Posts
There's been a lot of debate lately on whether to blog, and if you do blog, whether to have a writing blog. So I thought I'd weigh in. I say do it if you enjoy it. If you feel like it's a huge chore, or if it keeps you up at night because you're scared you won't know what to say, then don't do it! Spend your time on craft and the things you do like. You can still put up a webpage and use FB or Twitter if you like those formats. Personally I like Twitter and blogging.
And writing? Are there too many writing blogs? I think as long as you have something unique to say, or at least a unique way to say it, you are fine. I blog about writing, because it's what I love. It's what I'm passionate about, and I like to try and put my own spin on certain things. Will that resonate with everyone all the time? No way! But that's okay. As long as I am providing something of value, whether that be a smile or a new way at looking at something, I'm happy - and hopefully you are too!
photo credit
:) Great minds think alike.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! Great advice!
ReplyDeleteExactly! I like to think my blog is a good representation of my personality. I put up what I want, and people like it or they don't. It's really out of my control as far as their opinions. I just do my best and let the rest happen.
ReplyDeleteNice perspective, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. If you don't like blogging, then don't do it. Do the things that make you happiest! Just like books, I think the voice of the blogger is what makes them stand out.
ReplyDeleteJust be you. People who like your voice/style will visit your blog. :)
I'm happiest with Twitter and blogging as well. And who cares if there's too many writing blogs??? That's like saying there's too many books, so no one should write anymore. Bottom line, if you like it, do it. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, I totally agree. Plus it's a way for writers to connect with each other and offer support. There can never be too much of that!
ReplyDeleteVery well said. It's all about what we're comfortable with. If we don't want to blog but do it because we feel we have to, it will show in our posts. Every writer's platform must be unique to them.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Do it if it feeds your soul, but not if it stresses you overmuch. I blog and tweet about writing as a way to stay connected to this amazing writing community while pursuing such a lonely craft. I chose (had to) to take the summer off due to life constraints and it felt right to do that, too.
ReplyDeleteYour point is very good, Lisa. And I like what Julie says in the comments as well -- connecting with other writers is perhaps one of the best benefits of a writing blog.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Do it if it makes you happy. If not, forget it. As simple as that. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat! Totally agree.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with blogging about writing or blogging in general. Everyone has something unique to say and add to the collective knowledge stream, and helping others if you can is never ever a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I've been blogging about writing-for-hire lately, and while I know it's not a subject most of my followers are interested in, it's what I'm passionate about right now.
ReplyDeleteI think the people who "need" to read what you have to say will always find you.
Love.
ReplyDeleteAnd how would I have met all my lovely friends, without blogging? That, and I can't seem to shut up. :)
Also, what Angela said.
There can never be too many writing blogs...the more the merrier. I enjoying perusing through the writing blogs as I look to learn from other writers. As everyone's already said, every writer is unique, so they bring something different to the table.
ReplyDeleteI've met some wonderful writerly friends through blogging and being on Twitter, so I wouldn't change a thing. Sometimes the blogging can get in the way, especially when you're having an awesome week of writing and you don't want to take the time to put a post together, but overall I thoroughly enjoy putting myself out there! :)
Great post, Lisa....as always!
I'm glad you love blogging, because--selfishly!--I benefit from that. I love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteMine started out as a writing blog, but I discovered pretty quickly that wasn't going to work for me. It felt like a chore. I started branching out and reflecting on things that were happening in my day to day life, OTOH, and felt myself wanting to come back more and more. I'm glad I gave it a shot, because I've connected with some wonderful people (*pokepoke*) in my blog meanderings. I've also discovered stuff about myself--and others--that's proven invaluable personally.
And then there is a rare once in a while where I do want to write about writing, and I've got a spot and readers who don't mind the deviation. It's still got a place on my blog, just not quite the place I expected! And a bonus side effect? Most of my book's sales actually come from blog readers, most of whom hopefully aren't disappointed by the discrepancy between my fiction and blog writing. So far. :)
Getting a peek at other writers' process is one of the things that attracts me to blogging. I feel that writing a blog helps keep me disciplined as a writer. That deadline every week is important to me.
ReplyDeleteI love the writing blogs. Yes, there are a lot out there, but they have made us a community. I like that. And each one manages to be different, even if they cover the same topics. I've learned something from all of them.
ReplyDeleteWrite, write, write, post blog, *smile*, sigh. Write, write, write, tweet, write *smile, laugh* tweet, write, write, *smile*, critique group, revise, revise, write, post blog, *smile*
ReplyDeleteRepeat....smile
I'm very glad you blog because I love what you have to say.
ReplyDeleteI believe writers should not blog about writing, it networks you to other writers not to a wider audience.
ReplyDeleteI blog about writing because it helps me grow and gives me a platform to share my work, with people who concerns themselves with the craft of writing.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would contend; that writers are readers, so there is no doubt you are growing your fan base.
I've been considering stopping my blog, or at least stopping blogging regularly. I like it sometimes. The thing I don't like is making myself do it every week whether or not I have something to say. Then it feels like a chore.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your thinking and am glad that you blog. :)
ReplyDelete