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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I've joined a campaign

A few times I've seen blogfests and other challenges around the blog and I've been quite tempted to join but, apart from the 80k in 80 days challenge, I always end up thinking 'I haven't been blogging long enough, I don't have anything interesting to say' so I let these things pass me by and watch (or read), from the sidelines, wishing I'd been brave enough to join in. Well, what better way to get over those worries than by jumping into what looks like being one of the biggest events of its kind in our community?

Rachael Harrie from Rach writes... is running her third Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. From what I've read about it, it sounds like great fun and a lovely way to meet new people. I don't know much about it but lots of people who have been involved previously sound excited to do it again and there will be challenges. Challenges sound interesting, as long as I don't have to eat live bugs or something. Sign ups began yesterday and close on the 31st August. I've signed up to the YA and the Adult Fiction groups. (You can say I'm hedging my bets, I say I'm unpublished and versatile!). I've also signed up to the beginner blogger group. The campaign runs until 31st October, by which time I'll either have met a ton of new people or retired to a darkened room with a bottle of Tequila. So, win-win. Also, my blog gets a shiny new badge.

Hello by the way, to the people who were more organised than me and have already come over to introduce themselves. Get the kettle on, I'll be right over.

Thank you again to those who took the time to answer my questions last week. I've decided to continue to respond to comments on my blog but also to email those that I can. I was really pleased by how many people come back to read the comments, it's more than I thought. If there is anyone who would be annoyed by receiving an email response, please let me know and I'll make sure you don't get one.

There will be at least three more genres for Musical Stories thanks to all your suggestions for songs and genres. After that, I may repeat the genres :)

I've also decided that I'll be brave, and if I want to interview someone I'll just ask them. The worst they can say is no. It will only be occasional and only if I think I have something interesting to ask.

You guys are great. Is this what they mean by interactive blogging? ;-)

Posted by at 9:50 AM
Labels: ,

63 comments:

  1. VerniedaAugust 23, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    Hi! I joined the beginning blogger group too since I literally just started mine last week. This is my first write campaign also. Hopefully, it won't be too overwhelming for us!

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  2. UnknownAugust 23, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Fellow crusader and new follower stopping over to say hi!

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  3. CrystalAugust 23, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    Hello fellow Campaigner. I totally know what you mean about being brave enough to interview someone - it's an idea I struggle with, too, the idea of asking a complete stranger if I can pester them for information about their job/life etc. for the purposes of making a story authentic. I'm not quite there yet, but I am going to work on wo-manning up and asking!

    Happy Campaigning!

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  4. UnknownAugust 23, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Hi! Stopping by to introduce myself as a fellow crusader and new follower!

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  5. UnknownAugust 23, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    Hi campaigner! Just stopping by to return the "hello" and to follow :-)

    xx Rachel

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  6. AnonymousAugust 23, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Hi, nice to meet you through the campaign! I have never done it either so we can be newbies together! :)
    - andrea

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  7. Heidi WAugust 23, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Hi! I'm a fellow campaigner in your YA group. Nice to meet you!

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  8. Kimberly KreyAugust 23, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    No live bugs? I'm totally there!

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  9. SBJonesAugust 23, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    The title of your blog today made me instantly thing about this.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxPGzj2L3n0

    I will have to check out these campaigns as well.

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  10. AnonymousAugust 23, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Sarah - Thanks for letting me know about those campaigns. Good on you to join up, and I'll be interested to see how it goes :-). And yeah, even if the campaign doesn't work out the way you hope, there's always the tequila ;-).

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  11. Claudia MoserAugust 23, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    The Campaign idea sounds great but rather complicated, I tried to understand what is behind it, but wasn't really getting it! Anyway it's important that you start something fascinating, I can understand it since I also attend several blogging groups!

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  12. mooderinoAugust 23, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Hi Sarah, nice to meet you. ope to get to know you better during the campaign.

    mood
    Moody Writing
    @mooderino

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  13. PatsyAugust 23, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Oooh, you're braver than me! Hope you find it interesting (sounds as though that's pretty likely)

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  14. Golden EagleAugust 23, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    I'm excited for this Campaign! :) It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun.

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  15. SylarAugust 23, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    nice post :P
    +follow

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  16. David P. KingAugust 23, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    I could use a little platform building, after the awesome stuff we learned from WriteOnCon. And Rachael is amazing. Thanks for mentioning this campaign. I'm game (and I'll join the YA group with ya).

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  17. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderAugust 24, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    So fun to have you along for the campaign. Thanks for corresponding with me via email.

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  18. Missi MorrisAugust 24, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    Hey Sarah,

    I saw your name on the campaign list! I joined YA too, but I don't think we are in the same group.

    Anyway, good to see a familiar face. It sounds like it is the first time for both us. Good luck!

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  19. AnonymousAugust 24, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Hi Sarah, Nice connecting with you today! Welcome to the campaign. :)

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  20. UnknownAugust 24, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier. I look forward to knowing you as soon as the crazy Campaign storm settles down a bit.

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  21. Randy LindsayAugust 24, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Good for you for stepping up and trying something new and especially with conducting interviews. I've had pretty good luck getting authors responding to my requests - I'm sure you will too.

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  22. Gwen GardnerAugust 24, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    Hi Sarah - just blog-hopping by to say hello to a fellow campaigner. Also, looks like I'm your 98th follower!

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  23. julie feddersonAugust 24, 2011 at 1:44 AM

    Hello! I'm a new campaigner, too! Looking forward to getting to know your brand spanking new blog!

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  24. CherylAnne HamAugust 24, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    Guess what! I'm your 100th follower. (and another fellow crusader) Thanks for dropping by my blog today! You'll have a blast campaigning. :D

    I'm looking forward to reading your posts and getting to know you better.
    Happy writing

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  25. AnonymousAugust 24, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    Hello fellow campaigner... looking forward to getting to know you better and read you blogs / writing:)

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  26. Rick WatsonAugust 24, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    Jump in with both feet. You'll do well.
    It's been a while since I've had tequila. They say I had a wonderful time while I was standing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. LizAugust 24, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    Great to meet you fellow campaigner!

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  28. Sommer LeighAugust 24, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    Nice to meet you, campaigner! We are in the same YA group. I look forward to reading your blog!

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  29. UnknownAugust 24, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    I'm new to the blogging world too! I look forward to figuring it out together in the YA campaign. By the way, your personality really shines through in your writing!

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  30. AbhishekAugust 24, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Came here from the Platform Building Campaign!!


    Cool Blog!!

    with warm regards
    Another Author

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  31. alberta rossAugust 24, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Hi thanks for stopping by my blog - you'll have fun on the campaign and meet some great folk - earlier comment about not being in same group - you are allowed to follow everyone if youv'e a mind - its hard but allowed!!! last campaign it took a fortnight of serious legwork to get around it all! Go ahead and ask if you want to interview people up here on the web rely on interviews and guest blogs to help build their profiles up, I doubt many would refuse -(I wouldn't)

    have fun see you and look forward to chatting some more

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sarah TokeleyAugust 24, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Vernieda - It looks like you picked a great time to start your blog! Best of luck :-)

    Trisha - Thanks for visiting, hope you enjoy the blog!

    Crystal - I keep telling myself that the worst people can say is no :-)

    Mary - Hello Mary, good to meet you!

    Rachel - Thank you so much for the visit.

    Wordyliving - You're on! It's fun, isn't it?

    Heidi - It's good to meet you too :-)

    Kimberly - I could request them for you specially if you like ;-)

    SBJones - Thanks for the clip. I love Gimli. He's my WoW dwarf's future husband :-)

    Margot - Everything works out with tequila

    Claudia - I think it's mainly a way to meet other bloggers that you might not know. That's what I've done, anyway.

    Mood - Thank you, and ditto!

    Patsy - I'm not brave at all, I'm just pretending to be. Actually it's turned out to be quite painless :-)

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  33. Sarah TokeleyAugust 24, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Golden Eagle - I was pleased to see your name in my group :-)

    Sylar - Thank you!

    David - Hope to see you in one of the group

    Michael - You're very welcome. I love email :-)

    Missi - I saw your group. You've got some lovely people there. You're in for a treat if you're not already following them.

    Liz - You too, and thank you!

    Angelina - You're welcome. I bet people say this to you all the time, but I love your hat.

    Randy - I'm definitely going to go for it, but maybe not until after the campaign :-)

    Lady Gwen - Thank you. I'm thrilled at all the new readers

    Julie - Thanks. I hope you enjoy iy.

    CherylAnne - Yay! That's brilliant. Thanks for clicking the button :-)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sarah TokeleyAugust 24, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    tfwalsh - Hello to you too, and thank you.

    Life 101 - Snort! I have no answer to that!

    Liz - You too. I love your avatar :-)

    Sommer Leigh - Thank you for visiting - enjoy!

    Casey - That's a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much.

    AllMyPosts - Welcome, and thank you!

    Alberta - I'm hoping to visit everyone else too - eventually. I'm looking forward to meeting new victims - I mean subjects - for interviews when the campaign is over.

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  35. Rebecca EminAugust 24, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    What a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing the details about this.

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  36. Talli RolandAugust 24, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Happy campaigning! :)

    I I think most people would love to be interviewed! Go for it.

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  37. Talli RolandAugust 24, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Sorry for the double I I! :)

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  38. Ruth SchiffmannAugust 24, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Hi Sarah, I'm a new follower and fellow campaigner in the new bloggers group. Looking forward to getting to know you throughout the campaign.

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  39. KAugust 24, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Thanks for introducing yourself! I am looking forward to being in the campaign with you. And I love the title of your blog! I can't wait to get to know you as a writer.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Jolene PerryAugust 24, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    I've never done it, BUT it's always fun for me to track her pics all over the writing blogosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Jill W.August 24, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    Hi fellow campaigner!

    Don't forget the third option - a ton of new people together in a darkened room...with a bottle of Tequila for everyone. [g] Now _that's_ interactive blogging.

    Looking forward to getting to know you!

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnonymousAugust 24, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting, Sarah. I'm sure we'll both have a lot of fun with the Campaign.

    Don't sweat the interviews. Think of it as making an offer, not a request. You are offering the other person the opportunity to share their ideas and message with you and your followers. That is a privilege, not an imposition.

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  43. Jenny S. MorrisAugust 24, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    I'm glad there are a few familiar faces doing the Campaign so I don't feel too overwhelmed.

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  44. Ruth JosseAugust 24, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    I'm trying it out too! Don't know what to expect but we shall see!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Melodie WrightAugust 25, 2011 at 1:01 AM

    Hi Sarah:
    Another campaigner from the YA group stopping by. *waves*

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownAugust 25, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Fellow campaigner and new follower stopping by. Have a great week!

    My Blog

    ReplyDelete
  47. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyAugust 25, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    It's a great idea. I think if you ask anyone they will agree.

    Happy campaigning!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Sarah TokeleyAugust 25, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Rebecca - You're welcome. I hope you decide to join in.

    Talli - Hmm...who do I know who has a book out soon..? Don't worry, I'm kidding. I won't be trying anything new until after the campaign!

    And I'm so observant I didn't even notice the typo :-)

    inluvwithwords - Welcome to you. I look forward to visiting your blog :)

    K - I think you win the cool blog title competition :-)

    Jolene - I love to see people I know popping up in new places!

    Jillybean - Now you're talking! I can see you and I are going to get on great :-)

    Daniel - You're very welcome, and that's a good way to look at it. Thanks :)

    Jenny - I know what you mean, but it won't take long until we're all familiar faces :-)

    Ruth - We never know until we try!

    Melodie - *Waves back* hi!

    Jen - I will thanks, you too :-)

    Lynda - You're right, I haven't see one person disagree yet :-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Kate SwensonAugust 25, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Swam all the way across the pond with my hot pink water wings to say hi and deliver your honorary pair. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownAugust 25, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Some familiar faces here already.

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  51. DeanaAugust 25, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    I'm one of the stragglers:) But I am part of the campaign and I agree, I do feel like its the first day of school. Will you be my friend:)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Alynza SmithAugust 25, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Fellow Campaigner dropping in to say Hello!

    ReplyDelete
  53. David P. KingAugust 25, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Hey, Sarah! Just wanted you to know that you are eligible for the giveaway. The last giveaway I had I sent a book to the UK and Spain.

    And welcome to the campaign! :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousAugust 25, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Hello! Nice to meet another beginning blogger. Excited to take on this journey with you. :)

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  55. Chemist KenAugust 25, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Welcome to the Campaign. Thanks for stopping by my website. I'm also extremely jealous that you live in the UK.

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  56. Michelle RueckertAugust 25, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Hi! Its nice to meet you too! Thanks for checking out my blog! I look forward to learning with you.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Lauren F. BoydAugust 26, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    Thanks, Sarah, for this link! I am going to check it out right now.

    And thanks so much for your comments on my blog! It's always great to see you!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Sarah TokeleyAugust 26, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    Kate - Heck, they must be great water wings! Have a tequila and a towel :-)

    T.B. McKenzie - I'm starting to get to know everyone!

    Deana - You're just fashionably late, and indeed I will :-)

    Alynza - Hello there, thanks for visiting.

    David - Aww, thank you. Can you consider my comment my entry?

    Annalise - Welcome. It's a journey with you, me and half the internet :-)

    Ken - You're welcome, and umm...WHY? :-)

    Michelle - Hello to you, and you're very welcome.

    Lauren - I hope you join, and you know I love to visit you :-)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Rosalind AdamAugust 26, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Hi this is my first time taking part in Rachael's Campaign. Hope to get to know you better soon. Re responding to comments, I often wonder if anyone pops back to read my responses.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Holly VanceAugust 28, 2011 at 1:15 AM

    Nice to meet you fellow Campaigner.

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  61. Sarah TokeleyAugust 29, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    Rosalind - Lovely to see you - and I do :-)

    Holly - Welcome to you! Thank you for visiting :-)

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  62. F.E. SewellSeptember 7, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Hi Sarah! Just makin' the rounds. You and I are in the same beginner bloggers group!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Sarah TokeleySeptember 7, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    F. E. Sewell - Welcome to you. I look forward to getting to know you :-)

    ReplyDelete

I happily answer all comments on my blog, and by email if it's not a 'noreply' address :-)

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