Monday 2 April 2012

B is for Blog

What's the point of writing a blog? I've been asked this by a number of bemused people who point out that if I put the sheer number of words I've written into a book, I'd probably have a hefty paperback. True. 

Other people suggest I have a giant ego need to put myself on show at all times, like an electronic sign flashing 'Look at me!' Maybe.

But actually, my main reason for doing it is to process the experience myself. Five years ago I wouldn't let anyone read my work because I was afraid it was crap. I thought I did have some natural storytelling talent, and that idea was so rewarding I didn't want to challenge it with actually failing. As I gained enough confidence to actually write some stuff, and let a nice OCA tutor have a look at it (and criticise it), I recorded the journey for myself. Having set myself a goal (get something - anything - published) the blog helped me take my development as a writer seriously. I would improve by practice, by listening to feedback, and eventually by understanding the craft. I would go as far as I could, and celebrate that with other people on the same journey. My fellow bloggers have been an enormous encouragement to me, and I thank them.

Maybe I won't get a novel published, but that's no reason to stop trying. I'm still getting better, and I know that because I can see the progress through these posts.

10 comments:

  1. What a lovely, positive post! We must never stop trying :)

    I'm just visiting from the A - Z challenge but I love your blog and am following you now! I'm looking forward to reading your next posts :) I also love the background of your blog - very pretty!

    It's nice to meet you!

    Nikki – inspire nordic

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Nikki, what gorgeous photos on your lovely blog! I'm following you too, I'm a fan of Pippa Longstocking!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, I am new to blogging but have found it a great way to meet people with shared interests (my other blog is crafty) and gain support and encouragement along the way. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Kate, I'm glad you found blogging! I've found a very warm and encouraging community of similarly minded people here. I loved your post, by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ...and let's be honest, us bloggers are a needy lot. LMAO We thrive on comments and "likes", and wonder what went wrong when our readers forsake us. We may start out for a vast and varied list of reasons, but we all end up continuing for the exact same one. We like reaching people. :)

    Wish you were on wordpress so I could follow you more easily. LMAO

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yes! This is so true! The connections I've made with other writers through blogging and Twitter are invaluable.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, I do agree: the connections you make with other writers via a blog are invaluable. Looking forward to reading more of these - it's a great theme.

    ReplyDelete
  8. About 10 years ago when my mother heard I had a blog, she asked "so you like writing your diary for everyone to see?" I think it was hard for her to understand that a blog is written for an intended audience, it's not necessarily my deepest innermost thoughts broadcast to anyone. I think the only reference she had was Doogie Howser, MD.

    Once people get into it I think they can see blogging as a medium of communication, and a way to enrich your life through writing and learning. Sure you could use the time you blog to write a book, but would your writing be as good if you didn't blog?

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.