Did you do your homework? Are you prepared with a favorite song? One that will surely live on through the ages? Oh, is that not what I asked for? Well, you have a few minutes before you have to share, so if you’re not prepared you have time to scramble. Last week we talked about Immortal movies and since it’s the holidays most of you named holiday themed movies. That was great! Here is a wonderful countdown of the top twenty-five Christmas movies. I think you’ll enjoy it.
As far as great reads go, lay them on me. There are a lot of wonderful bloggers in our midst that talk about and review books regularly. Be sure to follow them. Check out Emma’s Ramblings on Supernatural Fiction, Fabio Bueno’s YAmondAY, or Story Addict to start. Now before I can break into song there’s business to attend to, immortal business.
I spent hours trolling the internet this week, Google and YouTube being a couple of my favorite stops when looking for the immortal topic that sings to me. It’s how I’ve happened upon some of the most amazing gems. Gems such as archeological treasures that have been hidden or buried for centuries, or how I found the truth behind some of our more hidden myths regarding immortals such as the Sidhe.
But like many of the subjects we cover, it is time for Immortal Monday to become a thing of the past. You may consider this my New Year’s Resolution, but it’s time for me to prioritize and devote my time accordingly. Since I’m currently finding it difficult to keep up with the blog comments, and my editing and writing just aren’t happening as much as they should, it makes sense to let go of the most time-consuming post I have running. For too long now I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and that hasn’t really worked out. Going forward, the hope is I will find more time to socialize on other blogs and read all the great articles and posts out there.
I may bring back IM in another form at some point in 2013, but for now this is Immortal Monday’s farewell. So raise your glasses and toast all the great things that will come from this. I don’t regret taking on Immortal Monday. I learned a lot of fabulous things, met some great people and had a ton of fun. But serious blogging of this nature becomes a second job. When it takes away from the writing and starts to affect your health, it’s time to make a change.
There are a lot of social media coaches out there that will say you must blog frequently and with high quality content to make a name for yourself. Maybe that’s so, depending on what publisher you’re hoping to sign with, or which indie route you’re planning on taking. But I’ve also met successful authors, both traditional and indie that don’t blog and they’ll tell you that what you need most is to write a damn good book. Well, you know what? That’s what I’ve been trying to do. And somewhere along the line I got distracted. Now I’m turning my focus back to what matters.
You’ll still catch me posting short fiction pieces with Friday Fictioneers and whenever I have something to say. You’re more likely to see this blog take on a more readers appeal. Stories vs. high concept. I hope that you will stay with me through this journey.
Now that that’s been said, it’s time to ring in the holiday spirit and share our songs. I thought we all would enjoy something fun and upbeat. I feel like dancing, how about you? Have you sent Santa your Christmas list yet?
Regardless of how you like to celebrate the holidays, these songs were picked especially for you.
While I’m sorry to see Immortal Monday’s laid to rest, having read some of your stories, I have to say I think you’re on the right track. I also think you’ll be happier doing what you love the most. I also think you’re on to something about changing your blog up so it has more reader appeal. If I can ever figure out how to make that work on mine, I might do something similar.
Good luck…and may you be blessed with many extra hours of productive writing time. I need more good reading material for my down time. 🙂
While I’m sorry to see Immortal Monday go (I was a regular reader even if I didn’t always have the chance to comment), I understand why you’re doing it. I can’t wait to read some of what you’re working on come the new year.
Debra, I can soooo understand this! I can only imagine how much time those IM posts must take to research! That’s one of the things I find most frustrating about this blogging thing, too. I enjoy learning things I didn’t know about my own hometown, but the research really takes time, and that’s before writing the post. That’s why I switched to doing “Misfit Monday” every other week – those I don’t have to research at all! 😀 Now if I could only figure out something that’s a passion of mine that other people share…
Well, you know how much I love IM, but I also know what it feels like to be swamped with things to do. IM had a good run, and it’s time for you to do what’s best for you. Here’s to hoping it comes back some day when you have more time!
Congrats on your new direction, Debra. Such decisions aren’t always easy, but they’re often ultra important. As for Santa, I gave him my list in person yesterday. *fingers crossed!* 😉
My very favorite Christmas song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I597YUXw1E
I am sorry for the end of IM, but I am glad we will still see you on FF and some stories/posts and, of course, I hope you will continue to grace me with your comments on my posts.
Scott
Farewell IM, we will miss you. You know I totally support your decision to retire IM and work on your books. It’s a tough decision to make, so I applaud you for putting writing first. I’m excited for what you’ll come up with on the blog!
Debra, I will miss Immortal Mondays…it has been a wonderful series, but I totally get the need to cut back and focus on the priorities. Me too. And thanks for the fun with Thor. that was a hoot.
I’ve always been in awe over your IM posts, because I knew you had to be putting in some serious research and work to get them out! I agree with everything you said. Blogging can easily turn into another full time job. Here’s to a productive, successful new writing year! And Happy Holidays. 🙂
I was always in awe at the sheer amount of research involved with Immortal Mondays. Job well done! Now let’s see some of that writing 😀
I’m going to miss Immortal Mondays, but you’re right: you need to focus on your health and writing! And we can always talk immortals on Twitter 🙂
Hi Debra, I found you through Immortal Mondays and will miss these posts, but you need to do what’s best for you and your writing. Good luck with your book and I look forward to reading more fiction from you x
Gonna miss the Immortal Mondays, but totally understand that blogging is a job in and of itself. New year – new goals! Good for you.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
You have to do what you’re called to do, and that’s write! Don’t be disappointed. 🙂
Debra, I really like that you are saying no to Immortal Mondays in order to say yes to the great book. Keeps your eyes on the prize, sister!
I’ll miss Immortal Mondays but I get how blogging can become a second job that eats up your creativity. You need to do the right thing for you. Happy writing and I hope to read more of your stories soon 🙂
Farewell, Immortal Monday. Good for you, Debra, for adjusting your focus when you need to! I look forward to seeing your stories. 🙂