“What are you apologizing for?”, you might ask. Well, for not visiting more of my ROW80 friends’ blogs. I used to sponsor almost every round in the beginning of ROW80. But Kait has been getting plenty of sponsors lately, so I’ve not been needed. This has caused me to be kind of lax in visiting blogs. Because I don’t HAVE to. And I feel bad about that. The reason I don’t? Mostly it’s a time thing. I have so much going on with my full time job, plus the writing, and the reading, I just run out of time. Really, do I? What about those times I get addicted to a Big Fish game on my computer and can’t stop playing? Or that movie I just HAVE to watch?
Okay, I’m not going to count the time I’ve starting spending on Facebook as a waste. I’m connecting with people there and getting my name out there. I’ve got to do SOMETHING about promoting. I’ve tried ads in various places, and other paid promotions. It seems like interacting with people on FB works better. So that’s taking up a lot of time.
Then there’s the house to clean, the hubby to pay attention to, the friends to spend time with. But no more excuses. I’m going to MAKE the time to visit more ROW80 check in posts. Probably not on Wednesday, but on Sunday. Because we are supposed to encourage each other. Lift each other up. Laugh and cry with each other. So I’m adding blog reading and commenting to my goals. And I ALWAYS respond to comments on MY blog. Always. That’s the courteous thing to do, in my opinion. (If I don’t respond, I’ve somehow missed the comment.)
I can’t visit everyone every week. And there are some blogs that won’t ALLOW me to comment. But I’m going to try my best to visit as many as often as I possibly can. I want to interact with you. And I’m sorry I haven’t been.
lauralynnelliott.com 
I need to try Facebook more. Maybe I’ll see you over there. 🙂
That’s how my cover artist made a LOT of business contacts. I’ve met a lot of people there, so hopefully some of them are potential readers. I know some of them have already read my books since I’ve been trying to interact.
Now just hold on there, Lauralynn. I forbid you to feel guilty! 🙂 Sometimes, one needs to pull back, (or even play a game for a few minutes), in order to regroup. Don’t be hard on yourself for having a busy life!
I do agree with you that the community is one of the great benefits of ROW80, so if you can share, sympathize, or mentor, that is great. Keep in mind that you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.
Okay, stern talking-to is over 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth, I think I needed that. Honestly, I’m one of those people who feel guilty if I’m not doing something for someone else. My friend and cover artist, Anya Kelleye, says I worry about people way too much. But you’re right, those games I play are a way to relax and enjoy myself, and there’s nothing wrong with that, I guess.
I’m the same way, Lauralynn, which is why I saw it in your post. We all need some “me” time, and it really doesn’t matter what we do during that time.
So, enjoy your games. I always appreciate your comments, but don’t feel guilty that you can’t get to everyone. This early in a round, there’s still a bunch of ROWers
Don’t stress my blog. I’ll still come by here. You know me. I don’t get around to reading blog posts for a week or two then I catch up in one day. 😀
Juggling everything can be a struggle, but I agree that Facebook is beneficial. I’d say it’s one of the most useful sites to connecting with your fans.
Also, I agree. I try to answer all comments I get, too (unless the person is rude). Someone suggested not doing that but answering everyone in one comment, but that seems impersonal to me. I’d rather answer directly to everyone. I feel like i get to know people better that way.
Usually, the only time I don’t comment on your blog is when you’re doing excerpts from your book, like Kent’s backstory. But that’s because I plan on reading the whole book anyway. LOL
Facebook is beneficial, I think. I really want to do a release party when I’m finished with my current WIP since I’ve been to so many for other people. I just have to make sure I’m ready for it and can do it right.
I think it’s courteous to answer all blog comments. Back when my husband was ill, I think I might have answered with one comment to everyone, but that’s a special circumstance. But, as a general rule, I think we should answer our comments. If people go to the trouble to comment, we should be grateful they actually took that time for us and return the courtesy.