I’ve been thinking about the purpose and direction of this blog lately. When I started this, I was in the early stages of writing my novel The Brevity of Roses, and blogging became a way to journal my progress. After the novel was written I moved on to blogging about editing and editing and editing, which progressed to querying, querying, querying, and finally to self-publishing. So now what?
For the last several months, I’ve been on a roller coaster of indecision not only about what to work on next, but whether I should write anything more at all. I’ve decided both now. I can’t quit writing—I’ve had migraines the last two days and still managed to get 1,200 words written. And I know which novel needs to be on the front burner, but I think it’s too early to talk about that book much, so that leaves me floundering blogwise.
I keep promising myself—and you—that I’ll write posts of substance, but I don’t. I’m not confident in giving writing advice, partly because I’m not a teacher, but mostly because I still have much to learn myself. I can’t tell you how to write a winning query letter, scintillating synopsis, or can’t fail cover blurb because I don’t know how. I can’t give you book promotion and marketing advice because I’m even less qualified in that.
I’m just a woman—wife, mother, and grandmother—who sits here at this computer hour after hour struggling to transform my imagination into words. I lead a boring life. The most exciting thing I’ve done in the last week was set up a Pinterest account. Oh yes, and I had to wash off the butt of an aging poodle with digestive problems. (See the kind of stuff I’m likely to say here?)
Maybe I should ask you for ideas. But then, if you have an idea you’d blog about it yourself, wouldn’t you? I wrote a post once volunteering to answer any question you asked me, but that was not one of my more successful posts. The always-guaranteed-to-spark-discussion topics of politics and religion are out, and I’m a lousy book and movie critic. So what does that leave me to talk about?
I guess it doesn’t matter anyway. I hear blogging is dead, so I don’t expect many people actually read my posts. Maybe I’m off the hook. I can just talk to myself here and no one will be the wiser. Years from now, when I’m a famous author, I’ll be able to publish my blog posts as a memoir—or something. ROTFLMAO
I read your posts – I’m not always able to come by and comment — this new novel is KILLING ME! ungh — I DETEST admitting that — for I rarely have a novel wrangle me to the floor – usually we dance together quite fluidly — lawdy.
On my blog I just decided to have fun – and once I gave myself permission to do that, things became easier 😀
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Well, I can only say the last novel and I danced together fluidly, Kat, but I understand what you mean when you say your new one is killing you. 😦 I hope you breakthrough soon. And without resorting to vodka. 😉
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lawd
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Great, blogging is dead you say? You should have told me before now…I can relax and not worry about what the heck I’m going to blog about. Yeah, I think we’re all had those times. Myself, I’ve just been too darn busy to worry about it. Somedays I wish I had a few extra hours.
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It was probably the creators of the “next best social media platform” that started the blogging is dead rumor, Laura. 🙂 Mine has slowed, but I still need a place to talk, so I’m not closing shop yet. But you know, it seems like my days have gotten shorter too. Hmmm.
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Hi Linda,
I enjoy blogging, even though I get few comments from readers. I know my followers are increasing (very slowly) in number but the comments are not. But, having said that … I am a follower of several blogs, but the way my life is now I seldom get to visit most of them, and I leave comments as much as people leave them on mine. Not good. Then along comes Summer when it all takes a dip anyway, and not in the pool.
I want you to know that I (finally!) just finished reading your novel The Brevity of Roses. Oh My Gosh! (really enjoyed it) I will be writing a review and posting it on my blog sometime this month, just so you know. 🙂
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I enjoy it too, Lynn, though sometimes I feel self-conscious about it. You know, sort of like that embarrassment when you think you’re part of the conversation in a room full of people, and you start speaking, but then you suddenly realize no one is listening to you? Or maybe that only happens to me. :O
Thank you for telling me you enjoyed reading Brevity. You made my day … or probably several days! 😀
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