IWSG

Blog blah blah. I don't know about you, but after the A to Z Challenge, I am running on fumes here. This year I had a purpose: promote a collection of short stories. But I chose something unrelated for my theme: mathematics. Funny, I didn't think of the contradiction of labeling my blog (WR) and then spouting off on algebra, geometry, and the like until it was all over and another blogger brought up mislabeled blogs. Oops? Or maybe not. I am still a writer after all.

But all's well that end's well. The math was well received, surprise, surprise. And the promotion worked to an extent. By giving away free downloads of particular stories on particular weeks, over 50 copies of my stories are out there, in the hands of readers. Even better, I got a great review on Ursa Major. That was a dance-happy moment. It makes me realize how important it is to post reviews after I read something. Having downloaded over half a dozen books during the challenge, I will do that soon.

Now what? The short-story collection is at a reduced price for the month of May, so promotion should continue. But without the A to Z Challenge to bring in potential readers, I'll have to do something else. There are some blogfests coming up in May: Blood, Boobs, and Carnage on May 18 and The Muse Party on May 25. Both sound like fun whether they translate into sales or not.

For now, I will keep blogging to establish and maintain relationships. The things that make me buy a book from another blogger are the quality of writing in their blog, my interest in their particular story, and how much interaction I have with them through mutual comments.

The tough part is that I want to stray from the blogoverse to write. I have an idea to strengthen my current WIP and that's what I'd most like to be doing. Balance? We'll see . . .

What are your grand plans this May? Do you know of any other blogfests coming up?