The Cult of Personality --It's a New Day

And we're back...

Hello Meltingpot Readers. Happy New Year!

Thank you for coming back when you said you would and welcome to anyone who is joining us for the first time. So, in case you hadn't noticed, things don't look that different around here. I've added a tag cloud over there on the right, so you can search for subjects you're particularly interested in and I added one of those thingamajigs so you can share my postings on your favorite social network sights.

I know some of you must be scratching your heads and wondering why it took me two weeks to make those minor adjustments. And I'm going to tell you that the big change around here is not the layout or display, but rather the meat and potatoes of the Meltingpot. The content. People, I am going to be ripping the door wide open into my private life. Baring all, going 100 percent reality TV on you. I think it's time you all got to know the real me. I'M JUST KIDDING. Sort of.

The truth of the matter is, I have been struggling with deciding what this blog is really supposed to be about. I've tried to keep a level of anonymity with my postings, favoring current events and pop culture over my personal experiences. Well, I'm going to flip the script and write more about my life and my opinions and less about news events. There's a reason for this. One, I am starting to get back into freelance writing for other news outlets, so I don't want to be redundant posting similar information. Of course, I'll always post links to anything I publish elsewhere on the blogosphere. There is also a deal in the works for me, where I may start blogging regularly for another media outlet, and again, I don't want to be blogging the same info for different outlets. In the journalism world, we call that plagiarism.

And the other thing is, a lot of people want to know more about my writing life. Where I might be speaking? How I get my ideas? When my next book is coming out. I know I always want to know these things about my favorite authors, so rather than go completely schizo with seven different blog identities, I'm putting it all right here. You want to know something about Lori L. Tharps, writer, author, mother, cultural commentator, come to the Meltingpot. I promise, you won't be bored.

And now for some housekeeping. I will continue to update on Monday,Wednesday and Fridays. I will still be reviewing books, music and other cool things I think folks should know about. And I will continue to offer great giveaways. In fact, I'll be giving away a fantastic new book on Friday, so make sure you come back.

Thanks for being loyal. I really appreciate it. And (sniffle, sniffle) I missed you guys these last few weeks. It's weird, but I really look forward to hearing your comments and thoughts. This blog started off as an obligation, but now, it really is a joy.

Peace!

And here's a little something to show you how I'm feeling about the year to come! Rock on Will. i. am.!