Since my return this week, with visiting everyone, and seeing your comments, I've started thinking about why I blog.
I began this journey just over a year now, and I was reading the first post I made in July of 2009. It seems so long ago, and things are very different now. I was a sporadic blogger for a while, mostly lurking, too shy and scared... worried that no one would want to read what I had to say. I decided to take the plunge however (because you never know until you put yourself out there) and I became fairly active this year.
I know people say blogging, twittering, facebooking, etc. are all great ways to build your platform. Especially if you want to be a writer - it's good to earn your audience now, to get your name out there. And while this is all true--I'm not sure it's why I started, or even why I continue.
I blog anonymously right now. I'm not quite ready to share myself with the world as yet (rest assured, as soon as I'm ready to reveal myself, you guys will be the first to know!).
Because of that, this was supposed to be an online journal, a way to share with the world what I was doing even though no one else (apart from my sister) knows. It was a way to get myself out there without really putting myself out there... if that makes sense.
Because you guys get it. You get what this is all about.
Because you do it too.
Writing is one of the most personal things you can do - you're letting people into your head... to see your innermost thoughts and feelings. It's a scary thing.
The thing is... blogging has become so much more than what I initially meant it to be. I've connected with so many wonderful people, in all different stages of this process, and I've learned so much from each and every one of you. You are all inspiring and positive, you let me vent and you "listen". I'm able to express myself freely without fear of the blank "look" or sense of confusion you can sometimes get from people when you tell them you want to be a "writer". I'm able to share with you and take part in all of your experiences and journeys too.
So for all that and more...thank you :)
This is why I blog.
Why do YOU blog?
19 comments:
I started blogging because I wanted to have an on-line journal, after I "came out" about my writing I wanted to be able to tell friends and family, "check out my blog, you'll see what I do everyday." Of course none of them blog, or know anything about blogging, so that hasn't worked out so well.
But just like you said, it has become so much more than I thought it would be. I've made so many friends, even though I don't know some of their names, ha ha. But I know their stories, what they're working on, what they're struggling with. I'm rooting for them, and they're rooting for me.
I know some people consider blogging a big time suck, and I admit, I spend a good deal of time blogging. But along with that, I've become more engaged than ever with my writing and my writing life. I know without a doubt that I would not have made the progress I've made.
Writing is how my brain processes information so it's natural for me to communmicate through written word. I love the interaction between complete strangers who like what I like and have many of the same goals. I blog for that.
The magic of this corner of the blogosphere!
I think when one starts writing, they stumble into a solitary journey where no one but they can tag along. When I first started to write, I was alone in my office, quiet time deemed 'kid free'. And I loved it. But as time went on and I found this wonderful online writing community, I began to let people in, eventually seeking them out for guidance and mentorship.
Having met so many fantastic friends, bloggers, beta partners, and writing cohorts, my writing is thriving and so am I. Blogging has let me reach out to these friends and be a part of their journey as well and for that, I love blogging!
You know when I first started blogging I was just “Southpaw,” so I know where you are coming from. Fortunately, when you are ready blogger allow you to change your name and not start all over.
By the way, I just flashed on a scene from Austin Powers, Man of Mystery:
Vanessa Kensington: That's you in a nutshell.
Austin Powers: No, this is me in a nutshell: "Help! I'm in a nutshell! How did I get into this bloody great big nutshell? What kind of shell has a nut like this?"
Then I pictured a you in a nutshell with a laptop trying to write.
A lovely and sincere post, Writingnut. Congratulations on blogging for over a year. Seriously, it's an achievement to stick this out that long.
I agree with you that writing is incredibly personal and blogging takes it to a whole new level because it's sharing our writing with the whole internet. That's major.
I blog because I love to connect with others and share my love of stories. I feel like I was meant to do it.
Jai
Writers talk about themselves and their books in blogs. Yet the work itself is very solitary and, as you said, very personal.
I started blogging in 2004 when my first book came out because, basically, people who said they knew what they were talking about said blogging (and now Facebook) are mandatory.
Okay, that said, I guess I'm doing it because I also have connected with a lot of people online that I never would have met otherwise. It's a nice feeling to share even if we're not sharing everything.
Malcolm
Nice one!
For me, putting a blog together was mainly for articles, poems, short stories that I wanted people to read.
I feel very much the same way. I actually didn't expect to enjoy blogging much. Boy was I surprised when I fell in love with all the amazing people I met! Awesome :)
Holly's comment is a good one - picturing you in a nutshell! HaHa!
I blog because I like to connect with other writers and because I like to give myself writing assignments. It keeps me writing, and stretches my imagination and memory. :)
I started blogging because my publisher told me to get my butt online. I keep blogging because I enjoy it - the fun stuff I post, the friends I've made, the support - all of it.
Connection. Although, I was surprised by how willing to help everyone has been. It's encouraging to hear from other writers.
Making Life a Work of Art!
I started blogging because my friends forced me to. I lurked because I didn't know what I was doing and then I started meeting writers. The community is so supportive, and helpful and knowledgeable. I always feel like I am gaining something.
Maybe the platform will help me in the future but Im not ready to think about it. Its not why I do it.
What a great post!
I started blogging because I heard that writers should do it. But I love it so much I'd do it even if I wasn't trying to get published. I just love this community so much!
So glad to have you back, WritingNut, and sorry I'm late! :)
I've told my mom that I blog and she asks about it every now and again, but really no one outside blogger knows about my blog. I started to do it mainly because I wanted to talk about writing and gain some advice o nthe subject. Meeting all the wonderful friends I have is just a bonus!
Long time no see. Great to see you back in circulation again! I blog because it just kinda took off and now here I am with a self published book, visiting other bloggers, and people reading my blogs. Who'd a thunk it? No me. Yet here we are.
Stephen Tremp
Blogging is far more enjoyable and rewarding than I ever expected.
I started blogging as an exercise in discipline-I needed to commit to writing every day....and, now, with an audience, I try to make sure it's interesting and still true to myself...
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