I Re-Joined Instagram

I joined Instagram. Or, I re-joined Instagram with an author account even though I already did that a few years ago, but I couldn’t access it, because you know, technology. So, when I went to “add” a new username, the one that I wanted authorcgcoppola (which makes the most sense) was already taken…by me…from a few years ago. Just can’t get to it on my phone. So, I created authorcgcoppolawrites as my NEW author Instagram, except, when I accessed it on my PC to change the profile picture, it logs me into authorcgcoppola.

*throws arms up in tantrum*

*drinks boxed wine*

Sooooooo now I have my personal account, which I rarely use, and TWO author accounts depending on which device I log into. I’m not even kidding, guys. I have no clue what I did or how to fix it, and when I tried to report a problem, it told me my “reporting a problem” button wasn’t working. So, I gave up, drank more boxed wine, and watched tiktock.

I mean…I guess two accounts is better than none? Right? Any Instagram wizards out there want to take me under their wing and help e’splain me, Lucy? Otherwise, this author is going to be the cool kid with two accounts and there’s nothing you (or I, apparently) can do about it.

How was your January? Did you get a lot accomplished? A little? Anything? Are you aware January is now over, and we’re doomed to live this day over and over again? (Thanks, Mr. Murray). Hopefully it’s doesn’t get to that because I don’t think I could repeat a Wednesday for the rest of my life without losing my mind. Plus, it would definitely slow the progress I’m making on redoing my home office.

Since we moved in, the “office” has been the junk room in the house, where all the “not sure where to put it” things end up living. It’s basically been a clutter box of randomness, with a little corner for my desk and chair to write. NO MORE. It’s nowhere near being finished but we’re getting closer:

Before, that corner held a table filled with wedding items, old cell phones and tablets, cords that went to something, mail, donation clothes (donation everything), coasters, recycled Christmas gifts, and so, so much more. It was literally a place to put the household misfits, and definitely not a space to encourage creativity. I’ve only been glaring at it for around five years but NO MORE. I’m still in the process of fully revamping the office, but we’re off to a good start. What do you think?

What about you? Any new projects? Any issues with technology and somehow (unknowingly) creating two accounts for one service because you’re that stellar with technology? No judgement here.

I’ve got some other stuff to share, but we’ll get to it next week. I have to have something for that post too, right?

Until our next date…

~ Lady Caitlin

Focus On the Highlights

I’m going to do my best NOT to make this a downer post but I’ve been feeling kind of down lately, so, I’ve decided to focus on the highlights. Yes? Here we go:

1) I figured out how to make a second Instagram. You’ve might’ve seen it since I linked it up with my personal account and not my author account (whatever). I didn’t realize I needed a second Instagram (#bookstagram), but every article I’ve read says it’s a MUST HAVE even though the only MUST HAVE of a writer is to write. I barely use my first Instagram so we’ll see how this goes.

2) I made an account on Book and Main Bites. I briefly mentioned this last post, but I’m actually kind of digging it. I like reading little bits of different stories and knowing I can go buy the book because of exciting little samples I’m able to read throughout it. Plus, networking is a thing and I’ve met some awesome authors.

3) I had an Eureka moment with Book 3. Whenever I don’t feel great editing/working on something, it’s usually because I’m missing a scene or an event didn’t pan out properly. I thought I had everything I wanted and then it hit me—I needed to take one scene and stretch that motherfucker out because it was such a climactic moment that I wasn’t giving the characters—or story—enough time to do what needed to be done. So, I fixed it. Erm—am fixing it.

4) Lastly, I’ll be sending BTT to be formatted and then after that (probably at the tail end of next week or the second week of May) it should be ready for pre-order. Which makes this whole thing real. REAL, GUYS. FREAKING REAL.

But I’m excited. I really love this story and I’m getting good feedback. Plus, it’s nice to know that I’m like, going for my dream and all.

How have you been? What’s something exciting/fun on your highlight list?

P.S. Oh! And a lot of people shared my teaser yesterday, so that was nice 🙂

Hello Online Media. Now I’ve got an Instagram

It must be the twilight zone because I now have an Instagram.

Me.

The not-really-a-social media-person-person.

This blog was like, a big step. Two years (I think?) and I’m still wary about what I put up, how much content to share and if there really are people hiding in the bushes. Not because I think I’m like *totally* stalkable (even though I am, and have been) but it’s the personal information thing. The, “oh she posted that one picture of her window and using my dope techie skills, I now know where she lives” thing. It’s shit like that that really freaks me out, especially since I’m pretty sure the government watches me through the television. Batman thinks I’m paranoid. I’m not paranoid. I’m cautious. The less people know, the less they can use against you and all that. But when you’re trying not to fade into the shadows, it’s difficult to keep up with others since it’s sort of a necessity in today’s society.

I didn’t want to get a blog when I did. But everything I read said I should engage in some form of social media if I want to make it. I’ve got to have an online presence or I don’t exist. There went my sitting in the back of the class, hoping the teacher didn’t call on me. And now you’re saying I HAVE TO ENGAGE WITH PEOPLE? TO LIKE, BE SUCCESSFUL? Damn. Damn, damn, damn. It’s not been terrible, I admit. But still. Damn.

Anyway, Batman and I had Appa at the vet Saturday and I took (what I think) was the cutest picture of him (the dog—not Batman) and had to share it with someone, so I sent it to my sister and mom. Ahem:

Appa at the Vet

Look at that face. How is that face not to be shared? It is obviously *totes* sharable. Wanting everyone else to fall in love with him like I have, I broke down and joined Instagram. So far, Appa dominates the photos but I feel I’ve slipped another toe into the rest of modern society. I’m not a full blown social-median, but at least I’ve poked my head a little further out from behind this rock. I get points for that, right? The answer is yes, I get points for that.

And since everyone’s writing their yearly goals—and apparently I’ve succumbed to a sharing mood—I’ll join the convo:

Goal 1: Publish Crusade Across Worlds, Book 4 of Arizal Wars.

Goal 2: Market/learn to market/pay someone to market/rent a blimp with the book’s title and fly it around book conventions. Or do all four.

Goal 3: Enter more competitions/anthologies/ get my writing out there.

Goal 4:  Go to another writing/reading convention and make friends/connections. Either will do.

Goal 5:  Actually reach my Goodreads reading goal of 25 books (I’m feeling more optimistic about this one).

Goal 6: Learn to play Hallelujah on the keyboard I’ve been neglecting. (Dad, I’m finally making use of this gift. Only three years late!)

Goal 7: Keep up the positivity / continue to say no to stress and worry. They solve nothing.

I’m sure there are more goals I want to achieve but I’ll figure them out as I go. Plus, seven seems like an attainable number and as I’d like to reach each finish line, I’ll start with these. What about you guys? Anything you want to accomplish in 2016? Are you going to join modern society with social media a bit more like me? What do you visualize for yourself for the next twelve months?