Saturday, January 23, 2010

The Evolution of a Blog

So, here's the thing. I haven't written here in a while. And while I occasionally think about it, the longer I stay away the harder it's been to come back. I'm not sure why this is, but I've found the same is true of other things that I've neglected. The more guilty I feel about something, the harder it becomes for me to address whatever it is that I feel guilty about. Exercise, anyone? Counting Weight Watcher points?

I've been thinking a lot about why I started this blog and how I felt about it when I stopped. When I started I felt like I had a lot of stories to tell. I wanted to record the events of my life. I wanted to connect with other people online. I wanted to see if I could do what the bloggers that I loved were doing. And at first it was fun. I made some really great online friends -- many of whom I still consider to be my friend today, even though I've never met them in real life.

But then, for some reason, everything changed. I started to worry more about my comments than anything else. If people didn't comment on a post, or if not "enough" people commented, I took it really hard. Or if hardly anybody commented on what I thought was a great post (one that I'd worked hard on), but tons of people would comment on something I just tossed out there, I was wracked with doubt. What if I'd lost sight of what was "good."

And frankly, that thought still haunts me. What if nobody comments? What if I've lost all my readers?

But today I'm back because I'm trying something new. I'm writing. I mean I'm writing just to be writing. I'm reading the most amazing book about writing -- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. I'm barely two chapters into it and already I'm inspired. People have always told me I have a gift with writing, but whenever anyone says that I always discount their opinions. It makes me feel VERY uncomfortable whenever anyone compliments my writing. I have no idea if it's good or not (and this is not a ploy for compliments), but I've decided to try to write something. I don't know if it will be a novel, a memoir, or a short story. But it's going to be something.

And I'm going to write here. I've missed it. I hope you'll join me. But if you don't I'm going to try not to take it to heart.

12 comments:

juliekay said...

Glad you are back writing and best of luck on your future writing pieces.

Tootsie Farklepants said...

Hey you! I barely write on my blog anymore either. Mainly because I feel like I'd be repeating a topic I'd already written about. And also, Facebook and Twitter have robbed me of my creativity. LOL!

Welcome back! xoxo

Tara said...

Knew you'd love the book! Isn't it great? And yes, you have a gift. Get used to it. : )

AndreAnna said...

Glad you're writing again. I'm here.

Lauren said...

I am _so_ glad that you are back!!

Keep writing!!!!!

LMAlphonse said...

Keep writing! We're reading!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx said...

Yay! I was once similarly inspired by a movie. I hope your muse sticks around longer than mine.

Burgh Baby said...

Glad to see you back. I've always thought that the best blogs were the ones that were written by people who were writing for themselves. I'm sure yours will be the same way.

Queen Mother said...

So glad you're back. "My eyes have too much water in them...."

calicobebop said...

So glad you're back! I look forward to reading your future posts!

Unknown said...

I've heard that *Bird by Bird* is really good. Have you read anything else by Anne Lamott? I LOVE everything I've read by her. *Operating Instructions* got me through my first few months of motherhood.

Katie in MA said...

HEY! Why didn't you tell me you started writing again! Teach me to stop checking. ;) I am home with sick kiddos tonight, but I plan to keep coming back until I'm caught up. Can't tell you how much I've missed your blog!! It's always a bright spot in my day. :)