Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Apologies Apologies Apologies


Sorry sorry sorry to anyone who comes to this blog and then realizes it hasn't been updated since September.  I started working full time last October and that's my main excuse. In addition, I'm doing freelance research for a friend's books about Hollywood.  In between, I'm trying to find time to complete my own novel (I'm almost done.  Really.  I know I've said that 9, 992 times before, but it's really true this time.  I promise.) And family, did I mention family?  Love them, great to have them, but, boy, are they a distraction.  So I guess it will be a while before there's a real update.  
Also, I have to find a new name for this blog.  I changed the name of the forest in my novel so now Tales from the Darkling Forest makes no sense.  (I know, newbie mistake naming the blog after a work-in-progress.  I'll never do THAT again.)  If anyone was has any brilliant ideas for a new name, let me know.

Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by.

115 comments:

  1. You've been blitzed by DL Hammons! Happy Blitz Day!

    Sounds like you've had a busy year! Congrats on the new job and all the other wonderful distractions! :-D

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    1. What! You guys are awesome! I never expected to be so honored.

      Thank you, Tanya. It's been non-stop and I know it's only going to get busier. Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Happy Blitz Day! It sounds like you've been really busy. Good luck with the title. I guess you'll have to figure out what the topic of your blog will be, and then select a name from there.

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    1. Yeah, sometimes life gives no quarter. But I wouldn't change it. The topic is writing and anything else I feel like talking about. So, yeah, kind of could be anything.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. That sounds like fascinating research (I'm a film buff)! Happy blitz day!

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    1. Me too! The research I'm doing is actually about classic TV in the 50s, 60s and 70s, stuff I remember watching as kid, so it's a blast. So far, I've interviewed David Cole from the Mod Squad and even talked to Catwoman, Julie Newmar. I was awestruck.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Happy Blitz Day!!! And I'm now following your blog so I can see the updates when they come. :)

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    1. "When" they come. I love your optimism! Yes, I would love to do more with it. Thanks so much for following. Now I just have to deliver. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. You should title the blog after yourself so it's easy to find you. Hope all is well and Happy Blitz.

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    1. Of course you're right, M. A writer ought to brand herself. Yes, I that's a great idea. Glad to meet you and thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Congrats on being close to being finished! I'm almoost there, and it's such a great feeling. Happy Blitz!

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    1. Yes! It is a great feeling. But I've been there before, only to go back to the beginning again. But this time I'm determined it will be the last (unless a kindly agent or editor suggests revisions). Thanks for your comment!

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  7. I agree with M Pax, it's good to put your name in the blog title so folks can easily find you! Good luck in your writing endeavors.

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    1. Thank you, Catherine. I think she's right too. Thank you for good wishes and thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Don't worry about the gap...just do what you can do. That's the thing about blogs, they will always be here for us...well, as long as you pay the hosting bill that is. Happy Blitz!

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  9. I'm stopping by for the Blitz as well.

    Bummer that you had to change your forest's name. Understandable, though - it happens in a WIP. :) I have experience changing my blog's URL before - I keep finding broken links even now, a long time later. But your stats come across, even if it takes a while for your blog to show up in Google before your old one does.

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  10. Dropping by to say Happy Blitz! :)

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  11. Have a Happy blitz Day

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  12. Stopping by to say: Happy Blog Blitz Day to you!! It would be nice if it gives you the little nudge to post a little something once or twice a month. Enjoy your BLITZ... :D

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  13. How about your name for a new blog name. That won't change, and it's you that people follow. (I am thinking about changing my blog's name to my name). Happy Blitz day.

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  14. It is best to use your pen name or your own name for your blog, then whatever happens in the future, your blog will still be relevant. Dropping by to say Happy Blitz Day!

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  15. It's difficult fitting in blogging with everything else going on in life. At least you've still been working away at your writing though.

    Happy Blog Blitz Day!!!

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  16. I'm with those who suggest your blog bears your name or your pen-name.
    What do I know, though, only one of my three blogs bears my name!

    Happy Blog Blitz Day!

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  17. I know a lot about not blogging like I want because of life. I hope it eases up for you. Happy blitzday.

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  18. Hey Mary! Hopefully this fires you up again about blogging - Happy Blitz Day.

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  19. Even though you've been busy you're still getting blitzed! Happy Blitz Day!

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  20. I agree with M. Pax, name your blog after yourself. I made the same rookie mistake with my blog, but never fear, blog names can be changed.
    Enjoy your Blitz Day.
    Elizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room

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  21. happy blitz day and amidst the juggle of life, keep writing.

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  22. Happy Blitz Day! Hope your life calms down soon, and the writing is flowing.

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  23. Can totally relate to the challenges of working full-time and juggling the writing and blogging. Happy Blitz Day!

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  24. I love the look of your blog! What a beautiful picture! Working full time killed my writing for years. I wish for you a few minutes each day to pursue your creative outlet. Happy Blitz Day!

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  25. Lovely picture. Keep writing and keep working on it all. Happy blitz day! :)

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  26. Sometimes all we need is a good BLITZ to get things...particularly a blog...jump started again. Here's hoping that things calm down for you enough to get back into a rhythm. :) Enjoy.

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  27. Mary, finding balance is hard. You're making a good choice.

    Happy Blitz Day!

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  28. Joining others in visiting this old post in order to say Happy Blitz. Hope you find your blogging mojo, but even more hope your writing is going well. New name for the blog? At this point something like "Missing In Action"? Maybe not since if you come back you hopefully won't stay missing.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  29. No bright and wonderful thoughts about a new name for the blog ... but lots of support and hope that your schedule and obligations becomes more manageable and you have more time for your blog and writing. #Happy Blitz Day

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  30. Stopping by from the Blitz! Have a great day!

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

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  31. love your blog title! happy blitz day! :)

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  32. It is an eye-catching blog name. I say stick with it.

    Don't fret about your absence from the bloggosphere - my wife is the poster child for that condition, she started out all guns blazing and now hasn't had time to blog for months. You'll blog again when the time is right.

    In the meantime, Happy Blitz Day!

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  33. Your blog name is fine even if it doesn't match up with your book. And don't worry about blog hiatus, Everyone needs breaks.

    Happy Blitz Day!

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  34. I love your blog name too. It's definitely intriguing--even if it doesn't match your book now. Congrats on getting so close to THE END--it's ever elusive, isn't it?
    Happy Blitz Day!

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  35. Your blog title is already cool. Why fix it if it ain't broke?

    How ya feeling? A little woozy? That's to be expected, because you, my dear, are getting BLITZED! Enjoy.

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  36. I also like your blog name.

    Never apologize for living your life. Blogging will always take a back seat.

    BAZINGA!

    You've been blitzed!

    Enjoy your day!

    Heather

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  37. One of the better blog names I've come across :)
    Happy Blitz Day!

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  38. Hey happy blitz day! Hope to see you around the blogosphere in the future.

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  39. I made the same titling mistake with my blog initially. Find something that describes who you are as a writer. Worked for me. Happy day of blitzing!

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  40. No need to apologize, writing should come first anyhow.
    Nice to meet you and I think your blog title rocks. :)
    Ok so now you can DUCK cause you've been BLITZED!

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  41. Life happens to all of us! Congrats on living yours - you'll find time for more blogging soon. And it must be so exciting to be almost done with your novel! Happy Blitz Day - marci from fuzzyundertones.com :)

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  42. Writers all have to work other jobs and certainly life adds other complications. Hang in there. Happy Blitz Day!

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  43. I'll be honest I quite like your blog name as it is.

    Happy Blitz Day!!! :)

    Chippy

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  44. I always say blog when you can! Happy Blitz Day!!

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  45. Never apologize for having a life! Happy Blitz Day!

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  46. Great to find your blog! And even though you're going to change the title--I think it's really cool. :)

    Happy Blog Blitz Day!

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  47. I like the name of your blog! It's sort of mysterious yet also fitting as you wander thru the writing wilderness!
    I understand life getting in the way of pursuits. It happens!
    Good luck on your novel & new(ish) job!

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  48. Ha! Don't worry; I've done worse. How about the Gump Forest?

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  49. That is awesome you are writing a novel. I am not good at keeping up with my blog. Do what you love and that is important to you. Happy Blitz Day!!

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  50. Happy Blitz Day! Also like the name of your blog . . . usually changing it to your name makes it the easier way for people to find you, so that's what I did. But I do find my name rather boring :-) Hope to see a post from you soon!

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  51. Glad to hear I'm not the only one lacking in blog posts. Life comes first. Followed by writing, then family, lol!
    Anyhoo, have a great Blitz Day!! :D

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  52. A book about Hollywood sounds like fun research.

    Happy Blitz Day!

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  53. First - Happy Blitz Day!

    Secondly - it's hard trying to juggle everything, especially when you're working a full-time job too. Don't feel guilty about that, you'll do what you need to do.

    As for a title, I'd offer 'Guilt Free Dreams'.

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  54. We're ready for you to come back . Happy Blitz

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  55. Happy Blitz Day! Juggling everything isn't easy. I struggle with it every day.

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  56. Heehee, I made my login name to a lot of sites related to my first book. It's a great story idea, but still bigger than the writer I am, so it's pretty meaningless. But it pops up all over the place and at least generates some questions, so maybe it's not all bad.
    Happy Blitz Day.
    Marlene at On Writing and Riding

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  57. I could of written this post, except I am an artist. I too find the process difficult with family around me. I have to wait until I am alone to create. Summer and you know what that means!! I need a phone booth or a portal to achieve results!
    Nice to meet you and Happy Blitz!

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  58. I understand where you're coming from. I have 6 kids. I usually wait until everyone us in bed to write. But that means midnight or later:(
    Happy Blitz:)

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  59. Hi,

    Happy Blitz Day! I actually like your blog name and with the byline I think it makes perfect sense. :)

    I, too, struggle to find time to write, market, work full time, and spend time with my family. I have this whole month off of my day job so I'm focusing solely on writing and spending less time on social media. I find my daily writing quota has increased tremendously in just these three days. I think doing too much each day was squeezing my creativity.

    Happy writing,

    RB

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  60. Juggling everything can be a bitch. Here's hoping you are able to prioritize and get those top-ranked things done!

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  61. All the best for your novel and change is the spice of life - enjoy it. Happy blitz day!

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  62. Best of luck with the novel and finding time to write. Happy Blitz Day!

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  63. Good luck with everything on your plate right now! I'm juggling a ton of things as well! :) Happy Blitz Day!

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  64. I quite like your blog name - it's mysterious.
    Happy Blog Blitz! :)

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  65. No need for an apology... life does get in the way... dig the name you have mastered up. Please enjoy the day, when you can please do stop over and sit... drink some refreshments....

    Jeremy [Retro]

    There's no earthly way of knowing.
    Which direction we are going!
    [Being-Retro]

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  66. Apologies unnecessary. Sounds to me you're prioritizing just fine. That's the great thing about a blog, it'll be there waiting for you when you're ready. :)

    Happy Blitz!
    VR Barkowski

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  67. I just started a new full time job this week and I haven't had a second to write on my blog! So I know how you feel 😊 We'll all still be here whenever you come back!

    HAPPY BLITZ!!!

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  68. No sweat! I've only been posting about once/month this summer. We all go through phases with the blogging!
    Happy Blitz Day :)
    AJ @ Naturally Sweet

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  69. HAPPY BLOG BLITZ DAY!
    Hope you find the balance between work and writing, and congrats on almost getting that novel done.

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  70. Would just Tales from the Forest work? Enjoy Blitz Day!

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  71. I totally get it; it's so hard to find the time and motivation to write sometimes, especially when other parts of our lives get in the way. I hope all of your projects come to completion and you can spend more time on your blog!

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  72. Happy blitz day, and best of luck with the job, the other job, and the writing job...

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  73. Trying to find a balance is difficult at best when things get busy. It may not seem like there's an end to any of it, but one of these days, you'll look around and realize something has eased somewhere and you can breathe again. Happy blitz day!

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  74. Happy writing, happy life! Enjoy it, don't worry about it. :)
    I think your blog title still works, if you don't mind having a title for you, and a separate one for your book.

    Happy Blitz Day!

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  75. Happy Blitz Day!

    I am going through a name change too at the end of July. Thinking of just using my real name although I am getting married next year. *sigh* So I have to decide whether to use my married name now, or change the domain name again in a year.

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  76. I love the name of your blog, regardless if it's not the name in the WIP. Try not to beat yourself up, it's my personal belief that in the grand scheme of life, blogging is definitely one of the lower rungs in the ladder. Sometimes we have to start there only to move on to bigger and better things.

    Happy Blitz Day!

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  77. Blogging comes and goes but the love for words never goes away. I am glad you posted so recently and as far as a name goes, what has always stuck with you? I was just thinking how I call writing my "anchor art" how intriguing! Never thought about it title wise, but it isn't terrible, is it?

    I hope your blitz day continues to be festive.

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  78. Maybe you could try the name Tales From the Underbrush. The description line beneath your title would still work, because as anyone who has been hiking knows, that underbrush can trip you up. At least, it does that to me.

    Happy Blitz Day!

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  79. Boy, can I relate to juggling the whole family / work / writing thing. There are times when I'm feeling inspired but absolutely can't get any writing done....and then when I DO have time, writing is a slugfest. Keep it up though - at this point there are only self-imposed deadlines, right? HAPPY BLITZ DAY!

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  80. Ha! I know those 9,992 times only too well, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. How about "A Writer's Search" for a title? We're all there or have been there, so I wish you the best. Happy Blitz Day!

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  81. If I were to choose my blog name again, it would be the C. Lee McKenzie Blog. So simple. Hope you find a name you want.

    Enjoy your Blitz today.

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  82. I bet the next time you drop by your blog you won't be expecting all of these comments! Ha Ha Ha! Happy to drop by on Blitz Day -- keep writing. No one can tell a story like you can.

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  83. Life sometimes gets in the way of socializing (weird, huh?) but it is so good to have a complex life. Beats being bored any day.

    I've been thinking of changing my blog name to "The Ultimate Procrastinator." That way anyone who stops by my infrequently updated blog knows what to expect. However; Tales From The Darkling Forest can be more of a brand name for your blog, and not have anything to do with a single WIP. Think of the type of stories you tell, or prefer to tell, and see if the blog title fits YOU as an author/blogger. (Or escape artist from the real life) Some bloggers make up critter names for their family and perhaps the title here can be more of a blog "address" than anything relating to your novels. You do expect to write more than one novel? Maybe more than one series?

    Have you read Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Riders of Pern series? Or Pierce Anthony's Xanth series? People "reside" in strange places and give those "homes" peculiar/suitable names.

    Do you like TALES FROM THE DARKLING FOREST as a blog title? I do. I feel as if I'm stepping into another world, and that is what I would want to experience if I was reading your books. And the sub-heading works well with the title; conversely, the title works well with the sub-heading.

    Happy Blitz Day Mary. Hope to see you around the blogs again, even if it is just to update on your crazy, complicated, totally awesome life.

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  84. Sorry, I have no blog name suggestions. Happy Blog Blitz day, though!! Hope you have a wonderful, blissful weekend!

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  85. Happy Blitz day. I'm sure it'll all turn out.

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  86. Happy Blitz Day!

    1. Into the Forest. 2. At the Fork in the Road. 3. The Horizon Line. 4. Murky Meanderings. 5. To Follow the Road.

    Those are just off the cuff inspired by your header pic.

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  87. Happy Blitz Day.

    How about "Making a Holm in Publishing"? It sounds a bit cheesy, though.

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  88. Don't change your name! I think it is a perfectly nice name for a blog. Who said blog names have to make sense? Happy Blitz day!

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  89. I hear you on distractions especially family. There is only so many hours in the day. Somewhere in there we have to sleep and relax. :-) All you can do is the best you can and that changes on daily basis!

    Sia McKye Over Coffee

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  90. Hi, I know how hard it is to keep a blog up to date. I hope you can get back on a schedule. Happy Blitz Day!

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  91. Good luck with the changes and happy blitz day.

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  92. Oh yes, those pesky little things like work and responsibilities have a way of siphoning all our free time, but spending time writing is at least as important (if not much more so) than blogging. Happy Blitz Day!!

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  93. Belated Blitz Day greetings - not online everyday so have a habit of being one f the last LOL! Love the name of your blog, but can see where you're coming from - maybe your pen name instead?
    Suzanne @ Suzannes-Tribe
    x

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  94. It's so tough trying to balance writing with the rest of life. Good luck finishing your novel and finding a new name for your blog! Hope you enjoyed your Blitz Day! :)

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  95. So sorry I'm late in posting this: HAPPY BLITZ DAY!!

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  96. All the good advice tell authors to use their name in the blog title, because you are a brand. :)

    Best of luck with the rewrites! :)

    shahwharton.com

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  97. I'd recommend going with your name for your blog. Otherwise you’d have a separate blog for each book you write and it weakens your brand. I've read that same advice in several writing/social media books, but I happened upon it by blind luck before I read about it (couldn't think of a better name at the time I started my blog). It’s your most valuable piece of marketing real estate. Think of it as your marketing footprint. The more its repeated (via your blog, splashed across your book, etc.), the bigger it gets. Happy Blitz Day!

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  98. Good luck with the rewrites!!!

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  99. I love your blog name! And welcome to the blogosphere. How fun that you got blitzed as well. :)
    Great to meet you! And happy blitz day!!!

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  100. Happy Blitz Day! Keep on writing!

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  101. Aww, I like your blog title! And freelance research sounds like lots of fun. Happy belated blog blitz day!

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  102. Sounds like you've been quite busy! Hope you had a great blitz day! Sorry I'm late to the party!

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  103. Keep the title! As a reminder of where you started and how far you've come!

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