Last Monday, my post “A Blogger’s Voice” was featured on Word Press Discover page, which meant that my blog was suddenly getting a much bigger audience than usual. For the most part, I was thrilled. I think every writer wants their words to reach as many people as possible (if we didn’t, we would just write in a personal journal) and the thought of all those new readers was exciting. I was also flattered that a Word Press editor thought my blog was worthy of being included in their Discover program. I really didn’t think this would ever happen to my blog.
But a small part of me was also worried. I knew that along with all that extra exposure came the very real risk of a whole lot of spam, criticism, and downright nasty comments. When they let me know I was going to be included in Discover, Word Press even included advice on how to the handle negative comments that might be coming my way. Honestly, in the days between being notified that I was going to be “discovered” and before it actually happened, I even toyed with the idea of backing out of the whole thing.
But then I realized that none of this would have happened if my good blogging friend Barb Knowles hadn’t recommended me to a Word Press editor. Barb writes a funny, poignant and insightful blog called Sane Teachers , and has been a wonderful source of inspiration and support. I didn’t want to let her down or have her think I wasn’t grateful for her recommendation so I decided to just go for it. I figured between my spam filter and my ability to moderate comments, I could handle whatever negativity came my way.
And you know what? The nastiness, the criticism, and the spam never materialized. In the past week, I’ve added about 500 new followers and the last time I looked, that post had about 1,700 views. My spam filter caught no more than the usual amount of spam, and I moved about eight comments into the trash only because they included what I thought might not be a legitimate Word Press link in them. Even then, I may have been overly quick to hit the “trash” button, but I didn’t want to run the risk of any of my readers getting a virus from a link on my blog.
My point is not that all those people loved my blog. I’m sure that most of them didn’t even read it, and simply hit the “follow” and “like” buttons in the hopes that I would do the same for their blog. My point is that the onslaught of negativity that I had anticipated didn’t happen. Instead, I received lots of positive and courteous comments from other bloggers. Being “discovered” connected me to many people who also struggle with finding the courage to put their true thoughts and feelings into their posts and then send them out into cyberspace. It let me communicate with people from all over the world, both getting and giving encouragement and good wishes. It was an awesome experience.
I am very, very, grateful to Barb and to Word Press for the chance to be “discovered.” I am grateful for the new views, follows and the comments on my post. But what I most grateful for is the way that this whole experience reminded me that there is still so much good in the world, and so many good people in the world, if only I’m willing to open my eyes and see.
I am happy for you! Keep up the good work.
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what a great opportunity to showcase your work 🙂
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Yay! I hadn’t heard of the WordPress Discover page, but I’m so happy for you and your placement there. I think I would have had a similar reaction to yours, and I’m pleased that your concern for nastiness and spam didn’t come to pass.
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I think it’s what used to be called “Freshly Pressed.” I hadn’t heard of it either until I saw another blog post about it. And I am so glad that it worked out. I think the fact that my post wasn’t about anything even remotely controversial helped a lot.
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A well deserved honor!
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Ann, you are a much better writer than you know! Clear, sharp, funny and grammatically flawless. Congrats!
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Not sure I deserve that, but thanks anyway!
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Congrats. What’s the link to the wordpress Dicover Page?
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I’m not sure of the link, but if you google “Word Press Discover” it should come up. It features different blogs every day.
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That’s OK, I’ll check it out
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I love when our expectations that there will be a lot of “negative” stuff turn out wrong. Its a challenging balance between paying attention and not getting sucked into a lot of hype. Glad being discovered worked out well for you–are you ready for your closeup?
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They do a closeup? Hmmm….better get out my BIG sunglasses.
And yes, I agree that the trick is to recognize and prepare for potential trouble, but not obsess about it to the point where we don’t see the good. Not easy, but I try!
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I’m one of your new readers/followers. I have enjoyed the last couple of posts and look forward to the next post! Congratulations on your Discovery page feature!
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Thank you so much!
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I’m so glad your experience was such a positive one!
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I truly love your blog and admire your unique spirit that I can so clearly see through your writing! sending love
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That’s great, congratulations on being discovered!
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How exciting and so happy that many more people will “discover” your amazing blog! You write so beautifully and people at all stages of life can relate to the topics that you share! Way to go!
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Thanks, Louise! For as long as I have known you, you have been a constant source of encouragement! I am so very lucky to have a friend like you….
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See!!!! You worried for nothing! Lesson learned??? 🙂 LOL! (If only we could learn to not worry – eh??!!) Congratulations sweet, dearn Ann! You are very deserving! So happy for you!!!
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Thanks, Jodi! And you know, if I had to pick just one more thing I could learn during my life, it would be not to worry so much! Thanks also, for always being so supportive. Your blog is one of the main ones I looked to for inspiration when I was starting out. Our blogs are different, (I couldn’t paint a decent picture if my life depended on it) but our purpose is the same.
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Awh! Thanks Ann! And you are right – we both have the same purpose! Kindness. Embracing Life where we are. Cherishing the moments. ❤
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Great post! Your words and blogs are always well thought out, meaningful and beautiful! And I’m going to say those followers are going to read your posts because you are so very very good!
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Thank you for your kind words! Coming from someone who writes as well as you do, that means a lot!
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😀
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Congratulations Ann! They say most of the things we worry about never really happen. 🙂
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I have found that to be true! Thank you!
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🙂
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Congrats Ann! Well deserved recognition and exposure.
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Thanks, Michael!
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Congratulations! It’s beautiful to see that there are places left where human will bring no negativity.
I flirt with writing not for long, so I always look for words that blend easily with my thoughts and help me understand where I could do better. Thanks for your presence here. 🙂
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Thanks! It is affirming to realize that there are many places where negativity isn’t present, and we can be our best selves. Happy blogging!
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Congratulations.
Very happy for you! ☺
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Thank you so much!
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You’re welcome.
Hugs 🌷
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Congratulations Ann. I think I have said this before, well done bravely stepping forward. It is so easy to get caught up in the fear of what might happen if we put our voice out into the world. We won’t know until we hit the button and send our words out into the universe. You challenged your fear and because of that you have been able to find others that you connect with. Bravo. I am so happy for you. Keep sharing your unique voice.
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Thanks, Ali! And thanks for sharing your voice through the poetry on your blog as well. I always look forward to your posts.
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Reblogged this on Julia's Journal and commented:
That’s just amazing! Keep up the good work!
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Thank you so much!
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congratulations you deserve to be discovered.
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Hi Ann, I am one of those who discovered you through the wordpress discover program. And I am glad I did! 🙂 I followed you after reading a couple of your posts because I felt a connect and liked the way you put across your thoughts. And I still do.
So true. We are all programmed to think of the negativities that could come our way and to prepare for it. In the process we sometimes refrain from taking “that step” because of all these thoughts. I call them the “quills” that we develop as we grow in order to keep ourselves “safe”. ( This was exactly my thought process when I wrote my blog Pineapple Porcupine and Me! ( https://deepasthoughts.wordpress.com/2873 ) )
Keep writing and keep taking those newer paths. All the best!
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Thank you! I have visited your blog and really liked it, but when I clicked on the link in your comment, it said “page not found.” I don’t know if that’s a glitch on my computer (which is acting up a bit) or your blog, but I wanted to let you know.
And I like your idea of “quills” that keep us safe, and keep others at bay! It is exactly why so many of us hide our true selves from others. Thanks for the comment!
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Thank you Ann.
Sorry about that link not working . Not a glitch on your computer . Some issue with the link .
https://deepasthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/23/pineapple-porcupine-and-me/
This should work .
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It did work! Thank you!
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Congratulations!! You deserve this… I said this before that your blogs are just great.. And an inspiration for me.. I wish you all the success.. Keep writing and keep inspiring me 😊
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Thank you!
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Just embrace the success that you have so obviously earned
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I think it just fell into my lap, but it is fun! Soon the extra attention will fade away and I’ll go back to my little blog, and that’s good too.
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That is a result, Ann.
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Wow! What a nice compliment and thank you for the shout out! Just so you know, I had a bump in views yesterday from your link here, even though I was away for a weekend and not even blogging. Your post (all your posts) stands on its own merits, and your blog is so good and insightful that it had to be recommended. The editor could have ignored me and it completely, but once reading your blog knew it deserved to be shared with the greater audience of writers on WordPress. I may have dropped a hint, but your work stands on its own and I’m grateful to be one of your followers.
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You are too modest… It was very nice of you to think of me and to make the recommendation. I’m not surprised, because helping other people (including bloggers) is what you do. But I am still grateful, for all your support. And I can’t wait to hear about the conference!
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It was totally awesome….more to follow.
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Your thought-provoking blog has earned this distinction. Congrats!
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Thanks, Jean!
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Congratulations , Ann! It was full of helpful tips for me . I’m glad I Discovered it. I enjoy your conversational way of writing. I am trying to write in that manner also. People connect better with the intent of the message and the heart of the author.
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Thank you, Michael! Just write in the way that comes most naturally to you, and your readers will connect to it because it is your true voice. And every voice does deserve to be heard!
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A reward that is well deserved.
>
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Congratulations, truly exciting news. I believe the world should be exposed to your talent. Don’t forget us little people when you become famous.
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You are so funny!!
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I enjoy your blog cause you provide an insight from the daily life in such a honest and funny way. Through WordPress I also discovered a blog of a doctor that has diabetes and how he handles and manage it. I found it amazing that he shares his personal insight and explanation if you are just willing to open your eyes, learn and educate yourself. Also “good in our world” is that there are free courses that you can take online through MIT coursera and it is also provided by the generosity of other people that we are not always aware of their actions.
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That’s a good point, Svet! So much of the good in our world is provided by people who don’t even realize just how much they are helping others. And thanks for your kind words!
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Congratulations on your well deserved recognition. I am happy to say that I knew you and your blog before you were discovered.
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Ha! Trust me, in a few days, I’ll be back to regular stats. And that’s just fine. It was a fun experience!
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Very Nice! Congrats!
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Well done Ann.
I’m so pleased it all worked out.
Keep up the good work.
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Me, too. I really was nervous about the whole thing!
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Congratulations Ann, that is absolutely fantastic that you were ‘discovered’. Glad that you did not have to deal with too much spam and nasty comments.
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Thanks, I was relieved that all that negativity didn’t materialize!
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Wow this is amazing, well done xxxx
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Congratulations!!!
I was Discovered last week, but found out through Twitter. So you got a letter. Wow! Did the Discover badge through it appearing in your widgets?
I haven’t gotten any disrespectful comments but several blog-jackers who left their links. Ha! I just edited the comment or ignored it.
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I got an email, with a couple of links provided on what to expect, and also a link to the Discover badge. Naturally, it took me quite a while to figure out how to put it on my blog, because I am unbelievably bad about these things (which explains why the look of my blog hasn’t changed in so long). And congrats on being discovered!!!!
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Thank you so much! I’d like to know who Discovered me. I’ll ask Ben Huberman about it today.
I told my husband that I didn’t get a letter.
“Maybe it hasn’t come in the mail yet,” he said totally deadpan. Hahahahaha!
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Funny man! And maybe no one recommended you, maybe the editors just noticed your post? I’m not honestly sure how it works. But so glad it worked for you!
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Thank you and the same to you! It is quite an honor.
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Dear Ann, belated congratulations on being ‘discovered’ and featured on WordPress Discover! I must have missed this important event in your life being preoccupied with traveling to our son’s wedding and some medical issues. I am so glad that your fears about spam, viruses and nasty comments did not materialize. With effective blogging in mind and with the aim of being a positive influence in the world we must be prepared to stick our neck out. We need more people like you, Ann!
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Actually, Peter, we need more people like you who are always so encouraging to other bloggers. (And I suspect, most people you encounter!) Congratulations on your son’s wedding, and I hope that your medical issues are over soon. I look forward to reading more about the story of your life and how you and your wife finally crossed the Atlantic and got married! Thanks, Peter….
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Thanks a lot for the good wishes, Ann! As to the story of my life, you and all my followers need to be patient and to allow themselves to be held in suspense. More obstacles need to be overcome before we finally get married.
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It’s an awfully good story so far!
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Congrats and I really feel you on the fear of trolls and negativity. I have been reluctant to post much in my blog, despite it being one of the things I had hoped to nurture after I retired. Appreciate you putting a voice to this issue, and also glad I found your blog! Keep writing!
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I would encourage you to post what you want on your blog. Just set your conversation settings so that you have to approve it the first time someone comments. That way, you won’t have any comments on your blog that attack you or others who are leaving comments. I felt much braver when I realized I could do that. I want my blog to be a “safe” place for everyone to express themselves, as long as they aren’t being hateful or completely inappropriate.
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WoW!!! Yay!! Congratulations!! Eat cake! This is wonderful! I am so very happy for you!
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Thanks, Michele! Meeting people like you is one of the joys of blogging!
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And I feel the same way about you!
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Wow, how absolutely wonderful Ann. I’m honestly thrilled for you. And I absolutely agree that there’s more good than otherwise in this world. Well done my friend.
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Thanks, Miriam! It was more luck than anything, but it has been fun.
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Good for you Ann.
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Soldier on, Ann. You’re prepared for everything that comes.
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Thank you!
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Congratulations Ann!
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Thank you so much for this post! I started blogging two months ago. I’ve always loved to write and wanted to be motivated to do more of it. I also wanted a way to deal with all the “noise” in my head and sort out my thoughts and feelings, but putting down my truth and being authentic and sending it out to the universe was nerve wracking! Although I’ve yet to experience the negativity (likely because I only have 13 followers right now!), with every post I become more prepared to deal with it, if and when it happens.
I’m inspired by your ability to put yourself out there for a wider audience! Thank you!
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Congratulations on starting your bog! It will continue to grow as you continue to post, and I think you’ll find that most of the people on Word Press are very nice. I thought that having a bigger audience for a few days would mean that I’d see more negativity, but it didn’t really happen. My guess is that you won’t see it either. Take care, and happy blogging!
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How wonderful, Ann! Many congratulations! I’m so happy for you! And I could have told you that there wouldn’t be any negative comments coming your way 😉
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You are too nice! It was exciting, and almost overwhelming just trying to keep up. My numbers are going back to usual now, and that’s also a good thing. Thanks so much for all your support!
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I can imagine! Your arms must hurt after all that typing! I´m sure mine would! And I would be utterly perplexed if something like this would happen to me! Haha! 😀
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I kinda was, at first! Totally new experience for me.
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Ann, I don’t believe I’m alone when I say that I read and enjoyed your post and only afterwards, hit the like and follow button. Thanks for muddling through and taking the risk.
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Thank you you much! That means a lot to me.
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I’ve been meaning to say Congrats! This is what you have been aiming for: to be a writer and here you are! I’m very proud of you and happy about this too. I wondered how it happened and how one gets ‘discovered’. It’s very, very cool Ann. xoxo
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Thanks! I think it’s different for everyone, but Barb mentioned my blog to a Word Press editor, and that’s how it happened for me. Honestly, the stats go way up for a few days, and then it gets back to normal. What I feel good about was that Barb recommended me, and the editor thought it was good enough to include in Discover. That’s what felt like validation of my writing, weird as it may sound!
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It’s fantastic. I’ve always noticed how many comments you get. I don’t know how you manage it!! 😊
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I think it’s my OCD kicking in. I “must” answer, or at least acknowledge, comments. LOL!
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It’s good for certain things 😊
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Congratulations on your new found fame. Sometimes success is more scary than failure.
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Yep, even when it’s short-lived. Especially for introverts like me!
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Well, first of all I should ask for your autograph before you get so famous you won’t remember who I am😊
Then I can sell it on the open market and become independently wealthy.
At least that’s the plan.
Seriously…congratulations!!! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. You are a terrific writer and individual and you pour your heart into every word you write in an honest and personal way.
Your writing is always highlight..:)
Now, about that autograph😊
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You are so funny! But think about this: if I ever wrote a few dozen best-sellers, then my autograph might actually be worth something. So I have a plan. I’ll write the books, you talk the publishers into giving me big bucks for them and making sure they sell millions of copies, and in return, I’ll mail you my autograph which you can then sell for tons of money! I think we need to do this….. there’s a condo somewhere in Sanibel that is just waiting for me to buy it.
But seriously, thanks for your kind words. I don’t think I deserve them, but they are good to hear anyway. I hope you know how much I appreciate your support!
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Whoa…lets go back a few lines here. If I’m going to convince publishers to sell your books, I believe they call that person an agent, which is cool because I always wanted to be an agent. So, let’s get back to the plan. You do the writing, I do the selling, you make millions, I get ten percent, you buy the condo on Sanibel, I buy a cottage overlooking the ocean in Maine and every once in a while we can swap places until you sell another book, it becomes a bestseller and we upgrade from a condo and cottage to something more exclusive.
That’s my plan….deal?
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You drive a hard bargain, but yes, it’s a deal! On the one stipulation that if you are the one who writes all those best sellers, then I get to be your agent and earn 10% of profits. (And I believe some agents are now asking for 15%, but we can discuss that detail later.) One way or another, I’ll get my condo on Sanibel and you’ll get your cottage in Maine, and yes, we’ll swap once in a while. Until we make billions, and then we’ll both own houses on the French Riviera!
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Deal!
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Congratulations Ann! No one deserves this more. Your posts are funny and insightful and inspiring!
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Thank you Kim! And I feel exactly the same way about your blog. I don’t remember exactly how I first found it, but I do remember that it was your honesty, compassion and quality of writing that made me hit that “follow” button, before I even got to know you!
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