For the most part, the answer to that question is: YES … as wrong as that may be. Recently, I read an article on how to have a successful blog. Close to the top of that list—maybe it was #1—was “Don’t talk about yourself.” I nearly deleted my blog that instant. And then I started to protest.
I started this blog as a way to record my writer’s journey. Along the way, you all started showing up to make this road a little less lonely. (Why yes, that is alliteration.) As more of you stepped onto my path, I began to worry that I should lead you on a more scenic route or, at least, provide elegant picnics in the shade. But on this journey, I can really only share what I know, what I experience, what I hope for. That’s all I have with me.
Sure, I point you to books and other blogs I hope you’ll enjoy and maybe learn something from, but mostly, I just keep on down my path, talking about me. Which, if you knew me in real life, would be sort of funny. Up till now, I’ve pretty much focused on everyone but me. The problem was, during all those years, I let a lot of clutter build up in my mind. Now I’m clearing it out by writing. And thinking, learning, and talking about writing.
So, I’m sorry, this is a selfish blog. It’s just all about me and my journey, but I totally, completely, absolutely love and appreciate when you fall into step and walk beside me a ways.
Whew! I’m so glad to hear someone else thinks the same way.
We must have read the same article and my initial response was the same – I wanted to shut my blog down immediately!
But I think the honesty that comes through when we discuss our journey and our feelings is what captivates our readers.
Writers want to connect with others that share these same experiences. They want to know that their struggles are conquerable and that others feel the same anxiety, depression, fear, elation and discovery that come with the territory. It’s comforting to read of others experiences. It takes the loneliness out of a journey that is mostly traveled alone.
Thank you for making me feel less selfish. I’m glad our paths met up, Ms. Olivia.
Here here to talking about yourself. I too started my blog as a record of my writing, and always intend it to be that!!
Thank you for chiming in. More power to us … and hopefully our shared journeys will benefit us all.
So what if your journey benefits others? Is it still selfish? I think not.
So there.
Okay then.
You’re certainly not alone. My blog is focused on the I in memoIr. Go You!
I seem to be in excellent company.
Linda, those articles never consider the fact that some of us want to hear about an actual individual’s journey, instead of the generic babble that often goes on.
You’re in good company, my friend, and you need never worry about your readers finding your writing self-indulgent. It’s comforting for us writers to connect with others in the same boat.
Thank you, Sharon. It’s true that I don’t think of other writers’ blogs as self-indulgent and I’m always grateful to read a post that echos my own struggles. So I guess this is another one of those “rules” we should ignore.
I never think of other writers’ blogs as self-indulgent either. Writing can be a lonely road and I think it’s so refreshing to be able to create communities this way. The only way to accomplish that is to be genuine and show other writers who you are.
Maybe the article was geared for blogs in other industries?
You know, after the mortification of realizing I’d broken the “ego” rule, I’m not sure I read the rest of article. Possibly that advice was geared toward another type blog. Obviously, I didn’t take the advice anyway.
I for one am happy you are working through your inner garage now!
And, uh, I thought one of the purposes of having a blog was to write about yourself and share your thoughts and experiences with others…. I’m glad I missed that article you read on blogging.
Thank you, Natasha. If Darksculptures hadn’t confirmed she also read such blog advice, I would be thinking now that I’d imagined it.
I’m not sure where that “don’t talk about yourself” stuff came from. Most pro blogger sites I follow recommend you DO talk about yourself from time to time and let the audience in to see the person behind the keys.
I’m all about me on my blog too. It’s YOUR BLOG. We come here because we enjoy reading about YOUR experiences. So be you. We, hoi polloi, like it.
Well, “from time to time” is a far cry from how often I talk about myself.
But I won’t worry about it now. We all seem to have a mutual appreciation of “confessional” blogs.
Blogs are usually about the blogger. Even if they’re subject based it’s about the blogger’s experience with the subject. I like reading about you and your writing journey. It makes my road less lonely too.
That’s true, Candice. I just hope you guys are learning what not to do from my missteps on this journey.
A lot of that advice is geared for blogs that earn income from the ads. They aren’t personal blogs, per se. Personal blogs are, well … personal.
I subscribe to several of those income sites for their expertise on writing and publishing. They are usually written by experts in the field who dole out free advice but get paid by ad space. I’m guessing that advice was geared for that niche.
You must be right, Tricia. It appears we writers love to write about ourselves.
I think writers have to be a little bit obsessed with themselves anyways…not at a level where it’s a problem, but spending hours upon hours of writing and rewriting just to see our own names in print seems a little obsessive when I think about it. Kinda funny.
Brayden Hirsch
http://www.writebig.wordpress.com
“I think writers have to be a little bit obsessed with themselves anyways.”
This is so funny and so true.
It is, isn’t it, Kirsten? Why else would we believe the world awaits our writing?
Wait! Are you saying the world isn’t awaiting my writing?
At least we can say we are awaiting each others writing. I figure we all have a fan base of at least 10 people at this point. LOL Although, you, Linda, may be closer to 20.
Wow! I’m going to be rich!!!
Thanks for stopping by, Brayden. I do believe you’re right. After all, we imagine others are just dying to read whatever we write, don’t we?
I like personal blogs.
Yours in particular.
Thank you, Paul … oh, wait … you weren’t laughing when you typed that were you?
silly rabbit.
;0) <—— look! it's a winky face!!!!!
I hope that after reading all the comments you've regrouped.
I like the idea of a garage sale of the mind. Then when it's empty, you can sweep the floor and whitewash the walls and spend the next 40 years filling it up with other really interesting stuff.
Regrouped, yes, though I never said I would stop talking about myself.
You won’t believe how hard I laughed at your 40 years comment.
no, I meant regrouped and realized it was OK to talk about yourself.
and 29 + 40 = 69 so what’s the prob? :0)
Hmmm, yes I understood that’s what you meant. I did regroup and realize it’s okay to talk about myself. But even if it wasn’t, I still would.
Oh, yes, silly me, I did the math wrong! Yeah, by 69 I should have all sorts of interesting stuff piled up again.
Another person who was slightly high on himself was Sherlock Holmes…check out my blog post, What Every Fiction Writer Can Learn From Sherlock Holmes, at http://alturl.com/nutd
I think every successful writer has the right to be “high on himself” and even before your successful. Be your own biggest fan! Why not?
By the way, Brayden, I looked around your blog and read your published story and was quite surprised to learn your age. I imagine you have a great career ahead of you.
You’re adorable. May I say that about a woman who’s older than me? You might not believe this, but I’ve wondered why I can’t be less selfish in posts, “like Linda on her blog.” You seem to always give us something in addition to a personal vignette or moment of reflection.
Oh my, yes, “adorable” will get you a gold star! Thank you, Ann, such praise is deeply appreciated.