In January, I took part in a WordPress challenge called Bloganuary. Every day for 31 days, I received a writing prompt to inspire me to write a post for that day, which I did. During those 31 days, I sang a song for you, wrote a poem, shared childhood memories, offered advice and aspirations, and much more. Below are what I consider to be the best of Bloganuary in no particular order. Thank you to those who read my posts and engaged with them. I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy this greatest hits retrospective of this fun writing challenge.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset near you? There’s nothing quite like watching a beautiful sunset. Read on for my answer to this question, and let me know yours.
Today’s Bloganuary prompt is “What would you title the chapters of your autobiography?” I don’t like that question because I think it’s too difficult to answer accurately, and I don’t think the answer is compelling. Instead, I’ve modified it to: What would you title your autobiography? That’s a far better question, easier to answer, and makes for a more readable post. Below is my answer to this question, and don’t forget to let me know yours.
What is a song or poem that speaks to you and why? For me, it’s “Hell Yeah” by Neil Diamond. Watch the video below of me singing “Hell Yeah” a capella, let me know your thoughts on it, and share with me what song or poem speaks to you and why.
Have you ever wanted to get in touch with me? Well, now it’s easier than ever to do so because I just set up a professional email address here. So, go ahead, shoot me a note whenever you like!
For those of you that don’t know, I’m entering my final year of grad school and the semester has begun. This fall I’m taking my last two classes and in the spring I’m working on my Master’s Project. To maintain my sanity, I’ll be posting less frequently to my blog, maybe once a week or once every other week. But there’s no need to worry because I’ve got great stuff planned for you this fall, including more interviews with best-selling authors and accomplished musicians, as well as my thoughts on a variety of books, albums and concerts. I plan on ending the year on a high note, so thanks for sticking along for the ride. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy a couple days off.
One year ago, this week, I launched my blog. I never thought I’d start one for a variety of reasons, but the past year has been quite a trip. During that time the following things happened:
There were 187 posts
I changed the blog’s name from M.C. James to MichaelCavacini.com
I had more than 11,000 views from visitors in more than 100 countries
I was given an award by a fellow blogger and writer
The second year for my blog is shaping up to be an exciting one. This week, I’m heading to ThrillerFest and will be sharing with you all the wonderful content that will invariably come out of the event. And I’ve got a couple exciting author interviews lined up for later this year. Speaking of which, my first self-published book should be out before year’s end – so stayed tuned for more details.
Thank you for following my blog, as well as liking, sharing and commenting on my posts. Your voice and input is what matters most, and I hope to keep you entertained for many years to come.
Great news! My blog has surpassed 10,000 views! Considering I started it less than a year ago, I’m very proud of this achievement. Thanks to all of you that visit on a regular basis. I’ll continue to do my best to provide you with compelling and entertaining content. Here’s to the next 10,000!
Yesterday I decided to drop my pseudonym from my blog, and buy a domain in my real name. Why? Well, I originally wanted to write under the name M.C. James because I thought it would be more easily searchable than Michael Cavacini. However, I realized that David Baldacci and Lisa Scottoline became bestselling authors with their Italian last names, so why can’t I?
Of course, this reminded me of a song: “I Am What I Am,” from La Cage aux Folles. This song seems apropos because, beyond its original meaning, the lyrics can speak to anyone questioning his or her identity in an artistic medium. It’s not always easy figuring out who one should be or what works best. But sometimes simply saying, “I am what I am” and going with it makes the most sense. Many people have covered this song, but one of my personal favorites is by Dame Shirley Bassey. Below are the lyrics as well as a video of Bassey performing it live. Enjoy!
I Am What I Am
I am what I am I am my own special creation So come take a look Give me the hook or the ovation It’s my world That I want to have a little pride in My world And it’s not a place I have to hide in Life’s not worth a damn Till you can say I am what I am
I am what I am I don’t want praise, I don’t want pity I bang my own drum Some think it’s noise, I think it’s pretty And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle Why not try to see things from a different angle Your life is a sham Till you can shout out I am what I am
I am what I am And what I am needs no excuses I deal my own deck Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces It’s one life and there’s no return and no deposit One life so it’s time to open up your closet Life’s not worth a damn till you can shout out I am what I am
As 2012 comes to a close, WordPress is sending bloggers annual reports culling together interesting statistics about their blogs. Considering I started my blog less than six months ago, I’m thrilled that it has been viewed nearly 5,000 times by people in 85 countries. Thank you to all of my followers and regular readers, including Vic, Hollin and Daniela, among others; your support is greatly appreciated.
Below is a lovely song by Barry Manilow that’s perfect for this time of year. And with 2012 behind us, I wish you all a happy and healthy 2013!
