I'm a Blogcker!

As was announced two days ago I have become a weekly contributor to the Authors Incognito sponsored writing blog, LDS Writers Blogck.

I didn't announce it here, but it was just two days ago and I hoped you don't mind. I figured I'd just announce it with my first posting, which went live about half an hour ago.

I'm going to be the Monday blogger and I'm supposed to touch on the struggles of writing. Perfect, I struggle a lot with writing. It isn't that I hate it -- I truly do enjoy writing -- but I haven't got to the point yet where the writing flows out of me. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel (hope) I have a lot to share as well.

Don't worry, this blog will still be updated. I think plenty of posts will fit better here as I share my personal findings and experiences. LDS Writers Blogck will be more general in nature and not as personal.

Just to prove how non-personal I can be, I'd invite you to visit my first posting: an introduction to myself and my experiences with writing. Oh, wait, I guess that is the exact opposite of non-personal. Okay, things will get less personal moving forward. I have to warn you, it is probably one of the longest posts I've ever written.

In reflection, I never did that on my own blog. So I have a question for you all. Would it be appropriate if the posts I put there are also copied over to here? The bad thing is that those who follow both blogs (and there are a few of you out there) will get a double-helping of Duckett bloggyness. But for those who only follow this blog, you will get the helping you would have missed. Thoughts? Opinions?

I'm Guest Blogging for Shelly and Chad

I just sent my guest blog post for Shelly and Chad.

Keep an eye open, it should appear tomorrow for their weekly "Friend Friday" feature. Because, well, it will be Friday. The post can be seen here: http://writingwithshellyandchad.blogspot.com/2012/03/friend-friday-james-duckett.html

On a side note, if you don't follow Shelly and Chad then you are doing the whole blogging thing wrong. Follow them, thank me later!

My true feelings for LDS Story Makers

In my last post I wrote that I loved LDS Story Makers. I had written this in hopes of winning a contest that will let me sit at the VIP table. Oh, and update on that contest: I WON!! I took third place, which lets me sit at the table but I don't get any critiquing from those VIPs. I'm fine with that. In fact, I'm ecstatic! I'm really looking forward to this opportunity.

So now that the contest is over, I thought I'd let you know how I really feel about LDS Story Makers. After all, I wrote my little love-fest all to win a silly contest, right?

Wrong!

Every word I wrote is true. I really did have a blast at Story Makers last year. It was seriously one of the highlights of my year in 2011. I would also consider it a crucial turning point in my writing. It was inspiring and the people I have become friends with since last May has made a positive impact in my life. Both in my writing and my personal life.

I saw an update on Facebook the other day: there are only 50 spots available for each day. So if you've been waiting for the last minute to sign up then, guess what, THIS IS THE LAST MINUTE! Hurry, sign up. I'd love to run into followers at the conference.

I've got a lot to do to get ready for the event. I'm getting back to it! Don't forget to sign up if you haven't already.