Finding My Way Back

After The Bonding comes The Awakening, the second installment in the Strands of Pattern series. Electronic dust has accumulated on this work in progress like Canadian snow. Months passed with not a single word added.

I'm now clearing away that electronic dust. I'm working on my manuscript and again developing the Magic Muse software in which I write my story. (Sorry, Scrivener, I love you, but I require more than two windows open at once. Besides, I'm still a software developer at heart.)

Magic Muse and manuscript #2

The screenshot shows the start of one of the new chapters. You can enlarge the image and discover just how crappy my initial drafts really are.

I also intend to resume blogging, though I can commit to no set schedule. Adjusting to life alone after thirty years takes more than a few months. I'm a creature of habit and am still trying to establish a new routine.

Time is even more precious now than it was. I've had no choice but to reevaluate priorities. Sadly, my weekly Sunday Surfing posts will likely be a permanent casualty.

This journey has taken many months and it's nowhere near over. In truth, it probably never will be. But I can now say that, as slow as it may be, I am finally finding my way back. And I'm deeply grateful for all of you who have held my hand and encouraged me along the way.

My First IWSG Post

Today, I join the ranks of a mighty force.  A force of brave souls who stand with those who have chosen to face their fears and insecurities.  It's a force hundreds strong.  A valiant force of helping hands, encouraging words and cheering peers.

Today, I join the Insecure Writer's Support Group.

For my first post as part of this ever-growing group, I've chosen to reveal an insecurity I've had for some time. The insecurity is the name I selected for my blog.

As with most of us, I began this blog because that's what we aspiring authors are supposed to do.  Build a presence.  Become known.  Engage potential readers.  Establish relationships with fellow writers.  And that's exactly what I did.

When I decided to create this blog, I wrestled with the immense task of choosing its name.  For about thirty seconds.  I thought it was a no-brainer.  I intended to write an epic fantasy series.  The series title was Strands of Pattern.  And thus was born the title of my blog.

In retrospect, I wonder if I should simply have used my name instead.

"You'll most likely write more than just that one series," I've been told.  "People will search for you by your name, possibly by a book title.  The name of your series may, at best, be third in their search criteria sequence," I hear.  "Your name is your brand."  I read these things frequently.

And they're all true.

But changing the name of my blog at this point in time, I fear, is impractical.  Launching a second blog is an alternative I find none too appealing.  A website with my author name as title and URL is a possible alternative, I suppose.

So what do you guys think?  Are there viable options I haven't considered.  Oddly enough, I'm even insecure about revealing my insecurities.  Perhaps I needed to participate in this worthwhile group a long time before now.  I guess I was just, well, a little insecure.

August is Awesome and Coming Soon!

I'm so excited about this upcoming August.  So many awesome people have agreed to stop by Strands of Pattern.  Some will entertain.  Some will encourage.  Some will challenge you.  But they all will inspire you with their awesomeness. 

I never beg and plead for folks to drop by my blog, but I'm making an exception for August.  I really want to give everyone the opportunity to meet some of the awesome people I've met.

You've probably encountered some of these awesome people.  You may have stumbled upon their blogs, read their books, laughed at their tweets, watched them on YouTube, chatted with them on Facebook or Google+, or you may have corresponded with them via email.  Some of them you may have even met in person.

But I can guarantee you this: you've not met them all and you really should!