Blog Update #6: My Website & Hard Times
Hey Steemitbloggers,
I've been away, but I've still been writing.
Let's update you on the basic facts, and then I'll give you the touchy feely stuff.
The Basic Facts
I've been publishing my work on chrismccron.com. I need to build up a portfolio on my own website to land writing gigs down the road. It was difficult to keep up with a publishing schedule on two websites, so I made the decision to focus on my personal website for a bit. It's not complete, but I am chipping away at it.
If you'd like to read something fresh of mine, here are two pieces that are my best work:
Also, I've purchased a DSLR for video and an H6 Zoom Audio Recorder for podcasting. I'm looking to create content through writing, video, and audio eventually, so I have been tinkering away with those new toys. More to come on that.
The Touchy Feely Stuff
Unfortunately, I've been facing some difficulties in my personal life. This has been challenging. I'm just happy that I've stuck to being creative in any form at this point. I am sorry that it hasn't been on Steemit, but I am looking to change that. Writing and moving towards launching other creative projects has helped me to stay level through these hard times.
I'd encourage anyone that is going through a tough time to keep creating. Don't wait for things to get better. Create what you want to create right in the middle of the shitstorm. Creating meaning out of your struggles can help to make it all seem worthwhile again.
Anyways, I am happy to be creating and sharing my work with the world, even though things seem grim at the moment.
Thanks for reading,
@ChrisMcCron
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You are still very much loved and whilst I am not on wordpress, I HAVE been keeping an eye on you ;) MWAH!!!
Thank you, @Jaynie! I'm making some new promises to myself to get back in the saddle again. :)
@chrismccron ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Good! 😎
Good luck with all of this, @chrismccron. Landing writing gigs is hard - I've also been working on developing a portfolio, and frankly, I stopped and began writing just for myself and found other things to do. Sometimes writing for others is not quite so fulfilling. Anyhow, that's not to say it won't be for you, so good luck!
Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement. I have time and I am in no rush to land anything, so slow and steady will win the race. :)
Good on you. Onward and upward!
I am going through some very rough stuff myself and finding it SO hard to work on things consistently. I think it's awesome that you've found a place to focus your skills. You are such a fantastic writer. There aren't many people who catch my attention and hold it as well as you do! So much that I remember to check on your blog when I haven't heard from you in a while.
You have a gift! There is also a plugin that will crosspost to steemit for you. I want to start blogging outside of steemit as well, because I think it is just a little too limited thus far, but I haven't had the ambition to do the extra lately, either.
Hey @Byn! Sorry to hear that you've had your own issues to deal with lately. I hope that resolves itself soon. And thank you for your kind words about my writing.
I hear what you mean about where to focus your efforts. It's a tricky thing to decide on. Here's a micro-post just for you:
"People ask which is better: quality vs. quantity? The answer is neither. They are both trumped by consistency. Consistency builds trust and connection with your audience. When you are consistent, quantity comes with time. Quality also comes when you are consistent, because you are always practicing. However, consistency is the only way to build trust with those that consume your art. Your audience wants to know that you'll be there for them every day, once a week, or bi-weekly. It doesn't matter which. They just want to know if you'll show up for them. Consistency is the key to all of it."
I have been consistent, but not in the eyes of Steemians, because I'm spread across platforms right now. Perhaps, it would pay to pick a platform to focus on, and readjust as needed. But no matter what, don't forsake consistency! I've made that mistake and also reaped the benefits of it.
Consistency > Quality & Quantity
Read Chris's post on the Art of Starting. @ChrisMcCron why don't you link it over here??
I don't have much of a problem getting starting, just spreading myself too thin (and getting distracted from the goal!). I really need to decide where I want my focus to be and I'm not sure if steemit is the best place for that, since the audience is so limited. I've REALLY gotten a lot from being here, though, so I also don't want to just drop it, either.
For me, it's just more of a directional thing rather than a getting started thing. I've been blogging/writing online in one form or another for 20 years since we got our first computer and internet! :)
Your life and your choice. I know you'll rock it judging by your content and the advice of Mr.Chris McCron above. Just remember this: Whenever you get a setback don't sit back instead step back to BOUNCEBACK. BECAUSE I CAN AND I WILL BOUNCEBACK.
I've seen your posts in my WP Reader, but haven't had chance to comment (long boring story that involves a temporary brace on my left hand). I've been meaning to ask you - have you considered enabling the "like" button for your posts? I didn't for the longest time, but now that I have, I'm finding I like it (for lack of a better word...LOL).
Oh, and have you heard about the @steempress-io plugin for WordPress, that automatically publishes your posts on Steemit? I just started using it about a week ago, and it's awesome! They are also wicked supportive of their users, especially since they recently got a huge delegation!
via GIPHY
Happy to hear you're still creating, even though the hard times. Sending oodles of good thoughts your way. hug
Hey, @TraciYork! I'll keep the "like button" and "Steempress" in mind. That seems like a great solution!
Coolness, @chrismccron! 😊
Hi @chrismccron,
Thanks for letting us know about your new website. I will surely check and bookmark it for future reading...
All the best for you :)
Aw thanks, @wilhb81! I appreciate you doing that. Things will be better soon enough.
So sorry to hear that you have been going through a tough time and good for you on staying creative throughout it. You should try writing some poetry, always helps me express the hectic emotional stuff. Happy to have stumbled across a post from you today. I missed your writing. All the best and good luck with all your future plans.
Thanks, @Jusipassetti! Things will turn out okay. And yes. I am proud that I was able to remain productive and not quit because things got tough. I am looking to use art as an outlet for these things, so I appreciate you recommending that. Talk more soon!
Please don't become comfortable now and stop learning, improving and growing. If you do then all this struggle that brought you this level of growth within you as a human being will go to waste.
What a waste?? Hahahaha.
Nawww still been learning and growing. Writing every day and taking courses. You know me ;)
That's the spirit. Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.
No matter what you are going through try to turn it into your Wellbeing.
Just an idea... if you posted your blog to both Steemit and your personal site, you could monetize your writing here while satisfying your fanbase there. Just BE SURE to make a note in your Steemit post that the information is being simultaneously posted to your personal website, lest the Cheetah-bot thinks you have plagiarized your own work.
Also, if your personal blog happens to be hosted on WordPress, there is a new plugin (which you can install on WordPress) that will publish your blog to Steemit, automatically, each time you update your Wordpress blog! Details can be found in this Steemit post.
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