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1/22/07 6:56:07 PM Opening "Chat Log 1-22-07"

SheliaGoss: Hi
BrownDvs: Hiya, Shelia.
PCarlson: Greetings
BrownDvs: 3 people so far. Woohooo!!!!!
BrownDvs: Greetings, Writeur.
PCarlson: Hi Dale, Dion
SheliaGoss: Hope you all are doing well
Deluge7: Hi, Paul.
PCarlson: folks are trickling in
PCarlson: Frank!
Writeur17: Hello, everyone.
PCarlson: We have thawed out
BrownDvs: Hey Dale, Frank.
SheliaGoss: Hi All
Deluge7: Hi, Adam.
Fjm3eyes: Hi Paul!
Fjm3eyes: Hi Adam
ABSHRINK: hi
Writeur17: Adam, how have you been?
PCarlson: howdy Abe
Fjm3eyes: hi Write, Sheila, Abs
PCarlson: our guest this evening is author Shelia Goss
SheliaGoss: Hi Fjm3eyes
PCarlson: I've included a link to her web site in previous announcements
PCarlson: hi Micki
Mallie1025: Hi sorry to be late
PCarlson: Shelia, I believe you wanted to begin with a presentation?
PCarlson: perhaps a short biography?
SheliaGoss: Short Bio:
PCarlson: http://www.sheliagoss.com/
ABSHRINK: hi all
SheliaGoss: I have an engineering degree...I'm the author of two novels My Invisible Husband (hit stores in December) and Roses are thorns, Violets are true
SheliaGoss: Besides writing fiction, I'm an entertainment writer and I interview singers/actors, etc.
SheliaGoss: www.sheliagoss.com (Keyword to: www.sheliagoss.com)
SheliaGoss: for a full detailed bio
PHeeren: hello
PCarlson: hi Tom
PCarlson: Ms. Goss is just getting the session underway
SheliaGoss: I write women's fiction
SheliaGoss: My Invisible Husband is about a 34 year old woman who fakes a Las Vegas wedding.
SheliaGoss: Roses are thorns, Violets are true is about twin sisters Rose & Violet Purdue
Writeur17: I like the titles very much.
PCarlson: indeed
SheliaGoss: Thanks Writeur
SheliaGoss: Today's topic will be blogging for writers.
Fjm3eyes: Good Topic!
SheliaGoss: Blogging is a good way to interact with your readers, but it can also be fun.
SheliaGoss: Why would I want to blog?
SheliaGoss: Answer: Blogging is what you make of it. It's a way to introduce your readers to a side of you that they can not see from reading a bio on your website or on the back of your book cover.
SheliaGoss: It also gives your reading audience a chance to leave you real-time comments and interact with not only you but also other readers of your books.
SheliaGoss: How often should I blog?
SheliaGoss: Answer: Don't look at blogging as a dreaded task placed on your “to do” list.
SheliaGoss: Blogging should be fun and if you become an active blogger, you'll look forward to posting as well as interacting with others.
SheliaGoss: How often you post is up to you. You can post daily, every other day, weekly or whenever the whim hits. You'll find the more responses you get on your blog posts, the more you'll be inclined to post on somewhat of a schedule.
RLMorgan51: and I'm here
SheliaGoss: Any questions so far?
PCarlson: some say it takes away from 'actual' writing time.
PCarlson: have you found this to be true?
SheliaGoss: No, not really...blogging is actually a stress reliever...when you want to take a break from writing your manuscript or article
SheliaGoss: I don't let interfere with my writing time.
PCarlson: cool
SheliaGoss: this kind of leads up to the next thing I was going to talk about: Is there Blog etiquette?
SheliaGoss: If you'll be away for an extended period of time, just write a quick post, so your regular visitors won't think you forgot about them. Don't allow blogging to interfere with your writing.
SheliaGoss: Should my blog have a theme? Not necessary, but it makes it fun. I have three blogs. Each blog has a central theme.
SheliaGoss: Here are examples of blogs: entertainment blog www.e-spire.blogspot.com (Keyword to: www.e-spire.blogspot.com)
SheliaGoss: Blog on relationships www.myinvisiblehusband.blogspot.com (Keyword to: www.myinvisiblehusband.blogspot.com)
SheliaGoss: How do I come up with topics to blog about?
SheliaGoss: Answer: Keep your eyes and ears open. Life is filled with ideas. Some of my topics stem from what's going on in the news or from conversations I've had or observed.
SheliaGoss: Since the central theme on the My Invisible Husband blog is about relationships, it's hard to run out of something to discuss. Take a chance and see what works for you. Blogging shouldn't be difficult.
SheliaGoss: It should be fun. If it's draining, maybe you need to step away from it for a while or come up with another topic. There may be some days you only feel like rambling and that's okay too.
SheliaGoss: Other blog examples; http://www.romancingtheblog.com (Keyword to: http://www.romancingtheblog.com)
PCarlson: blogs are famous for rambling on.
SheliaGoss: author's blog http://www.princessdominique.com/blog (Keyword to: http://www.princessdominique.com/blog)
SheliaGoss: lol W2P...if that's what you and your audience wants...that's okay too
SheliaGoss: How do you get started blogging?
SheliaGoss: Here are a few links to sites that hosts blogs
SheliaGoss: http://www.bloggers.com (Keyword to: http://www.bloggers.com)
SheliaGoss: http://www.typepad.com (Keyword to: http://www.typepad.com)
SheliaGoss: http://www.bloglines.com (Keyword to: http://www.bloglines.com)
SheliaGoss: http://www.myblogsky.com (Keyword to: http://www.myblogsky.com)
SheliaGoss: http://www.blogstream.com (Keyword to: http://www.blogstream.com)
SheliaGoss: Remember keep blogging fun and your readers will enjoy visiting and who knows, you might just get a book sale or two from it too.
SheliaGoss: Do any of you have blogs?
Writeur17: Yes, I do.
SheliaGoss: Please share
PCarlson: I know Carol does, but she's not here tonight, for some reason
Writeur17: Sure thing, it'll just be a moment.
Fjm3eyes: I have a blog
Writeur17: http://sillykill50.blogspot.com/
SheliaGoss: Do you find it difficult coming up with topics or do you just go with the flow?
PCarlson: I moderate two discussion boards. Seems similar but the dynamic must be different somehow
SheliaGoss: I'll be visiting your blogs this week so don't be surprised to get a message
Writeur17: I go through droughts, yes, but sometimes I'm very productive.
Fjm3eyes: can I put a link to my blog in here?
Mallie1025: I have a blog but no one ever visits except some guy from Nepal
Fjm3eyes: link lol
Mallie1025: How can you entice people to visit your blog?
SheliaGoss: W2P...the dynamics are a little different, but similar.
SheliaGoss: Please do Fjm3eyes
Fjm3eyes: Okay
SheliaGoss: Writeur17 sometimes my readers dictate the subjects of my blog...if they leave interesting comments
Mallie1025: I have been to your Blog, Fjm--very nice one!
PCarlson: "just" a buddy in Nepal. My what a modern world we live in!
Writeur17: I'm still waiting for the first interesting comment.
SheliaGoss: Mallie...what are you doing to maybe get the word out on your blog
Mallie1025: Paul--how in the world did he even find me?
SheliaGoss: I've seen some writers end out broadcast messages when they update with new posts
Mallie1025: Nothing, Sheila--was more active when in a writers group that visited
Deluge7: The Net works wonders, Mallie.
Mallie1025: Dale --remember me--the pc dunce?
Mallie1025: How does one send out a broadcast message? My book is coming out this September and now I need the blog
Fjm3eyes: I'm sorry I'm having trouble with liking.....here's the address.........
Fjm3eyes: http://fmueller.blogspot.com/
SheliaGoss: Mallie...do you have a mailing list with friends, family, colleagues
Mallie1025: yes
Fjm3eyes: thanks Mallie
SheliaGoss: then you have one list
ABSHRINK: back had phone call etc. blog me is ok but gotta go bye bye
Mallie1025: No separate lists for separate groups
PCarlson: see you around Abe
SheliaGoss: You would want to separate them
SheliaGoss: I usually send out individual emails
PCarlson: I have a question
ABSHRINK: working on child book series
SheliaGoss: I'm also a part of several yahoo groups
Mallie1025: I prefer sending out separate e-mail, as well
ABSHRINK: bye
Mallie1025: Me too Sheila--too many I think
PCarlson: the two discussion boards are plagued by spam. Automatic 'spambot' posts. Has this been a problem with blogs?
Fjm3eyes: bye Abe
SheliaGoss: Yes...but a lot of blog sites now have it where you can require commenters to enter in a passcode
SheliaGoss: I have mine setup with codes so that has eliminated spammers
PCarlson: a code that's registered in advance?
PCarlson: like, for them alone?
Writeur17: Ms. Goss, may I ask where you're from?
SheliaGoss: what it does is ...you post your comment and then at the time you're posting, it asks you to enter in a generated code
PCarlson: because, the 'bots can handle easy registrations now
Mallie1025: Sheila is that that jumble thing you have to unscramble?
SheliaGoss: Writeur--currently in LA
PCarlson: that's known as CAPTCHA
Mallie1025: What is the advantage of a blog over a website or are both needed?
SheliaGoss: Mallie...correct...you have to enter in exactly how it is
PCarlson: spammers brag they can beat it now, but it's not quite that easy
Writeur17: Well, for what it's worth, your book is available at the Indianapolis Public Library and I've just reserved it.
SheliaGoss: Mallie...I would suggest both
RLMorgan51: Sheila probably teaches as well
Mallie1025: what would go in which?
RLMorgan51: were you affected by Katrina?
SheliaGoss: A Website is for viewers to obtain information...a blog is interactive
Mallie1025: No sense repeating the same thing in both
Mallie1025: gotcha--thanks!
RLMorgan51: why not.
SheliaGoss: PCarlson...so far the spammers haven't been able to get through...yippee
SheliaGoss: Thanks Writeur17...hope you like it
PCarlson: a cause for rejoicing
Mallie1025: I liked blogging and I kept an interesting one--but no one ever comes now, so it lies defunct
SheliaGoss: Mallie...on my website...I would put information about my book, bio, guestbook, tips
SheliaGoss: On the blog...you determine what kind of topics you plan on discussing and lead the way...you can also direct blog readers to your website by making sure you put up links
SheliaGoss: RLMorgan...fortunately we weren't affected by Katrina, but when Rita hit, we were without electric for a few days
Mallie1025: Thanks--wrote that all down
SheliaGoss: Mallie...hopefully, if you start it back up and start sending out update bulletins to folks...do it maybe once a week and then slow it down to once a month on your updates and you'll gain some readers...
RLMorgan51: that's good
SheliaGoss: Also visit other people's blogs and leave comments...more than likely they will visit your blog to find out who you are
Mallie1025: Thanks, Sheila--I'll give it a shot.
PCarlson: good point
SheliaGoss: RLMorgan...I haven't been down to New Orleans since...I don't even want to see it
PCarlson: I'm in several discussion groups
Mallie1025: another problem is that while I can easily access my blog, others seem to have trouble
PCarlson: they don't mind if a drop a link once in a while
PCarlson: reaches a lot of people at once
SheliaGoss: true PCarlson
RLMorgan51: Mallie they probably need a better link
SheliaGoss: I agree
PCarlson: it may not be writing-related, but that know me by now
Mallie1025: Rl I think you are right
PHeeren: umm, what about blogs written by writers with disabilities and they complain about problems with writing and life in general such as dealing with personal care aides?
RLMorgan51: one character out of place even a blank place .....and you get nowhere
Mallie1025: My link does not have the URL--don't even know if I have it.
SheliaGoss: PCarlson...I visit blogs that aren't writing related...people get to see you're a normal person just like them.
Mallie1025: I am sounding really dumb here but only with the pc, I can assure you
PHeeren: I am a little apprehensive about writing a blog because people would be turned off reading a disabled writer's blog, of course
SheliaGoss: PHeeren...blogging on those topics could be beneficial for not only other writers but to readers who experience the same thing
SheliaGoss: Don't limit your topics
Mallie1025: How in the world do you find the time? Visiting and posting in blogs takes forever.
PHeeren: yes, I understand, Shelia
Mallie1025: Tom you are a writer first and no need to mention disabilities unless relevant to what you are writing
SheliaGoss: PHeeren...you don't have to limit to that topic...blogging can be fun...but it's what you make of it...
Writeur17: Tom, I assure you for every person turned off by a writer with disabilities, there would be at least one person interested in such a topic.
SheliaGoss: I still feel that your subject matter could be beneficial to others
Writeur17: And the ratio may be even higher than one to one in your favor, at that.
Mallie1025: I am a published writer and I don't tell the world I have half a heart.
RLMorgan51: a link must have some sort of URL .com .org. .net .edu tc
RLMorgan51: etc
Mallie1025: Unless I feel compelled to tell my halfheartedly joke
RLMorgan51: half a heart ..... why ..... was it ever broken
SheliaGoss: Mallie brought up a good point
SheliaGoss: You don't have to disclose your personal information....most of my blog entries are not about me...I come up with situations on the matters of the heart and discuss
Mallie1025: only broken at 15--first love--really broken 9 years ago but it came alive again--like Johnny Five so I am looking good.
SheliaGoss: Right now I have a topic up on my blog on myspace about how to deal with a stalker....but I'm not being stalked
RLMorgan51: and probably feeling good as well
Mallie1025: Sheila, exactly--people rarely want to hear about your personal problems anyway and your friends usually know anyway
PCarlson: on my two boards there are "trolls" -- nasty posts, often under false names
PCarlson: please tell me they have not found your blogs
Mallie1025: Paul, it's scary how they get in--no privacy anymore.
RLMorgan51: trolls are all over
PCarlson: yesterday one guy was holding a conversation
PCarlson: swapping old memories of two techies
RLMorgan51: especially in Yahoo Chats
SheliaGoss: I hate to hear that PCarlson...definitely have to delete them.
PCarlson: but they were by the SAME person!?
SheliaGoss: he was clearly someone who had too much time on his hands
Mallie1025: I was contacted by PayPal for having a different sn and I never used PayPal in my life
Mallie1025: Nor ever will
PCarlson: LOL yes indeed
Writeur17: Hardly anyone comments o n my blog at all, except friends on occasion. I'm going to take that as a mixed blessing.
PCarlson: Mallie that was Phishing
SheliaGoss: PHeeren...I hope you decide to try blogging and see how you feel about it...give it at least 2 months
PCarlson: not PayPal but a criminal pretending to be that company
SheliaGoss: Millie...don't click on it
Mallie1025: what is that, Paul?
SheliaGoss: PayPal does not send those type of messages out
RLMorgan51: I answer PHISERS by giving them false information
PCarlson: Mallie you were about to be tricked out of a lot of money
SheliaGoss: I delete them...I don't even click on the links in those emails
Mallie1025: Sheila, I never will again--I opened it and deleted it.
RLMorgan51: if you don't know who sent you something don't open it......like you have just won a ____________
RLMorgan51: etc
SheliaGoss: RLMorgan...true...they did a Dateline or 20/20 special about it...you will check your account and your account will be in the negative
Mallie1025: RL --yes--the UK sent me a lottery notice--I said to deduct my processing fees from my winnings lol
ASW2PSushi: Ahem, I am a representative of the President of the Bank of Nigeria, who unfortunately passed away.
PCarlson: We need to get his money away from this troubled country
PCarlson: may I please have your bank account numbers?
RLMorgan51: Nigeria ===== home of the same scam .....HOW DID THEY COME TO PICK ME
PHeeren: did u send the scam letter to spam box?
Mallie1025: LOL Paul--we should take my lottery winnings and your title and go to Hawaii !
SheliaGoss: I just got one of them in my spam folder...I get at least 5 of them a day.
Mallie1025: Paul, I got that tone too
PCarlson: everyone does
RLMorgan51: ESPECIALLY IF I DON'T REALLY EXIST ..... had that happen on some of my screen names
PCarlson: and every day somebody new falls for it!
SheliaGoss: I hope you all get a chance and stop by my website www.sheliagoss.com (Keyword to: www.sheliagoss.com) when you get a chance
RLMorgan51: especially at Yahoo
SheliaGoss: or my blog www.myinvisiblehusband.blogspot.com (Keyword to: www.myinvisiblehusband.blogspot.com)
Mallie1025: Tom, should I? I just delete them--like cockroaches, get rid of one and a 1000 come to the funeral
PCarlson: the hour has flown by!
Writeur17: Thanks a lot, Ms. Goss. You've been excellent.
SheliaGoss: Thank you all.
PCarlson: any more questions for Shelia?
SheliaGoss: Good feedback
PCarlson: we'll post this session on our web page
PCarlson: with the previous guest speakers
SheliaGoss: Thanks PCarlson
Mallie1025: Very pretty blog site--mine is generic
RLMorgan51: already took a quick look ....Sunday school teacher for girls .....love music ...i.e. gospel meeting new people etc
SheliaGoss: If you all think of anything else, feel free to email me
Mallie1025: Great website too! Did you do it or have it done?
SheliaGoss: Mallie...I did it myself... I'm a thrifty writer lol
RLMorgan51: good going SHELIA
PCarlson: like those book covers
PCarlson: very imaginative
Mallie1025: Lord--I can just see me building a website--might as well explain the theory of relativity
SheliaGoss: thanks... I was glad the publishers picked some good book covers
RLMorgan51: e = mc * mc
Writeur17: Good night, everyone.
Mallie1025: My publisher is good at that too and I think she will help build the website with me
SheliaGoss: Good night Writeur17
RLMorgan51: nite writeur
PCarlson: thanks very much Shelia
Mallie1025: That should age her fast!!
SheliaGoss: lol
Fjm3eyes: good night, Writer
SheliaGoss: Thank you all for coming out tonight.
RLMorgan51: time for this one to go as well
RLMorgan51: bye all
Fjm3eyes: bye RL
SheliaGoss: Good nite all
Mallie1025: Sheila--thanks for coming as a guest--wonderful advice--hope you can return soon.
PHeeren: good chat and see you next week, Paul
SheliaGoss: To quote the governor of CA "I'll be back..."
Mallie1025: LOL
PHeeren: good night, Mallie and fj
PCarlson: you are welcome back, and I hope we can find a bigger crowd
Mallie1025: night guys--great chat!
PCarlson: only Tom Clancy has ever sold out one of our chats
SheliaGoss: The right people were here
SheliaGoss: I love Tom Clancy
Mallie1025: You really had Tom Clancy here?
PHeeren: well, good night, Shelia
PCarlson: it was a miracle he agreed to chat with us
Fjm3eyes: Good night, Shelia
SheliaGoss: Okay...I'm gone for real this time...good nite
Mallie1025: I guess!!
PHeeren: how long ago was Tom Clancy?
PCarlson: at the time he was promoting AOL, so maybe that helped prompt him a bit
PCarlson: the session is posted with the others
PHeeren: was he before 2001?
Mallie1025: Wow I would have loved to be here for that!!
PHeeren: is it correct, Paul?
PCarlson: Clancy spoke to us in 1996
PHeeren: I was not in W2P then
Mallie1025: Author Apprentices | "Apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." ~Hemingway http://www.authorapprentices.com/
BrownDvs: Goodnight all
PHeeren: well, I'd better go now
PCarlson: good practice
PHeeren: goodnight

1/22/07 8:08:41 PM Closing "Chat Log 1-22-07"

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