Guest Posts · Monday Muchness

I Want You, I Need You, I Gotta Have You!

MamaMickTerry

I don’t remember the date or season, but I remember the feeling.

Elation. Thrill. Anticipation.

I was going to boxing class when my phone dinged with a Twitter message from my new-ish blogger buddy, Christy.

She had an idea and wanted me to be part of it. She’d tested the waters earlier that year at Words for the Weekend and trusted me enough to take things a step further. We traded phone numbers and then she offered me an opportunity to write for her – a series on bravery.  Me! *Gulp. Why me?

Anxiety. Angst. Worry.

After she had talked me off the ledge, we produced a set of stories for her readers that I still treasure. If she hadn’t given me such a safe, and open platform, I would never have spread my wings (got brave!) or met some of my closest friends as a result. A person never forgets the feeling of being wanted.

I want you!

Brene Brown, in her latest book Rising Strong,

Our expressions of spirituality are as diverse as we are. When our intentions and actions are guided by spirituality — our belief in our interconnectedness and love — our everyday experiences can be spiritual practices. We can transform teaching, leading, and parenting into spiritual practices. Asking for and receiving help can also be spiritual practices. Storytelling and creating can be spiritual practices, because they cultivate awareness.

I don’t need help! We don’t need help! We are super humans, right? We don’t need no stinkin’ help!

Until we do.

With an increased work schedule and expansive geography, I’ve had to rely on other people. The hubs has been doing the laundry, buying groceries, and keeping the home fires burning. These days, I even need help keeping my house clean, and that’s always been a ‘hands off’ zone.

Guys. You have NO idea how difficult it is for me to admit that I can’t do it all myself.

Another place I need assistance? Keeping this blog afloat. Part of publishing a non-fiction book is establishing and maintaining an active platform, social media, and author presence. This blog has been dormant because I haven’t had time to post, comment, or engage with readers. I’ve missed the interaction, but I’d also resolved not to post articles just to have stuff in cyberspace for self-indulgent promotion.  I want to write (and provide) high-quality content to make you laugh, cry and think. It’s in that vein that I’m building a venue for guest writing.

I need you!

I’m seeking guest writers in any of the following categories explained in more detail below:

  • The Red Thread Diaries
  • Lil’ Mama’s Love Letters
  • The Braveheart Chronicles
  • Life is a Highway
  • Adventures in Imperfection
  • VIP Interviews

Kite StringsThe Red Thread Diaries: An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break. ~~Ancient Chinese Proverb

Tell us about your experience with unbreakable bonds.

Lil Mama’s Love Letters: “Stop Drop and Love Letter was inspired by a love-letterscombination of our affinity for love letters and the beauty of discovering something wonderful and unexpected in the world. Over the past few months, The Love Letter Library has been composing hand-written love letters and leaving them in random locations in our little corner of the world.” ~Nicole Ahr

I’m hopeless romantic without a poet’s quill. Start with Nicole’s inspiration, and let your love show. Do you have a love letter penned in your heart? To a child? A parent? Your adoring spouse? The one who got away? Whether it’s to someone in your life now, or someone who used to be – write to them and seal it with a kiss in my cyber envelope. They never have to know…unless you want them to.

The Braveheart Chronicles: We seek and adore vulnerability in others. We cherish them for their Jump Inhonesty and willingness to trust us with the hidden and imperfect parts of their souls. In that same breath, we despise any display of our personal “weaknesses” and exposure of vulnerability. What we love in others is the same trait we hate about ourselves.  It’s human nature to hide the bitter facts because we may be rejected or unloved. When were you brave when it would have been easier to run away? Own and share your story. Jump in!

I double-dog dare you!

Life is a Highway: Where is the most awesome place you’ve ever visited or lived?OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In what ways has your life’s journey not gone according to plan? Where are your roots? Have how you handled the following: crossroads, stop signs, one-way streets, wrong turns, hidden treasure. Tell us where you’ve been or where you want to go.

Adventures in Imperfection: If you have read anything in this space, you know my stories are 6e57a7d56576cebf3d8e16dcaea6b1e8anchored in celebrating imperfection. This space is the perfect place to share your funniest or most heart-wrenching stories when you’ve tried to be perfect in an imperfect world.

VIP Interviews: I’m ripping a page out of the Book of Hook and will be randomly conducting interrogations interviews with my victims favorite most willing bloggy buds. You’ll never know when I’m coming for you. Except for Hook. You’ll be hearing from me soon. Muahahahaha!

Logistics:

  • Mondays in October, I’ll post an example article in each of the categories to get a feel for the subject
  • Submissions: Click “menu” in the upper right hand of the page and select “Submit Here!“
  • The submission form, category descriptors, and guidelines are all on that page
  • Publication begins November 2015 with an indefinite run

NOTE ONE: This is not a “blogger only” forum. I have family, friends (Facebook and otherwise) who are talented writers. Please let me hear from you, too.

NOTE TWO: Ready to own your story, but more privately? I accept anonymous submissions. What a great place to experiment with your pen name!

668c10eb612e180f338d92c523f44eba

Whaddya think? Will you do it?

I gotta have you! 

Feel free to follow MamaMick at:

 Facebook : Introvert with a side of social

Twitter : Funky thoughts, Royal’s baseball, and College Football

Instagram : For random pictures of weird stuff – encased in artsy filters and hashtags

 

63 thoughts on “I Want You, I Need You, I Gotta Have You!”

    1. Awww shucks, Paul. You are always so kind.
      Sooo….you gonna write something for me? Purty please? I think your pieces would fit perfectly into the Life is a Highway category. Perhaps a ditty on your mountainous trucking adventures??

      Like

      Reply

    1. Hi Troy,
      So nice to meet you! I’ll be in touch soon as I already saw your “Submit Here” e-mail come through. Thank you for your interest and for finding me 🙂
      I’ll be over to check your site out later. Have a great Monday!!
      Michelle

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      Reply

  4. My own creative engine has been sputtering these days but I was raised to never refuse a request from a lady, so I’m in! Not sure when I’ll be able to submit something but I’ll be there for your interview and I’ll get something to you – eventually!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Sometimes an interview is just what one needs to get those creative juices flowing. You know I’ll be in touch. I’m even going to leverage one of your tools (insert Beavus/Butthead snicker here). 5×5 with The Hook. I’m forming my questions now. No rush though – I’m getting my ducks in a row first. Thank you for being a willing victim 😉

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  5. I love all your creative ideas for posts. I’ve been running crazy and barely keeping afloat on my own blog, and I’m terrible of thinking of something to write, but if you ever get in a bind and have something specific in mind, let me know and I could probably help you.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Ok… I will write something for you. I have a couple of the topics I could do. The Red Thread, Braveheart Chronicles or Imperfections (of course) but I would also submit to an interrogation interview! 😉 It will have to be next week though… I am tied up with my BFF’s wedding this week/weekend. I’m excited!! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh Kim!
      That would be awesome! NO rush on submitting anything. I won’t put up any posts until November and definitely want to be cognizant of other’s busy schedules. Think on it and when you are ready, go to the Submit page so we can exchange information and ideas. Thank you for jumping on board!
      Psst: I’d love to interview you, too!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. This is a wonderful idea, Michelle, and I love all the categories you’ve chosen! A couple definitely piqued my interest 😉 Looking forward to seeing this unfold! And on a side note, a HUGE kudos to you for 1) accepting the need for help, which I know is very tough for such a hardworking and giving person,and 2) recognizing what you need to do to expand your wings as a writer and achieve your goals.

    I think back on how much your blog and writing has evolved since we first met in the blogosphere, and it’s truly amazing. I knew it was there, and seeing it happen makes me extremely happy — for you, and everyone who gets to enjoy your creative mind. Although your husband my feel differently after you’ve had a few beers… But I doubt it 😉

    Cheers, Michelle!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Dear Ned,
      First of all, thank you for always being one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders (nice skirt, BTW). My parents were in town this weekend, and even they commented on your kind words.
      Secondly, you knew I was hoping you’d bite on a guest post opportunity. In addition to an interview, I also have something very specific in mind for you. Be watching for an e-mail.
      Finally, my writing and blogging have evolved because of patient and kind souls like yourself. I have learned so much – priceless lessons in writing and life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
      Michelle

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  8. wow!
    great idea Michelle…as usual.
    Man, I have been struggling with a post that would fit in braveheart but I’m not sure i’m brave enough yet. But then, I am anonymous, aren’t I?
    Can’t wait to watch this unfold…..
    or read this unfold I guess!
    big love

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You are brave – more brave than you’ll ever know.
      Remember how you raved about the Love Letter Library I introduced on my other blog.
      I think that might be right down your alley.
      I double-dog dare you! xoxoxo

      (no pressure though! I don’t want you running from me!)

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  9. It is indeed difficult for many of us to ask for help. We don’t want to bother people or trouble them. Where I find this particularly true is when it comes to asking for early readers for my books. I figure people are already strapped for time, why strap them further? So yes, we have to get over these hurdles, because sometimes we do indeed need some help, whatever the issue may be.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Carrie,
      I read a post of yours last week which spoke to the essence of this. You also spoke to the uncomfortable space of self-promotion and immediately I thought, “She is singing the song of my people”
      I’m learning to ask for help. It’s only taken me 40+ years.
      I hope you’re doing well and that you flew through your edits this weekend 🙂

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      Reply

      1. Thank you. I am. Haven’t had too much time to work on my current manuscript though in preparation for getting the new book out. Such is the nature of the business!

        Like

  10. Well,t eh wheels are turning for sure although you probably have a pretty good idea what you are getting in asking for any contributions from me. Let me know if you welcome sarcastic poetry, or maybe I could do non poetry format but leaving the sarcasm at home is definitely a deeper challenge. Anyway, if you have something definite in mind, let me know. I am finding the love letters (though mine would be unconventional) or the imperfection themes inspiring.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. My dearest Marissa,
      First of all – I was hoping you’d bite. Muahahaha! I wouldn’t want you to be any body but yourself, and you already know how much I dig your words. Your wicked wonderful and sarcastic poetry would be just the ticket to spice this place up. Feel free to contact me over at the Submit page so we can banter back and forth. I’m so honored you’d even consider.

      PS:I put purple highlights in my hair last week 😉

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      1. Okay, will do!! Let me try to get some thoughts together…or do you have suggestions? As for the purple highlights…did we discuss this? I tried to put purple highlights in mine thinking it would be a good way to cover the gray…epic fail.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. No suggestions – this one is yours. Shoot me a quick e-mail (on the contact or submit page) and we can pick a due date
        As for the purple hair…it was inspired by the one wicked poem I tried to write a few weeks ago…on a different site 😉
        Can’t wait to hear from you!!

        Like

  12. So I come over so I can finally fill in the comment I’ve been meaning to on your latest post. Only it turns out your latest post is 3 posts old!

    Please forgive me, I have been utterly remiss in the care and maintenance of my WordPress friends. I absolutely love this project, and I can’t wait to see it unfold!

    Okay, on to the the comment. I read your blog on Mother Nature, got up from my computer, bound and determined to take a walk. I was THAT inspired by your gorgeous words!

    Put on my sneaks… then a family member called, frantic because her car was broken down and she had no way of getting her son to school, so, no go on a walk that day.

    HOWEVER, still moved by your words, I went for a walk the next day.

    How’s that for a compliment. Your words moved me to move, even a day later 🙂

    I look forward to getting fully caught up on your life!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Josie…seriously? You are good and kind to me. To know that you went for a walk a day later makes my heart happy.
      But, you know the deal, right? We show up at each other’s places when it works and we always pick right back up where we left off. That’s the value and treasure of a real friend. My posts could be a year old and I’d still want you. I do know what you mean and I hate missing out on my friends lives (I’m just a guilty) – but true friendships surpass time and space. I already know you’re a keeper. xo

      (thank you for stopping by!)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. What does it mean as I read the categories you’ve created and I get excited and nervous? I think it means I must write something for you. Over the weekend, I was literally going back and forth between sanding and varnishing my kitchen cabinetry (refinishing ALL of it- what was I thinking?!) and watching Brene Brown speak on Youtube. She talked about Daring Greatly and about Rising Strong, and as I sanded, painted, and listened, all sorts of ideas popped into my head and gelled together (hence the graphic I recently blogged). What a wonderful solution to bring in guest bloggers.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I think you’ve maybe just sketched out the beginnings of your guest post. Oh Susan…I would be honored if you’d consider this. No pressure. Look at the submissions page and connect with me so we can talk.
      And, what does it mean? It means I want you…I need you…I gotta have you! xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Reblogged this on Running on Sober and commented:
    It’s hard to ask for help. But our brave, sweet and beautiful Michelle (MamaMickTerry) is doing just that. Read her post to find out how you can help her out. Don’t worry…she’s not asking for money or an organ donation, she just wants you to write for her. You may even have fun and meet some new people too. She’s so sweet and supportive to everyone…let’s repay her kindness!

    I hope everyone is happy, healthy and enjoying the beginning of Autumn (or Spring, if you are down under). I’m on hiatus here, but wanted to pop out of my cave to say hello and to share Michelle’s post. Until next time… Love, Christy

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  18. Pingback: I Want You, I Need You, I Gotta Have You! | ugiridharaprasad

      2. Not yet. I’m trying to decide on self vs traditional publishing. Cover design, marketing (ugh!) – and EDITING! Holy cow – the editing! Are you working on a project, too maybe???

        Like

  22. Pingback: I Want You, I Need You, I Gotta Have You! | Exclusivelyricalbeats Blog

  23. You say – in so many words – you’re not sure how you’re keeping them balls up in the air but here I find myself dizzy making my out of this post. Yikes, girl. You have so (too?) much going on. Just remember to take care of yourself!!

    D.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello my dear Diana,
      You are so kind to remind me to take care of myself. I think the same for you, busy lady.
      In fact, you KNOW I want you to submit a piece – I’d be more than honored…but, I know how many balls you have up in the air, too. In fact, I’ve been drafting an e-mail (in my head!) to you all week.
      That said, would you say yes? Purty please 😉 xo

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      2. Totally, my friend! I think that’s why I hadn’t written the e-mail even though YOU were who I had in mind when I concocted the series.
        That said, it’s a forever open invitation. Have fun with T-Dog 🙂 xo

        Like

  24. Pingback: Bumpy Nubs and Poking Threads | Mended Musings

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