Wednesday, April 15, 2009

PBW2K

According to Blogger, tomorrow's post will be the 2000th entry I add to Paperback Writer. My count is 1856 published, but I checked the archives and turns out there are 144 draft posts I've also written that for whatever reason I didn't publish. I think I'll queue them up and take off the next twenty weeks. See you all in October.

Kidding. Would I do that to you guys? Well, at least now you know I can.

I don't do open thread posts (for reasons that would doubtless insult the bloggers who do them) but I like polls and visitor request posts, and whether we're at the two thousandth or eighteen hundred fiftieth mark, I think we're about due for one. So if you don't mind answering some questions:

What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here?

Which posts are the most helpful to you?

Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay?

What can I do to make PBW a better resource for writers?

Readers, anything specific you'd like to see here on the blog?

Disgruntled stalkers, getting tired of coming here every day yet?

Visitors, paying attention now, aren't you?

Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K? If so, why?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you care to make, anonymously or otherwise.

25 comments:

  1. Keep the humor.

    Seriously, I think you've got a good balance of information on this blog. You touch on a lot of topics that many people seem to be interested in, and have a quirky enough personality and just enough personalization to make it not seem dry or boring. Thanks. I wouldn't be here if I didn't find this place so valuable.

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  2. What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here?

    Helpful hints for beginner writers.

    Which posts are the most helpful to you?

    Almost all of them, both for my craft and when I need a good laugh.

    Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay?

    Okay with the status quo.

    What can I do to make PBW a better resource for writers?

    Can't think of much you DON'T do.

    Disgruntled stalkers, getting tired of coming here every day yet?

    Nope. I plan on stalker for quite some time.

    Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K? If so, why?

    No. What would I do all day? Work? Ha!

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  3. Kristen3:43 AM

    Whatever you decide to do works for me. Every day I learn something new or laugh, or realize something I should have known sooner.

    Or find out there's a new ebook waiting for me to dive into, get lost in and go, wow, if only I had that skill. ;)

    Congrats on 2k.

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  4. Lynn, I love your posts and monitor them daily via google reader. (The reader is the greatest invention for blogs, I swear.)

    What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here?Sagging middle, pacing, characterization, royalties, what publishers are looking for, self-editing (technique & things to watch out for)

    Which posts are the most helpful to you?The writing posts, plus your posts on the ten stuff free off the net. However, I also enjoyed the glimpses into your daily life.

    Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay?The current amount is fine.

    What can I do to make PBW a better resource for writers?Interesting research links, links which you found helpful

    Readers, anything specific you'd like to see here on the blog?More freebies? Haha... Seriously, more recommendations on great reads would be appreciated.

    Thanks for the opportunity to give feedback!

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  5. Amycath6:31 AM

    Good heaven no! Please don't stop. I check your blog every morning (even though I'm not a writer) because I enjoy all the interesting links you put up, your humorous pieces and the little snippets of life. I am also impressed by how seriously you treat your blog and your readers. Thanks for doing it.

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  6. I'm always needing more on characterization and plotting. :) Always.

    And more John and Marcia.

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  7. I say, if it works, don't mess with it. The blog is a nice, eclectic mix right now, which makes it entertaining and keeps it from being stale.

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  8. tess von8:00 AM

    What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here?
    More about ebook publishing,file types and the future impact of Kindle in the writing/publish world. Links and Ideas about creativity. Links and how to podcast/make youtube videos-in regards to marketing and promoting a writer's work.

    Which posts are the most helpful to you? Like your top 10's and the website/software links. found this site via a link. Any posts that help the new writer.

    Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay? Your humor is great!

    What can I do to make PBW a better resource for writers? Keep writing and researching websites/books and resources that assist new and novice writers.

    Readers, anything specific you'd like to see here on the blog? other than a hunk-of-the-week club, your site is a great resource, reading archives is a treat. Keep going until you reach 3000 posts.

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  9. Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K?Are you trying to give me a heart attack first thing in the morning? Geez.

    Seriously, Lynn. I need my morning PBW like I need my coffee. I like the way you do things around here. I don't think you need to change anything, but sometimes change is good. Use your best judgement - it's always been right in the past.

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  10. I'm with Shiloh on more John and Marcia. I like the humor and the mix of topics. I like knowing what new books and re-issues are coming out for my shopping list. If you're taking requests, career survival is a good topic; not just selling books but thriving as a creative person and keeping the work invigorated.

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  11. I agree with BE Sanderson--you are part of my morning routine, and I wouldn't want you to change a thing.

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  12. First - you can't shut down... I read you religiously.

    What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here? Tips on how beginners can get that story they have in their head started on paper.

    Which posts are the most helpful to you? I love the think posts you put up on various subjects.

    Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay? I like it the way it is... don't mess with success.

    What can I do to make PBW a better resource for writers? Possible links on side for reference to relevant posts.

    Readers, anything specific you'd like to see here on the blog? Not that I can think of at the moment.

    Disgruntled stalkers, getting tired of coming here every day yet?
    Hey we are stalkers - we fans :P

    Visitors, paying attention now, aren't you? Huh what... you talking to me?

    Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K? If so, why? NO Why? Because we say so.

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  13. Don't change a thing! Like the others you're part of my morning routine and I don't know what I'd do without you.

    The stalkers? Well they can move, I happen to know there's an opening as 7734 Brimstone :-)

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  14. What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here?

    The ones where you talk about your experiences in the industry.

    Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay?

    Current amount is great :)

    Readers, anything specific you'd like to see here on the blog?

    I do enjoy seeing excerpts, or when you talk about the status of your current projects and upcoming projects. (And those sneak peeks into your daily life/writing life!)

    Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K? If so, why?

    Um, no.. I'm a daily reader :) Love it, and so glad you continued on even after stopping your other blog.

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  15. Anonymous1:12 PM

    What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here? I’d like to see more of your thoughts about writing issues of stamina, commitment and getting over blocks.

    Which posts are the most helpful to you? Your nature photography often perks up some writerly part of my brain.

    Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay? I hadn’t noticed any problems with humor, so I guess it should stay the same.

    What can I do to make PBW a better resource for writers? You’re going great, don’t stop.

    Readers, anything specific you'd like to see here on the blog? Maybe more ‘Middle of the book’ strategies?

    Disgruntled stalkers, getting tired of coming here every day yet? But I’m not here every day!

    Visitors, paying attention now, aren't you? Heh!

    Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K? If so, why? NOOOOOOooooooo o o o o o o o !

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions you care to make, anonymously or otherwise. You are welcome.

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  16. Readers, anything specific you'd like to see here on the blog?I'm fascinated by the behind the scenes writers group stuff you cover. LOVE the snark!
    Your humor is very much appreciated, please keep it up.

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  17. Now, see, I had just sloughed the last bit of memory of one of your disgruntled stalkers who likes to bugle about some imagined insult you perpetrated, and you had to go and refresh my memory. At least you're in good company---all the blogging authors I like are apparently extremely offensive.

    I've been checking here daily for a couple of years and find you both informative and entertaining, so I'd say this is a rare instance of the status quo working just fine.

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  18. I'm always up for more John and Marcia. Otherwise, if you keep doing what you've been doing we'll keep getting what we've been getting and that works for me.

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  19. Don't change anything. I love the mix. I do enjoy know more about what new books are in the works. I come everyday. I am also enjoying your PBWindow blog. Just have to ask about the To Say Nothing of the Cat blog. I have 3 cats and found your two posts amusing - if you are ever inclined to add more... I follow your blogs on Bloglines and if you are interested there are 199 people following PB writer and 2 for the other blogs.

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  20. I've been off the computer for the last three weeks so I'm glad I made it back for this momentous occasion. I think it's unanimous that we like you just the way you are, Lynn. Congrats! My only suggestion is that if you need somebody to proof read anything you are thinking about publishing I think I might know someone who's available. HINT HINT. Sorry, it's just hard to wait for release dates!

    Oh, and John and Marcia rock!

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  21. Q:What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here?
    A: I want to know more about the Darkyn. Unless you are covering the answers to my questions in future books. What happened to John and Luisa? Do the Darkyn ever defeat the Brethren? Will we see more of Alex and Mike in the Kyndred series?

    Q:Which posts are the most helpful to you?
    A: I like your top 10 lists. They are very helpful.

    Q:Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay?
    A: I love your humor. You have actually made me spit coffee before. Keep it up when you can, no one is expecting constant humor...that would be unnatural.

    Q:Disgruntled stalkers, getting tired of coming here every day yet?
    A: I am very much a stalker...not disgruntled though...

    Q:Visitors, paying attention now, aren't you?
    A: what?.....Oh look a chicken!...something shiney!

    Q:Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K? If so, why?
    A:NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

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  22. Deanne10:30 PM

    Nooo!!!dont stop this blog..im always looking forward with your inputs and i love hearing from you.you're actually on my speed dial so i get to see this blog anytime i want. please continue.

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  23. You people have to start complaining, you know, or my ego will acquire the dimensions roughly equal to that of Texas -- if it hasn't already after reading these comments.

    Seriously, thank you for all the kind words. I don't deserve you guys.

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  24. Keita Haruka11:15 AM

    To answer the poll questions (late, I know. :P):

    1) What writing- or publishing-related topics are you interested in reading here?

    All of them I suppose. With emphasis on the process of writing more than publishing. Although publishing is an important part of the process...you have to have something TO publish before you can publish it. :P I think there are more aspiring writers who value professional tips and guidance...or just writers like me who write for the fun of it without seriously thinking about publishing and would just like some insight into how to improve their skills and become better at it.

    2) Which posts are the most helpful to you?

    See the above answer. The publishing ones are valuable too, and the opps lists. It's encouraging to see opps being availible, and the publishing ones...well, I personally like having that insight into how it works in real life conditions on the odd times when I wonder if MAYBE I should try for publication. :P

    3) Would you like to see more humor, less humor, or is the current amount okay?

    I like the mix just like it is. :D

    4) What can I do to make PBW a better resource for writers?

    I really can't think of anything you aren't doing. There's something of everything, and there's nothing here I haven't found either helpful, insightful or amusing.

    5) Want me to shut down the blog after post 2K? If so, why?

    NO. Empathically and very definitely. :P I may not visit every day, but I do read it all! I find it personally enriching and were it to disappear, it would definitely leave a gaping hole.

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  25. Anonymous11:57 AM

    Congratulations on reaching 2K! (okay a little premature but I'm positive you will get there.)

    I admit a weakness for reading about anything related to the creative process. My favorite blog entry written by you was on the Genreality site: The Last Word. I've reread it at least 4 times and laughed every time.

    2. I'm born under a cat sign so I'm curious about everything.

    3. Your humor is fine. During the worst moments of my life I have depended on my sense of the absurd to get me through.

    4. IDK. You are doing a good job.

    5. I appreciate reading about any subject you have to offer. I've enjoyed the book suggestions, the scribd offerings, the backyard dramas, progress reports on what you are writing and when they are due out, etc. These items are why I visit your blog frequently.

    6. Stalking is there a guide on that? (more reading material) LOL Not that it isn't an interesting concept but I'm too independent to spend my time following someone else around.

    7. YUP.

    8. No. As long as you care to write your blog, I will be reading it. But I respect that there comes a time when every thing ends. When that happens I hopefully will only whimper and not act like the mad woman.

    Good Luck!

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