It Ain't Easy, But I'm Gonna Market

[joylene butler]

Blogging is creating content that one feels is of interest to the reading public. Those of you who blog know how difficult that can be. Similar questions arise: What in my life would interest you?

There's no easy answer to that. But witnessing the inauguration last month brings to mind that what draws us together is our humanity. It's the one thing that binds all nations under God. And therefore seems like a good subject for blogging.

As a Canadian, I was moved by the inauguration. While listening to President Obama's speech, I too was filled with hope. As far back at his win in the primaries, I experienced that sensation. Seeing it come to pass on that special Tuesday was like the icing on the cake. There is a chance that the future for Canada, The United States and Mexico, and even the rest of the world will be brighter. That's what I feel and now I'm attempting to focus on that theme in my blogs.

Still not an easy task.

I've been of the mind that my past dictates my future. I'm never going to know what it feels like to be in the inner circle. I'm not going to be filthy rich nor eternally famous. I'm destined to be just one of millions of Canadian mums trying to make her mark in her small world.

And yet, here is a man raised by a single mother whose father was a sheep herder in Nairobi, and he's now the President of the United States. Makes my limited view of my future seem sort of limited, wouldn't you say?

As you may already know, I'm blogging because I'm a published author and apparently blogging is part and parcel of that. I'm still not sure why. I think it may have something to do with how many authors there are. And on how many actually succeed in being best sellers.

I'm blogging because on my own, my reach is short. Though I believe I've written a good story (Dead Witness), I don't have the facilities outside blogging to reach the masses. Therefore, blogging it is. Not to mention book signings, readings, interviews and tours. If I believe in my book, it's up to me to spread the word. Funds allowed.

Yes, here comes the BUT...

President Obama decided somewhere along the way that he was destined to serve. He's obviously lived his life with that goal in mind. Kudos to him. He worked hard and now his dream is a reality.

For as far back as I can remember, I wanted to write stories. I paid relatively close attention in school. I went to graduate school. I did everything I could to hone my craft. I wrote one story, then another and another. Today I'm published. Readers are enjoying my book. In those terms, I'm a success. Kudos to me.

So why do I have to blog, tour, do interviews, signings and readings?

I did a book reading at the Prince George Library on January 27th and had a blast. You should have seen me up there at the front of the room spewing off why I love writing. And even listening to my own gruff voice reading from Dead Witness inspired me to go home and write some more.

Today I feel luckier than most. I'm doing something I love. Okay, the signings aren't that much fun, but oh to sit down at my computer and write 1,000 words in a few hours... wow, what a feeling.

One thing though, I'm a little shocked at how many people still stand in front of a camera and refer to President Obama as Barack Obama instead of President Obama. Doesn't seem right even for these non-American ears.

--
joylene

Author of Dead Witness

"Man's heart away from nature becomes hard." Standing Bear

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