A number of discussions I've read recently, as well as my tossing around the idea of tackling the A to Z challenge, have led me to ask myself about this. What am I doing? Why am I blogging, and for whom?
In some ways, the answer is easy: I started blogging because "everyone" said you have to blog as an author, to build a "platform" and an audience. So, since it was free (nearly--I bought my domain name for ten bucks) I wandered into the blogosphere and started bloviating--I mean, blogging.
Another answer, now that I'm doing it, is that it's kind of fun. I like having a place to "publish" that flash fiction and other short stories that don't really have an outlet otherwise (I'm very fond of "Blackberries" and even had some interest from a couple of magazines, but the format made it take up too much space--the blog gave me a chance to get it out of my desk drawer and share it).
But perhaps the time has come to put some actual thought into what I'm doing and why. And when it comes right down to it. . . I don't know. The reasons listed above may be adequate, but the point is, I haven't really thought about it. I'm just doing it.
So here, after some actual conscious, post-first-cuppa thinking, is my idea: blogging makes me feel like a writer. It feels like I'm working, and--and this is not to be sneezed at when you are a stay-at-home parent and independent writer--it has deadlines. Even if the deadlines are self-imposed, setting a a schedule for blog posts feels more hard-and-fast than saying "I'll finish my book by March." People are waiting for those posts! (Yeah, right. But a girl can dream).
And, finally, I blog because I've been blogging. That's right: habit. I'm still struggling to discipline myself to work on the novels every day (especially when writing=editing), but I've managed to make a habit of blogging.
And that has to be good.
I wrote an article recently on my blog, "To Blog or Not To Blog". The ensuing discussion was vigorous. The consensus from many was that they enjoy the writer community and camaraderie. The other reason was it was a great place to play with different kinds of writing-- which is why I love blogging too. I keep two blogs just to try out different styles of writing. It's harmless, and as you said, it imposes the discipline of timelines.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I think your post was what got me thinking about it. I should have given you credit, but didn't remember whose blog had sparked the thought.
DeleteI never thought of having two blogs for different styles of writing--I just slap it all up here :) I am thinking of splitting off a "kid oriented" part from the part that talks about writing and/or more adult things. But so far I haven't really thought of what would go there aside from reviews.
I had a blog post with a similar question about 10-12 months into blogging and that was before I self-published. I should check the details, but that's how I remember it.
ReplyDeleteI think we question why we do it to reassure ourselves that we are not being self-indulgent hermits. As you've pointed out, there are lots of good reasons for an independent author to blog, not least that it keeps us in touch with others in this world of ours.
And it's so nice to have visitors!
Good luck with the A to Z Challenge - I hope you do join in!
Jemima at Jemima's blog
Jemima, I think you hit on it! Have to be sure it's not all about ego, or deluding ourselves that somebody cares.
ReplyDeleteThe comments make all the difference :)
I'm leaning pretty hard toward doing it. But I'll have to do a lot of prep this week, and figure out how to do a remote post, because I'll be out of touch on the first and second!