I just discovered Goodreads. And, I’m wondering where it has been all my life. Or, maybe it’s, where have I been all my life? As I rated books, one of the first options presented with when a person signs up, I realized that I have read a lot more nonfiction than anything else. Plus, most important, I think my book may be categorized incorrectly. As soon as I find out, I will certainly fix that and reload it if I need to.

I noticed as I dropped in earlier on other’s blogs that I’m following that I cannot like their posts. I used to be like that, not allow readers to like my posts. I’m sure everyone’s reasons are different. After publishing my book, I owned up to the fact that I needed to become more reachable instead of keeping everyone at arm’s length. It took some adjustment in my thinking, but I’m a lot happier now. I don’t worry so much about if someone will like my posts or not. No one has to like anything. If someone does like a post, then that’s great; if not, that’s okay, too.

So, I encourage anyone out there with a blog to allow readers to like your posts. You don’t have to play the numbers game. But it gives us, your readers, the opportunity to let you know – in the smallest of ways – that we found what you wrote of value.

I’m working on my second book this month. My goal is to have the rough draft done by September 30. Usually, when I set a goal, I meet it. I didn’t use to be that way. When I was young, I’d procrastinate, think of all kinds of ways to be a failure at meeting my goal. Then, I’d try to use all the excuses I could come up with as viable reasons to justify not accomplishing what I set out to do. Now, I know better. If I make the date, great. If I don’t, I beat myself up for a bit and punt again. It took me 13 months to write and publish my first book from start to end. If I get my current one done in 12 months, I’ll be happy. But, I’m shooting for maybe eight months instead. We’ll see.

Before I close off and get my head out of social media and onto my pillow, I’ll leave you with another one of my favorite scenic photos. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Also, if you love to read and haven’t ever checked out Goodreads, I encourage you to do so. It’s quite an experience.