Thursday of this week I posted a blog that was meant to be a personal test/challenge.  I invited many of my fellow writers, etc., to read it and comment ... to give honest opinions about the blog.  The results have been surprising, yet inspiring as well. 

Through this simple exercise, I learned so much about so many, that I would not have had the opportunity to know if I had just sat back and not asked questions.  I also took about 2 hours of my day and went thru approx 30 websites of fellow den members, and actually read something about each person, and I learned alot from that as well. Many of you and I have so many common interests, values and goals.  I learned that some of you have knowledge that I need and want.  Some of you are to be envied, while others of you are to be admired and respected.  Many of you have had to struggle for every crumb, while others have had relative success without alot of serious work.. I found websites that are linked to your sites that lead me to other places that will assist me in my own work/future goals.  I found websites that "pay" for stories... true... and I'm considering some of those to "submit" short stories and poems, even if I don't think my work is as good as yours... The point is that I have options that I didn't know existed before I went on this "learning"....show and tell adventure. 

I also found out that some of you have had several books published, many with your own hard earned money...some of you work and save so that you can provide yourself with that luxury....to be published... While others make their own posters, business cards, bookmarks...and others print and copy, and some do their own scheduling and promoting for booksignings and TV/Radio exposure.  I also learned that a couple of you PREFERRED not to have anyone edit your work, BECAUSE YOU want to keep your own words as they come from a special place and not meant to be "perfect".... others have turned down offers to do public showcasing/speaking/signings....for the reason that "I am shy and not comfortable being in public"....  I would not have imagined that on my own...WHY?  Because I am so darn outgoing on the surface, while inside I am nervous, insecure and shy...yet....I am a ball on fire when in a public place... don't ask me why?    Anyway... 

I've learned how to copy/paste from you; I've learned how to post blogs and to improve ways to network, market....and I've learned how to join other websites from you, and I have sold about 8 books to some of you so far, and I've bought about 5 books in return..... I've learned that you are giving, and supportive and that I am now part of a wonderful family...

Thank you....

lindalaw