[Forward]

My inability to work with technology in a meaningful way flummoxes my husband since I have 2 book cases filled with science fiction books and have watched every Star Trek series, both Battlestar Galacticas, both Star Gate series and just about any thing else that is in that genre. How, he wonders, can I be such a fan of futuristic fiction and have no concept of how modern technology works? I keep telling him it’s all too primitive for me. I’m waiting for the really good stuff that simply works on command so I don’t have to learn any of the boring details. He’s not buying it. Apparently the universe isn’t either as you’ll soon see.

I’ve been seriously writing and trying to get published for nearly 15 years (more about that journey tomorrow) so I find it ironic that I was picked up by Cerridwen Press, an e-publisher. This is, I’m sure, the universe’s way of forcing me to get off my butt and get with the technology revolution. I was thrown headlong into the fray when my editor sent me the edits of my first book, Witch Ball, along with an email with all sorts of odd attachments. Suddenly I was researching trademarks on the internet and editing my manuscript using something called track changes.

In the past few months I have improved my computer skills. I can forward and attach files to emails. I have learned how to rename files, copy and paste and I recently discovered how to insert symbols. I did mention I was computer challenged. Although I freely admit a friend designed my website, I set up a MySpace and a MyFace page, mostly by myself.

Blogging is my latest challenge. Shortly after Witch Ball was released I received an email from Novelspot. They were looking for authors to participate in a new blog called Behind the Scenes. Since publicity and marketing are pretty much left up to individual authors, it seemed like a good idea at the time, so I agreed to take a week. I kept telling myself what a wonderful opportunity it would be to publicize my books, especially since my second book, Mistress of Deception was scheduled for release April 10th, 2 weeks after my blog debut. But as the time approached for my week the only thought that ran through my mind was “What Was I Thinking?”

I’ve never blogged in my life. To be perfectly honest, I’m only an occasional blog reader. I went to Novelspot and started reading like crazy—some very interesting things there. I also started taking time to read other authors blogs—again, some fascinating reading. With the help of the kind editors at Novelspot here I am, woefully lagging behind everyone else, but game for the chance to try.

I hope you’ll all stick with me this week as I stumble about foreign territory. Now I’m off to conquer online chats.

You can learn more about me at www.kathleencoddington.com