Melissa Barker-Simpson

A little Reflection

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I read a really useful post today on Suzie’s blog, which you can find here. It relates to the About page, and it wasn’t until I went looking for my own (to check the information is up to date), that I realised it’s no longer on the site! It somehow got lost in recent changes. A development which stems from trying to mesh my bog and author site together. Readers who select the blog section are automatically redirected here. I don’t have the technical know how to combine the two sites together – one is wordpress.org and the other wordpress.com. Besides, I quite like having the two separate.

But, on reflection, I’ve realised that they’re really not that separate after all. I predominately post about writing. At the moment that’s taking part in a number of blogging events, such as Ronovan’s weekly haiku challenge, Rachael Ritchey’s #BlogBattle, and Colleen’s Writer’s Quote Wednesday, among other things. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying myself. But the blog still lacks a sense of direction. At least in my opinion. So, if I could ask a few moments of your time, I have a quick poll, which will hopefully help me to decide how to proceed. I’m also considering changing the name of the blog, so your thoughts on that would be appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mel

27 responses to “A little Reflection”

  1. Jacqui Murray Avatar
    Jacqui Murray

    I love hearing how writers are doing and how they got there. I’m talking about the serious ones–like you who are devoted to their writing, publishing books, trying to be the best at their craft. I’ll read posts all day long about how you mesh that with your life.

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Thanks, Jacqui. I enjoy those kind of posts too, and I do them occasionally, but not enough. I really appreciate the suggestion, and will incorporate this into my developments. I might also add a little humour in there because I’ve had some funny results when doing my searches – especially on the crime stuff!

      Reply
  2. Charles Yallowitz Avatar
    Charles Yallowitz

    Always curious about something completely different. 😀

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      lol – I could have been more specific couldn’t I? Something different, as in – not necessarily related to writing 😀

      Reply
      1. Charles Yallowitz Avatar
        Charles Yallowitz

        Oh! Still interesting.

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar
        mbarkersimpson

        Thanks 😀

  3. Solveig Avatar
    Solveig

    I do really like your blog, it being authentic is he most important thing I think.

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Thanks, Solveig 🙂 That’s lovely of you to say.

      Reply
  4. judithbarrow1 Avatar
    judithbarrow1

    Hi Mel, it feel both intrusive and arrogant to make comments about your blog. You blog is yours and your alone to post what you’d like. I have two sites as well. One i write my personal stuff, things that happen to me. interviewing other authors: http://www.judithbarrow.co.uk/. The other I actually use as a notice board in my mind: http://judithbarrowblog.com/ – it gets other bloggers posts out their -I’m trying to spread the word for them. But, whenever I do write on my first site, I’l, share it over on the other. Hope that makes sense? What I’m trying to say is go with what you enjoy. And good luck.luck. Jx

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Thanks, Judith. I appreciate the feedback 🙂 I guess I should start reflecting on the stats more – see which posts readers enjoy and take it from there! I’m so lazy when it comes to those stats!

      Reply
      1. judithbarrow1 Avatar
        judithbarrow1

        Just enjoy what you do, Mel – the stats rise eventually and it’s who you interact with is the bonus – quality more than quantity, I believe.Jx

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar
        mbarkersimpson

        I agree one hundred percent 😀

  5. judithbarrow1 Avatar
    judithbarrow1

    Oops! – ‘out their’? Sorry, brain and finger trouble!!.xx

    Reply
  6. callummclaughlin Avatar
    callummclaughlin

    I’m sure you know by now that I’m a big fan of your work and your blog, so I’ll be happy to come along for the journey no matter what route you take it 🙂

    Of course I love writing related posts but I also like when a blogger puts touches of humour or their own personality in there was well – which you’re great at doing.

    I think as long as you’re happy with what you’re posting and still enjoying it, that’s the most important thing 🙂

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Thank you, Callum. I am happy with what I’m doing, but I guess I sometimes wish the blog had more structure. That said I should just be true to who I am and trust you’ll all let me know if I go in the wrong direction! Your encouragement means a great deal.

      Reply
  7. Sue Vincent Avatar
    Sue Vincent

    Whatever feels right to you, Mel 🙂 I’m the last person to advise on a ‘sense of direction’, being a tad on the eclectic side, you might say 😉

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I love your style, Sue and you make an excellent point. Perhaps I should stop thinking about direction and just go with it! It’s how I approach life after all! Thanks 😀

      Reply
      1. Sue Vincent Avatar
        Sue Vincent

        Dive in, head first? Sounds good to me 😀

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar
        mbarkersimpson

        Me too! 😀

      3. Sue Vincent Avatar
        Sue Vincent

        😀

  8. Rachael Ritchey Avatar
    Rachael Ritchey

    I don’t mind that you have the two sites and really, they fit seamlessly together with links between the two. As long as your headers always have way to travel back and forth, most of us wouldn’t even notice the difference. You could possibly give both pages the same “landing” page and then it would go further to give them a seamless feel? BTW, I’m so glad you’re a part of the Blog Battles, Melissa! 🙂

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Thanks, Rachael, that’s really useful advice. I’m glad the sites fit together. I hoped they would. And thank you – I really enjoy the Blog Battles. You’ve created a wonderfully creative, and supportive environment 😀

      Reply
      1. Rachael Ritchey Avatar
        Rachael Ritchey

        I’m glad to hear it. I am always a little reticent to give advice to anyone because I still have so much to learn, but I always want to be helpful. Maybe I’m TOO helpful sometimes. haha The battles are meant for exactly that! ❤ THANK YOU THANK YOU!

  9. macjam47 Avatar
    macjam47

    Have you tried the help sites for both WP sites?

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Sort of! I tried the step by step instructions for transferring my wordpress.com site over, but in the end I was afraid of making a mistake and messing everything up! I’m watching instructional videos at the moment…I’m not giving up 😀 Thanks.

      Reply
      1. macjam47 Avatar
        macjam47

        Before you make any changes, back up both sites to you computer or the cloud.

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar
        mbarkersimpson

        Great advice. Thank you 😀

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Hello,

I’m Melissa

Welcome to my website and blog! I’m happy you’re here. Stay a while and look around. You will find information on my books, latest posts and information about the worlds I create.