Reader Meet Blogger

March 16, 2010 at 11:46 am mbutler22 Leave a comment

It’s nice to have an acquaintance — an understanding — of the people each of us interacts with. In our case, bloggers and readers. Our writing and feedback can reciprocate, directing us towards topics that benefit the workings of each of our crafts. And, in the process, we can come to appreciate any similarities and differences, likes and dislikes, and the odd quirks that add to our resumes of creativity.

Here’s what you need to know about me:

My name is Melissa — growing up, it was Lissa or Lis to those closest to me (nicknames derived from my grandmother). I was raised in Denver, Colo., but within the confinements of an Air Force Base, adding a small-town feel to my mountain-city upbringing. Yes, I am or was an Air Force Brat — though I never understood the saying. The West is a fundamental part of my identity. Secretly, I still believe it to be a universal truth that Mecca resides in the Rocky Mountains. I also have an unnatural liking to dry air and the smell of pine trees.

I have never not wanted to be a writer. For Christmas in the third grade, I asked Santa for a typewriter — one of those new ones that had a backspace key which would white out any mistakes. I would type letters, notes, stories — just type. I loved the look of my words in print. I still do. I’m in love with every aspect of the word business. I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing and have worked crafting words with concepts in the advertising world and now with the stories of other writers in the publishing arena.

I love my cowboy boots.

I’m a fan of Kentucky Derby type sunhats.

I like my eggs scrambled, my steak med-rare, and salsa makes everything taste better. I am, however, high maintenance in my coffee selection — double shot white chocolate mocha, please.

Along with writing, I paint and try my hand at guitar. I like festivals, camping and lake swimming. I wish Bingo was still in style. And I love to read.

I’m detailed in nature. My favorite colors are turquoise blue, emerald green and a faded sunflower yellow.

Oh, yeah … And I prefer bare feet.

I am pleased to meet you — to write with you. Join me in my exploration of writing ins and outs, dos and don’ts.

Share your own story. And after your introduction, let’s talk Writing Your Book and Blog Bio — and the Differences between them.

–Melissa

Entry filed under: Writing. Tags: Bio, blog, Blog Bio, blogger, blogging, Book Bio, Self-Publishing, Tips on writing a bio, Writing.

Weekly Writing Prompt

Imagine a setting or situation in which you would be an outsider. Say it’s your first day learning karate and the rest of your class are black belts. Or perhaps you find yourself smack dab in the middle of an NRA conference and you adamantly oppose firearms. How would you react? How would you feel? Being an outsider can often provide the perfect springboard into your character’s mentalities as well as an objective viewpoint that can be used to describe settings more naturally. (2/4/11)

Weekly Writing Tip

When it comes to writing, seeing isn’t always believing. Next time you find yourself in front of your keyboard about to begin another piece, try closing your eyes and typing. Imagine the setting, characters, thoughts and emotions you’re trying to capture and start writing without opening your eyes. Just the look of a sentence can often disrupt your flow or rhythm, and rereading what you’ve already written will not only slow you down, but upset your train of thought as well. (2/4/11)

Writing, Self-Publishing, Book Marketing