Wednesday, 3 April 2013

IWSG - I'm a co-host!

It's the first Wednesday of the month, and you all know what that means by now. Even if you don't take part yourself, you'll have seen this badge all over blogs you visit.

It's a huge honour to be selected to co-host this month's IWSG alongside Julie and Elise.

And co-hosting actually fits in very well with my insecurity this month...

Do I do enough to support my fellow bloggers/writers?

Alex does... everything. Arlee Bird founded the A-Z Challenge that many of you are taking part in - and he has many co-hosts helping, and this year the co-hosts have minions (love that word!), so there are many 70 or so people helping out there. Misha Gericke has her Paying Forward awards, and some fantastic people offering prizes for the winners. Livia Peterson bounced into bloggyland relatively recently and blasted through it all (and she's co-hosting the A-Z Challenge in her very first year of taking part). So many more of you constantly host cover reveals and blog hops and book launches and tours, as well as beta reading for each other and giving random shout outs and book reviews.

I've been on the receiving end of so much good will over the life of my blog, especially once I started having my books published. But I wonder whether I give enough back. Could I do more? 

To everyone who has ever helped me out, let me visit their blog, revealed a cover, interviewed me and reviewed my books...

Thank You - you are awesome, and I'll try harder!
(PS. Before I go I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who visited my interview on Dan O'Brien's blog. I had a glance down at the other interviews he's done, and they maybe garner one or two comments, or sometimes none at all. You guys have left 13 - as of Tuesday morning, when I wrote this! That's awesome, and completely proves that I belong to the most supportive group of writers/bloggers!)



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107 comments:

  1. M.J. Fifield3 April 2013 at 07:34

    I often I don't give back to this community enough, but I know I could never do what Alex does. He amazes me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown3 April 2013 at 07:51

    If you are asking yourself that question you probably are. As for Alex and Arlee, they are in a league of their own. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month.
    Jenn @Scribbles From Jenn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:08

      Thanks Jenn, and you're so right about Alex and Arlee :-)

      Delete
  3. Patsy3 April 2013 at 09:00

    You definitely ARE supportive of your fellow writers, Annalisa.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda King3 April 2013 at 09:15

    Doing what you can in the time you have is key! It's all any of us can do. And I agree, this community is really supportive. You seem to do loads of supporting from what I've seen, by the way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:09

      I'm not sure I have time for anything - the clocks are definitely ticking faster these days!

      Delete
  5. Nick Wilford3 April 2013 at 11:29

    You're doing great! I definitely see you as a supportive blogger.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mark Koopmans3 April 2013 at 12:14

    Hey,

    Keep doing what you're doing - which is being honest (even if you have a funny accent and live in Cornwall :)~

    PS... there's 18 comments now :)

    ((Annalisa))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:11

      Lol, Cormwall's the best. Great surf, so I'm told :-)

      18 comments - must go back and check them out, thanks Mark :-)

      Delete
  7. Donna K. Weaver3 April 2013 at 12:16

    Congrats on being a cohost. That, alone, is a great way to give back. Isn't Alex a wonderful mentor?

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    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:13

      Alex is definitely someone I look up to - he just instinctively seems to know the right way to do this stuff!

      Delete
  8. Misha Gerrick3 April 2013 at 12:22

    Thanks for co-hosting. I did it last month too and there's a bit of responsibility connected to it.

    Just want to say that just by helping where and when you can, like you are now, you're making the bloggosphere better.

    Maybe something awesome will occur to you that you can do for the bloggosphere, but it'll come when it comes.

    The Paying Forward Awards would never have worked out before, because it would have looked like a bid to gain followers. Whereas now, because my blog is pretty big already, people don't need to wonder about that. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:15

      I never thought of that with your awards, looking to gain followers. I know how much people appreciate just being nominated - so I think you've got it spot on!

      Delete
  9. Madeline Mora-Summonte3 April 2013 at 13:05

    Don't be so hard on yourself! :) I think we all do what we can, when we can. Just like in life - maybe sometimes we have more money to donate to charity and other times we have less money but are able to volunteer.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Tonja Drecker3 April 2013 at 13:28

    So glad you're co-hosting! It seems to me you've been giving back - not everyone can be a super-ninja ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:19

      I'm sure being a super-ninja is a full time job!

      Delete
  11. Cindy3 April 2013 at 14:01

    Yeah...and then on top of everything we should be writing a book. I think it's great you're co-hosting...I mean that's doing a lot right there. If you ever want to feel better, just compare yourself to me rather than the Ninja. Lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:20

      Writing a book? I knew there was something I'd forgotten to do :-)

      Delete
  12. Cherie Colyer3 April 2013 at 14:15

    Hi Annalisa! Thanks for co-hosting the meme this month. I've had the same thought as you when it comes to doing enough to support other bloggers and writers. I do try, but I don't bounce around the blogsphere as much as I'd like to. That's only because there isn't enough time in a day for everything that needs to be done. But I keep trying to do better, because I love how supportive reviewers and writers are of each other.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:21

      Time is an issue that's cropped up a couple of times in these comments. It's a balancing act, that's for sure.

      Delete
  13. jaybird3 April 2013 at 14:38

    I think Alex is part robot. Seriously, who can be all over like that? It's unreal what he does.

    And you are AWESOME Annalisa. Very supportive! Thanks for co-hosting.

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    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:23

      I'm sure in a couple of years time no new blogger will believe Alex is real, he'll be just a myth like the Loch Ness Monster but much more helpful! Thanks for the kind words :-)

      Delete
  14. Tyrean Martinson3 April 2013 at 14:48

    You're a co-host, and yesterday you highlighted Rachel Morgan's book - I would say you're doing a great job of giving back! Thanks for co-hosting!

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    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:24

      That was sheer coincidence to thwart today's insecurity :-D Thanks, though.

      Delete
  15. Julie Flanders3 April 2013 at 15:19

    I struggle with this as well so I can relate. But I think you're very supportive! And congrats on the interview comments, I'm not surprised as it was a great interview. :)

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    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:27

      Thanks Julie. They were great questions to answer!

      Delete
  16. Rena3 April 2013 at 16:04

    I also wonder if I'm not giving back enough. This community has really helped me, and I absolutely struggle with balancing blogging and writing and job and family. But this community is so worth it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:30

      The thing to remember is that you're blogging to support your writing, and your job and family need you. So when you've taken care of all that, then you can blog... Oh, I see what I just did there... If I'd told myself that earlier I wouldn't have needed to post. I think next month my topic will be not listening to your own advice :-)

      Delete
  17. Jennie Bennett3 April 2013 at 16:23

    You're co-hosting? How awesome!! I think you're doing great blogging. Long way from when we first met and you only blogged once a month. Keep being awesome :)

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    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:31

      It's been a long time, Jennie, hasn't it? Doesn't time fly in cyberspace. Fingers crossed it doesn't go so fast in the real world and it's still only 2011 *glances round for confirmation* :-)

      Delete
  18. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 16:26

    Part of the problem is that there's so much good news about offers and contracts and dates, that it's hard to keep up. Like everyone has said to me, at least your doing the best you can.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Margo Kelly3 April 2013 at 16:47

    I love IWSG! And I love the cover of THAT SADIE THING! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Rachel Schieffelbein3 April 2013 at 17:45

    I worry about that, too. It's the reason I feel guilty taking a blogging break, I feel bad about not being out there commenting and seeing what's new with everyone. But you what? We can't all be Alex. ;) I think you're doing fine. :)

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    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 20:06

      Taking time out also recharges. Trying to keep up with writing them, reading them, commenting, following up people's comments to you... it's tiring!

      Delete
  21. Mel Chesley3 April 2013 at 18:06

    We all do what we can. Sometimes I feel I am lacking, but I do try. Now that I have Google Reader whipped into shape, I can keep up more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 20:07

      Except they've announced Google Reader is being retired in June, I think. I'm struggling to find a replacement I like.

      Delete
  22. Anonymous3 April 2013 at 18:18

    Annalisa, you don't need to try harder, you do fantastically!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Unknown3 April 2013 at 18:26

    Wednesday April 3rd, 2013
    Hi Annalisa,
    My name is Anna Nordeman and I'm new to IWSG. This is my second post, so I am still learning how it all works. I'm sure you are doing just fine. There's a lot to do in April especially if you are participating in A to Z too, as I am.
    Best wishes,
    Anna
    Anna's iwsg for April

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 20:09

      IWSG is the best bloghop around. It proves that even the writers you consider to be successful are/have been insecure. We all help each other, which is fantastic.

      Delete
  24. Shell Flower3 April 2013 at 18:37

    I know what you mean about not feeling like you are doing enough to support others. It's a lot to balance a blog, day job, writing, and life as well as support others. I do what I can, but could definitely do more. It really is SUCH an awesome community. I owe my pretty blog design to David Powers King's contest and have won tons of books. I'd love to give back, once April is over that is...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 20:11

      Winning books and blog designs are great reasons to want to give something back. Just reading and commenting is enough - we write because we want to be read, after all :-)

      Delete
  25. nutschell3 April 2013 at 18:58

    We have such a great blogging community! Lucky to have you and Alex and Arlee as bloggy buds!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 20:14

      Thanks Nutschell. I need to try harder to visit you more often!

      Delete
  26. Tasha Seegmiller3 April 2013 at 19:17

    I've been trying to be everything and realized my writing was suffering. Now, I'm focusing on the foundation of what is important, and working in the decorative trim when I can, keeping a blind eye to what everyone else is doing and just doing my best. That's all any of us can do, really...

    ReplyDelete
  27. farawayeyes3 April 2013 at 20:47

    It always seems like there is more that we can do, but as far as I'm concerned you're doing apretty good job of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 22:01

      Thanks. I've been telling people all over the group to not be so hard on themselves, and then completely ignore my own advice :-)

      Delete
  28. Christine Rains3 April 2013 at 20:50

    You're doing a wonderful job. Not all of us have time to do as much as others, but every little bit helps. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. L. Diane Wolfe3 April 2013 at 21:50

    Thank you for co-hosting. My first year co-hosting the A to Z and it's almost overwhelming. We all do what we can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford3 April 2013 at 22:03

      It's been daunting enough doing this, trying to co-host the A-Z at 3 or 4 times the size is impressive :-)

      Delete
  30. Mark Means3 April 2013 at 22:19

    I'm sure you're doing plenty for the community. Anyone who volunteers to take on the daunting task of the IWSG should be commended :)

    Thank you for co-hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 15:31

      It was a very busy day, with all those people dual posting for the A-Z as well!

      Delete
  31. Unknown3 April 2013 at 22:50

    Congrats on being co-host! I don't think there are any rules or limits on giving back. People do the best they can with the time they have and some are busier than others. I think you're doing great! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 15:41

      I seem to be very busy doing very little at the moment. I sit down with 2 hours to spare, and I only manage to write one sentence!

      Delete
  32. Melissa Sugar3 April 2013 at 23:01

    Dang! I missed it again, three months in a row. I'm having a hard enough time, getting everything together for my A to Z participation. I vow, I will not forget to post for IWSG in May. That sounds terrible, I know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 15:52

      I've just checked out your C post, and I can see why you forgot IWSG! May sounds so wrong, doesn't it?

      Delete
  33. Marta Szemik3 April 2013 at 23:16

    You're a great blogger and I always look forward to your posts. THANK YOU for all your support!

    ReplyDelete
  34. ELAdams3 April 2013 at 23:48

    Congratulations on co-hosting - I think you're doing a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Unknown4 April 2013 at 00:09

    Hi Annalise,

    Great post that is a nice reminder of how many awesome blogger are out there! I recently took a month off, but just returned. I have a new blog now that I'm running with my friend and CP partner, Karen, but I followed you under my old blog (One Magic Bean Buyer) so I wanted to be sure to stop by, say hello, and follow under the new name. :) Nice to see you again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 16:06

      Thanks for the follow - I stopped by and followed you too. Looking forward to reading more!

      Delete
  36. Sarah Allen4 April 2013 at 00:14

    Awesome post :) Yeah, that's what I love about the blogging community, just how awesome and helpful and generous everybody is. Including yourself.

    Sarah Allen
    (From Sarah, With Joy)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 16:14

      It's such a cool group to be part of isn't it? I'm glad I found it.

      Delete
  37. Alex J. Cavanaugh4 April 2013 at 00:17

    You try hard enough! I appreciate you helping with the IWSG this month. Believe me, I really can't do it all. Look how late I am in visiting you today. Bad Ninja.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 16:15

      To be honest Alex, I'm surprised you made it here... the A-Z must be really tough on you, I'd hate to see your comment count at the moment!

      Delete
  38. Denise Covey 4 April 2013 at 08:30

    We're all super busy. I'd like to do more but I support bloggers as much as I can. And I founded RomanticFridayWriters which has encouraged many writers to write more! That alone is a ton of work but great all the same.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 16:23

      That sounds like a great group, Denise. Well done :-)

      Delete
  39. Unknown4 April 2013 at 11:24

    I'm amazed at how generous everyone is (Alex of course is King). I didn't get to IWSG this month because of the A-Z but I reckon if I had I'd have said, "heeeeellllpp, I can't keep up!" Well done you on co-hosting this month. I missed your post on Dan O'Brien's blog, so I'll pop over now and leave a comment...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 16:25

      Lol, I think there will be lots of 'helps' in a few days time. A-Z is intense!! Thanks for popping over to Dan's blog :-)

      Delete
  40. Unknown4 April 2013 at 14:00

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. These challenges have given me another insecurity: with so many blogs out there how will I ever stand out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford4 April 2013 at 16:34

      If that's a genuine question, my answer is to comment on every blog - not just 'follow my blog' comments, but showing real interest in the topic. The more you comment, the more people will visit your blog, follow and revisit! Slow, but it works :-)

      Delete
  41. Allison4 April 2013 at 17:12

    I am constantly amazed at the support in the blogging community. It's wonderful.

    Allison (Geek Banter)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Optimistic Existentialist4 April 2013 at 20:19

    The blogging community is one big family isn't it? :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Elizabeth Seckman4 April 2013 at 20:39

    You have helped me more than you'll ever know. Even if it's just taking a minute to ask, "Did you check the date on that post?"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford5 April 2013 at 08:58

      Lol, I'm sure you'd already figured that out before I got there, but I'm glad to hang around and help you out!

      Delete
  44. Michelle Wallace4 April 2013 at 20:40

    Congratulations on the co-hosting gig, Annalisa!
    Rest assured - you are very supportive of your fellow writers/bloggers!
    I'm off to Dan's blog now, to check out your interview...

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous4 April 2013 at 23:21

    Found you on Medeia Sharif's blog. New follower.

    All the best with Cat & The Dreamer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford5 April 2013 at 08:59

      It was a big surprise to see my book on her blog yesterday. Thanks for tracking me down and following :-)

      Delete
  46. Sheena-kay Graham5 April 2013 at 09:48

    Yes we do feel like we don't do enough sometimes but all we can do is our best. Congrats on your book Annalisa.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cassie Mae5 April 2013 at 11:06

    I totally know what you mean. I think we all feel like we could do better, but maybe we need to smack ourselves and think more positively. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford6 April 2013 at 11:35

      If we did as much as we wanted to, we'd have no time for anything else though, would we?

      Delete
  48. klahanie5 April 2013 at 17:13

    Hey Annalisa,

    You, dear lady, are the epitome for the ideals of a sharing, caring blogging community. Along with all those fine folks you mention, it's my privilege and honour to know you. Be well, smile and happy writing.

    Oh, I would add that I'm devastated finding out that,"IWSG" doesn't mean, "I Was Seeking Gary"! :)

    Um Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford5 April 2013 at 18:49

      Thank you Gary. You never know, there might be a sub-group who are seeking Gary - be careful if they find you, writers on your doorstep will want lots of cups of tea!

      Delete
  49. Murees Dupè5 April 2013 at 19:23

    I think you do just as much. You have no idea how great it feels when things aren't going my way and there you are, leaving a positive comment with really great advice. Your kind words at the right moments mean a lot to me. Thank you.

    I completely forgot about IWSG post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford6 April 2013 at 11:41

      I'm so glad my comments help :-) And don't worry about IWSG, lots of people struggled to do both!

      Delete
  50. DL Hammons5 April 2013 at 23:21

    And what a lovely job of co-hosting your doing! Although I posted on Wednesday, I forgot to designate as a IWSG post. The subject matter definitely fit though. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford6 April 2013 at 11:48

      Thanks DL. I was going to go and check out your C post, but got sidelined by your F post!

      Delete
  51. Cynthia6 April 2013 at 08:57

    I think our blogosphere is so wonderful, and I'm really grateful for the support and efforts of people who take the time to host the events that you've mentioned. But I also understand that not everyone can host or organize these kinds of events. So I consider a blogger a supportive blogger if they just bother to take the time to visit my blog, or the blog of someone else, and leave a thoughtful comment behind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford6 April 2013 at 11:53

      Comments definitely make blogging worthwhile. I see some people who complain their blog never gets comments, but then you never see that person commenting on other blogs. If I'm bored, I'll often just follow names to see which new blogs they take me to.

      Delete
  52. Anonymous6 April 2013 at 15:13

    There are so many wonderful bloggers out there who set trends, challenges, and fests. I hope I'm doing enough to support bloggers when so many have supported me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford6 April 2013 at 20:41

      Your A-Z posts this year are definitely supportive. It was great to see Cat and The Dreamer pop up on D day, thank you :-)

      Delete
  53. Donna Shields6 April 2013 at 18:26

    You're doing a wonderful job! I don't think I could keep up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annalisa Crawford6 April 2013 at 20:42

      It's ridiculously tough, Donna. No wonder Alex uses co-hosts for the IWSG!

      Delete
  54. Anonymous6 April 2013 at 23:20

    I definitely feel the same at times, like I don't do nearly as much as I should. There is only so much time in the day, and it makes it hard to get to everything, especially when you publish -- and especially when you publish yourself. I feel your pain, but I'm sure that you shouldn't be too hard on yourself.

    Sorry it took me so long to get to the post! I've had a crazy week!

    Alexandra~

    ReplyDelete
  55. Tammy Theriault8 April 2013 at 04:10

    Congrats! Exciting times, right?? Hope it went well!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Livia Peterson8 April 2013 at 04:58

    I try my best to support everyone in this awesome community and keep up with it all. I can definitely relate to you, Annalisa! Thanks for the mention - it made my day!

    ReplyDelete

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