Wednesday, October 16, 2013

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WESTERN FICTIONEERS by CHERYL PIERSON


This won’t be long, just short and sweet—a time to say thank you to everyone who has helped on the WESTERN FICTIONEERS BLOG this year. Too often, we don’t take the time to say how much we appreciate those who help along the way, and that’s what I’d like to do today.

To everyone who writes a monthly post, or even a sporadic one every so often—Thank you!

To everyone who comments on the posts others have prepared—Thank you!

To everyone who “fills in” at the last minute when I’m losing my mind and forget that I don’t have someone scheduled on the calendar—Thank you!

To everyone who offers to “do what they can” to help—Thank you!

Can’t say enough how much I appreciate working with Livia on this blog—she’s awesome! Thank you, Livia!

Thanks to those who give us their life experiences to think on, and ponder, and open up a part of themselves to us as fellow writers and friends.

Much thanks to those who spend hours and hours on preparation for their blogs on various topics and present them so beautifully that we could read on and on--and hate to wait for the next installment to roll around! It seems like it takes forever sometimes, instead of a month!


Special thanks to the creators of officers of the WESTERN FICTIONEERS, who've given us a wonderful place to work on our dreams and visions in writing and get it out before the public.

Because we’ve all worked so hard together this year on our blog, we’ve increased our followers by almost DOUBLE what they were in January! We’ve gone from 99 blog followers to 197 as of today. That, folks, is amazing.

No one person can take credit for this, and for our name being as recognized and respected as it has become. I know many times it’s hard to see the value in a blog, but if nothing else, it increases our visibility to the public and lets them get to know us as writers and people. I love that aspect of it, because I think of our readers as friends—even if we have never met them.

Yes, sales are wonderful, but so is hearing from someone who says, “I couldn’t put your book down. I just wanted to write and tell you how much I loved it.”

We’re looking at scheduling for next year, and trying to build the calendar ahead of time. Livia and I are hoping that everyone who is blogging will continue to blog, and that those of you who have not signed up for some of our special features (Saturday Matinee, Friday Five, Six Sentence Sunday, Fave Western Short Story/Novel, Fave Western TV Series) will do so.

These slots are sometimes hard to fill, but usually get the most comments. And when I advertise these on Facebook, oddly, even if people don’t comment on the blog, they comment on the page where I’ve left the link on Facebook. I think many people DO come read the blog—maybe they just don’t comment. And what could be more fun than writing about your favorites in the western field?

If any of you who are regular bloggers would like to make changes to your topics, please let me know, and I’ll change it for next year on the calendar. If anyone who ISN’T blogging now would LIKE to blog, please let me know and I will see what slots are available. If you plan to keep to your schedule from this year, you don’t need to do anything at all. We are always in need of prizes—if anyone would like to contribute a free book for a giveaway once in a while, that would also be much appreciated—digital or print.

The point is, this is a joint effort and it takes everyone to make it succeed. It’s been a lot of fun these past few months, and Livia and I have been really excited to see the progress our blog has made. Please don't be upset if I didn't put your picture in today's post. I used all the ones I had saved from previous blogs. Your efforts are just as much appreciated and remembered!

Here’s hoping that 2014 will be even better! Let’s all make it a great year for the WESTERN FICTIONEERS!

27 comments:

  1. Hi Cheryl, many thanks to you and all y'all for such a terrific, informative, and fun site. I always know where yo go to learn something new, or to get my cowboy fix. Keep it coming, and congrats to all of you talented westerneers.
    Xoxox

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  2. Thanks, Tanya! This is a great group of writers AND people!
    Cheryl

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  3. Cheryl, the WF blog has become amazing because of you. Thank you!

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  4. I for one have appreciated and learned so much from what the bloggers have written, to say nothing of a larger pile of books, authors and movies. Looking forward to 2014 and even more knowledge and fun reads. Doris

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  5. PS Again, if there is ever anything I can do to help don't hesitate to ask. (Grin)

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  6. Cheryl,

    Thank you for all your hard work and encouragement to us, regarding writing informative pieces for Western Fictioneers blog.

    Charlie

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  7. I'm working on my article all day today. :) Thanks for all you do, Cheryl, and the folks in WF are just the best!

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  8. Thank you, Livia. But you know I've had some help in that, dear friend!
    Cheryl

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  9. Doris, thanks so much. You are always so supportive and have such kind words for everyone. We appreciate you!

    Cheryl

    P.S. I've got some ideas in mind for you. Can you do a guest slot for us? e-mail me at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com

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  10. Charlie, you're so welcome, my friend. And thank you for your wonderful posts! I know you always put such meticulous research into your writing, and it shows. I hope you'll come up with some more posts in the coming months!
    Cheryl

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  11. Hey, Jacquie! I love your posts--they're always so interesting and you know there are a ton of other people who love them, too. Thanks so much for contributing regularly!
    Cheryl

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  12. I also want to say a huge thanks to our guest contributors who appear from time to time as well as those who write regular columns for the blog, too! Jeremy Jones, Kathleen R. Adams, Tanya Hanson, Kat Martin, Carol Crigger to name a few and I know there are many more, but my brain "ain't what she used to be" anymore. Please know that we all appreciate you and thank you for participating. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! 2014 is on the way!

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  13. And, thanks to you, Cheryl, for riding herd over e WF's literary posse. Your tireless involvement is what makes this thing click.

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  14. Thanks, Cheryl and Livia for all you've put into this endeavor. I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a regular contributor, and I'm more than awed (and humbled) by the company I keep. Great fun in the reading, both entertaining and informative. Looking forward to all this in '14.

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  16. Thanks, Tom. I think we've gained a lot of notice on FB this year from the postings--I try to do them every day, but sometimes...I fall by the wayside. LOL The more we can put the word out the better off we all are!
    Cheryl

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  17. Phil, thanks for your contributions--I find them especially interesting since we both hail from Oklahoma and many of your posts are about things here in our state. I'm so glad you agreed to do a regular post!
    Cheryl

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  18. Thank YOU, Cheryl. And everyone else who is making this such a wonderful group and journey.

    Jim Griffin

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  19. You're welcome, Jim. So glad we have this wonderful group to work with--Livia and I appreciate every one of you!
    Cheryl

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  20. Sorry to be late to the show. Thanks for all you do, Cheryl. The blog is amazing because of you. Hope all is well and stays well with you.

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  21. Cheryl, thanks for taking such an active roll, despite all the other blogging you o, as well as your own writing. We're very fortunate to have you.

    RJR

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  22. Charlie, that's the great thing about the internet--you're NEVER late when you post a comment! LOL Thank you, and thanks so much for all YOUR help, too. You've come through many a time when we needed someone NOW.
    Cheryl

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  23. Thank you, Bob, for your kind words. I am glad to be a part of the Western Fictioneers group and am so thankful for all the wholehearted participation of the group on the blog. It truly is a huge joint effort.
    Cheryl

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  24. We are all deeply indebted to you and Livia for all your hard work, Cheryl!

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  25. Thanks, Troy. Livia and I both enjoy working with everyone and getting this blog going "great guns" through FB.

    Thanks to you, too, for all your contributions!
    Cheryl

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