Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Suggestions, Please?

I started this blog just about two months ago, mostly on a whim. I had just leapt back into writing with both feet and was constantly thinking about writing. Writing about that "thinking about writing" seemed like a natural thing to do.

I've been thrilled with the response. There have been over 400 comments left on the blog since I started, nearly 100 people are following it through Google Connect, and four of the posts have had over 100 views. On the one hand, that may not seem like a lot but I know that it takes a long time for a blog to build a following and this seems like a very good start for two months in.

Thinking about the future of the blog, I know that in November I'll be writing some about my experience with NaNoWriMo. I also currently plan to stick with the four posts per week schedule I've been on recently. I plan to continue the bi-weekly "Dissecting the Short Story" posts. What I'd like to know is what my readers would be interested in seeing more of and/or added to the rotation.

So, I've put up my blog's first-ever poll. It should appear at the right side of your screen (if you're using the Blogger/Blogspot interface) and it will be open (if I've done this correctly) through 12:01 AM (I think Pacific time) on 10/11. I would be very pleased if you'd provide your feedback on what you'd like to see more of on my blog. If you select "Other" it would be helpful if you left a comment below to clarify.

Thanks for a great two months! I've enjoyed reading your comments and getting to know you. And I hope that we continue the conversation into 2012 and beyond.
Posted by at
Labels: , ,

14 comments:

  1. Ms Saba (aka Teacher007.5)October 5, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    I personally like reading interviews. I also like reading excerpts or flash fiction pieces by the blog authors :) Contests are always fun :) But getting heads up from other sources is great too. I can't always find the time to search out things on the web so to find a quick list of happenings is a time saver for me :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. JaseOctober 5, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    I really enjoy flash fiction. Like Ms Saba said though, I also like that quick list of happenings!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Michael HaynesOctober 5, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Thanks for the feedback, Ms. Saba and Jase!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ruth.the.writerOctober 5, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    I've been enjoying your blog since I found it through Rachel Harrie's Campaign. I enjoy the flash fiction a lot and I really like hearing about experiences with some of these on line events. Helps me decide whether or not I'd like to participate in the future. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Michael HaynesOctober 5, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Thanks for your input, Ruth! I am glad that you enjoy the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Marie LoughinOctober 5, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I'm not picky about format, but I'd suggest getting rid of the black background. Black print on white-ish background is easier to read. And make the font a little bigger. (Maybe that was not the sort of advice you were looking for?)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marie LoughinOctober 5, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    ...As for content, I'm not one for gimmicks, much. I like simply reading what you have to say.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Daniel R. MarvelloOctober 5, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    I too have enjoyed following your blog since I found it through the campaign. The kind of posts I enjoy most from other writers are the ones that talk about your writing process, your approach to publishing, and how you integrate writing into your life. Story excerpts are always fun, which I guess might qualify as flash fiction. Interviews can be good sources of interesting information, although that format is not my favorite (it really seems to depend on the questions). Guest posts can be cool too, if the guests are sharing information that complements your normal fare. In general, I follow your blog because I'm interested in what YOU are doing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Karen WoodwardOctober 5, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Grats on your success! You're right, for two months those are great numbers. Heck, for six months those are great numbers! Love your blog, keep up whatever you're doing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Michael HaynesOctober 5, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    @Marie, thanks for the design comments. I'll give that some consideration. I liked this template at first, but it's kind of a pain for links because they end up (by default) light gray on dark gray so I've had to hand-color them all. I appreciate knowing that you'd like a different color scheme and am also glad to know that you like what I've been putting on the blog so far!

    @Daniel, thanks for your input. I need to do more research on how posting excerpts from stories impacts future publication. That's why I've shied away from doing any sort of excerpts.

    @Karen, thank you so much! I had very fortunate timing, starting my blog just a few weeks before the Campaign. It is nice to hear that you like what you've read here so far.

    Thanks to everyone for taking the time to provide this feedback!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Deborah WalkerOctober 6, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    You've done so well, Michael. I voted for contests, markets and polls. I like a good poll.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Michael HaynesOctober 6, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Thanks, Deborah! I appreciate your input.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Doreen McGettiganOctober 7, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    I think you are doing really well for two months into this!! It is a labor of love just like our writing. I suppose I was the only one who picked guest posts?
    Congratulations and keep up the good work. Personally I enjoy stuff like the time management. Although I am a writer and this is what I do we all have issues with one thing or another...mine is for certain time management:)
    It really helps to read what others do...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Michael HaynesOctober 7, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Thanks, Doreen. I appreciate your votes in the poll and your comments. Glad to know that the time management post was interesting for you!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)