Lately I’ve had a few email conversations about The Whole Blogging Thing. And inevitably, the question of books comes up – not what book we’re reading, mind you, but if we want to write a book of our own.
It’s an interesting topic to me for several reasons.
But before I get into why it’s so interesting to me, I want to be very clear: I have no intention of writing a book. I am not a book writer. It’s hard for me to even describe myself as a writer, period, because I still have that very graduate school-esque notion of how a writer spends her day: sitting in a coffee shop, typing like a madwoman, sipping on a no-fat soy vanilla latte, wearing lots of flowing (hand-knit) scarves while trying to contain her long, naturally curly hair with a clip that can’t possibly hold all the lustrous auburn ringlets, constantly pushing hair off her forehead, trying to finish chapter 9, eagerly anticipating that in two hours her musician boyfriend will pick her up on his motorcycle so that they can go drink wine and admire the sunset from her spacious but cozy beachhouse that she’s in the process of remodeling.
Not that I’ve created a stereotype in my head. Or anything.
Now I realize that it’s not an accurate perception on my part…I know that there are lots of women who work on their writing while simultaneously taking care of their families and shuttling their kids around and holding down a full-time job outside of the home. And I would most definitely consider those women – who have ambition and purpose connected to their writing – as writers. I just don’t consider myself as one. Remember, I am annoyingly literal, yet I realize that the sentence before this one is probably fodder for an entire day of therapy, because obviously I DO write, and obviously I DO put what I write “out there,” yet I would never, ever, ever ever ever describe myself as a “writer.” Ever.
Okay. Anyway. Here’s the part that fascinates me (she says, diverting attention from her strange curious psychological make-up).
I know there are a lot of bloggers who are hoping to get published. Who are working on novels. Who are in the process of editing novels. Who go to writers’ workshops. Who stay in contact with publishers. I think all those things are wonderful – and I have great admiration for women who can juggle all that they do and still make time for Serious Writing Business.
And I wonder: is blogging, for you, a means to an end? Is it a way to get exposure as a “for real” writer and ultimately get published? Can you be a “for real” writer if blogging is all that you do? In other words: is blogging in and of itself enough for you? Would you be disappointed if, say, three or four years down the road, your blog is functioning just as it is right now?
Keep in mind that I’m asking myself these questions, too – because the truth of the matter is that if I didn’t like for people to read what I’ve written, I could very easily keep all my silly little essay-things in a Microsoft Word file, store them on my hard drive, and call it a day.
But I don’t.
I write stuff (BUT I’M NOT A “WRITER” OH SWEET MERCY NO). And I put it on the INTERNET. Where people read it. Which makes me think that I’m kidding myself, just a little bit, if I try to claim that this blawg is just something I do for family and friends. I think it’s gone a little past that with me.
Does anyone else wonder about this stuff?
And if you think I’m crazy, please don’t tell me. The whole “writer” label has me in enough of a tizzy as it is.
Well you sure have a way with words and I like to read what you write. So in my eyes you are a writer:)
Boo~
I’m with Barbie on this one, you are a “writer”. I love your description of a writer, but maybe you should define her as an “author”?
Okay…to answer your question, hmmm…I don’t know. A couple of years ago, I wrote devotions that I emailed to folks. I watched the Lord literally take those devotions around the world. Then He shut it down, and I stomped my foot & pouted (not proud of that). Flash forward two years. I found Sarah thru Lisa Whelchel, then found you, and then the whole blogging world opened up to me. So, I started blogging with a few of my older writings, hoping God would use them to bless anyone who just happened to stumble upon my blog…but also to communicate with friends who used to read the devotions I wrote. I have no idea how many of my “real-life” friends read my blog…but a funny thing happened, I’ve found a great group of Christian women…a community of sorts.
So, I blog to keep building community with those wonderful ladies, and to share what God’s laid on my heart. Do I expect to ever be published? Not really. God has called me to minister to women, and I hope this blog is one way to do that. I just need to focus on that calling, though…and not try to be someone else.
OH. MY. GOSH. LONGEST COMMENT EVER! Sorry, I didn’t mean to take over your blog, woman!
Okay, I’ll jump in here as a “writer,” I guess. It’s still hard for me to call myself a writer – probably because of a similar stereotype-image-in-my-head issue… but I guess I am. I’ve been “officially” published in magazines. I think I’m up to about 20 articles that I’ve had published. And I’d love to write a book (or books) someday. But, I’m definitely not a dedicated writer. My article-writing is very on-again, off-again. I lack the discipline to compose and send queries on a regular basis, I lack the energy these days to research markets (it probably has something to do with the 12-week-old sitting next to me), and I often lack the confidence to take action on the article ideas I do have.
But that being said… blogging is a wonderful complement to my “other writing.” Blogging has less pressure (no rejection letters arriving in the mail…although I realize I might incur some stinging comments from time to time), I can write about whatever I want (without worrying whether or not it “fits the editors’ needs”), my posts can be any length I’d like. Blogging has also been terrific for building my idea-generating muscles. I try to post 5 days/week, so I’ve got to come up with that much stuff to blab about. And blogging is so much more interactive. With articles, you have no clue whatsoever what people think of your writing/topic/etc. For all I know, they only get through the first paragraph and then flip to the next piece. But with blogging, I get some feedback, which is great.
However, I in no way view my blog as a means to an end, except that I see it, in part, as an opportunity to practice the craft of writing and generating ideas. I don’t talk about my articles on my blog, I don’t even give my last name so people can track them down. And I certainly don’t expect an editor to stumble across my blog and offer me a book contract. Blogging, for me, is a fun, easy outlet for the ideas, thoughts, and ramblings that float around in my head.
And now I will apologize for taking up so much comment space. This is officially the longest comment I’ve ever left on someone’s blog!
Oh, and for what it’s worth, I consider you a writer. And a great one, at that.
Nope my blog is in no way shape form or fashion “writing”. Its more of a dear diary thing and at the same time its a friend thing. I want friends. :) I saw a book at the used book store yesterday called SAHM. It was a book about an email group (of which I have one, I’ve been in almost 5 yrs now). But whats the point of reading it when I am living it? LOL Ok I am majorly digressing. xoxo melzie
I understand what you mean about not thinking of yourself as a writer. You really are a good writer and I truly enjoy reading your writing.
As for blogging, I don’t consider myself a writer, though, like you, I like the idea of other people reading and liking what I’ve written. I don’t take it too seriously though.
I loved writing in high school and college, and have looked into publishing in parenting and Christian magazines, but taking care of my family keeps me busy enough.
The term “writer” is just a label and lots of people have defined it in lots of different ways. What you are doing here on your blog is great no matter what you call it.
I know just what you mean. Except I’m on the other side of the fence – I AM a writer. Even when I’m not writing, I have that compulsion inside me. I wrote stories from the age of about seven. I write articles, reviews, short stories… hardly anything published yet, so I’m not always comfortable calling myself ‘A Writer’ but still, it’s part of who I am, deep down.
Really it’s a silly word, since it also means ‘one who writes’, and all bloggers write. Many are very talented at blogging, with a real way with words. But unless there’s that inner compulsion they’re not ‘Writers’ – which is what you’re trying to say. I wish there were a different word; ‘author’ doesn’t quite work. But to call everyone who writes a ‘writer’ is like calling everyone who types a ‘typist’. Or like saying that everyone who sings (eg in the shower, or in church…) is ‘a singer’.
I prefer to avoid labels, on the whole, because they’re so ambiguous. Doing that, you can say, quite simply, ‘I write a blog, but I don’t plan to write a book’.
i just write as another way to make people laugh and another way to spread my opinion around. I see NO future where someone (anyone) would pay me to write something. I’m just not that good!
I do see a future where YOU are paid to write something. Your blog brightens my day and I’ve passed you along to every one that I know. I can’t believe my hubby won’t break down and read your blog! Just because he won’t read mine…..
Keep writing and we’ll keep reading!
Yes, I lurk on your blog often, but when I read the comments I often feel I don’t have anything to add that hasn’t already been said. So I decline to post. However, this subject is of great interest to me. See, my family is after me to WRITE and I just haven’t brought myself to do that. I enjoy blogging, and I find that I respond well to an ASSIGNMENT (good student and all), but just sitting down and writing, faced with the blank page, and then the whole idea of shopping that product around makes me woozy. So for now I’ll just blog, and I’m applying for a job with a publication that would actually give me assignments. I’ll see where that takes me and what the Lord wants to make with the threads of my life when it comes to writing. I’ll just bet He has a tapestry in mind.
I think most of us consider you a writer, Boo. The things you write on this blog are more thought-provoking/laughter-inducing/heart-wrenching than some of my favorite books. Reading your works feels more like a very comfortable conversation with a friend than a book.
That said, if you ever did decide to write a book, you’d have it made in the shade. All you’d have to do is submit this entire body of work for publication. I’d buy the book. And I’d put my name in the front of it so no one could ever steal it – it would be one of my read over and over again books. Might even send it to you for an autograph. :-)
I don’t blog because I want to be a writer. Blogging makes me try to be a little more careful how I write, what I put out there if you will.
I do it for the interaction with all the nice people I’ve met via my blog.
Period. That’s why I do it. If I accidentally cause someone to think or laugh or cry, that’s just icing on the cake. You, on the other hand, seem to be able to do this consistently and effortlessly.
I definitely don’t consider myself a writer and since Barb’ comments relay my thoughts to a tee, I say “ditto”.
Hello, I love the whole book writing thing. I am in the process now of compiling my writings together.
Here is my thing. I am very highly intellegent, however I am basically poor. I cannot at this point go to all the little classes, and do all the writer’s workshops ect, and I have no desire to do that. I believe I am capable enough to write my book.
I have had a very lucritive offer from a Humanities Professor to write my book for me. I want to do it myself however so Iam trying to weigh the options. In my case I believe I could be a writer, but when my book is published and I know it can be, I want to tour with it and I will not do that until my son has graduated. So at this point I have time to get everything in place for a book.
About the blogging, I am just now getting started on that. I really do have alot to say I just dont know how much to put out there about topics. I have been trying to get a feel. One woman who I respect alot said, be honest and tell your heart. So that is what I will do.
There are alot of great writers out in the blog world. I dont think you have to be a great writer to be a blogger. Just be honest and write from your heart and people will read because your real. I have found through alot of blogs I have read that some think its like a competion to have the best blog, or the best writings, or the most comments. I have so enjoyed reading everyones stories. Everyone id different and unique. I have never been popular, and never will be. I do love to write.
My Mother is a writer. She has published 16 novels (I think…since she is my Mother and that is what she has always done we don’t pay a lot of attention to it). I grew up being asked if I was going to be a writer when I grew up (by all the writers my Mother had in her circle of friends, no less — BTW, not one of them had flowing Auburn locks or a boyfriend on a bike!). I always and still say no…nadda, ain’t gonna happen…yeah, my Mom was proud of my English! LOL My Blog is truly more of a dear diary/online friend building mechanism. I don’t have the smallest desire to write anything book related. They really seem like two entirely different beasts. I still get amazed that anyone bothers to read my blog anyway.
Oh, I saw that writer this morning at Starbucks, complete with motorscooter riding musician boyfriend. But since there is no beach here, I think they were heading to the Smoky Mountains for a long weekend…to work on the remodeling of her log cabin. :)
xo,
There is a country song that I love. “She don’t know she’s beautiful.” You know what makes that woman so beautiful? The fact that she doesn’t know it! That’s the best kind of pretty you will ever see on a woman!
Well, the same goes for your writing. You don’t realize how good your writing is or how well you communicate or how much you make people laugh. That’s why people think you are so great because you don’t know it. That’s an awesome quality and something I think we should all pray for. It keeps us humble. When someone compliments me on something I have learned to say thank you but on the inside I am still amazed that someone would say that about me.
Boomama, I don’t think you know how beautiful you are! :) But that is a beautiful thing in itself!
Oh so I guess my comment did not make sense based on everyone else’s comment. I feel dumb.
My POINT was this. Everyone thinks you should write or book or expects you to because you are that good.
Okay, does that make sense now! :)
Intersting questions!
I am a writer- in that ever since I was a little girl, I wrote stories and always wanted to write a book someday. All my life, I’d start writing things but rarely finish them. Two years ago I did start a novel, and though still not finished, it is almost done.
And blogging? Well, I did actually start to keep family updated and even had the public button turned off…and then I started reading a couple blogs out there and decided to go ahead and turn the button on. My style has changed a bit since doing that a few months ago…and now my blogging serves several purposes:
Family updates
practice my writing a bit
and this last has become the most important…. connecting with other bloggers- mostly other Christian women- and finding so many new friends across the country and even world.
Sorry my reply was so long!
It is interesting to consider all the different reasons people blog…and how even just one of us can have more than one reason!
And to think, just a few months back, I didn’t even really know this kind of blogging world existed!
Now Boo,
Whether or not you consider yourself a writer is not the question I want to answer. I just want to make sure that you are sticking around to give me my daily dose of laughing out loud and appreciating your life… from afar. (Ahem.)
I’m not a writer either, but I have to admit that it makes me feel all gooey and happy inside when someone insists that I print all this stuff and send it to a publisher because they think it is “that good”. To me, that makes it all worthwhile… even though I’m just writing for myself. (Ahem… again.)
Write on! (Pun intended)
Shalee
Heavens to Betsy, no, I do not post on a blog to become a writer…in fact, it’s hardly what you’d call a Writing, and I’m hardly what I’d call an author. Don’t have the long,auburn flowing locks, nor do I sit in the coffee shop, nor do I have a boyfriend on a motorcycle….and I really don’t care for the beach. So I’m totally wiped out on that one. I only blog to respond to humor I find in the bloggy world, and occasionally interject my own. But you, Boomama, are worthy of being called a writer should you ever decide to aspire to that. Until then, we’ll just call you our friend the Boomama Blogger who jots down incredibly hysterical comments on everyday details of her life on Hysteria Lane…… and (by the way) she’s really good at it, too.
I blog because it is for ME…I like to write, it keeps family updated on the kids, gives me a creative outlet, and so on. It is just a hobby.
That said, I’ve always loved writing and many times in school and college I was told what a great writer I was/am. I don’t really think I’ll ever write a book. I joke about it quite a bit on my blog because it is a thing in my family—everyone keeps saying to write this or that…my hubby wants me to make him a million (and like a book would do that, he has Danielle Steel, Tom Clancy those types of author images in his brain).
My blog is in no way an attempt at a book. It is just my blog. A diary of sorts. A photo album of sorts. An editorial page, if you will.
I’ve always enjoyed writing. Maybe someday I’ll actually write something publishable. But I don’t see my blog as a means to that end, except that (when I’m blogging faithfully and thoughtfully) it may help me improve my writing. I blog for the same reasons so many others do – I enjoy the connection with other women.
I think you can have it all – blogging, writing, published writing – whatever it is you want. That said, your blog is one I keep coming back to, so keep it up!
I think the most wonderful thing about your blog is that you write like you talk. Not that I’ve heard you talk, ’cause the only thing I could identify of you would be your feet should they happen to be up in the air after you’ve recently fallen. But I know you write like you talk just because I know. . .’cause I do the same thing.
Anyway–what we all want is a friend–not even a whole bundle–just one that we can say anything too and they will think it’s interesting or deep or funny or that it’s the dumbest thing they’ve ever heard but they love us anyway. We want to be able to say, “You know what I was thinking?” And then proceed to say it. Most of us are blessed to have those people. . .I know I am. Problem is that I don’t get to see them or even talk to them very much. So blogging (I love that you call it a blawg–that’s how I pronounce it anyway and I HATE the word “blog.”) is my way to do that. If Carolyn or Sarah or Stephanie aren’t around. . .well, by cracky,I can sit down, type what I’m thinkin’ and shoot it out into cyber etc. where they will retrieve it when their schedule allows. ANd they will smile or laugh or cry or roll their eyes and they may or may not comment. . .but they will know what’s on my mind.
I think you SHOULD write a book. I think my friend Stephanie should paint for a living. I think I should open a tea room. . .and I’ve had lots of people tell me that. . .and it’s not gonna happen until college x 2 is paid for and maybe not then.
You have a talent. Should you choose to go out there and find a publisher, I will buy that book (seeing as how I linked to you without permission last night), but I’m hopin’ no matter what you keep doing what you’re doing. We need “friends” like you to remind us that we are not alone in our clumsiness, confusion, stress, humor, and friendships. We are all in this together even if we never meet.
I will not see how long this is for fear I’ll erase it all.
See previous comment.
Wasn’t trying to be mysterious and all by being “anonymous”. . .I hit submit before I’d filled in the information. :)
Boomama, I think anyone who blogs is a writer, because yes…we’re writing whether it’s exceptional or not is a matter of opinion. You, my friend, are exceptional and your “tens of readers” all seem to agree.
For me, my blog started as a creative outlet. I wanted a way to keep a journal of sorts about raising a daughter and just life stuff. If anybody sees something on there that they want to publish, they can let me know, but I’m not counting on being a “Super Star” as Mary Katherine Gallagher would say.
Blogging is a great way to write and have people read without having to do the footwork of a real “writer.” Writing is the fun part, the rest of that crap is the work behind it. Publishing doesn’t reward the great writers; it rewards the writers who are willing to do the “administrative” stuff (the queries, the submittals, the waiting, the rejection, the crying, repeat ad infinitum). You are a better writer than a great deal of the published stuff I read and would probably do well if you chose to go that route, but I completely understand just keeping to your blog. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s instantly gratifying, and if you go to Google Adsense and you get enough traffic to your site, you can even make a few bucks. I say, you can even call yourself a writer. And if anyone sasses you about it, send ’em to me.
Blogging started for me as a way to keep family and friends up to date on my sons illness. I didn’t even know what a blog was, but I had one, thanks to my good friend Sarah who decided that was the best way to communicate our news and prayer requests. Since April of 2005 I have found a love for writing. I so desperately wanted my son lifted in prayer, but I was also being blessed by using words to be authentic about what was happening during that time. It helped me emotionally to vent and then to go back later and read how far we had all come, and just how blessed we were. Now I write because I love it. God has opened up a world of sharing His grace through words on a computer. I consider myself more of a “sharer” than a writer, but maybe with enough practice I can get the writing thing down.
You are definately a writer.
I am not sure that blogging and writing for publication can really be compared. I agree that bloggers are writers–they craft stories, images, and emotions with words. But publishiing is a whole ‘nother world.
My husband is in a writing group. All the members are working on novels and one of them, after years and years and years, finally got a publishing deal. I watch these people slave over their writing. I have to say they work a lot harder than I think most of us do on our blogs.
Which is why blogging is so fun. We can say what we want and connect with like-minded people–all without having to go through an agent, editor, and publisher.
Your writing is wonderful, Boomama. And one of the reasons for that is because it is real and it is conversational. You touch a lot of lives and you should be very proud of your work!
i actually hesitated for a while to start my blog because i am NOT AT ALL a writer…it’s just not my gift and i lack confidence in my writing abilities. but, i do it anyway because it actually has been fun to just write about the day to day and its something i can always have to look back on and something my kids can enjoy later on in life. (see, run-on sentence!) so by NO MEANS do i blog because i’m a “writer”.
also just want to say that even though you say you aren’t a writer….you certainly have a gift in your way of communicating. a way of making us know exactly what you are saying as if you were sitting right here talking to me. i love that. and you have this amazing ability to make all of us feel like we are your friends! so keep on writing…you non-writer! :)
Well, I am not a writer. And if I considered myself one, I’m sure one of my dear friends wouldn’t let me continue with that delusion–and let me know I wasn’t very good. You, on the other hand, are very good. So, blog, book, article, poem–whatever–I’ll be here to read and then call you later so you can listen to me and be glad your not a therapist!!!=)
Wow. Great question. Unlike the one I came up with yesterday, as I exited the office building after a whole day of being holed-up like a mole, “I wonder which eye people close or squint when they step out into the bright sunlight?” I’m a leftie. Like anyone cares.
I would like to write a novel one day. But I’m content with my blog right now (and way too busy to do any “serious” writing if I had the ability to do so). It’s an outlet for me. I hope in some way to be an encouragement to somebody somehow somewhere. I like getting to know people (even if it is online) and I like having people get to know me. I have alot of quirks and by golly, I think the world should know about it! HA!
In real life I often stick my foot (both feet) in my mouth. Things I say are often misconstrued. Online, I can censor what I say somewhat and come across a little more … [insert whatever good quality/adjective that floats your boat here].
I’ll have to come back when I have more time and read all the comments. I’d love to see what others have to say. Note to self: why don’t you like print the page after you hit the Publish button?
This guy: http://sandhill.typepad.com/sandhill_trek/2004/11/why_do_we_blog.html asked the same question. One answer he got was this: “And the bestest bestest part about blogging is that I always find someone else who sums it up – whatever it is – better than I ever could and rather than say “Hey I was thinking that” or “Gee I wish I had written that first” I can now say thanks for writing that – saves me the bother.” So I think I could say that’s a part of my reason.
I’ll add to that, it’s pretty much free, or at least inexpensive, not fattening, gives me interaction with others who are about where I am in life. Most of the women I blog with are committed christian women, sharing their lives with me. I get to see deeper into the souls of my mother, sister, nieces, daughters, son, friends. It stretches me, humbles me, encourages me, makes me laugh, and cry. That’s at least part of why – for me.
This is an interesting topic. I in no way consider myself a “writer”. I was always a fairly good writer in school, especially expositional type writing. But I know I will never be published, and my blog is not for any other purpose than my own entertainment.
It’s an outlet, a way to keep people I know in real life updated on me, a way to keep a record of my children’s milestones and funny little sayings and quirks that I would never write down otherwise, a way to communicate with other moms that are out there that I’d never meet if it weren’t for the blog. I don’t see it as practice for a writing career or brushing up on my writing skills or any such nonsense. (Not nonsense for those who use their blogs as such, just nonsense for me b/c that’s not my intent and not my talent.)
It’s certainly fun to find other people reading my blog and to grow a little readership base. If it never gets any bigger than it is right now, I think I’d be a little disappointed, but I wouldn’t stop blogging, b/c that’s not the primary reason I blog.
I totally agree with those who have said YOU have an incredible talent for writing and making everyday things hilarious to read. I just love to read your blog, and if you are ever approached to publish your writing, you’d be crazy not to take the opportunity!!! :-)
A little while ago I wrote about why I blog. Exposure for publishing is not something I had ever considered. Probably because I don’t think of myself as a writer either. I linked to that post if you want to take a look.
http://stkappleto.blogspot.com/2006/07/audience-participation-please.html
Totally dito-ing what Barb said. I am definitely not a writer. I just blab. I got into blogging because of the commarderie (sp?)and support I saw between those whose blogs I was reading. I desired to be a part of that!
That said, I think you have a natural gifting and even though you might not sit down and purposefully (right word?) “write”, you very much put things together in a wonderful, humorous, thought provoking way that most of us just covet. Love your “non-writing”! :)
There are writers, and there are authors. (And there are some published authors whose work absolutely stinks! Just because you’re published doesn’t mean you’re any good. And just because you aren’t published doesn’t mean you aren’t.)
There are writers, and there are people who craft beautiful things with words.
There are blogs that let us all know what’s going on in someone’s life, and there are blogs where someone entertains, or provokes, or informs–all with passion, and precision, and in a way that’s fluent and organic and leaves an indelible mark.
There are writers, and there are people who live and breathe writing, who wouldn’t be complete without pencil smudges or computer ink smears all over their fingers and faces. Those people would give up food and friends and fame, all for their craft.
And then there’s a lot of ground in between–I’m somewhere in there. So does that make me a writer? Sure. Am I good enough to ever warrant a book or published work? Not really. But I love it all the same:)
Oooh, first of all I’m excited to think maybe I COULD be a writer because I have medium length (but trying to grow it longer) naturally curly (but not all that thick) (used to be reddish) brown with a tinge of auburn in the sun sort of hair. I have writer hair! Almost! Not Quite! Close Enough!
Sometimes I think I would like to be a children’s book writer.
But when I looked into that I didn’t want to “play the game” of writing what gets published.
But I don’t see blogging as an end to that. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to publish what I blog, or seeing any deeper talent I might have from my surface blogging.
So I’d like to be a writer, maybe, someday, but I don’t see my blogging related to that.
But I’m pinning my hopes on my hair. :-D
Hi Boomama,
While I do have naturally curly hair, and in my honest dreams write the next great American novel I think I have become a bit more pragmatic. In fact, once the little writers group at our old church broke up, I did very little writing (that and the fact that everything I had the courage to send to a publisher came back with one of those form letters saying in essence thanks but no thanks – to which I very maturely responded by ripping it up and deciding I would never subject myself to that humiliation again).
Still the dream persists, and when I “discovered’ blogging it seemed like a little nudge from the Lord. I am having so much fun writing again, and it doesn’t seem to matter whether it is Pulitzer material or not. It is a huge thrill for me to see that someone has actually read what I’ve written and left a comment. Makes my day!!
So perhaps there’s a little writer in all of us, and perhaps the Lord can use these blogs to minister to others. That’s exciting to me. Even if it’s just to brighten an otherwise gloomy day.
So…now that I’ve written a novela, I’ll sign off.
Whatever you wanna call yourself…. just keep on doing it. You always seem to bring a smile to my day! Thanks!
I think I write to communicate, just another way than meeting and communicating verbaly face to face. Also how could I meet people from the other side of the world in every day life?
I think that the whole world of internet, forum and blogs, if used correctly and used in love are a wonderful way of connecting to people in all walks of life from all different places.
And as for being a writer, I know I’m not that, but I always think of you as being a writer, Boomama. Your posts are funny, beautiful, touching, and God sent.
God Bless.
I don’t think I will get discovered from a blog. That would be like an actor being discovered at Charades. Truth is that I would be writing this stuff anyway, in emails to friends or on my pitiful Microsoft Word. Nancy encouraged me to blog. She knew I would have fun with it. It has become an outlet for me, and I can read all about the poo, flatulence, and pickles at BooMama’s house. :>)
You know, as someone who has written things for public consumption (entertainingly so I hope) since I was knee high to a grasshopper I think often about the label “writer.” Sometimes when I’m really working towards a goal or I’ve just written a great poem(only in my eyes of course because I very rarely share my poetry with anyone) or someone tells me that they were inspired by something I’ve written…I call myself a writer.
Sometimes though, I think that unless I’m being paid for my work, I am nothing. Or unless someone calls me a writer, I’m not one. For example, I don’t think anyone could be an artist unless someone says they are and even then it is highly pretentious to call oneself an artist. That’s like saying, “I’m beautiful,” or “I’m so smart!”
But who knows, because I for one AM crazy and I have the papers to prove it. I guess it is all relative and it doesn’t really matter to me anyways because I’ll change my mind tomorrow ;-)
I do think you are a writer though. I am highly entertained, moved, inspired and tickled pink whenever I read what you’ve written and if you ever did actually write a book, I’d be your biggest fan.
Sorry, another comment:
As for your picture of a writer, try this…Overweight girl with stringy (But auburn!) hair works all day long making coffee for REAL writers and comes home with just about four hours until husband gets home to write but actually only does that maybe three to four days a week, the rest of the time she’s sleeping because she only gets like four hours a night. Then she scrambles to make dinner and if she can gets back on the computer only to sit there and think about all the stuff she really has to do (Clean, walk dog, call grandma, etc.) and all the reasons she’s kidding herself (There’s so many better writers out there, I’m not that interesting, I’m certainly not funny, I can’t spell worth a damn…) Then she goes to bed too late and without a shower so she has to get up early to shower or else she’s going to stink at work all day and then her skin starts crawling and she’s scratching and she’s sure everyone thinks she has fleas and…
:-)
You are a charming writer.
Whether you want to believe it or do anything else with it or not.
You are a mother and wife…even if you disagree! Even if you think you aren’t that good at it, or your “motives” were different when you started, or if they change as you go alone. You are what you are. Celebrate that! We all are.
you’re driving me crazy. in the nicest possible way, of course. i cannot resist going to the blogs you link too, especially those of your own so, it’s like i am stuck on your blog forever, reading from link to link because there’s like a link to an old post in every blog and i think i’m just addicted or something. i have to read them all!
My husband is constantly telling me that I should write a book. And I respond to him with “I don’t want to”. He doesn’t understand.
I am more of a short feature girl. I have no desire to hole myself up from the world and write something that would be totally dissatisfying.
Writer? No. Blogger? Yes.
I’ve been thinking about this post since yesterday. (That’s one of the things I like best about Internet communication. I’m not quick on my feet in real-life communication, but online I can read something and mull it over and then respond).
I do have a desire to write. For as long as I can remember I’ve been able to express myself better in print than orally (goes back to that needing to mull things over, I guess). I’ve had three articles published. I’d like to do more. I’d like to write a novel, but, first of all you need something besides the mere seed of an idea. :) And I’ve come to discover writing fiction is all about decision making — and I’m one of the most indecisive people I know. It takes a long time of looking at a situation from every possible angle and thinking and rethinking. I would probably drive myself and my family crazy. :) Then, too, I look at all the shelves in my Christian bookstore and think…..what could I possibly have to say that hasn’t already been written before? And probably written better than I could ever write? Plus you read authors’ blogs, and there are all those writers’ conferences and lists of how-to-write things they have read, and it looks like it would take up so much time, besides the actual writing. So….whether I’ll ever go anywhere with that, I don’t know. I’ll see how the Lord directs while some ideas simmer on the back burner.
But I think as bloggers we do hope for exposure in the sense of hoping someone else is reading, or else we wouldn’t put our thoughts out there (and check our blog stats and comments section — or am I the only one who does that because I’m still new? :-) ) Writing is a form of communication, after all, and communication, to be effective, has to reach the one being communicated to. There is joy in hearing someone say they were blessed or encouraged or got a chuckle out of our writing. So, in that sense, I think we are all writers — whether or not we’re “Writers.”
To quote Daring YOung Mom (and I think everyone should, really) “If I write, I am a writer. Period.”
I do have a book in the works. In the slow, slow works. It’s pretty low on the priority list. I do hope to finish it some day, but I have to say if I had to choose between it and blogging, I would choose blogging. And I do, every day. because blogging is like–like that SNL skit, “It’s both! It’s a floor wax AND a dessert topping!” Blogging is writing AND it’s a social activity. My husband works odd hours so it’s hard for me to be involved in structured activities or even schedule a date with a friend. :-) But my bloggin posse is always there. Even when they’re not…you know, actually there.
I understand what you are saying.
However I would decribe myself as a writer – not when omeone asks what I do for a living. But as who I am. I need to write. When I write I am a better me. It is how I process and how I learn. In my head I am always writing.
But having said that, I am not a great writer. Just a writer. Do I hope to publish a book? well it has been my dream since I was 14, but I don’t think it will happen and I am not pursuing it. I think it is just a part of who I am and it has always complemented my work and come in handy.
As for my blog – it is not to try to get published. I love to write and it forces me to do it. Otherwise I get too busy with life and don’t write for months and then I feel broken and disconnected.
So interesting reading all your comments in this post. I am too tired to read them all right now – I will be back tomorrow to finish.
Well, my blog title speaks for itself and change that girl in the coffee shop to a brunette with four kids and a husband who plays golf and that’s me.
I actually started blogging as a way to take a break from my obessive fiction writing habit. Now my blogging has become obsessive. But what’s a writer to do?