He said, "So, I thought I'd spend time blogging."
"Cool," I said. "I love blogging."
"I know," he said. "That's why I said it. I'm not really going to blog. But you should blog about ________ and ________ and ______. I mean, you have your blog. You blog!"
I wasn't really sure what he was getting at. And then because we were in a big group of people, he was pulled away from the conversation, and we never really got back to it. I kept thinking about his comments, and then I realized a couple of things.
1. Because I am around so many writers and mommies, I think nothing of blogging. Doesn't everybody blog? Shouldn't everybody blog? Isn't it a great way to network, communicate with others in your field, share information, and create a platform for yourself? (By the way, the answer to these questions are YES, YES, YES, and YES.)
2. Other (regular, normal) people think blogging is a big deal. They think it is important to blog and that we really have something interesting to say. I have people tell me all the time, "I love your blog. I read it to find children's books. I love the activities you provide. How do you find the time?" and so on. But when I hear people say these things, I still think blogging is no big deal. It's like I don't believe them. Blogging is just something I do because I think it's important,and I have something to share with parents, teachers, and librarians. I want to meet other people in the children's book world, and blogging is a great way to do this. I blog for WOW! because I have information to share with writers, and I love being a part of this community.
3. So, in conclusion, I decided I should think blogging is more of a big deal than I do. I should be more proud of the fact that I have kept a blog going for over three years now and that I have made money from it. I have authors and publishers contacting me to review books, and I have regular readers who really use my suggestions at home and in their classrooms. I should not be so amazed when people comment on my blogging posts for The Muffin or when they retweet my link. Blogs are amazing, and bloggers are hardworking writers--and I am one of them!
Thinking about this conversation with my former classmate also made me contemplate how as writers and bloggers, we get so caught up in our own worlds--our busy lives, our rejections, our struggles with plot or wondering what to post. We should stop and take a breath every once in a while and look at ourselves from the outside. Look at our accomplishments, and look at what we are producing for the world to read. People are reading it. People do take notice--even if they don't leave comments on your blog. So, I'm saying--if you blog, be proud. Keep it up, and tell people, "I am a blogger." You might just be amazed at how AMAZED they are!
Post by Margo L. Dill
If you want to start a blog or if you have one and want to work on it (the focus, monetizing, driving readers to it), my blogging online workshop is starting up again on Friday, 10/21. It's $125 for 5 weeks. To view the syllabus, read comments from other students, or to sign up, please visit the WOW! classroom here.
photo by orangeacid www.flickr.com
10 comments:
I never thought of it that way, either, Margo! So, yes...Yay for us blogger/writer gals! (and guys!)
Great post, Margo! I never thought blogging or writing for the newspaper, for that matter, was a big deal, either. I love doing it, so it's just who I am. But, over the past couple of years, I have come to realize that people are touched by what I write in a way that changes things for them.
Being a writer is a big deal. Not everyone can put words into text that touches the heart, soul or mind. So glad, you do what you do best. Wish I could take your course, but I just started seminary, so I am up to my eyeballs in writing and reading (on top of teaching!). Hope you have a full class; I know your students will gain a great deal of sound advice from you!
Linda and Becky,
Thanks! Let's celebrate today!!! :)
Linda--good luck with your course work!
I've never really thought about it like that either. I'm always wondering when people comment on my writing if they are just being nice, kwim? But I suppose we are always our own worst critique.
Thanks for the reminder that were amazing writing mommas!
I appreciate your reminder that people are reading even if they don't leave comments. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself!
One Minnesota Writer: Annette Fix, who was the former senior editor at WOW!, said the smartest thing to me one time. She told me my audience for my blog isn't used to leaving comments. They don't realize how important comments are. They are getting the info they need and moving on. I think we get more comments on WOW!'s blog because writers read us, and as writers, we know how important comments are! :)
@Salem Witch Child--You are an amazing writer momma! ;)
This is great, Margo, and very inspirational! I never thought of blogging this way either, but I know I should. I'm amazed that I am getting closer to my first anniversary of blogging, this year has been an amazing experience and I need to remember that blogging really is a big deal. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is a very inspiring post, Margo :)When you are doing what you love, it seems like no big deal to you because you don't get tired of doing it :) Writing is not an easy career because it needs tons of patience and determination to succeed. Mommy writers are the greatest because they are able to handle writing and motherhood well. Kudos to all hardworking blogger-mommies out there!
It is easy to relate to the great post and the insightful comments. I am new to blogging and still feel like a looky-lou, reading posts but not commenting. My blog was the first time I shared my work outside of a classroom. What a liberating step! When friends have mentioned my blog on the soccer field with compliments, I wondered why. I am just a beginner after all. They don't see it like that and I am loving the validation and encouragement.
Margo, I love how you articulate what I am starting to go through and recognize through writing. Your words have created real step holds in my thought processes and remind me that blogging/writing is meaningful. So thanks!
Thank you, purple32, for leaving a comment ;) and letting me know how this helped you. :)
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