Taking the Needed Break

 Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines

Photo property of the Author

Some of you may know that I've taken a couple of months off from blogging. I wanted to take the time to finish a couple of non-fiction projects that had been dragging on for a number of years.

Additionally, I wanted to rethink how useful it was to devote time to a platform that had been falling off in readership of late.

I do believe blogs are still viable but readership and to a certain extent interaction with the readers has fallen off considerably. One thing I have loved doing is sharing those pieces of history that I found through my various research projects. The question is, is the time I spend writing equal to the benefit I receive by getting the information out to the world? Or, is the time better spent preparing manuscripts that generate income? I don't know the answer but the questions are there.

As to why I took time off, I managed to get my nonfiction projects finished, published, and out into the world. The first project was on early women doctors that practiced in Colorado Springs Colorado and were buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Now that I have that first book finished I feel confident enough to delve deeper into the subject and create a much longer in-depth book about these women who ventured into what might be called unknown territory. Below is the book and the link in case anyone would like to know more.

Amazon

The second project was a series of 52 Haiku Poems and Photos from my various walks in the region. It combined two of my favorite things, sharing photos and writing poems. The book and link are below.

Amazon

I also started a newsletter of thoughts and tips on substack. It allows me to talk about things that don't always work in a blog post. Here is a link in case anyone is interested. Newsletter - Substack

Until next time, I would enjoy hearing your thought on blogging, connecting with readers, and what you are working on. 

Doris McCraw

WHY & HOW?

 Post by Doris McCraw

writing as Angela Raines

Why do we blog? How do we get readers to visit our musings and research? These questions have been on my mind for some time. 

I think most of us blog to have our work recognized. We want people to know what we have been doing, what we've been working on, and what excites us. We enjoy the feedback we used to get when people would comment. But like everything else, we have to contend with those who would ruin it for so many others. I'm speaking of the hackers and spammers. 

Blog sites have reverted to previewing comments, and when the administrators are busy, those comments are overlooked.  If you do let comments appear without vetting them, you get some pretty ugly or useless pieces in those comments. Then the administrators have to go in and delete those inappropriate posts. I've wondered about solutions, for I don't like to highlight a problem without offering solutions, but this one has me stumped.

Additionally, with so many blogs out there, the competition is pretty fierce. Yet, those who love what we share and write deserve to hear from us. I confess it is for them that I continue to offer my research, my thoughts, and my writing. Even when readers of blogs drop off during holidays and summer, it is for the special people, the readers, that I write.

So may everyone enjoy what the year continues to offer and I look forward to what others have to share.

On a more exciting note, my bookversary for the first novella I had published is fast approaching. That story piece has led to a most enjoyable ride, that is still happening, just a bit slower than expected with life's interruptions.

 An excerpt:

      Clara hummed as she put the finishing touches on the venison roast. In the two years

since arriving in Agate Gulch she prepared an annual special meal for friends. The past year was

especially wonderful. Even the gingham curtains on the restaurant windows smiled with her

tune. She felt she could finally put Henrietta 'Ettie' Heath to rest. Clara Cross was her life now.

Oliver was in the past and would stay there.

     Sensing someone behind her, as she turned her friend Sally was standing in the door.

     “You know you should sing in the church choir,” said Sally.

     “Oh I couldn't sing in public. The idea of all those people looking at me and judging, I

couldn't stand it,” replied Clara with a shudder.

     Sally's millinery shop was next to the restaurant. They both lived in homes behind their

businesses. During the past winter, she and Sally developed a strong friendship. Still, how

could Sally, who was petite and pretty, understand Clara's fear of being laughed at. Music was

her special place and any criticism would destroy that. Something most people didn't understand.

     “Clara, they would love you. Just as they love your cooking and your kind heart.”

Until next time, happy reading, writing, and have a wonderful rest of the summer.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Author of the "Agate Gulch" novellas and

the "Kiowa Wells" novels.

Angela Raines - author: Telling Stories Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

Website: Angela Raines - author