my chart just before crossing the finish line:
I guess the assembling of 50,000+ words that are more or less unified in story-telling purpose is an accomplishment. My enthusiasm, however, is tempered by the call of the re-write. So, now the moodiness of my inner frustrated writer wields a double-edged sword: On the one hand, I feel bad when I don't blog, but on the other hand, I feel like I'm using time that would better be spent on the re-write of my novel when I indulge in blogging. (You may look at my archives and say, "wait, what blogging?" but let me assure you that I have been blogging--or at least my anonymous alter-ego has been blogging.)Yesterday, my friend Greg re-kindled my blog-fires by posing the question, "To Blog, or Not to Blog?" and starting a dialog on the purpose and value of blogging--especially for those who also write with the goal of publishing books. Opinions vary on whether authors should also blog or not and why (http://writinghood.com/online-writing/should-fiction-writers-have-a-blog/). Some blog for exposure and promotion to an audience, some blog as an exercise in writing (practice), some blog to help others with information they deem valuable, and some blog for self-satisfaction.
I know a great playwright who never misses a day blogging (and the blogs he posts are not mere trivial fluff). I am so impressed with his work ethic--he feeds my wannabe-writerly self-loathing and makes me contemplate plunging off a bridge on a regular basis. (I know, I should just head over to the pub like a REAL writer, but that's another story.)
As I perused the reasons others have for blogging, another reason came to mind: (perhaps because I spend a large percentage of my time with a couple of pre-adolescent boys)
BLOGGING IS LIKE VOMITING--sometimes there is something inside of you that just has to get out (and it doesn't matter so much who sees it or what it looks like--it just needs to be expelled or you'll be forever sick.)In that sense, blogging can be very therapeutic. I started my anonymous blog mainly for that purpose--to keep myself from going insane, even while I can't afford a therapist.
I hope my friend Greg will start a blog, because he always poses such great questions, has a fantastic sense of humor, and literally overflows with encouraging words. The world could only benefit from his contributions to the blogosphere. I also hope he will take the plunge because blogging--like vomiting--is good for one's health, and I wish him (and the rest of my beloved friends) the best of health in this new year.
Be well and blog!
Pictures from SNL Rookie Cop sketch,
circa 1994
circa 1994
Rebekah - many thanks for the very kind words, (which I'd like now to reciprocate (and NOT just because you've written me a prominent role in this installment ;).
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I join the ranks of your dedicated blog-readers when I say that many will benefit from your sage advice, the empathy you feel, and the manner in which you see life as we do (and perhaps even more importantly, when you see life in a way that we can't).
Keep up the great work, my dear friend, and may your every thought be as weighty as gold, and just as cherished.
God bless,
G.
Rebekah, your words here have already served a duel purpose... to inspire yourself as a writer and inspire me as well. I, too, have compiled a novel-in-the-making. I, too, have silver words that I need to polish into gold. I can't wait to hit "print" and I can't wait for you to do the same so we can novelize interactively.
ReplyDeleteGreg, I meant every word that I said about you. Although you don't consider yourself a blogger (yet), you have been a great writer for so long. I've enjoyed your letters over the years, and lived so many adventures vicariously through your words. Whether you ever call what you do "blogging" or not, you can be assured that I will "follow" you. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the privilege of following you even in your pre-blog era. :)
ReplyDeleteJohn, I'm so glad that we ran into each other after all these years. I hope that we can be of encouragement to each other in getting those stories puked out and polished. Sorry for the unrefined imagery... that's just where I am right now. Perhaps Rilke said it better in his LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET (1929):
"Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple 'I must,' then build your life in accordance with this necessity...."