Since I'm hearing that November is National Blog Posting Month, I thought it a good time to say a few things about what blogging is doing to and doing for me. It's become a bit of an addiction. This is my 128th post, and I probably spend too much time here reading and writing. I don't talk about it to non-bloggers as much as I used to. I think I was becoming a bit of a bore. So that's the doing to me part.
I have recently put a gadget on my blog which tells me where my readers are. I have been surprised to see how far away some of you are; literally all over the world. How cool is that? And it has also confirmed what I thought. I have lurkers, people who read my blog but seldom or never comment. Based on the locations, I have a pretty good idea who some of you are. And I'm flattered.
Although I try not to make this always about me, I have written several posts that were very personal. I've written about how Paul and I met and about losing my father. Those two posts were definitely at opposite ends of the happiness spectrum, and I was really touched by many of the comments I received about both. Then there was the post about an ambulance ride to the hospital that I tried to make funny and light. I heard from many people who were concerned and wanted to be sure I was taking care of myself.
I have become acquainted with some amazingly thoughtful and caring people in the blogging community. Many I know I would feel comfortable chatting with over a cup of coffee or a drink. And the talent that's out there among my blogging friends! I am constantly blown away by writing that makes me never want to write another word but then inspires me to become a better writer.
Paul stopped making negative comments about the time I spend here long ago, but he only reads my blog every couple weeks. He usually checks in after I mention a particular subject I've written about. A couple nights ago he sat for a while and caught up.
A man of few words and very little praise, when he was finished he said “so when are you going to write a book?” Now understand, he hasn’t had the pleasure of reading any of you other bloggers who I think are so talented but coming from him, that was a big compliment. I have actually been thinking of finding a creative writing class. I’ve become that hooked on this. But a book? Not likely. That's the doing for me part.
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16 comments:
I think I am one of those who read you from a far away place. I think I am also kind of addicted but nowadays trying to do it once in every other day..
Taking a writing class seems like a good idea. Expanding your skills is never a bad thing. You already write well but it is nice to have an audience devoted to trying to help you write better.
I think you might write a fine book one day if you decide to turn your attention to that.
National blogging month!! I had no idea...we should celebrate!
It is fun seeing just how far away people will come to read our blogs, LOL!
A creative writing class? Do it!
NaBloPoMo!! Woo hoo!
You should totally do the class. I wish i had something liek that i could participate in here. As for the book - i think if you use some of your posts as jumping off points you'll find you're more than halfway there! :))
Plus you have lots of people here who would love to buy your book adn say "they knew you when." :)
I could have written this post, though not as well that's for sure. I've loved getting to know you.
My husband is completely clueless about this whole blogging thing (I don't understand it completely myself) but he encourages me to keep on going. Cuz I consider quitting all the time; too many insecurities. I completely get the doing it for me part.
:)
The addiction...I'm there!! My hubby reads the blog and the comments. He loves it.
I think you are very creative, take the class!
None of my IRL friends or family reads my blog. I have a friend I met originally online but we've met several times now, and she reads it, but doesn't comment. My sister read it a few times but it wasn't her thing. I have 40 something followers but less than 10 that comment regularly, and that's ok, I write for me more than anything else, the comment love is just the hot fudge on top of my sundae!
yes, you should go take the class. Who knows, you may end up writing that book.
I have mixed feelings about classes. The feedback, mentioned above, would be great, I'm sure. But I get nervous about knowing too many rules. Case in point: a dozen years ago I learned to knit. I took to it like a duck to water. I didn't know any of the rules, so I thought anything was possible. I started designing almost right away. I loved it with a capital L. Of course, the next step was to read and read and read about it. I learned a lot. But most of what I learned was, "you can't do this", "this must never go with this", "You need a lot of experience before you try this" - it broke me. I believed it. I stopped trying new things and started following all the rules and my 'art' (as it were) suffered greatly for it. So I've been avoiding writing classes for that reason. Maybe I'm doing myself a disservice. If you DO decide to take them - I will be really interested to hear your thoughts. I'd LOVE it if you told me I was wrong, wrong, wrong. (I don't USUALLY love that - but this time I think I would...)
Oh! And I'd love to have a gadget like that! What is it and where did you get it and how did you install it?
Tammy just click on her gadget and it usually takes you to their site. That is how I got mine.
Lovely post and so true.. I am addicted to reading and writing blogs.
My first reaction about the class was DO IT! But then I read Tammy's comment and that made me think. As long as you won't be paralyzed by the "rules" it should be fun and valuable.
And tell me more about this tracking gadget. I don't see it on your blog anywhere. Sounds intriguing. Even better if it's "invisible".
I can't believe some of the awesome people I've met through blogging. I HOPE they're as sincere and sane IRL as they are through the blogosphere, lol. And, like you, I have a little stat tracker. It's amazing to see all the hits you get from around the world. I love it!
I know that I am addicted! Actually I have to do some weeding.
(You will not be pulled) I have so many that I am starting to feel overwhelmed. I am here for over six hours a day reading! I need to get some work done. My husband is very proud of me and thinks it's wonderful and checks in on my blog every few weeks.
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