Tribute Week – My Favorites
I’d like to spend a little bit of time giving credit where credit is due. I’ve been blogging for a year, and in that year, I have met some outstanding people…bloggers and web workers. I’d like to introduce you to those you haven’t met yet and celebrate a friendship in common with those you have.
As things go in the internet world, I don’t pretent these people adore me as much as I adore them. The ones you meet today all know who I am. The ones you will meet on Friday are outstanding writers whose sites I recommend to anyone in love with the process of laying down words. And please, if you are not included here, chances are that we have simply not spent much time emailing each other.
Now here’s the TMI. I don’t make friends easily. I find trust a hard and prickly thing to hold that injures as much as it smells sweet. I can tell you honestly that I trust those I introduce you today. I might even use sentimental terms like soul sister/brother, intellectual attraction, and heart friend.
Jamie Simmerman: Ah, what can I say about Jamie? She truly is the sweetheart of blogopolis. She is also very real, intelligent, and fun. Jamie owns/runs Blue Duck Copy and will be writing for Rising Upward. This incredible woman is so much more than a survivor. She is an overcomer and sparkles with grace.
Cassie (JC Hart): Here’s another sweetheart of blogopolis and a wonderful writer. The mother of two small girls, Cassie’s life is a balancing act between writing and family. She handles it far more gracefully than I would. She is wonderful to chat with and both insightful and kind.
Anthony Pacheco, Hack Writer: As a member of Anthony’s blog harem, I am certain I am obligated to say enough nice things about Anthony to fill a book. However, you don’t have that much time. Anthony is also real, and he isn’t shy about calling it like it is. His forthrightness, love of good food, and dedication to writing is always a soft encouragement, a deserved kick in the arse, or a strong hand to help you get over the next hurdle.
Harry & James (and Charlie, Taylor): Though I don’t know Charlie or Taylor well, I think I’d really like hanging out with them. James is an incredibly creative person and my respect for him is deep. Harry is also insanely creative with a firm grip on my respect. How can I explain the difference between the two in my personal view? Hmm. I’d cheerfully follow James into trouble and adventure. I’d gleefully help Harry create it.
Lance is one of the most uplifting, encouraging people I know, and he has no problem climbing down into the mud with anyone who needs support and help to stand. His Sunday reflections are always beautiful. He has also come alongside me in amazing ways.
Brad Vertrees and I share part of the same brain, I think. What he links and what he posts about are so in sync with what I’m seeing and thinking it’s downright scary sometimes (except the iphone stuff, sorry Brad hehe). He and I are both carefully watching this industry on many fronts: publishing, ebooks, the way reading is changing, what it means for authors, and the growth of quality self publishing. He is also encouraging, often posting something that smacks me right when I need it.
Matthew Dryden is Matthew, and wise beyond his years. He is one of the most honest writers I’ve ever read.
Sumar and I are separated by half the globe and most of a generation but stand together on so many other things, including processes and methods that work for us.
Alex Moore is a very cool lady. I got to know her through Anthony and am so glad I did.
Melissa Donovan’s blog was the first I learned how to follow when I figured out feed readers and still a place I go to often.
The gang at my favorite fantasy genre forum (who think I’ve dropped off the face of the earth). The forum is small enough to feel that you belong, and big enough to get help and answers. Genres include fantasy, science fiction, horror, and speculative fiction.
aw thanks for the love hun, and for the record I totally adore you as much as you do me!
Congratulations first of all on your one year anniversary. How nice to get to meet those you’ve met along the way. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, learning and discovering as much as I can about writing. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the link list! More people to read
Aww, this is so sweet! I LOVE making friends! I am like you, though, I don’t make really close friends very easily. It takes a lot of time.
Congrats on your anniversary!
Hi BJ,
Happy “One Year”!! You’ve found a wonderful place to share your voice here. And our paths would never have crossed were you not out here on the Internet. So, for that, for you creating this space, I am very much thankful for.
BJ, I’m honored, and deeply humbled, by your kind words here today. Know that this really mean a lot to me today…thank you.
Mr. Up-At-the-Crack-of-Dawn-Lance-Ekum was bubbling from my inbox about this post before I even cracked an eyelid this morning. So, here I am, reading wymj after a long night of work, before I’ve had coffee.
It was worth dragging my butt out of bed to visit. Happy First Year, Barb. If anyone deserves a wonderful, second year, it’s definitely you. I’ll save all the mushy stuff for an email, but, Thank You.
Happy one year anniversary! That’s big time.
I know a little more than half the list, but since I agree with everything you’ve said about the ones I do know, I’m eager to discover the others.
Happy blogging birthday.
Thank you for the kind compliments!
Thank you so much for your kind words and including me on this list!
Thank you for the wonderful response to my tribute. The hardest part was imposing limits, especially with so many writers and bloggers I enjoy who take the time to comment here. You have all helped me grow and your friendship is precious.