I wrote a blog post earlier today and decided to delete it. It was long. And boring. It was about revising and rewriting and the thesis. Did I mention it was long? And boring?
I've been re-thinking my blog - about what I want it to be. Heidi the Hick posted her 7th anniversary blog post last week and it got me thinking about all the years that have passed here at this blog.
When I started, it was a way for me to connect with other writers, to not be alone in this journey that can be so isolating. It was a great place for us - all of us - to share what we struggle with, what we learn, when we meet success.
There was always a splash of me, too. Adventures in family vacations and experiences with diabetes and the occasional what to do when the pellet stove guy takes all day. But mostly, it's been writing.
I thought when I started grad school I'd be here all the time sharing what I was learning, but it didn't work out that way. Part was time, of course. I ran out of it. But there was a greater part where it felt strange writing about that - as though I were saying "This is the way to write well!" when really, I'm still just stumbling along like everyone else.
Now that I'm winding up school, I feel like a new phase is starting - of my writing, of my career such that it is, of my life. I'm not sure what I want this blog to reflect, but I don't think I want to be a blog for writers specifically. I really want it to be for people. Anyone.
So there may be changes here. Same me. But new format. Maybe a new look. I don't want to give up blogging, but I feel the need to shake it up a little. I hope you that read will still stick with me. :)
You're facing the same dilemma so many other writers are struggling with right now. I'm sure whatever you come up with will be great. :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stina! Sometimes it seems both the publishing world and the social media world is changing so fast I can't keep up! It's easier to keep on the same path I've been on, but not necessary good.
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging for 6 years now. And my blog has seen sooo many changes, it's hilarious really. Looking back, it seems that when I started blogging was when I really began embarking on a journey of self-discovery. And with each crest I reached came a change in my blog ... those that have "been with me" from the beginning will tell you how difficult it was to track me down at times, that's how frequently the changes came. It's clear to me now that all that change was a reflection of the transforming me. Now I have a domain name which never changes, so people can always find me, but once in a while the fancy strikes me to makeover the blog. I'm not sure if it's the web/graphic designer in me, but I simply cannot resist!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I looked at the image of your draft from that previous, now deleted post. That is some scary amount of red there, LOL.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roxanne. I think if anyone blogs long enough, it changes... just like the life around us. I love watching people's lives evolve, and feel grateful to be able to be around for the ride.
DeleteThat draft was scary, eh? I love it! I revised so that I couldn't see the changes until I clicked a button on Word when I was finished. I thought I'd done minimal rewriting but it turned out there were only about 12 original sentences left out of a 12 page story! Now I do all my rewriting that way. :)
Blog what you love at the moment. That's what will help you keep the passion alive. I went through a massive Harry Potter fun phase, and it didn't drive anyone away, well not too much. I still get a lot of google searches and blog traffic from those posts, as a matter of fact! LOL.
ReplyDeleteGood attitude, Laurel! I would imagine Harry Potter would draw a lot of people in and generate traffic! I may have to try that! :)
DeleteI read the other post, sorry I didn't get to comment.
ReplyDeleteI'll stick with you, no matter what you write :)
You could always write about how our team is gonna kick Ohio State's butt on Saturday. That would be a good post!
Wow - you made it through that long post? You deserve an award!! :)
DeleteI love that I've made friends here that will keep up (and I with them) just because we're now friends.
I'm not much a before-game in-your-face kind of person, but I'll make a deal - if we win on Saturday, I'll break out of my Penn State silence and write a post about it. :) WE ARE!!!
It makes sense that what we put here will change, because we change! And man, writing about the world of writing these days... Where do we start?
DeleteI think some of us will always need to express ourselves. I always love what you write. Thought provoking and honest and funny - please keep writing!!
I totally relate. My blog is about struggling with writing not how to write, because I still don't know how to do that as well as I need to. I'm not sure what I want to do with my blog either. I'm finding I'm spending less and less time on it. Hopefully whatever you decide we can still keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteI've seen so many people begin falling away from blogs. I've done very little blogging in the past two years. But I love connecting with people - and I would be so sad if you stopped writing your blog. Even being able to connect on facebook with you, your blog is one of the ones I always check, even if I don't comment.
DeleteI've always enjoyed what you've had to say, whether writing-related or not. I'll be sticking around! :D
ReplyDeleteAww. Thanks, Melissa! I guess I've toyed with talking more about things I've shied away from in the past. I've written about writing because it's important to me, but lots of other things are, too. I tend to keep so many opinions to myself, and while I hope I can talk about things like faith and politics in a quiet and gentle way, people have very outspoken beliefs and I never want anything to turn into a brawl. :)
DeleteEvoloving is part of the creative process. I look forward to see how you 'shake' things up! I am glad you are continuing with your blog. I look forward to catching up with you here!
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