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!)



107 comments:

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

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  2. 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

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

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  3. You definitely ARE supportive of your fellow writers, Annalisa.

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  4. 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!

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

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

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  6. 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))

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

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

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

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

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  8. 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. ;-)

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    1. 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!

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  9. 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.

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

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

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  11. 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.

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

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  12. 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.

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

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  13. 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. 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 :-)

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

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  15. 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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    1. Thanks Julie. They were great questions to answer!

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  16. 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.

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    1. 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 :-)

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  17. 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. 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* :-)

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  18. 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.

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

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  20. 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. 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!

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  21. 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!

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

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

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  23. 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

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    1. 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.

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  24. 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...

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    1. 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 :-)

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

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

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  26. 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...

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  27. 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.

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

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

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  29. 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.

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

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  30. 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!

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

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  31. 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! :-)

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    1. 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!

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  32. 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.

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

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

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

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  35. 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!

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

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  36. 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)

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

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  37. 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.

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    1. 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!

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  38. 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.

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

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  39. 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...

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    1. 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 :-)

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  40. 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?

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    1. 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 :-)

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

    Allison (Geek Banter)

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

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  43. 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?"

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    1. 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!

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  44. 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...

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

    All the best with Cat & The Dreamer!

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

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

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  47. 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. :)

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

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  48. 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 :)

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    1. 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!

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  49. 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.

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

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  50. 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. :)

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

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  51. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  52. 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.

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    1. 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 :-)

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

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

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  54. 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~

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

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  56. 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!

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