#IWSG February 3 question - Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?
Yes is the short answer to the question.
I've made several friends through blogging who have become personal supporters as well as encouraging me on my writing journey.
I struggled through Cancer as well as the Covid right at the end of my radiation treatment. I'd been diagnosed with pre-Cancer in 2015 so the news wasn't as life-altering as it might have been. What was life-altering was the same thing the whole world had to adjust to: the Global Pandemic of Co-Vid 19.
And through it all was the love, support and prayers of the friends I made through Blogging. They've become as much a part of my life as my family and childhood friends.
Added to this list are the doctors, nurses and support personnel who walked with me on this particular journey. A huge shoutout to those who got excited when they found out I was writing books. A couple even had suggestions for local marketing. So yeah, this was a big boost to my morale and encouraged me to pick up where I left off in December 2019.
Have a few things I have to adjust too which are affecting my ability to type and hand write. So, have to use dictation. I'd bought Dragon Naturally Speaking for my father when he'd begun to lose his sight. So, right now the current plans are to use Google Docs Voice Typing to get the first books finished and earn enough to buy The Dragon as I need more than just what Google offers. And get my stuff up on Ko-fi site: link in sidebar.
(((HUGS))), Mildred!! Congrats on battling through into 2021 on more than one front and to STILL be writing! You are my new hero(oine)! Many would have given up on their writing dream but you've gone above and beyond to learn a new skill to get those ideas into printed words. Several of my writing partners have used voice programs when sidelined by surgeries and have done well once they conquered the quirks and continue to use Dragon to this day. Looking forward to following your progress with your WIP!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I was shocked at the price difference from when I bought the Dragon for my father.
DeleteI'm lost for words, Mildred. I wish I could reach through this screen and give you a big hug. It's a pleasure to read your blog. I'm sending along all the good wishes I can. Best of luck with your books. Keep us up to date on what's happening, okay.
ReplyDeleteI am slowly working my way through to where I was at. Will update more often. Thanks.
DeleteYes seems to be everyone's answer – maybe that's why we keep blogging?
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah. I'd read blogs during my treatments. So glad IWSG was there for me to check out.
DeleteSounds like a very challenging year, and here's to a better one ahead. Good luck with the voice software--that has always seemed like a real challenge to me. I don't seem to work at all the same way when I try to dictate!
ReplyDeleteI'm finding it a challenge right now. Least I'm learning to enunciate clearly and speak slowly.
DeleteThe blogsphere is so supportive in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI really should try voice to text software.
I ended up checking out how to use Google Voice typing on YouTube. It's a trip and different from the dictaphones I was used to. And I didn't really pay attention to my father after he learned to use it.
DeleteThis post is really deep and heartwarming. I'm glad you found such a strong community in blogging.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
DeleteI'm so glad you've made it through everything okay and had support while going through so much. I wish you good luck with everything going forward, as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping.
DeleteWow - I'm bowled over by what you've been through, and your determination to keep writing comes through loud and clear. But I'm not surprised at the support you've had from the blogging community. It's what makes this group so great.
ReplyDeleteYes. I am writing a novella about my experiences the past year. It started as a project for the Minnesota Historical Society and has grown into a novella. Might even be larger. We'll see.
DeleteCancer and covid? All in one year? You're just amazing to have experienced both those things and to have come out on top, with your blogging colours flying. I'm glad that you can use Dragon Naturally Speaking to write. That's so innovative of you.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG!
When my father needed it, l was trying to learn to dictate. Twas easier for my dad cause he used the dictaphone. I was always a "secretary" since I was bout 12. Did the typing.
DeleteThat's awesome you beat all that and had a great support team along the way. Keep after your writing dreams.
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome to the IWSG.
TY. I do have a lot of dreams. Since my Stonehenge dream is in reach, so, too, is my writing.
DeleteSo glad you're doing well, Mil. You've handled your challenges with grace and strength. You've rolled with the punches and I know you've had to put things on hold. Can't wait for your London trip to happen so I can enjoy it vicariously.
ReplyDeleteI sort of want to try Dragon myself. How is the Google Docs Voice working for you? I have to back up so much that I'm wondering how that would work?
You are such an inspiration! To have faced cancer and covid and still continuing to write... I look forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I am determined to publish at least one book, preferably all of the ones I've written over the years.
DeleteThey do have a larger storage, think it's 2T, for a business site. What I plan to do is download as an RTF doc, import into Scrivener to compile for the things I need. I also have the option, since I use LeanPub, to import or use Google docs there and they have the ability to download the format you need to publish hard copies elsewhere. They've changed a lot since I first started on there. That was after JukePop stopped.
ReplyDeleteVoice Typing improves with practice. Still not as fast as me doing the typing yet. I have hopes.
What a brave person you are, Mildred. Friends and family can help us overcome many difficulties. You are in my prayers. Stay safe. Good luck with your work in progress!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. And thanks for the prayers.
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