Taking Stock

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Well, 108 days into this adventure, I thought Iโ€™d give an update on where I am, if only to collect my own thoughts and ensure Iโ€™m remaining focused.

I’ve had two lovely surprises over the last seven days. The first was that WordPress featured the site on Thursday last week. They like the featured images I use and so put together a really nice article which brought a lot of new people here – so a huge thank you to them and welcome to the new readers. It means the world to have you here, truly. The piece helped push my followers past 900, which is far more than I could have hoped to have at this stage when I began in January. When I began, I was hoping to pick up one follower a day.

Secondly. Keith Sees Too Much was featured over atย The Drabble at the weekend, which I didnโ€™t realise until I was browsing the site yesterday. I submitted it a while ago and forgot about it, so that was a nice surprise. I’m two for three on stuff I’ve submitted. I need to start doing it more. Itโ€™s always good to get reassurance that my writing can exist outside of JPTC – thatโ€™s what Iโ€™m here for at the end of the day.

Meanwhile, The Last of Logan is coming along okay and I hope to have it all done by the end of May. Most of the story is written, but I still have to โ€˜buildโ€™ the cards and add all the extra stuff that surrounds the main text. When I need a break from that, Iโ€™ve started planning a more conventional novel that I want to write this summer.

Itโ€™s set all over London, so my plan is to write it while walking and bussing around the city, so I can soak up the place and use it as inspiration. Iโ€™ll start on that next week I think.

Iโ€™m also considering giving the site a little facelift. Nothing major, perhaps just change the style or colour scheme of the images I use, just to keep it fresh.

Outside of all that, I have to try to earn some money, because Iโ€™ve done very little of that in 2017 and money will start to run out soon if I donโ€™t earn. With that in mind, Iโ€™m going to give Upwork a go. It looks like itโ€™s quite difficult to get that first job on there, so if anyone has any advice (or work they want me to do!) please let me know. I will write, sub, edit for food ๐Ÿ™‚

Finally, thank you so much for reading and your feedback. Also, thank you for all your writing – Iโ€™ve read so much great stuff in the last 108 days. I really should resurrect the Spread The Word feature.

Smile on people x

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21 responses to “Taking Stock”

  1. Fantastic news and great recap! Sounds like you’re making amazing progress, just stay on track! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much Shaun. I’ve got a lot to catch up reading wise, but just wanted to say your PlayPositive blog is a really good idea. Will have a proper read later.

      Like

  2. David K

    I’m kind of in the same boat, Ben. Gave up the corporate grind to concentrate on writing and studying writing with a diminishing pot of savings. Good luck with your endeavour, see you on dry land.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks David. It’s good to know there are more of us. As I said to Shaun I have loads of catching up to do reading-wise, but just checked and your post on depression is timely. I will give it a read later. Thanks again ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      1. David K

        Yes, good to know I’m not the only one thinking: ‘what the hell have I done, how can I make this work?’ You clearly have passion and talent, the rest will just take time (and a sprinkling of money). ๐Ÿ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You too friend. I’m catching up now – I’ve been shamefully lazy with my WordPress reading lately – but your stuff is so good. We’ll get there, wherever there is ๐Ÿ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

  3. All kinds of congrats are I order! Wtg!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Sascha ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Congrats, Ben!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Sara ๐Ÿ™‚

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  5. Mandie Hines

    Such wonderful news you had to share, Ben. Great job! And these updates are so enjoyable to read. I’ve only recently realized how important these behind-the-scenes updates or insights are for readers. They provide these moments where I feel the shared experience with other writers and really get that great feeling of connection. Keep up the great work, and best of luck on getting more pieces submitted for publishing. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Mandie. Yeah I was initially a bit averse to writing personal update stuff, (because who cares, right?) but then I realised that a personal touch is essential in a blog format, and not just a series of disconnected fiction pieces. Thanks again! x

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Cristina Jasmine

    I just completed a profile on UpWork. I hope it works out for the both of us!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good luck Cristina! Patience required with it I think.

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  7. Congrats Ben! You are a wonderful writer and will go far! I just know it ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ahh, thanks Allie. That’s very kind ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  8. daveyone1

    Reblogged this on World4Justice : NOW! Lobby Forum..

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Struggling to ‘make it’ as a writer, so this was very inspiring to see! Well done *hugs*

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you and good luck with it all. Stick with it! ๐Ÿ™‚

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  10. Sounds like you’re doing quite well ๐Ÿ™‚

    I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award…

    A #Blog Award and a bit of Fun

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    1. Thank you Ronel! That’s lovely, and a chance to check out the other 10 who you recommend. I’ll endeavour to answer them this afternoon ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

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