Do We Really Need Another Blog?

I have been asked a number of times why I’m starting a blog. After all, there are around 75 MILLION blogs on WordPress alone!

Here’s the deal…I am working to get some books published. The publishing coach says every publisher wants the writer to have a ready-made audience. One suggested way of increasing readership is through a blog. Here is my bio/intro. Hope you aren’t offended by the levity. I am really trying, but taking myself seriously – I gave up on that a few years ago. I have too many faults, yes, and quirks. NO ONE has ever read my stories and this is a total leap of faith. 

I like to write but the problem is, I like to write my own way. Having to follow rules is driving me over the edge! Here is the acceptable form of a bio I am to submit.

Kara Beth Sheek Huddleston has degrees in music education and media communications. She is a lifelong learner whose interests often show up as story elements. In her imaginative romance books, she wants to entertain yet encourage the reader to think outside the box. Kara Beth believes in love at first sight, and happily-ever-after is a choice and a process, not a destination. Her conservative viewpoints and politically incorrect scenarios are sure to provoke thought and conversation.

Through the years, Kara Beth led children’s classes and choirs, wrote and produced Christian children’s musicals, taught elementary music, accompanied, solo gigged as pianist and harpist, and gives private lessons. She was also a homebound tutor for a large high school and has costumed for churches, schools, and community and regional theater.

She and her husband, a retired teacher, live in Georgia. She and Ronald have three daughters, one foster son, corresponding in-laws, perfect grandchildren, and many ‘children of the heart’.

BORING!

Here is my first, unacceptable attempt. I won’t share the whole proposal, just the part that relates to a bio.

I swear! Writing a book proposal is harder than any book I ever came up with! I never was any good at coloring in the lines, and I still can’t follow a recipe to save my life! Marching to the beat of my own drummer gives a whole new meaning to syncopation.

My daughters describe me as quirky. I self-identify as a silver haired, sophisticated matron who wishes her creative efforts be dispersed before she leaps enthusiastically into eternity. It’s all about perspective.

Creative writing has been in my imaginative head since childhood. I wanted to be a journalist. Mama said to be a teacher.

My music degree resulted in teaching music off and on through the years. I accompanied, gigged, harassed my children to be musicians, directed and costumed multiple church, school, and community theater productions. My media communications degree helped me be more organized and write more flowing storylines. Other than that, it was pretty much a waste. Except I like to study. I am definitely a lifelong learner.

I’ve written children’s books and produced original Christian children’s musicals. Recent opportunities to write have come my way in the form of children’s Bible lessons, parenting letters, letters to my great-nephew’s Army unit, and of course, the proverbial letters to whichever politician crosses my conservative ideology!

My only claim to fame in real publishing was for my denomination’s ministers’ magazine. My topic for the series was things ministers habitually say from the pulpit that are grammatical train wrecks that drive me crazy. It lasted for a few publications. Not a particularly popular topic, as you can imagine.

After years of wishing I could write a book, I determined that nothing was stopping me but my lack of confidence. I decided to write for the fun of it and not worry whether or not I got published. I’ve found great joy in the process.

However, by reading a number of books published by a well-known company, I see my books are as well written as those, maybe even better! “Why not give it go?” says I! So here we go!   …

So far, my heroines are all Christians on the right path. Except they are too much like me…too prone to get aggravated, have a tendency to say a naughty word now and then, speak their minds too regularly, boss everyone around, or give in when they should stand firm. Diamonds in the very rough.  …

If you are still reading this and think, “We’ve got a goofball here, Ethyl,” I’m pretty sure you’re right. Or maybe I’m just clueless. I used to be blonde. 

Now which sounds more like me? Exactly! Hence, I will use my blog to express myself between forced bouts of adhering to fixed guidelines. 

So you see the reasoning behind my subtitle for my blog – Somewhere between Nonsense and Knowledge. 

        Enough nonsense for today. Blessings! KB

Since I wrote this, I have decided to self-publish so I can write whatever I very well please. You’ll understand why as I share my “authority problem” blogs. But here is some knowledge for the day.

Psalm 139:6 speaking of God’s wisdom. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me and too lofty for me to attain.

I had to add a special warning about my blogs and books.

Caveat Emptor

Books by KB may contain a few naughty words, occasional inappropriate behaviors, conservative viewpoints and religious ideologies, politically incorrect scenarios, activities beyond ‘neuro normal’, and plain old imagination. If any of these things would cause offense, feel free to keep on walkin’ down the line and buy someone else’s books. If you want a fun read, come on, grab a glass of iced tea, pull up a chair, sit a spell, and enjoy.