Wednesday, June 22, 2011

What's in it for you.

I get emails all the time (and I love them). My peeps who noticed I’ve been distant (thanks the writing bug) and those who are new and either want a friend or want blogging advice. All emails are welcome in fact they’re encouraged.


However sometimes I get weird ones.

You all know I love to promote some awesome people on this here blog. Elana Johnson, Lisa & Laura Roecker, Candyland, Rose Cooper… Umm I think you get the point. Some published others aren’t but the joy is in the smiles I put on their faces and the smiles they put on mine.

Most people send emails telling me how sweet they think I am (and secretly I want to ship off several dozens of cupcakes in thanks). Just the other day I got the opposite email.

What’s in it for you?

It was a valid question. I suppose it could have been viewed as several different ways but it had me wondering how I’d answer it. So I figured I might as well share it here!

Here’s the answer: I blog what I want. Much like I write what I want to read.

I choose all the fabulous people on my blog very carefully. I have been known to say no. It isn’t because I don’t like someone it’s because it takes a lot of time to prepare a post and sometimes I’m too busy. However every time I have someone on my blog it’s because I love them and want to support then just like I hope one day everyone will want to support me when I’m looking to do some shameless promotion. If they don’t that’s okay too. I do it because I want to. It’s that simple.

How do you feel about sharing the love of bloggers and authors you adore?

28 comments:

Miranda Hardy said...

I've never been asked that, but I'm glad you addressed it. Being supportive is important, not only to writers, but to everyone. I'm glad you feel this way.

D. U. Okonkwo said...

There should be more people supporting like you, Jen. I've been following you for a while and think how you support other writers is great. Like Miranda said, it's what all authors should be doing. It's called LOVE, peops :o)

kah said...

How could we not love blogging about others who we adore and wish the best for? I'm all about it. And I know you are too, which is one of the many reasons I love you. :)

Lo Hughes said...

As a relatively long term reader, I can tell that you only promote people who you truly love. As a result, I totally trust your book recommendations and have found several new favourite authors as a result!! Thanks for all your hard work :-)

Sarah said...

Wow, that's kind of a cynical question. I get it, but I think your answer makes a lot of sense--it feels good to lift others up. And not because you expect them to do something for you, too. Great answer, Jen.

Katie Ganshert said...

I would have been totally taken aback by that question. Sheesh! You answered with much grace and poise. Well done!

Renae said...

Great answer Jen! It's great how supportive you are of other writers...that's why we all keep coming back for more!

Matthew MacNish said...

Someone actually emailed you to ask you that? How weird.

Wait. It wasn't me, was it?

Jess said...

I think you should do whatever you want--it's your stinking blog. It's the same thing as a relationship though--you should feature someone because you want to and not because you feel pressured or obligated. Sincerity shows. Great post!

Jennifer said...

Your answer is perfect. I think as long as you are being honest about liking or recommending something that is "whats in it for you". The honest sharing of things that make you happy or excited. I have gotten some weird emails myself but I love weird so.....anyway great post thanks for sharing.

Laura Pauling said...

Seriously, that's a huge part of the reason why I started a blog. I wanted to support the authors, writers and books that I love!

Christina Lee said...

Seriously?!?!? Whatever!

Your response sounded spot on to me. ((HUGS))

Suze said...

'I blog what I want. Much like I write what I want to read.'

Very nice.

Johanna Garth said...

Yikes to that question! I think you answered it perfectly. When people don't love what they're doing or supporting it's usually pretty transparent.

Gail said...

What a horrible question!

I have found many wonderful people through your blog that I would not have known otherwise.

Thank you.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

What's in it for me is the excitement of sharing one of my blogger buddies with the world! I also ONLY promote my blogger buddies. And my blog followers are a unique (but Ninja-awesome) bunch, so I only present to them what I think they'd enjoy.
Which means hopefully they all like Hot Tamales!

Summer Ross said...

Whats in it for me- honestly I love this writing community- I couldn't have asked for better blogging buddies and I've made some really wonderful friends. I enjoy being apart of it, I enjoy helping others promote their work, and the blogfests!

I want to do my part to help move others forward, to encourage when needed, and to host guests just for the fun of what they might answer to my questions.

Great post Jen.

asdfasdfasdf said...

i'd have no idea how to answer that! but it's your blog, do what you want.

so good answer! haters gonna hate, y'know? (i just like saying that)

Nicole Zoltack said...

I love to support other authors on my blog. My blog isn't just for me, it's for my readers too.

Jennifer Hillier said...

That's a strange question, but you handled it perfectly. And I'm glad that you blogged about it!

You have built a lot of really beautiful friendships through your blog (I know, because I'm one of them!). So I definitely know what's in it for ME. :)

Jennie Bailey said...

What an odd question to ask someone! What's in it for you? When you like people, you want to do nice things for them. That's if you're a decent person. You don't ask a friend for ANYthing in return. You're not friends with someone because of what they can do for you. You're a naturally sweet person!

Kerrie said...

That is a very interesting question to ask someone. It seems to me that we do nice things and support other writers/bloggers because we value who they are and respect the time and energy we know goes into writing.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Wow -- why would anyone email you that question? I recently responded on somebody's blog post about the general supportiveness of bloggers and mentioned that I had never seen a "troll" on a blog. But that comes dangerously close.

It seems to me that most bloggers are trying to make connections with other people, and connections are forged through positive interaction. Why else are we all here, visiting each other's blogs?

Ellie Garratt said...

What a strange question. We blog because we want to, and because we love and respect our fellow bloggers. What more could we want than that?

Ellie Garratt

Samantha Sotto said...

Okaaaaay. Now that's an ODD question. It's your blog and you can do whatever you want with it.

Wishing you the best with your writing! :)

Liz P said...

This is a community about not just our writing journeys and writing tips, but most importantly supporting each other. I'm happy to be a part of that and support others where I can, whether it's leaving a comment or blogging about a writer's new book. It's uplifting that our community is so ready to support one another - I think we're all just good people, you know? Plus we understand how much work and effort it takes to meet our various writing goals.

Anonymous said...

Blogging is a great way to help support and help promote your fellow writer/author. It's also a great way to make new friends in the writing/cyber community.

Meredith said...

When you offered to feature me on your blog, expecting nothing in return, it blew me away. You are a warm, generous soul and a talented writer I hope someday to pay it forward. I know that day will come!