Happy New Year! As 2016 gets underway, I want to share some information with you. There are a couple of things to cover, here in this blog update.
First, let me wish each of you a very Happy New Year. I hope that the coming months will be filled with peace, joy, and productivity.
Blog and Podcast in the New Year
Second, the elephant in the room: Yes. I do realize I have been neglecting the blog and podcast.
Sometimes, life throws you curveballs and, like a champion batter, you have to adjust to the pitch that is given to you. For me, a series of circumstances, creative endeavors, and financial needs has caused me to re-evaluate how I spend my time.
The blog and podcast have always been a labor of love. They have been my attempt to provide valuable information and encouragement to other writers. I know I’ve benefited over the years from the information, skill, and kind words shared with me, and the blog and podcast have been my effort to give a little back.
But, sometimes financial and other concerns weigh too heavy and even the best of intentions get stomped down.
For my purposes, that has required me to focus on other things.
For the past year or so, I’ve had two sponsors of the blog and podcast. Jean Muccini and Yvonne Arden have contributed monthly, as a way to encourage me to continue to offer the information I’ve provided over the years. Their support has been humbling and encouraging. However, the costs of running a website and hosting a blog (and by costs, I mean actual monetary outlay, not the time and energy to create the content) have outpaced the financial return.
The truth is, in the New Year, I do not know how often I will update the blog and podcast. I would like to return to a consistent schedule, but I don’t know if, or when, that will be possible.
I am thankful for my two Patron Angels for their support. Ladies, you’ve been wonderful supporters of me, and it is not unnoticed.
Writing in the New Year
Finally, let me take a moment to say that if you are in the Sarasota area (including Venice, Bradenton, Osprey, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, and points in between) and you have writing more, increased writing skill, or a more active creative life of any kind as one of your New Years resolutions for 2016, please take note of the classes, seminars, and services I will be offering.
You can find more here: Creative Writing Classes
Registration is open now. I’d love for you to join. Time is of the essence. We start soon! (If you’d like to go directly to the registration page, click here.)
Please feel free to contact me with questions, comments, or concerns. If you don’t see a class or service you’d be interested in, I’m always open to suggestions.
2016 is a “make or break” year for Words Matter Creative Writing. I’m always hopeful, but also realistic. If you’ve been on the fence about taking classes, or if you “keep meaning” to sign up, now is the time to act.
Thank you for all of the kind words, gentle criticism, and support you’ve given over the years. I hope to see (or hear from) you soon!
Happy writing!