Reluctant but Excited: Third Writers' Platform-Building Campaign

I debated a long time before jumping in on this. For those who don't know, the platform building campaign is an AWESOME opportunity for fellow authors to rub shoulders, meet, compete, and grow. There will be 3 writing challenges judged by members of the campaign, links to contests and blogfests, and plenty of opportunity for like-minded lunatics to lend one another credence. In the end, I couldn't say no. The last day to sign up is tomorrow, the 31st, so if you haven't yet, hop aboard eh? Join us for a fantastic trip through writer's-dom and see what all the hype is about. 

Will I see you there?

To Pen Name or not to Pen Name

What do you think?

I have finally--this morning--discovered what it is that makes my stories tick. (You know, that singular element that connects them all?) I feel like the girl who unearthed the dragon's name and now controls its immense power.

Mwahahaha!

The bizarre idea seeped into my head that now, (knowing my unique niche,) I'm empowered to make a life-altering decision. Do I change my writing name?

I LOVE my name. How many people can say they're an alliteration? On the down side, there are probably fifty other Crystal Collier's on the web. On the plus side, there are probably fifty other Crystal Collier's on the web, and to my knowledge, none of them are writers. But what if by some strange chance of luck...or fate, I land a stalker? Goodness, I have kids!

The list of pros and cons before making a choice:

Pros:

*Gender anonymity
*Genre jumping (Which I do, a lot.)
*Keeping the day job separate from the writing career (The musical world vs publishing)
*Sheltering the fam
*Dual authors for a single series, if I ever tire and want a writing partner

Cons:

*Establishing a new social network (Twitter, blog, facebook etc)
*Possibly losing some of the soft audience (family, friends, neighbors)
*It will inevitably come out (like it or not) that this is a pseudonym
*What picture would I use? Yikes! And book signings...?

Did I miss anything? What is your take on pseudonyms?

See my tamed dragon? I used cheese. =)

On the Subject of Awesome Blog Writers (Yes, you!)

I've been going through the blogroll today, and the list of awesomeness is bewildering! This community of supportive writers leaves me in awe.

So, that's pretty much it. I just want to say thank you--for your awesome example, for your generosity to one another, for your encouraging words. I wish I could sit here all day and read. You inspire me. =)

Keep up the good work!

Writer's Crusade: Building a Platform

This one goes out to all those writers who are desperately trying to find their place and peers. The Crusade is for linking aspiring writers, beginner bloggers, industry people, and published authors together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. Basically, we're building a network. Jump on board and be a team player!

Pop on over to Rach's blog (the woman who's heading it all), for the details, and happy writing!