Sunday, April 10, 2016

Welcome

I am so happy to announce the arrival of my new blog! An event of this magnitude mirrors the appearance of a wrinkly new baby. (Bear with me here.) The seed of an idea was planted during a very memorable conversation I had with a literary agent during a Mount Hermon visit some weeks ago. The delicate notion was fed with sparks of inspiration as I spoke with other professionals who already have this blogging thing all figured out. 

Sure, I could start a blog. Why not? The idea of connecting with other industry professionals while getting to know potential readers sounded dreamy. I could almost feel the bundle in my arms, so soft and endearing. Rumors of a thing called platform happen to be important for somebody who really wants to pursue publication. This would be a great way to get something like that going.

Then it was time to push the puppy out. 

Gulp.

I ran to Barnes and Noble and purchased a book on blogging, one with pictures, mind you. Then I clicked over to the tutorials the Internet offers at no charge. I wish I could say that the simple instructions were simple enough for me, but the verbiage wasn't matching what I had staring at me from my laptop monitor. As a result, just prior to pulling every strand of my own hair out, I decided it might be a good idea to breathe a little. (Hee hee whooo ... my interpretation of lamaze breathing). And just when I was about to give up, similar to the transitional part of labor, my husband reminded me about the very simple and user-friendly interface of Blogger.com.

Oh, yeah. 

This was something I could relate to, a blogging platform I've used before. And just like the relief an epidural needle in your spine can bring, I felt myself finally relax enough to let the baby come.

As one of my new blog readers I hope you will extend me a little grace. I am, after all, a brand new mother to this novelty. Aside from a devotional blog I wrote almost a decade ago, this is all new territory for me. Literature is my passion, so I hope to generate some good discussion about the beauty of its contribution to the world.

If you've stuck with me this far, I want to thank you for being a part of such a special moment. With your permission, of course, I think it would be fitting to take a snapshot and save it for the archives.


20 comments:

  1. Congratulations! I love the background you chose. This will be a fun and interesting blog. God bless your endeavor!

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    1. Hi Columba! Thank you for being the very first person to post a comment to my blog. I'd like to present you with a special gift for doing so. I think it will be fun to throw random prizes in. You are my very first winner! Would you be kind enough to e-mail me your mailing address? I think you might still have my e-mail address, as we connected just a couple of weeks ago. In case you need it again, here it is: novelistjoannereese@gmail.com. Thank you so much for encouraging me! I hope you'll continue to visit.

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  2. All good things start with a a decision to move forward. Identify your audience and what you have to share with them or give to them. Then it's one foot in front of the other. Repeat over and over. You are on your way.

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    1. Thank you for your words of wisdom, John. You have been a continuous encouragement through the years and I'm so grateful. I look forward to chatting about ways to improve the look and functionality of things here.

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  3. Congratulations! I like the background dark with white lettering. It feels gentle on my eyes. I am new to reading blogs so I will very much enjoy watching this baby grow and thrive with your love! Happy Blogging! Deb

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    1. Hi Debbie! Thank you for taking the time to visit. I love seeing your posts on FB. Your family is so beautiful! I hope you'll continue to drop by, as I will be inviting some guests to join us in the near future. If you've got any blog favorites would you mind sharing them with me? I'd like to get a feel for what others are trying. Thanks so much!

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  4. Jo, I'm so excited to hear about (and see) the "new edition" in your life! Many blessings on this new adventure!

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    1. Thank you for the encouragement and for such a wonderful blessing. Right back at you, my dear friend.

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  5. Congratulations! I feel like I should send flowers or booties or something. I love this "baby." Thanks for bringing new life to the Internet.

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    1. Flowers, booties, cards, candy, money ... nothing of the kind will be turned away. Thank you for your love and mentorship, Nancy. You are my inspiration.

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  6. Congratulations on your new endeavor! It will be wonderful to watch as it grows and develops. Always great for me to stay connected with Turlock friends, even in the wilds if Montana! Thanks!

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    1. Thank you for celebrating with me! I made a pretty special friend from Montana recently. I hope you will keep visiting.

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  7. Hello Joanne, my dear friend. So happy where your path has led you throught the years. It is such a joy to see your success as a mother, wife, and writer who would have guessed where our paths would end up. Even though it's been years, you still share a place in my heart. Good luck to you on this journey. -Gloria

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    1. It is so wonderful to hear from you, Gloria. You've always been somebody I look up to. It would be so much fun to have all of us girls get together. I miss your family. Take good care, my beautiful friend.

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  8. Proud of you, my friend! Much love always, Gena

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    1. That means so much to me, Gena. I love you, my dear friend!

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  9. Congratulations on starting your new blog! I know it will be wonderful! I look forward to reading your posts :).

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    1. Hi Jeanette! Thank you for being such a special part of my writing journey through the years. I appreciate the encouragement so much.

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  10. Congratulations, Joanne. Proud of you and it looks great.

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Liz. There will be a lot of changes as I get more familiar with how to create a website. Thank you for celebrating the start of things with me! Your faithfulness with your own blog is an inspiration.

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