Hello, my blogging friends!

Oh, how I did miss thee…🥀🥀🥀

Hello, my lovely friends. It is so funny how I build up quite a significant blogging momentum and then out of nowhere “BOOM.” Back down the dark empty hole of nothingness!!! The “hole of nothingness” is an inability to write. Work, Work, and more work is the culprit. Lately, I have been working so much that I feel like a zombie. I don’t like that feeling, and I try my best not to be bitten. I have had few close calls! This is my way of shooting it in the head then burning it! LOL!!! To a certain degree, I need money to live, so I have to work.  I have done just a little writing other than articles and content for websites. I have written another short story and posts for Two Drops of Ink. Work- life balance is the key, but it is easier written and talked about than actually living.

 

Well,  I can’t say that I have been all work and no play. Life has been treating me quite well. I have been full of smiles, and laughter. Living in my happy field of lavender lilies and butterflies. I have had beautiful days with no real complaints. Happiness and positivity fill my heart. I’m in love with people, life and all it has to offer.

 

So, this post is not to say that I’m back full time 3- 4 days per week. I don’t really foresee that happening right now. I’m just too busy for that!!!  I will post as often as I can to build back up my momentum and attempt to keep it at a steady pace.

How has life been treating all of you? Any big news or life changing occurrences?

All images courtesy of pixabay.com.

 

 

 

 

How You Decided Your Blogs Name?

I have been trying to keep up with the 30 Day Blog Challenge posted on “Life With Grace and Beauty”. Although, with work other writing commitments it has been quite difficult. Today’s topic is… “How You Decided Your Blogs Name.”

 

The title Live, Love, Share came naturally and is a mantra I hold dear. Here is a little insight into what it means to me.

Live because life has not always been a picnic for me. It has had its ups and its downs, but through it all, I always seemed to be optimistic. I live life to the fullest and appreciate each day because even in your darkest hour there is a glimmer of light. I want to share that light and encourage others to live and enjoy every moment.

Love is who I am. I like to spread the joy that is in my heart. A smile, an encouraging word, hugs, or a corny joke to make someone laugh are all symbols of love to me. In this cruel world, we live in today you cannot spread too much love. We need more of it!!!

Share is not about showing appreciation on social media. Unfortunately, that is the first thing that comes to mind for most people. Regarding my blog I share my love of writing, my views on different topics, my trials, and tribulations, things that make me happy and sad.

When it is all said and done, my blog is meant to be one that anyone can relate to. So far, I think I’m doing okay. I want to say “Thank You” to all who follow, like and comment on my blog.

🎆Versatile Blogger Award Nomination🎆

I was recently nominated by Mike Senczyszak of Solsbury Hill. Solsbury Hill is definitely a deserving recipient of the Versatile Blogger Award. I’m a fan of the “Photogenic Quote of the Week” and all Mike’s other eccentric musings. I do find my thrill on Solsbury Hill!!! LOL!!! I had to do it, I just couldn’t help myself!!! For those of you who caught on to my corny joke. But anyway…

I am deeply honored. This is my first award so you can imagine my level of excitement. This award fits my style of writing and blogging perfectly. When I started blogging I did not want to fall into a cookie cutter style. My intention is to write about the truths of life as well as entertain my readers. My blog is not only about my love of writing but also my need to Live, Love, Share. My versatility and transparency is what makes  my blog real.

Seven things about me:

1. I have driven a military ship (destroyer class).
2. I spent time in Russia.
3. A lover of corny jokes. As you can see above.
4. I love to cook. I just love to feed people, it warms my heart.
5. Working on a fictional novel.
6. I have a sock fetish. I love all types of cute and weird socks.
7. I love tattoos, I have two but I plan to get four more.

Now, this is where I get to nominate 15 other bloggers. There are 15 other bloggers that are deserving but I have limited it to my top picks.

Two Drops of Ink a literary blog dedicated to the art of writing.

Poetic Parfait  is a blog by Christy Birmingham a poet and author. If you are a lover of poetry her book Versions of The Self is a must read.

Shehanne Moore Smexy Historical Romance is a blog I frequent. She has written several books my favorite is The Viking and the Courtesan.

Michelle’s Mosaic is about Brokeness Made Beautiful and her writing is definitely beautiful. Michelle has a way with words.

Rick Amitin’s blog is very inspirational. Rick blogs about Thinking Positive and Feeling  Alive in the world we live in today. Rick is a speaker and the author of If Only I Had a Dad.

Getting to Know Chuck Jackson an interesting author and blogger. His first book One Month, 20 Days and A Wake Up is a memoir about his live as a PJ during the Vietnam Era.

These are my nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award. The rule is 15 but these are the blogs that I feel compelled to visit and promote daily. There are other bloggers that I frequently visit and share but due to time constraints I just shared my top six WordPress blogs. Congratulations to Mike and all the bloggers who were nominated with me. To those I have nominated today… Congrats!!!🍾🍾🍾 I hope this makes your day. 😊Happy blogging!!!😉

 

 

Mood of The Day😊

Today’s prompt for the 30 day blog challenge is “Mood of The Day”. I have been trying to keep up daily but with being so busy it has been quite difficult. Today, I have a little time to spare so I decided to participate.

My “Mood of The Day” is many moods wrapped up in one beautiful package called Lydia with a big beautiful bow.

I am happy because I have been blessed to live another beautiful day. Life is precious and to be treasured and grateful for. I’m happy to have gained two clients, one client employs me to do freelance writing (SEO articles), the second is a social media management client.

Excitement is a mood I am feeling because all of my hard work is paying off. Rebuilding and re-branding my virtual assistant business and making time to write my book. Everything is falling in place and it is cause for excitement. It’s great when you can watch all your plans and efforts come together.

Motivation is what will keep me on the road to successful business owner and published author. It’s the same motivation that burns in me at this very moment that will allow me to reach my goals and encourage others to do the same.

So all of these emotions are my mood of the day!!! Share!!! What are you feeling today?

Woman with laptop courtesy of ijmaki via pixabay.com

Happy emoticon created by 95C on pixabay.com

Brain, emotion, emoji by johnhain on pixabay.com

Picture of The Day: Multnomah Falls

My Picture of The Day is of Multnomah, Falls during the winter in Oregon. The falls is located in the mountains and would make for a great tourist destination. As a writer Multnomah Falls would be a muse. I chose this picture because it sparks creativity.

 

This photo like many of my images is courtesy of pixabay.com. This photo was take by tpsdave who is a great photographer.

🎉🎉Happy NaNoWriMo🎉🎉

This month is a time to celebrate for all of us writer geeks. NaNoWriMo motivates writers to “Just Write”! Many writers strive to complete the novels they always wanted to write or what we have started writing months ago. I have decided to join in on the festivities of this month and attempt to complete my book. In my attempt to find useful tools to assist me, I came across nanowrimo.org.

Why use the #NaNoWriMo site?

Who does not like a little support? Maybe you are like me, an organization junkie who likes a step by step plan of action. National Writing Month website fulfills those needs for free with the following features.

Dashboard– Allows you to track of your novel. You cannot write your book on the site, but you can include the title, synopsis and an excerpt.

Profile– Create a profile and connect with fellow writers.

Badges– I love receiving nifty little prizes and awards for my accomplishments. The more you participate on the website, the more badges you earn.

 

A Source of Inspiration

My personal 📣cheer-leading📣 section of published authors to advise and throw me a pep rally when the ugly doubt monster comes to visit. That is awesomeness!

 

NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

#NaNoWriMo is not only for adults; the website encourages young writers👦👧 to hone in on their creative side. I don’t have children, but I had to take a look see. The beta version is kid friendly and designed to get their juices flowing. It is important that we encourage kids K-12 to read and write more than they indulge in video games and mindless television shows.

The World Needs Your Novel!

There are many readers out there waiting and anxious to read our stories. You have been waiting for the perfect time to complete your masterpiece. Well, now is a perfect time! Let’s hit the ground 🏃running, after all, we are three days behind. Time to play catch up!

Images courtesy of NaNoWriMo website and pixabay.com

 

 

Re- Evaluate Thy Self!

Recently, I wrote a post “Where in The World is Lydia.” It was in response to a few Facebook chat and email inquiries as to my whereabouts. I had been so busy that blogging, commenting or writing took a seat way in the back of the bus of life. What grabbed my attention was a comment by Christy Birmingham of Poetic Parfait and When Women Inspire, a great poet, and blogger. However, I digress, Christy stated: “I enjoyed getting learning more about you personally and your daily life.” That statement played over and over again in my head. It is time to reveal more of who I am.

Boring, boring. OMG!!! BORING!!!

I perused my blog to take inventory of my posts. What I found was a woman who was passionate about certain topics but most of all a workaholic. I am either promoting the work of others or writing about what I do for a living. Also an occasional rant about what is going on in America. I pride myself on being transparent and friends who know me compliment me on that quality. Although, my blog does not reveal that the way I want or planned. Hell, the title is Live, Love, Share! I am representing my anthem of life on such an average level. Through my eyes, that is an epic fail!

Re- Evaluate Thy Self!

Maybe I am acting a little melodramatic.  Not so much an evaluation of myself but more so of my blog content. I want my blog to be me! The woman who friends call or come to when they need an ear, want just to hang out and sip wine and watch a chick flick, watch sports, go to an art gallery,  or play the PlayStation and be loud and obnoxious. There are many facets to who I am and I love it. So do others and you would too. So why not write about it?

Live, Love, Share

I live and love, so I want to share more. No, I do not plan to hang out dirty laundry. I live in Atlanta but not like those on “Housewives of Atlanta.” My nerves would not withstand all the drama. LOL!!! I would say I am more like Lorelai on the “Gilmore Girls”  minus the child and profession. I love her! I live and think outside the box. My mind is open enough to transcend boundaries we as people place on ourselves. Life to me is an adventure, so why not enjoy it. So, stay tuned for more content with a healthy helping of a spice called Lydia.

Images Courtesy of Pixabay

 

 

 

 

The ‘Memoir Challenge’: Out From the Darkness

Two Drops of Ink is much more than a literary blog! It’s a community where writers let their hair down, share and encourage. Compelling #shortstories, #memoir, #poetry and much more.

5 Tips for Marketing Your New Book.

“Writing a book without promoting it is like waving to someone in a dark room. You know what have you done, but nobody else does.”
~Madi Preda.”   ― Madi Preda, How To Promote and Market Your Book

Congratulations on writing your first book. As an author, you must be on top of the world. You have basked in the joy of your new accomplishment. The beauty of its cover, your words, pieces of the world you created. Now. It is time to get serious.

What’s next? My research has given me the knowledge to assist you in marketing your book. What good is a book that no one gets to read? The next step is to get the book in front of prospective readers. The most efficient way is through creating a marketing strategy. Thorough research will reveal several marketing methods. Take a look at a few of the steps in the journey.

1). Reviews: As an author feedback is valuable. This is where reviews come into play. Consider the options for free or paid reviews. Only pay for top quality feedback. Determine if your reviewer will base their comments on reading the book in full or an excerpt. Your ultimate goal is to make sure it is beneficial to you. Every author desires raving reviews and high recommendations.

2). Blog Posts: Guest posts and interviews on blogs is another way to build a fan base. You may also start a blog centered around the subject of your book. Your blog may be the forum for your future books. Be sure to follow the blogs of like- minded writers.

3). Media Kit: How many business or post cards have you passed out? Advertise locally as well as virtually the more exposure, the better your chances for sales. Keep in mind; image is everything! A professional head shot is necessary. Your biography will invite readers to get to know the books creator. Don’t forget to include a ‘one- sheet.’ A high-quality photo of your book cover on the front and a synopsis of the book on the back.

4). Book Launch Party: A book launch party is not only a way to celebrate your accomplishments but an awesome way to get the word out. Offer giveaways or reduced prices for the date of the event. The event can take place both locally and online. The more excitement you build means, the higher potential for buyers.

5). Social Media: We are in the age where the click of the ‘send’ button moves at a speed of light. Millions of people have the opportunity to view your content on a daily basis which means book sales. Although, sales should not be your primary focus. Build a relationship with fellow authors and writers. Support those with the same goals and those aspiring to reach the depths that you have in the literary arena. Social media marketing makes sense regarding book marketing. Embrace it and reap the many benefits.

Now that your feet are firmly back on the solid ground, and your head is no longer in the clouds, put in the footwork. Start doing the research and making all the needed connections. It may be difficult but all of your efforts will pay off.

 

 

 

A Father’s Love

John C. Gyorki is the author of the #memoir “Sitting Ovation: Coming Full Circle” that was truly a touching story. Well, once again he steals your heart with this next piece. It is a must read. If you did not become a fan of John reading his last composition this one will definitely change your mind.