Wednesday, August 24, 2011

On Writing and the Future

They say to write what you know. What's that you say? You don't want to see me write sarcastically about employee benefits? Really? I'm so surprised. What else do I know? Let's see... I could claim to set goals and then say something negative about myself. That's really interesting, right? Yeah, that's what I thought.

I can't get the idea of writing off my mind. I've been doing a lot of work-related writing lately and, in a total geek-out sort of way, it's fun. But I would really like to write more, preferably about something other than pre-tax plans, IRS regulations and ERISA. If you don't know what these things are, consider yourself lucky.

I used to dream of being a writer. The typewriter by the window, wind blowing, frantically banging on the keys. I'd have some sort of ritual when I finished stuff. Drink scotch or smoke a cigar or something. But of course life's not like a TV show. Let's face it, if I had that open window with no screen (why don't they EVER have screens on TV?), a bee would fly in, I'd panic and end up falling over my own chair. And if I ever got anything finished, I'd probably have to go put laundry in the dryer or clean up some mess my kid or the dog made.

I was reading a blog post on Money Saving Mom (a blog I sometimes read and follow on Facebook) that was a guest post from I Can Teach My Child (a blog I've never read before). The subject was how to run an unsuccessful blog. Don't post frequently (check!), write about something you're not passionate about (check!), don't write original content (this implies I write content - see the first item on the list) and don't get in the blog world (check).

I have influences in the blog world. There are women I find inspirational or I love their style, story or mission. But their stuff isn't my stuff. I've always joked that I don't have A Thing. Jack of all trades, master of none, that's me. Wide and shallow, not narrow and deep. Probably some other trite phrases. None of this serves the goal of being a writer. If I'm not writing anything that anyone wants to read, no one will read it. It's that simple.

I recently read Bossypants by Tina Fey. I wish I had written that. I could write a memoir, but really, who cares? I could do the whole Mommy Blogger thing, but do we need someone else writing what her kid did? Sure my IRL friends care, but they are probably hearing the story from me and not reading it on the blog. Oh, and IRL means In Real Life, which again, implies I have any kind of following or In Blogosphere Friends, which I don't.

As for participating in the blog world, the recommendation was to read and comment on posts. Most will include a link to your blog. I have often felt that if I linked back to my own blog people would read it and surely not come back.

What's my point, you're wondering? Well, I think I need to give this writing thing a shot. The blog is here, so I'm going to start here. After tonight, I'm going to plan posts, write them in advance and even *gasp* edit them! So if you read this, give me a comment, show some love (or hate, if that's how you're feeling!). If you feel so inclined, tell me what I've written that you like and you'd come back for more of. If, by chance, there's someone I don't know personally reading this, say hi, introduce yourself! I'm not sure where this is going. I don't have a vision yet. When I figure it out, I'll let you know. In the meantime, I'll write what's on my mind and we'll see what sticks.

Here's to new beginnings!

2 comments:

  1. Your best blog yet! You are a natural so don't overthink it. And I'm not just saying all this nice stuff because I'm your Aunt. I reject many a supposed wonderful blog! Your style keeps me engaged, and I am a tough sell.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've always believed that you should not only believe in your dreams, but live them! (Did I put the comma in the right place?) I remember hearing as a child, "If you give up your dreams you die" Don't know who said it. Who cares anyway? I think you have a natural talent that shines through here and you should absolutely follow through on it - regardless of what anyone thinks of it. If it brings you happiness, GO FOR IT!

    ReplyDelete