. . .much.
Okay, I lie. I do care, but I’m trying to get over it.
Blame it on the ACFW conference and all the talk about the elusive “platform.” What is a platform? It’s a way to gather a group of people who are passionate about one’s message through blogging, public speaking, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever.
What’s my message? What do I bring to the blogosphere that is different from everyone else? So far, not much, quite frankly. Sure I’ve been reviewing books. So do a lot of other people. I’ve been sharing tips and info about writing and marketing books. So do a lot of other authors.
What’s unique about me? What’s unique about the stories I write? Not the fact that I’m a Christian. Not the fact that I write contemporary romance. What makes my tales different is that my characters wrestle with environmental themes. They garden, they farm, they frequent farmers’ markets, and they talk about why it’s their lifestyle choice. Why it matters to the Earth as a whole where they live, how they live.
Are they perfect little eco-evangelists? Definitely not. The “green” movement isn’t that cut and dried. There are trade-offs in whatever choices each of us makes, and my pretend people face the same tough ones the rest of us do.
If you don’t like me, that’s okay. I can deal with it! But if this juncture intrigues you, then I DO care if you like me. Please stick around, subscribe to my blog, sign up for my newsletter. Things are going to get more focused around here, and you won’t want to miss out.
What do you think? Are you coming along for the ride?
Donna Clark via Facebook says
I like you. Just for the record.
Julie says
You convinced me!
Peace, Julie
Valerie says
Thank you, Julie! I know you’re a kindred spirit in many ways. I appreciate you.
Julie Hilton Steele via Facebook says
Same here!
Valerie Comer via Facebook says
Aw, thanks Donna and Julie! I LIKE both of you, too. 🙂
Millie Wilhelmson via Facebook says
I liked you long before you had a fan page and I’ll like you long after it is gone… so there.
Lynette Sowell says
well, I like you just fine, Valerie! 🙂
Plus, I appreciate the social media advice you give, the way you’ve learned a lot and jumped in and done it.
Also, I like the “green” theme. It’s very relevant.
But I understand what you mean about blogging. I don’t because I don’t feel like I have anything to add to what’s already out there. However, I love doing radio podcasts online and helping promote authors that way. 🙂
Valerie says
Thanks, Lynette! I’m looking forward to being a guest on your podcast soon! It’s been fun “jumping in” and getting the Romancing America blog going, and I’ll miss some of what I’ve been doing here. Still, I’ve been pretty scattershot, so a tighter focus will be a good thing.
Valerie Comer via Facebook says
Thanks, sis 🙂
Deanne Durrett says
I like you and your attitude. I want to know your passion, why you write your stories, and what took place behind the scenes that gave you the idea. That makes you a person after my own heart because that’s how I write my blog.
Valerie says
Thank you, Deanne. I’d love to get to know you better, as well. Hopefully we kindred spirits can stick together 🙂
Sherri Wilson Johnson says
I like you bunches!!! And I like what you have to say. 🙂
Valerie says
Aw, thank you, Sherri! I hope I’ll see you around some more. 🙂
Sherri Wilson Johnson says
You will!
Chana Keefer says
I think you’re cool and I appreciate that you’re wading through the same stuff I am of learning how to navigate this crazy internet ocean. Keep on keepin’ on and keep the faith, sistah!
Blessings!
Chana
Valerie says
Thank you, Chana. So many challenges, aren’t there!
JoAnn Durgin says
I’m ashamed (hanging my head here) to say I know practically zilch about environmental issues, Val, other than recycling. Part of the reason is that I have a very brown thumb and kill most everything I try to grow. I frequent farmer’s markets, though, and when I see those bottles of honey you post on FB, I want some! We need Christian writers like you to educate readers like me, among other things. I appreciate you, and yes, I LIKE you. I really LIKE you. Keep writing, and many blessings, friend.
Valerie says
Don’t be sad, JoAnn! Everyone starts somewhere. I hope you’ll be interested to stick around and see what is coming on my website and blog. I LIKE you too!
Gwendolyn Gage says
Valerie, I think you’re on the right track. As writers, we have enough hardship without adding on the desire to be liked. I’m trying to get over it myself. When we start feeling insecure, we should turn to the Word and remember, God’s opinion of us is all that matters. 🙂
Valerie says
Thanks, Gwendolyn. I appreciate you coming by and giving some words of encouragement. Hope you’ll be back 🙂
Gretchen says
I totally get you and the green tinge to your blog! I love it! I’m subscribing to your blog for sure:-)
Valerie says
Thank you, Gretchen! I appreciate you.