Fabulous February

February starts on Sunday with much anticipated football game in the Wier house. The Pittsburgh Steelers are the team of choice and whilst I am neither adamant fan nor foe, I do wish, for the sake of the men in house, that they do not fail in their pursuit of yet another Super Bowl ring.

SO that is day 1 of February. The rest of the month is looking just as exciting, (at least for me, perhaps not for the Steelers). Confessions of an Introvert becomes officially available (although it technically hit the online stores this past week) and I am scheduled to do at least one radio interview related to that. If I get over my shyness and anxiety, at least momentarily, I will walk myself into a couple of bookstores and see if I can schedule a signing or two--which could be fun, or it could be mortifying...but good for the book nonetheless...hopefully.

The end of February will see me getting ready to go for a quick visit to Colorado to celebrate my sister's pending new addition. This will be quite an experience, as my own pending new addition is due mid-late April, and I am already feeling quite aware of the obvious timeline of the Spring months. ---that wasn't meant to be as cryptic as that came out...let me try again: I am pregnant and by the end of the month I will be enormous and crabby.

I have plenty of work-projects to fill the time in between the big events this month. Business blogging and copywriting are becoming very important to many small businesses as the economy staggers. While I am not complaining about having the extra work, it would be nice if the economy would stop staggering... But while I ride it out, I have plenty of writing to do--on subjects big and small: Charlotte Web Design, to Mint Hill Real Estate, Sports Marketing to Weight Loss... etc. Life is good, and I get to write. I can't ask for more.

(see how I stuck those targeted links in there... clever huh!)

I have to conclude this post, as Facebook and my Amazon ranking are beckoning me. Darn the Internet.

-Meg
www.meghanwier.com



Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Not for Everyone - the author licks her wounds after bad review

As a person (an introverted person you'll remember) who has decided to put herself in the "public eye" (so to speak), by publishing a book, and doing so with a book so personal... I should have been a little more prepared for the news today:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6631979.html?nid=3336

If you scroll down a bit you will find a scathing review of Confessions of an Introvert. Now, practically speaking, a scathing review is not unexpected. Many if not most books are not loved by all. There are so many books. There are a lot of BAD books that are best sellers, a lot of great books that are never read. I am lucky that mine, good, bad or mediocre has been able to be brought to the public, and been helpful -- or at least mildly entertaining -- to some.

...My book, as the review says is ...

"[suggestions] ... bland, obvious, often irrelevant and sometimes plain juvenile"

OUCH.

I guess my theory is that the best advice is often the most obvious - the most "juvenile". But I know for a fact that the advice I give IS relevant to some - a niche demographic that this reviewer certainly did not fall into--but all the same, some people do need to be told these things, some people do need to read this book...

In all honesty, I was initially a bit hurt by this criticism. However, throughout my life, I have been criticized many times. I am sure you have as well -- that is life. Strength comes from being able to objectively look at this as more "constructive" than hurtful.

Confessions is not for everyone, and potential readers should know that not all advice, anecdotes and funny stories in the book will touch everyone. If you choose to read the book, please take from it that which you find useful, and absolutely give me your feedback. If you like the book, let me know, if you don't let me know why. I can grow from each new experience, and this too is a learning opportunity for me--and an opportunity to be a better writer in the future.

...and my advice to the reviewer, if they would be so kind as to take it constructively... if you are going to write about an author, always confirm the spelling of their name first...

thank you.

Meghan Wier


Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

The Books Have Arrived!

I arrived home this evening after a very long day of traveling to find a nice present on my doorstep... The copies of Confessions of an Introvert!

I have plenty to do this week, much writing and regular home stuff... but I will be working on setting up some signings and interviews as well.

It is very exciting to be able to share this wonderful news with you, and I hope that you get your copies soon as well!

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all.

This is a long overdue "hello" to all. This year has been a great one, filled with lots of visits from friends, traveling and family. I am fortunate to be able to say that 2008 was great for me professionally as well, as I continued to grow my corporate blogging business.

The picture featuring my new pedicure is from this past week in Aruba. An absolutely wonderful vacation in a beautiful place. It was a great way to end the year.

I am looking forward to February when my book finally comes out. You can still get in on a good deal and pre-order Confessions of an Introvert from Amazon. As far as I know the release date is firm. I will keep you posted if I hear differently.

ORDER IT NOW... (subliminal message)

Other exciting news is the announcement of new client Metro GreenScape. An innovative landscape company in Charlotte that creates "outdoor living" spaces. If you want to check them out, go to their website today.

They made up a landscape design for my own property - which I think is a top-notch idea. They came out and looked at my yard and worked out a custom design with my requirements in mind (low maintenance, perennials, drought resistance), and put together a great look. Over the next couple months they will be installing the plants, shrubs, trees, flowers, etc. etc. I am so excited. But best of all, with the design, I know exactly what the yard will look like and have a guide book of where everything is and how to care for it. It is this kind of "above and beyond" that makes Metro GreenScape the premier landscape company in Charlotte. I will keep my own project updates posted here--but feel free to ask about it. I can't tell you how giddy I am about this design landscape project. And I invite you to come see my new outdoor living space.

Meghan Wier
Author Writer Web Consultant