You may not struggle with blogging like me, but if you do... I started in 2008. At that time my attitude was:
I wasn't out to impress anyone with my know-how, dazzle readers, or even build a following. There were no plans for world domination, e-journaling, and being tech savvy. It was merely a place I could post my writing so family and friends on the other side of the country could read it.
Everything has changed. As I look back 5 years, this is what I've discovered:
1. Contests/Challenges: If you can write to a theme (and quickly,) you've got it made. (Especially where there's a call for short stories.)
2. "Publishing": For those who are gun shy, (like me,) blogging is the ideal way to get comfortable with publishing. We'll call it soft-publishing. (Because bloggers are so forgiving of typos etc.) And guess what? If you put something out there you're not proud of, you can always delete it.
3. Critiquing: is hard to take as a newbie writer. Bloggers are SUPER nice, but they'll nudge you toward better writing, if you'll let them. Not only that, I've met two of my critique partners through blogging. If you enjoy someone's writing online, it's possible you'll love their manuscript.
4. Networking: I shy away from this word. I've made so many friends through blogging that I no longer see it as networking. It's simply opening the door to a world of people I'd never be able to know otherwise. (I love you peeps!)
5. Industry secrets: Need I expound? I've read so many writing books, but to be up to speed on what's happening now? Well, there's nothing better than the tid-bits writing friends/agents/publishers drop.
6. Feedback: This is one of the quickest ways to learn how people respond to your writing. It can be invaluable, especially when learning how to write for a specific audience.
7. Drafting: For those of us *pointing to self* who struggle with outlines, blogging is an easy way segue into planning scenes. It's learning how to plot in bite-sized portions.
8. Editing: I have a bit of a problem. Seriously. This slight case of dyslexia used to come between me and reading in public. It's something I eventually overcame, mostly, but I do read in weird ways. Thus, when I edit, I have a propensity to miss things--no matter how carefully I'm looking. Through years of practice with blog posts, (just like YEARS of reading out loud in front of groups,) my eyes skip less.
9. Experimenting: The blog-o-sphere is a great place to toy with your writing voice. You can take on a persona, try out poetry, flash fiction, short stories, non-fiction, etc, and no one will think twice about it.
10. Support: I'm a dork, but there are a few people out there who love me anyway. How do I know this? They continue to check in, even if I go silent for a six month stretch.
Granted, I'm not on the blog-o-sphere as much as I'd like (because of three adorable "little's" I slave to educate), but blogging has been an invaluable experience. What have you learned from blogging?
I wasn't out to impress anyone with my know-how, dazzle readers, or even build a following. There were no plans for world domination, e-journaling, and being tech savvy. It was merely a place I could post my writing so family and friends on the other side of the country could read it.
Everything has changed. As I look back 5 years, this is what I've discovered:
10 Ways Blogging Improved my Writing
1. Contests/Challenges: If you can write to a theme (and quickly,) you've got it made. (Especially where there's a call for short stories.)
2. "Publishing": For those who are gun shy, (like me,) blogging is the ideal way to get comfortable with publishing. We'll call it soft-publishing. (Because bloggers are so forgiving of typos etc.) And guess what? If you put something out there you're not proud of, you can always delete it.
3. Critiquing: is hard to take as a newbie writer. Bloggers are SUPER nice, but they'll nudge you toward better writing, if you'll let them. Not only that, I've met two of my critique partners through blogging. If you enjoy someone's writing online, it's possible you'll love their manuscript.
5. Industry secrets: Need I expound? I've read so many writing books, but to be up to speed on what's happening now? Well, there's nothing better than the tid-bits writing friends/agents/publishers drop.
6. Feedback: This is one of the quickest ways to learn how people respond to your writing. It can be invaluable, especially when learning how to write for a specific audience.7. Drafting: For those of us *pointing to self* who struggle with outlines, blogging is an easy way segue into planning scenes. It's learning how to plot in bite-sized portions.
8. Editing: I have a bit of a problem. Seriously. This slight case of dyslexia used to come between me and reading in public. It's something I eventually overcame, mostly, but I do read in weird ways. Thus, when I edit, I have a propensity to miss things--no matter how carefully I'm looking. Through years of practice with blog posts, (just like YEARS of reading out loud in front of groups,) my eyes skip less.
9. Experimenting: The blog-o-sphere is a great place to toy with your writing voice. You can take on a persona, try out poetry, flash fiction, short stories, non-fiction, etc, and no one will think twice about it.
10. Support: I'm a dork, but there are a few people out there who love me anyway. How do I know this? They continue to check in, even if I go silent for a six month stretch.
Granted, I'm not on the blog-o-sphere as much as I'd like (because of three adorable "little's" I slave to educate), but blogging has been an invaluable experience. What have you learned from blogging?
Thanks for this post; it is nice to hear that I am not the only one who struggles with blogging. I too am gun shy, more worried about what people will think and less apt to follow my instincts. Blogging has helped me change that -- one tiny 250 word post at a time.
ReplyDeleteTrisha, you have such a great voice to your blogging. Very personable. When I grow up, I hope to be like you. =)
DeleteYour reasons are so important and I've found it to be true in the years I've been blogging. I have met people who have helped my writing career immensely.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about who you know, eh Clarissa? ;) The relationships are definitely the best part.
DeleteI am shortly coming up to my first year anniversary and can honestly say blogging has helped me develop as a writer. I have 'met' many great people who I would otherwise not have. I am so glad I took the plunge and dived into the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 1 year! --And what a booming blog it is.
DeleteI think you've nailed the main ones. I dreaded blogging at first, and now it's opened up so many avenues. It really is so worth the effort (even tho sometimes it feels like a chore.) It's more the fact that it's another item on a perpetual list of things to do. But once I get in and start blogging, I'm always amazed at how it brightens my day and all the great info and support available. I adore it!
ReplyDeleteIt's exactly the same experience for me. In fact, sometimes I get so sucked in my have to practically knock me in the face with boxing gloves to get my attention. (Thus the reason we don't actually own boxing gloves. ;)
DeleteI found exactly the same lessons as you. In fact, I believe the bloggosphere is the biggest source of writing information to be found in existence. It links to absolutely everything if you know where to look.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby says you can find anything you need via google. (Thank you blog-o-sphere!) My favorite research phrase is, "Google knows."
DeleteI've only started blogging a few months ago, and I haven't dared publish my own work yet, but what you've said is very true about networking - I never even knew the online writing community existed outside of Nanowrimo until I started blogging! I look forward to reaping more of the rewards. =)
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Alice! Here's to finding your writing-legs in the blog-o-sphere!
DeleteWhat you describe as Networking, I call Community. There is a subtle difference, and the two could almost be considered separate categories. The Community aspect of blogging goes beyond the publishing industry or even the craft of writing. Bonds are formed that transcend all of that.
ReplyDeleteExcellent list!!
So true. I like that: Community. Mmm.
DeleteI think you nailed all the important parts of blogging - especially the community of encouraging writers, and the great posts and give just the right amount of information at the right time.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Thanks, Tyrean. Thanks for popping in!
DeleteGreat points about blogging! It's helped me in so many ways with my writing, too, especially with connecting with great people.
ReplyDeleteEspecially! ;)
DeleteExcellent points. Sometimes I get so tired of it though. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteUnderstandably. I think anything can become a chore--except eating cheese. ;)
DeleteI love blogging and must say the support is a big bonus. How nice is the writing community!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I've now found your blog :)
Thanks Charmaine! Likewise!
DeleteNice to hear - I used to fantasize about being a writer, maybe the 'ole blog should become a habit.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you need to join the league of "crazy goat ladies" and make your own cheese! Although she doesn't currently have milk goats, Kerri Cuevas makes fantastic cheese BTW
Kerri and I frequently chat about cheeses, and as soon as I make a trip out her direction, we'll have a party. =) You know, if I had the time, I would BE the league of "crazy goat ladies". Alas, I have not perfected my time-stopping machine yet. YET.
DeleteIt is amazing the things you can learn just from blogging, isn't it? you are amazing, and I have to say, your drive is phenomenal. The fact that you will be publishing a book, that you wrote a musical (did that ever make it to Broadway? The music is beautiful for it!) So glad you have kept at it even with your busy schedule.
ReplyDeleteAmy, thanks. I need the encouragement today. *blowing nose* This bug is not being very nice.
DeleteWe have a producer for the Musical, and all our ducks in a row, ready to move out, but we lack 1. the motivation, and 2. the time to push that beast out there right now. Give us a few years--like when we're out of the kid raising stage, and you'll probably see some movement. =)
New follower. I find that if I don't worry about posting on a consistent basis, I enjoy blogging. As long as I'm not a slave to it, then it's all good!
ReplyDeleteMy blogging experience mirrors yours. It does open up a new world. I'm so blessed to have made so many new friends. * group hug* :)
ReplyDelete