The only reason I say this is becasue I think we sometimes discount ourselves. We think it a small thing that the most we have done in our writing careers in run a successful blog. Sure, agents and editors may not see that as the golden ticket to getting published, but it shouldn't count for nothing either. I have known so many bloggers that given up blogging (*cough cough* including me *cough cough*) becasue it's time consuming.
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This isn't something we should just roll over an accept that every other writer is doing becasue that isn't the case. It isn't even close to the case. Many of you, like myself, are blogging becasue you genuinely want to learn more about writing and further your career.
The point is, don't let anyone tell you your blogging isn't worth it, becasue it is. I learned that for myself in the three week absence I took to figure out what I needed from blogging.
Has anyone ever pressured you to quit blogging, or told you your blog isn't good enough?
23 comments:
I don't really talk about blogging outside of the blogging world, but when I do people tend to be interested about it. Shocking I think.
Blogging may be time consuming (I can spend 2 hours going through blog posts and let's not even say how long I spend setting up my own posts) but it is definitely worth it. I have met some amazing people in the writing community because of my blog and I've also learned a great deal. Bloggers have become my support system.
And speaking of blogs and how great they are I have a couple awards for you over at mine :)
I agree blogging shouldn't count for nothing. It is a lot of work. I kind of think of my blog almost as a mini on-line magazine (and I get to be sole editor YES!). Some people are really talented at blogging. They come up with interesting and entertaining posts on a consistent basis week after week that I can't wait to read, and that definitely shouldn't count for nothing. That's really something.
I love the writing/reading blogging community, and I'm disappointed when a faithful blogger disappears (glad you're back!). No one has ever told me to stop, but I do struggle to keep active, regular visitors...*sigh*
I enjoy blogging, and I love the community feeling. I get a thrill - still - when someone comments on my posts. I can spend, unfortunately, far too many hours reading blogs and following links to new blogs. But if I wasn't blogging, I'd be playing endless games of Solitaire! Oh, and writing, I suppose I'd be writing at some point :-)
Right now, blogging is about the only writing I'm doing. I don't care what anyone thinks, I love it and I'll keep doing it :-)
I've given up on a few blogs, but they never seemed to click. Until now. And I can't imagine closing it down.
This is interesting because lately I've been wrestling with the idea of quitting blog land. I tell myself that I don't have anything worthwhile to give; nothing to teach since I'm still trying to learn, no experiences to share because I'm so far behind in the game, etc. But the fact is, I am getting something out of it. Relationships I otherwise wouldn't have had and a community where I learn so much. From the ins and outs of publishing to how to be a better writer. And to me, that's worth staying for.
Wonderful Jennie. I don't think anyone has discouraged me, but I don't feel like everyone understands why it's so important to me, so they aren't necessarily supportive. That's hard. But - I love it. I love the people and I love learning.
I haven't been discouraged, but I have thought about shutting my blog down since it's so time consuming. BUT I can't do it. I love the friends I've made too much!
I started a blog so that I could find writer friends, and guess what it worked. :)
I've never been pressured to quit. I've only had to movitvate myself to keep going once when I felt like it was too time consuming. Now I feel good about it. I found my groove, and blogging it worth it to me!
Give up my blog? I don't think I could! I don't know what I'd do with my time.
Maybe clean my explosion of a house.
Or go outside.
Eh, those are over-rated ;)
They haven't told me to give up, but they've asked me why I do it. Like when you tell someone, "Oh, I blog about writing," they're all "Wha....?". It's hard but there is a lot to learn, and I like being able to share what I know :)
I look at other peoples blogs and I know that they have perfected and art.
I've actually inspired my household to want to blog so I haven't received any pressure to stop. I've met so many amazing people and I don't know if I could close the door on that. I'm glad you came back to us. ;0)
Visiting other writers' blogs help give me an idea of what I should be doing more of. You're right, it is an art, and like any art, practice helps!
Blogging is so valuable to me. I consider my blog the hub of my online activity. I'll throw out a tweet every now and then, but the blog has more content, more thought and interaction with a great bunch of people I've connected with over the years. I cast my vote for the blogs :)
Def an art, especially when you consider your job is the same as though you were writing a story. You have to grab the reader's attention and keep them coming back for more. Also, I;m enjoying your story:)
I do sometimes wonder if it's worth it, not my author blog but others I have, but then I think of my author blog and how happy I am to have it. I learn so much from it. I wouldn't consider it an art, per say, maybe a science, but there's no doubt that it's important and worthwhile.
no one has said that. some of those who dont blog have indicated that they think its silly and self promoting...
they also think my writing is just a hobby...which i guess it might be until i get published. cant wait to show em!
You're so right about this! Blogging can be so tough, especially when you have nothing to post about or so many blogs to catch up on! No one's ever pressured me to quit (except myself...I did give up on another blog before this one after a couple of years.) It really is worth it though, you can learn so much about writing.
I used to feel like blogging was a requirement for my writing. Now, I don't. Sure, it's nice that I have a place to refer people to. Sure, there are some people who think I'm a failure at it and it would probably be better for me to shut down my blog than do what I'm doing. But you know what? I've discovered that my blog is what I want it to be--not what someone else thinks it should be. And if I want to be there, I am. And when I don't have time for it, I'm not. And I've finally reached a place where I'm okay with that.
I often wonder if my blog is any good. I spend so much time on it, but is it really worth the effort? I'm glad I'm not the only one. You've made me feel less alone, Jen. Thanks.
Blogging is indeed time-consuming, but in my opinion the benefits far outweigh the cons, as long as you're enjoying the experience. Blogging is a fantastic way to make connections online, develop a habit of writing consistently and learn not only from reading other blogs, but from your readers and even the posts that you write.
I don't think I've had anyone discourage me from blogging - in fact, my family and friends seem to be more excited about my blog posts than my novels sometimes, because it's a sample of my writing that they can actually read. LOL I have, however, had one person in particular mock my writing ambitions behind my back. Forget him, in the end I'll amount to more than he ever has because of the kind of person he is!
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