Armchair BEA Day 3: Expanding Your Blogging Horizon & Novellas

May 28, 2014

We are on to day 3 of the Armchair BEA and on to some more interesting topics of discussion.

Expanding Blogging Horizons
What do you think about when you think about going beyond blogging or expanding your horizons? Is it a redesign of your blog? Have you branched out into freelance writing or even published a novel of your very own? Or, have you moved into a different venue like podcasts or vlogging? This is the day to tell us about how you have expanded on blogging in your own unique way.

This past year, I have to say, I have expanded my blogging horizons this past year. Last year at this time, I had no idea really what I was doing to get my blog promoted or how it should look, or really how to work Blogger. I was lost. After the BEA last year and seeing all the beautiful blogs, I started to research. I began the over-hall on my own and safe to say, it didn't go as planned and I discovered some fantastic designers and found the one that fit my personality. I learned that a good looking blog catches the eye.

As far as writing, I love to write. I wrote a novel in highschool...safe to say, it sucked. All 250+ pages, but I loved the creativity. In the last couple of years I've started working on a couple of manuscripts. I would love to one day to become a profession writer, but I know I still have much to learn. That's why I love to read as much as I do, it is one of the best teachers out there.

Podcasts and vlogging, I don't think that will be something that I will ever do.


Novellas/Short Stories 
Now it is time to give a little love to those little stories in your life. Share your love for your favorite shorts of any form. What is a short story or novella that doesn’t get the attention that it deserves? Recommend to readers what shorts you would recommend they start with. How about listing some short story anthologies based upon genres or authors?


I've been a fan short stories and have for a while. I use to only read the novellas where only one author wrote all the short stories, but I've started to branch out and read multi-author books. I also enjoy the short stories that authors have put out as a bridge between novels or fun little prequels to the first novel in a series.

 I have read many of these and have enjoyed them. A couple of them I'm hoping to read soon. These are just the most recent of short stories. There are others from years ago.


16 comments

  1. Looks like BEA 2013 set you off on a path. It is good to see what others do on their blogs. I hope you fulfil all that you dream of with writing.

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  2. I've been learning a lot at this year's ArmchairBEA. This is my first year attending.

    As to a professional writing career: It doesn't happen overnight and takes a lot of work. You should try to release some short stories in anthologies. It's a great place to start. Don't be afraid to get your work out there.

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  3. This blog design is awesome, and congrats on actually finishing a book! I've not managed to do that yet.

    --Brenda @DailyMayo

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  4. Writing in 250 pages in high school is super impressive, even if you were less thrilled with the content :)

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  5. I'm also particularly fond of the short story/novellas between books in a series. I just wish that they were published as physical books because I usually miss out when the ebooks are released.

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  6. I'm trying to write a book, too. I'm not anywhere close to 250 pages, but I'm trying! The hardest part for me is having the idea and words in your head and just sitting down to get them on paper, but that doesn't seem to be a problem for you!

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  7. May God concretisize your dream of becoming a professional writer, Kate. I, too, am learning the craft through reading. Encouraging you to continue. Cheers!:)

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  8. Hey! Wishing you the best with your writing career...you are right, read lots! This year for BEA I am doing the same as you did last year...soaking up all the blogs, see how it is done and done well and push my blog's horizons. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Katheryn, Thanks! BEA has been a fantastic learning experience. :-)

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  10. Allison, That is great. :-)

    It definitely takes time. I'm enjoying the learning and working to discover what I like to do.

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  11. Brenda, Thank you. The Blog Decorator did a fantastic job. As for finishing, it was fun to know I could do it. Type the required word count needed.

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  12. Wesley, Thanks. It was a fun experience. I discovered I really loved research from it. It stunk, but there were some great things that came from.

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  13. Jordin, I completely agree! I just got into the ereader world. If they were published, it would be nice.

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  14. Danielle, I understand completely about the the time. It's hard these days to sit down and type.

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  15. Ganise, Thank you friend! Reading is the best. There are so many who have mastered the art of writing. It is a delight to read. :-)

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  16. Deb, I'm right there with you. I love seeing what others are doing in the blogging world. It is amazing the creativity and work that has been put to them. Love it! Hope you have a wonderful time!

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