I have been having a wee conversation with a fellow blogger about blogging. OK, I know this is a tired and well trodden path, except I’m going to be very egocentric and focus only on ME and BLOGGING (because that hasn’t been done before either has it?)
I started blogging because I had a blog. Does that sound cockeyed? OK, how about I start with: I had a blog...
I had a blog that was supposed to be a way for me to co-write with a friend. We never did it because it wasn’t the right thing for my friend. So I had this sad and lonely blog thing that wasn’t doing anything and I kept looking at it. Eventually I tentatively typed up an entry from my journal and learnt never to do that again, that first post is cringey and just embarrassing, but hey ho, you live and learn.
So a 180+ posts later I write about writing, sometimes it is my writing, I write about travelling, I write about issues that I find interesting, things that I think are interesting, reviews of things that you might like: films, book, stuff. I am far more aware of my audience; in fact I have even become friends with some of my audience. I gave myself a mandatory word limit; basically if it’s over the page when I’m typing it in WORD it’s too damn long. There are also many days when I don’t write... on the blog that is, basically because I have nothing to say.
Having said that I do have a little something to say today: I joined Scubwee on Monday (aka SCBWI) and have signed up to do a MASTER CLASS with Sharon Darrow. I’ve never heard of her, but it sounds quite cool. I was hoping to let my MS mulch a little bit longer, but there’s a pre
So I have just over a week to work on Chapter 1. I’m trying to give myself realistic goals. I think one chapter a week is manageable, slow, but manageable and then during holidays I can up that to a chapter a day (or two days).
But back to blogging... It’s not about the numbers or the massively huge readership, it’s really about you guys. Over the last year and a bit I’ve gone from a wannabe writer to one who has finished a first draft of a MS. If I’ve done that it’s because YOU have constantly left supportive and positive comments. YOU have given me that little lift when I’ve needed it and you have respected what I needed to do. So basically, I guess I just wanted to take this opportunity to say THANKS, Merci, Gracias y Grazi (and possibly arigato, but I’m not a 100% sure about that one, and have no idea about the spelling!)
A bientôt.
14 comments:
Yeah, V you go girl - keep blogging, keep writing and good luck with that scary master class - I bet it will be a blast and you'll learn a ton! Big hug.
xThere is nothing worse than a sad and lonely blog.
Sniff.
So glad you offered it a good job.
:-)
I'm in SCBWI too! I haven't found a masterclass near me :-( But I have been to a writing weekend with a literary consultant type :-)
It was really useful, once some of your work has been gently pulled apart!
Vanilla, I'm getting more and more scared about that study group thingy after reading Jon's comment!
And Sam my dear are you a member? I found your alter ego on the member's list. Are you going to any of the 'events'?
Oooh we're all Scubwee's? How comes I was out of this club for so long? Oh yeah, cos I hadn't actually written anything!
Sounds great, V. Keep it up. And I love your blog. It's one of my faves. Good luck with the class!
Weird this bloggin' thing, eh?
Yes good luck with the class, and on finishing your MS, that's a huge achievement.
I hope the class is helpful. And I hope you pass on any useful lessons learned. I've hidden my MS in the piano stool cos it was making me feel guilty.
Ah but gentle pulling apart is good, V, otherwise how else would you know how to improve and what is wrong. Perfection can't be reached with only praise! ;-)
I had a session with an editor last year, I found it really helpful - it's good to get insights from others, especially those working in the industry.
Oooh - so glad to be a fellow traveler.
Zing, zip and glow, eh? You might consider wearing a radiation suit for this ...
Thank you Marie ( :
And Minxy it is weird indeed.
Hi Apprentice, I hope the study group is useful. It seems to have clear goals which is always good in my teacher book.
And Yeah Vanilla I know you're right, it's just this is my first baby for a long time.
And Debi, a radiation suit, mmm. Actually I'm going to try and get through the week without drawing attention to myself AT ALL.
First, I am certain you have not written a pile of crap, Second, the thought of such a pile makes me think of gardening, where just such stuff is needed for fertilizer so wonderful things can grow.
Aw Taffiny, thanks. I'm a little less nervous now as I've found a fellow Scubwite and I have already informed her that I will be hiding behind her for most of the two hours!
keep on wandering on and blogging on - just all greasing those wheels, eh? .... glow, zing and all the rest! xxxxx
Thanks Kimy, I will
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