Obviously I have a little writer's block. My son's beautiful wedding and all the prep and hoopla around that last month occupied almost all my time and energy. Writing, and everything else, took a back seat.I wonder if that would have been the case if this blog was "about" something? I took a writing seminar last spring and my instructor took a look at this blog. She was complementary about the writing, but questioned my purpose. "What's your blog about?" She said if I just wanted it to be something for family and friends, it was fine as far as it goes. But if I wanted a wider audience it should be "about" something. Like crafts, or cooking, or gardening, or politics or...something! I felt a little discouraged. I thought it was about something.
I thought it was a way to connect, to relate, to express what others might also be experiencing or point out what others may have missed or not appreciated about their own lives. That's what I love -- the connection of, "Wow, me too!" when I write something that others find familiar. I thought it might be about a woman in her 60's looking back, looking forward, reflecting and anticipating, at a time in life when a little perspective on history can inform a better future.
I don't know...
I guess this exercise really is just about me reflecting on my life. Yet, maybe that's not enough. Maybe that puts it in the too-close-for-comfort "journal" genre. Who else really cares about the thoughts in my head or the people and events that I come across everyday that make me pause and reflect?
So, I've tried to come up with a specific topic to write about regularly, but the thought of that makes me claustrophobic. I don't think there is anything I want to devote my writing to that I can sustain for more than a few posts. So, what this blog is, and will continue to be, is just a bunch of essays on whatever I feel like writing about.
If you're still with me on this, I'm still here, for now -- puzzling out my life and hoping a few of you are along for the ride. We're in this human thing together, ya know.
At least, that's the view from here...©
Ivy,
ReplyDeleteI totally disagree with your writing instructor. Your blog should be exactly how you've intended it. I like the connections I make from your excellent writing.
Chad
Agreed ! Keep on keeping on
ReplyDeleteLove your insights and honesty for the 'every day' and special times in your life
David T
Writing instructors often feel like they need to "instruct" - thus the comment. But, as a writer who follows your blog, I have the opportunity to reflect on my life as compares with your understand of YOUR life...and I find that helpful. I appreciate your honesty and your openness. Thank you for that. Perhaps it would be helpful to say, "my blog is about one adult struggling to make sense of the world." That would work, wouldn't it?
ReplyDeleteReading your blog has a purpose to me as your friend in late 40s. It's not only about your wisdom... it's when I find something in you that is the same in me. I resonate so much with your thoughts and experiences. I don't feel alone in my search for centeredness. You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteI toom too long to sign up for Linda's class ... boo hoo.
~karen
Wow! Thanks for the encouragement! And FYI...nothing weird in last comment by KT; I just accidentally posted it twice.
ReplyDelete