The Power of Blogging
Although it doesn’t provide “Pulitzer” winning recognition, it can truly broaden one’s horizons, amplify a writer’s voice, and get you noticed in unexpected and significant ways.
Like the time I had the opportunity to “meet” world-renowned author, Warren Adler: best known for his block-buster movie, “War of the Roses.” Incidentally, a movie which I have loved over the years-- for its humor, candor, approach, and “moral of the story” factor.
At first, I thought it was a fluke. The email read: “Famous author seeks to guest post at your blog.” Yeah, right, I thought to myself. Convinced that this was one of those online scams, or possibly an early April Fool’s joke from one of my incorrigible friends with too much time on his hands.
Skeptical, I did what any good writer does. I researched it.
I called the number reflected within the email, totally expecting to encounter a disconnected number, fast food joint, or customer service representative for the Psychic Hotline.
Instead, the person on the other end of the phone immediately answered, “Warren Adler’s office, Steven speaking.” Once I picked my jaw off the floor and gained my composure, I said to him, “This may seem like a weird phone call, but my name is Jennifer Brown Banks, and I’m trying to verify the authenticity of an email I received from this office.”
Steven, it turns out, was Adler’s communications director, and was nicely able to solve the mystery and confirm things within five minutes. I was tickled pink that an author whose work I had long admired was aware of my work as well, and wanted to share his wisdom with my followers. Imagine that! “Of all the blog joints in town, he walks into mine...”
FAST FORWARD…
We emailed back and forth for a few days afterwards, which resulted in Adler making a “cameo appearance” at my blog in August of 2014, in a personal interview I conducted with him. Needless to say, it was definitely a pivotal point in my blogging career; something that I’ll treasure for years to come.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY...
Through our connection, I learned many inspiring things that will ultimately serve me well, as I aspire to reach greater literary heights in the future. Like how it took Mr. Adler twenty five years to get his first novel published, and that he‘s very disciplined; writing from five to ten every morning.
How he even opted to self-publish some of his works, so that he would have greater creative control over the direction of his projects.
I also learned, that size DOESN’T always matter.
That even those of us with small social media followings or a short blogging career can attract a nod or a wink from some “big shots” and influential folks, if we are passionate about our art and write from our heart. If we truly have the courage to confront and express our own personal truths.
You just never know who's reading and paying attention. Hello?
Though I can’t say for certain, I envision, ( some time in the near future) rubbing elbows with influential authors and celebrities at an intimate dinner at Adler’s exclusive mansion. Snapping “selfies,” sipping on Dom Perignon and eating Grey Poupon.
As I eagerly await the day when his people call mine…
Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?
Well, I am impressed! We really never know who is reading our work. I recently received an email from a school administrator in South Africa who enjoyed one of my stories. Also a few years ago I was contacted by a publisher who found my work in a lit mag. That connection led to multiple publication opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your invitation is in the mail, Jen.
Ha! That tickled me. Thanks so much for taking time to stop by, Lin. I appreciate U. :-)
DeleteDreaming is a good thing, I agree! Love this thought, "Blogging does more than build a writer’s platform; it constructs beautiful bridges that bond and connect people..." Well said, and so true. We never know where our blog may take us. Appreciate you sharing your story with us. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Karen. Have a great, safe holiday week. :-)
ReplyDeleteChiming in late to say I remember reading the interview with Adler. And let me tell you,my short term memory ain't that great these days so it must have impressed. As you always do, Jennifer! Thanks for reminding me of "those who may lurk" (in a good way) and read our blogs. Enjoy your hiatus. Happy Independence Day, too. =0)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. Late or not, I always enjoy hearing from you. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! I'm putting myself in your shoes that day and trying to imagine what I'd feel like when I discovered that email was a legitimate request. And you've re-inspired me about blogging. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Clee. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi there everyone, it's my first pay a visit at this website, and post is truly fruitful designed for me, keep up posting
ReplyDeletethese types of posts.
Great post, Jennifer. What a great boost of encouragement and inspiration when that happened! Writing can be an often lonely affair, and the act of following one's dreams can be a constant struggle to find silver linings of motivation hidden within weeks or months of cloudy disappointments. Keep writing and finding your own voice, and someday you might be the one sending a "renowned author wishes to guest blog for you" post to someone.
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteThanks so kindly. I hope that day comes. :-)
I value your input and readership.