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11/12/2013

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Anyone wondering where I've been since early August? Well, various potholes and detours on my planned blogging route combined with confusion regarding my intended destination. The result? A blank space where my writing used to be.  

As the year accelerates toward its big holiday finale, it's time to 

reflect on my derailment, and consider the next phase of this journey. 

In recent months I've been reading blogs of all kinds: fashion, food, do-it-yourself, home design, health, spiritual/inspirational, writers writing about writing, writers promoting their latest publications, news pundits and pundit-wannabes, animal bloggers, and humor. It's not exaggerating to state there are bazillions of blogs out there. My email reserved just for writing purposes has become a monster; it had over 450 unread emails this morning, primarily because I've been avoiding opening it. 

I also checked out blogger groups whose members actively support and encourage each other. Blogging is now a critical component of building a customer base for many professions, and connecting with others who have an internet presence can help make that happen more quickly. That's certainly been the case (pardon the legal pun) for my sister Shel Harrington, a family law attorney in Oklahoma, who began hers in January.  For women who want to work from home while raising their families, blogging seems to be the 21st century equivalent of Tupperware and fashion parties.  There is money to be made in blogging for those who find the right niches and persistently self-promote enough to grow large reader followings. However, as with home parties, success in earning power comes only with major time investments in research, writing, networking, and promoting. In other words, w-o-r-k. 

I reread my first blog. It is somewhat disconcerting to note my confidence in my writing hasn't grown much. However, "Recalibrating" presented the list of questions I had promised to ask myself about any new endeavor, including writing. Happily, I can answer yes to two of the four questions: writing does enhance my relationships with family and friends, and it does benefit me emotionally. 

So now what? Well, I went through the writing emails and caught up on some of my faves (thanks Dee Dee!) I also unsubscribed to those that post more than once a week (no time!) and those I'd lost interest in. That leaves me with about 50 of the most recent, which will be this evening's entertainment. 

And entertainment is the key word. I do not want writing to become w-o-r-k. I want to write to explore what rolls around in my head, and to connect with family, friends, and anyone else who's vaguely interested in what rolls around in my head. Blogging is one way to do that. I would still like to post weekly (my original intention,) but of course that may not happen. However, I will keep it as a goal.

In January 2014, when this year's resolution ends up with a weekly posting rate of less than 50%, I will not consider it a failure. I will have purposely written something (nearly) 50% more often than in any year previous to this one. That is success.
#writing, #blogging
10 Comments
Ginny
11/12/2013 11:57:00 am

Yippeee- I love to read your blog. As much I may be tempted to join the crowd, for me writing is WORK.... it does not come easy and I ponder even the simplest postings on facebook. I know I would give up almost before I even tried. However I love to read and enjoy being in touch with so many people, soooo keep bloggin' girlfriend cuz' I am definitely a fan!!♥

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Natine
11/12/2013 12:49:53 pm

You TOTALLY made my day, Gin! Thank you thank you THANK YOU!! :)

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Jill W link
11/13/2013 02:18:34 am

Great to see you back, Natine! Four hundred and fifty unread emails...yikes! Blogging sure does fill up your inbox, doesn't it. Like you, I had to unsubscribe from bloggers who post more than once a week...it's just too much. I love Shel's blog!

Reply
Natine
11/14/2013 03:32:02 am

Thanks, Jill! As you know, I'm a HUGE fan of Shel myself! She's done a great job with it! Also a fan of yours; love when writers write about writing!

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Jill link
11/14/2013 10:38:38 am

Thanks, Natine!

Shel Harrington link
11/13/2013 11:20:31 am

Welcome home, Sis! I totally agree with you about success = doing more than what was done before. I also agree with you about the process being work. I'm OK with that right now because it fits in with my goals and I'm enjoying this part of the job - when it's a job I know longer enjoy I will reevaluate.

I hope both you and Jill stick with me over the next few weeks when I 'overpost' - I'm going to do a 5-day Stocking Stuffer Extravaganza the first week of December and my 5 favorite posts the last week of December (as I approach my one year blog anniversary). But I want you both to know that I am not turning into a daily poster! Especially since I, too, ignore most of those who do. The other blogger I ignore? The one that ONLY blogs (often) about the book she has out and her activities related to it. More an infomercial than a blog. Well, I shouldn't have said 'only' - she also alternates her own short stories with pictures of what she and her kids are doing. Violating (in my mind) the biggest unofficial rule of blogging: entertain, educate, or both. Whew! I feel better now - thanks (again) for listening!

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Jill W link
11/13/2013 11:54:49 pm

I'll stick with you, Shel! I agree with you on blogs to ignore. :)

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Natine
11/14/2013 03:35:21 am

Would never EVER not read your writing, dear Sister -- even during multi-post weeks! They always make me smile, and are full of great ideas. Hugs. :)

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Dee Dee Chumley link
11/14/2013 08:55:53 am

Natine, you made my day listing me as one of your "faves"! You're one of mine as well, so it's good to see you back in the blogosphere. And you and I are on the same page concerning blogging goals. While blogging does take some self-discipline, the minute it becomes "work," I'm outta here!

Reply
Natine
11/15/2013 02:35:28 am

Thank you, Dee Dee! It's nice to know I'll have someone to escape with if the time ever comes! Oh my gosh. That would mean I'll have to TALK more! I can picture the fear in the G-man's eyes! :)

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