Friday, January 9, 2015

Cyber Coworkers by Michelle Howard

For my first guest, I'm honored to have Michelle Howard here. I first met her over a year ago through blogging. She is one of those amazing people with an inspiring amount of energy. My word count grows at a snail pace compared to hers. Here's Michelle....

I used to think that writing was a lonely profession. It had to be, right? You sit in a room or your designated space with your notebook or laptop and just tune out the world while you create magical splendor. (Or some other form of splendor) No one popped their head in your office to ask you to lunch, no one cruised through the halls laughing loudly, (unless the kids are out of school or the spouse is hungry) and no boss checked the progress of your latest project.

Boy was I wrong and glad of it. LOL. I ventured into the self-publishing side of writing about a year ago. I worked my 9-5 or 7 at the office depending on the day and came home to grind out my prize winning novel/s. During all of this, I met a new friend who wrote contemporary romances and we emailed daily. Sometimes we called one another to talk about plots or characters for hours. (Once for 3 hrs no kidding) As I continued to navigate my way as a new author I met other writers, beta readers, editors and cover artists. Suddenly, I had this whole community of ‘coworkers’. Sure not in the traditional sense but as with everything in the digital age this was the new-new.

When I’m on my laptop working it’s not unusual for an email from one of my cyber coworkers to pop up. I have the choice of chatting then or later just like when I’m in my corporate office. I receive joke emails or funny memes via my author email just like the email chains and endless what tree would you be questionnaires at my day job. As for the boss checking on my latest project…well that’s me and I try to hold myself to a word count before I’m officially done for the evening.

It took a few months into this process before I realized that writing wasn’t lonely at all. In fact, I had an internet full of coworkers and like with any job there were good days and bad days. The best part is that I never know what to expect. Just like my ‘other’ job.


So when you’re hunched over your masterpiece and chewing on the tip of an eraser while guzzling a Starbucks, remember that you’re not alone. Feel free to cyber knock on my office door any time. I’ll be glad to hear from you and I’m sure the boss won’t mind. J  

A King’s Revenge Blurb:

When you lose what you loved most…
 Tarik Sabarn, King of Desani, thought he’d lost everything when his Queen was murdered.  In the years following her death, he gave up on love and focused on ruling his Kingdom. When he meets Lea at a United Alliance meeting, he finds what was once lost.

When you find what you’d always been searching for…
Lea never imagined a random night of passion would lead to answers she’d spent years searching for. After a night with Tarik, she learns more than she bargained for and finds love. But if she’s not careful, they’ll both lose out again.

About the Author
Michelle Howard enjoys a crazy life that involves wild kids, a loud dog, and a husband who tolerates the madness.  Like many authors, she’s dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago.  She loves paranormal and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances, such as Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood.
I love to hear from fans so please reach out to me.
Buy links:
Amazon
Smashwords

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15 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

An Internet full of co-workers - that's a great way to put it. The support and fellowship here online is amazing.
Congratulations, Michelle!

Pat Hatt said...

That is very true indeed, one big community with many to meet and greet and chat with.

Unknown said...

Yes, Pat. I think I meet new people at least once a week that I end up following or networking with in some fashion. Its truly changed my perspective and Susan has been an amazing cheerleader :)

ElizabethN said...

An internet of coworkers, like that plus very true. Also so cool that you get to interact with Susan (and Susan with you). The internet world is smaller than many realize.

Unknown said...

Yes it is Beth :)
I replied to Alex too but it may have gotten eaten.

Nick Wilford said...

It's the biggest fallacy that writing is lonely because it actually takes many hands to produce a book! Or it should do. Fun post, Michelle.

Unknown said...

Lots of hands, Nick. I fell into the myth but I'm so glad it's not what I envisioned.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I also love that connection with my e-friends, knowing they're only a click or two away when I need to come out of my shell.

Christine Rains said...

My cyber friends are my biggest support. They're wonderful. Great post!

Arlee Bird said...

I like being a home so a work from home situation would be great in my estimation. I've never had a traditional 9 to 5 office job situation in all of my working career so I don't know that I'd care all that much for it.

Wishing you well with the book, Michelle.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Carol Kilgore said...

I love my cyber friends, too. Good meeting you!
Waving to Susan :)

Unknown said...

Isn't it great Patrivia :)

Unknown said...

Thanks Cristine

Unknown said...

Thank you Lee. I've had both and I get tons done when the corporate job has a work from home option. It's the best of both worlds

Unknown said...

Nice meeting you Carol