Many of us have seen Nav or Navigator1965 around the blogosphere commenting here and there in his wicked way. He seems intent on world domination but I believe that is just a cover up. Underneath it all, he is a perfect gentleman with an acerbic wit. As an Aussie, I find his Canadian culinary tastes quite different (Head to Trader Joes) and have discovered he has questionable gift wrapping talents but I’ll cut him some slack since he’s the same age as me 😉 You can find Nav at his blog The Mirror. He kindly agreed to answer my probing questions:
So Nav, thanks for taking some time out from taking over the world to answer my questions. I’d like to ask what drew you to blogging?
I needed to learn about marketing for my self-published book, which should be out in February 2014. I really knew nothing about blogging, other than reading suggestions that an author should have a blog. Like a lamb to the slaughter, in I went!
I like your analogy. So how long have you been blogging?
I’ve been blogging since around August 2013. I started shortly before Opinionated Man’s “Project O” initiative at his HarsH ReaLiTy blog. It was during “Project O” where I really broke into blogging in a significant way.
So, does your blog have a particular theme or something in particular that you write about?
The blog mirrors—pun intended—my forthcoming book The Mirror, Book One—Welcome to the Evil Sisterhood. It deals with narcissism, feminism, the ideologically corrupt family “justice” system, and parental alienation. However, these aren’t particularly pleasant topics, so there is humour and writing/self-publishing aspects to The Mirror (the blog) as well as in the book. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
I’m currently working on a series of posts regarding how to write a book proposal, as an example of happier posts.
And have you gained anything from blogging?
Absolutely. First and foremost are the many wonderful wordpress bloggers that I have met. I cannot put a value on these blogging relationships. Some have read my manuscript and made trenchant suggestions on areas to tweak for improvement, or they have found some of those niggly little typos and errors that always seem to elude my detection. Their support has been a significant boost to my confidence in terms of being able to pass muster as a book author.
Others challenge me in my thinking and expression, either directly or through their own insightful posts.
It sounds as if you have gained a whole lot there. Are there any challenges in your life that blogging has helped you deal with?
Yes. A big yes, in fact. Starting in 2008, I underwent a prolonged divorce from hell. It seemed like every feminist within a 100 miles lined up to put the boots to me. I had to deal with government-approved, child protection-sponsored, court-ordered, and expert-confirmed serious child abuse. I ended up not seeing my kids for 15 months due to this, and haven’t seen my 23 year old daughter in over five years as a result. When I assessed that there had been serious criminal malfeasance in my case, the system went into cover up mode.
Writing a book about this, which includes blogging about the book, has proven to be therapeutic to the point of being cathartic. Blogging also keeps the writing skills sharp, even if blogging is a somewhat shorter form of written expression. It will also help me in spreading the word about my book, as I hope to effect positive social change through it.
That’s a lot to deal with. I’m glad blogging has helped you. So how often do you blog?
I am religious about purging my 300+ blogging email alerts every day, to keep from getting inundated. I do make an effort to comment on friends’ posts as much as I am able to. In terms of posting, I have tried to get a post a week in, on average. The effort it takes to keep up with all the comments and emails does impinge upon the posting, but it’s worth it IMO. I can’t expect people to support my blogging efforts if I don’t reciprocate. WordPress is a community.
I’ll second your sentiments about the community. It is why I started this series. So where do you find inspiration for your posts?
A number of places, but primarily either newspaper articles or with topics related to my book, including publishing and marketing. I find many bloggers are aspiring writers, and so we share similar interests in figuring out how to be successful in the brave new self-publishing/self-marketing world. I also find other blogs can have inspirational posts.
Speaking of inspiration, do you have a particular quote or mantra that you believe fits your life?
Why, from Edward Gibbon, of course!: The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. I’m surprised you even had to ask. };-)>
Of course I knew that 😉 I asked purely for those who are reading this that have no idea. Onto my next question… What draws you to other blogs?
I think it’s the person’s character, which I find tends to be reflected in their posts and comments. It can be a sense of humour, being fun loving, writing thought provoking posts, lovely poetry, super photographs, eloquence, position on certain topics, having had problems dealing with narcissists, especially the female ones, or other things.
I know time is precious for those of you out to take over the world so is there anything else you would like to share before we close?
I’ve gotten highly encouraging feedback from my test readers regarding my book, which has strong elements of human interest, interesting concepts, insight into difficult people, scandal galore, and a little humour thrown in. Seems to be a gripping read for many readers. Anyone interested in a free pre-release read is welcome to contact me at themirrorbooks@gmail.com, with the simple caveat of not forwarding the .pdf on the honour system. No strings attached, although future book reviews are always appreciated.
I am also starting to write the sequel starting in January. Since I have taken it upon myself to destroy the Matriarchy, I’m afraid that it’s no “rest for the wicked” for this humble navigator.
And, lastly, I’ve learned that the best way to market a book via blogging is to not market a book via blogging, paradoxically. Sometimes less is more, so build the relationships.
Thanks Nav, for taking the time to answer my questions.
My pleasure, and thank you for having me here. }:-)>
I am really enjoying doing these posts. If anyone else would like me to take part in this, you can email me on smudgetheattackcat@icloud.com
suzjones.wordpress.com 