I can figure out the selling strategy—may bring in a buck or two, and in this economy who can't use an extra dollar in the till?

We also have a bunch of old record albums and 78s from the '20s and '30s (and a slug more that are more recent—twenty years old instead of fifty or sixty. They may be more trouble than their worth, but right now they're taking up space and probably worth a shot on E Bay.

I also have my novels, The Ballad of Bawdy McClure and Future Imperfect, and the daily readings book, Not Just Another Day. It's worth a try. Who knows, I may actually find a following among the 18 million-plus buyers registered with E Bay.

Hey, I'm nothing if not an optimist!

So, E Bay as a selling option. I think it's works if you're willing to work it.

Windy City

Flags at attention

Mark Ronchetti of KRQE is my favorite weather caster. Apart from the fact he has such enthusiasm for his job, he actually acknowledges Las Vegas, New Mexico exists in the real world. We are not Brigadoon. We do not disappear into the mist except when something bad happens. We're here all the time. Thanks, Mr. Ronchetti, for noticing us. He makes note of how windy it can be in our little corner of the world when it isn't all that windy anywhere else. He'll have a lot to talk about tonight, if he chooses to do so. It is a windy, windy day.

Fortunately the winds only last for a time, and then they're gone, whistling up some other town's streets, flinging Wal-Mart bags into trees and plastering them against fences. Farewell to you, Mr. Wind, and I'll be glad to see the back of you.

So, I don't sell advertising and a subscription isn't required to receive Happenstance, however I will accept sponsorships. If you think Happenstance is worth keeping around, your support will be welcomed. You can send your check to Happenstance c/o PO Box 187, Las Vegas, NM 87701. There will soon be a Paypal icon on the website for your convenience. From the website can also purchase Kathy Allen's recipe book, Someone's in the Kitchen, on CD, and a digital PDF copy of Tiger Lilly, a contemporary novel by moi. The novel is being serialized in Happenstance, but if you can't wait to get the rest of the story, it is for sale in digital format only. The novel begins in the October 2010 issue.

I have Tiger Lilly out there in the netherworld looking for an agent or a publisher. So far no luck.

In the March 7 issue of Happenstance look for a two-page spread featuring poetry, some about spring and some about life. Connie Mack comes on board as a contributing writer and if you know Connie you know to expect something a little different. There's more MUCH more to look forward to.

So much for every day!

My very best intentions went awry in the recent days. I haven't blogged, which I said I was going to do EVERY DAY. So what is the point of blogging every day anyway? Good question. One friend said she didn't have time to read other people's personal lives every day. Got that, really, I do. I would hope this blog—the Happenstance blog—would be more, much more than that.

For a heartbeat of time I wondered if it couldn't be an ongoing calendar of events around town, but realized that's already being done rather effectively by the local newspaper, radio stations, chamber of commerce and Karyl Lyne's e-mail blasts.

February 7, 2011

In reality this blog is about Happenstance, life happens, but how much can you say about a magazine that comes out digitally once a month? Talk about it too much and you might as well do the zine in the blog, which believe me, I've considered. It would be cheaper, because, yes, despite there being no print costs, there is a fee for maintaining a website plus the zine publishing site. The blog is free.

Hmmm, where was I going with this. Blogging. Right. To blog or not to blog, that is the question (forgive me Mr. Shakespeare).

So, my purpose in the blog is to draw attention to Happenstance and build readership. With that in mind I'm going to highlight articles through the month as a reminder of what readers missed in the current issue, and give hints about what to expect in the upcoming issue.

I might from time to time sneak in current events.

I'm also looking for submissions: essays, memoirs, poetry, fiction and non-fiction, how to articles, photo journalism, cartoons and illustrations. For submission guidelines e-mail happenstance@happenstancelifehappens.com. Unfortunately right now I can't pay writers, but if it's publishing credit you're looking for this is a way to get it done. I am selective so do ask for the guidelines.

About the February issue. Did you read the article on human trafficking? It is a story most of us would rather ignore, but in it you will find out about an local agency developing a program to identify and provide aide to victims of this horrifying practice. To access the article go to the Happenstance website home page, and click on the Hidden in Plain Sight link under Inside This Issue.

Cindy Charlton

I really loved Cindy Charlton's story about finding romance at a time in her life when it wasn't even on her radar. Check it out.

If you haven't made time to read the last Happenstance don't forget another one will be out in two weeks, on March 7.

More about what to look for in tomorrow's blog... maybe.

Beautiful Day!

Foraging for grass.

We got a lot of snow, but as is true with New Mexico weather, wait a minute and it will be gone! Well, the snow isn't gone, but it sure did go down today. Love that sun.

Museum Reminder:  (From the Museum website) Make history again by sharing your family photos, diaries, letters, and other historic memorabilia or family ephemera with Friends of the City of Las Vegas Museum. Just in time for New Mexico’s centennial, the Friends will be publishing a photographic history of the first century of Las Vegas entitled: Las Vegas, NM: Boomtown on the Southwestern Frontier, and would like your family to be a part of it. So, get into the attics and basements of Las Vegas! Call your tias and abuelas to see what’s in their shoeboxes and family Bibles!

In addition, historian and contributing editor, Elmo Baca is seeking to include brief essays and other literary expressions from the general public to help explore the major themes to be included in the book. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, April 1, 2011.

Nat God Players: If you have a yen for acting here's an opportunity for you. Nat Gold Players’ Auditions will be held Sunday, February 13, at 4 p.m. at the Las Vegas Arts Council office, 140 Bridge Street (the orange, gold, blue and purple bldg.) Auditions are for Box Seats—10 minute original plays by local playwrights. Rehearsals will be set up around participant schedules. More Info: Cyn Riley 454-6873.

TeatroJoven youth art classes: Caroline Rackley is seeking contributions in support of Teatrojoven's arts education and production fund. Tuition for an 8-week series of 2-hour classes is $80. All gifts of any size are welcome. Tax deductible contributions may be sent to: YoungTheatre c/o Goodwin, Inc., 1320 6th Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701. For more information call 505 425-6092.


Writing Contests: If you have a great idea for a story, poem or article, and don't mind stiff competition, Writer's Digest has launched its annual writing contest request for entries. For more information go to Writer's Digest. I entered all three of my books in the self-published books competition, and while I didn't win, I got valuable feedback from the judges. I'm planning on entering the contests for unpublished works (short fiction, articles, essays and poetry) this year.

If you want a blurb on my blog, please send your information to happenstance@happenstancelifehappens.com.

Have a happy!

Health Lectures at Alta Vista

Feb.  8, 9.25 p.m. -3 degrees!

I don't mind the snow, as long as I can stay inside. I have to say it is beautiful and I know we need the moisture, so I refuse to complain, especially inside my cozy home. Stay warm! 

Happenstance Community  

Alta Vista Regional Hospital 

Doc Talk is a series of programs offered by Alta Vista Regional Hospital.  On Feb. 15 at noon, family medicine physician Michael Green will be giving the Healthy Woman talk entitled "Caring for Her Heart; Heart Disease More Prevalent Among Women Than Men." A light meal will be served at 11:45 a.m. To make reservations call 505 426-3772.

The monthly Senior Circle Doc Talk On Feb. 25 features internist Dr. Raymond Ortiz who will present "Congestive Heart Failure Can be as Deadly as a Heart Attack." To RSVP call Linda Leyba at 426-3772. 

Fund Raiser

For only $12 you can enjoy a fashion show and support the Salvation Army. The event is Sunday, Feb. 13 at the Plaza Hotel, beginning at 3 p.m. Coffee, tea and desserts will be served. 

Send your events to happenstance@happenstancelifehappens.com and I'll list them on my blog. 

Have you read your Feb. Happenstance? Check it out at www.happenstancelifehappens.com

Look for new Happenstance Feb. 7

The Feb. 7 Happenstance is full of great stories. Look for Points to Ponder, thoughts from retired minister Chad Boliek; an article about long time Las Vegas resident Gretchen Bush; What is it About Romance? by regular contributor Cindy Charlton; an article about the Friends of the Museum fund raiser, Planning Ahead for the Future of the Past.

Tracey Preiskorn's Stampin' Up business is just getting off the ground. Her story mirrors that of women who opt to be full-time moms yet want to have something to do that adds to the family income and stimulates creativity.

Artist Trading Cards is an innovative way to get artists and art lovers together. The story in the Feb. 7 issue tells all. A companion article is about the El Zocalo Artist of the Month, Kristine Klaiber, a found art artist.

Pamela G. Daves had an interesting idea called Recipes and Chat. She gives snippets of life encounters and includes a recipe. Look for it and tell us what you think.

Robert E. Gallegos wrote a column in a now defunct weekly called "There Was a Time." It has be "repurposed" in Happenstance as Yesterday. It will be some of his previously published articles plus some that never made it to print.

Mamma and the Monster, by Kayt Peck is a lovely story suitable for any age, though she calls it a children story. It's really about the power of love.

And of course Tiger Lilly continues. If you are following the story or want to start following the story, it begins in the October 2010 issue, which can be found on the archives page at http://www.happenstancelifehappens.com/.

Monday, Monday

Honestly, where does the time go? It's already Jan. 10 and I'm frantically putting together the February issue. I have some great articles lined up and will hopefully have some great submissions. Niki Sebastian is writing an article about a place that many of you know about but may not know enough about.

Thanks for the feedback I've received from all of you. I ask once again that if you like Happenstance, forward it on to others. It's a little of this and a little of that, with a whole lot of me thrown in.

If you are interested in writing an article for Happenstance, or if you are a cartoonist or poet or short story writer or essayest, and want more information about submission policies, a copy is in the current Happenstance. When you get to the site, click on the Happenstance icon in the upper right hand corner and it will take you to the digital version.

Or you can just e-mail me at fsharon@msn.com and I'll send the submission policy to you.

Have a happy…

Article Search

My dream for Happenstance is that it will provide publishing opportunities for writers. I want fiction, non-fiction, opinions, cartoons, poems, well-researched historical articles, human interest stories, travel, and more. I don't want Happenstance to fit in a box; I want it to be interesting and exciting. Having said that I will not accept material of an offensive nature, and, yes, I get to decide what is offensive.

Currently I cannot pay for submitted content, but I do promise to promote writers in every way I know how.

I highly recommend Writer's Digest as a great resource for writers. It has a wealth of information on its website and access to outstanding webinars about writing and publishing. Check it out.

To submit an article e-mail it to fsharon@msn.com in word, rtf, or as text inside the e-mail document. Include a brief bio and a photo.

A follow up to the article about the Animal Welfare Coalition of Norhteastern New Mexico, there will be a spay/neuter/shot clinic Jan. 7-9. Check their website for details. The group is also looking for people to foster dogs or cats. Check the article in the January Happenstance for contact details.

It's Back! Happenstance returns

Happenstance, life happens, is back. It's a monthly now with the fourth edition posted on January 3, 2011. I will be adding to my blog every day and want to have your feedback about Happenstance, life Happens, along with input for article ideas and how to broaden readership.

The January issue is chock full of interesting articles. I'm actually creating three zines. One comes out in PDF, which is accessible at the Happenstance, life happens site, the website itself which is new this month, and the zine version, which is at http://issuu.com/vandermeerbooks/docs/january_happenstance.

The website has everything except the serialization of Tiger Lilly, my contemporary novel about a family in transition, and a couple of end-of-the-year articles about exercise and healthy eating, and managing your finance in the New Year. See pages pages 12 and 13.