Photo Credit: cammyclaudia/Creative Commons
Yes, today’s blog post title is a shameless play on words, but please, “bear” with me. (Stale humor–I know. Still recovering from weeks of little sleep. But…the good news is my mama’s on the mend.)
A few months ago, I talked with someone about a subject near and dear to my heart. Writing, of course. In fact, it was that conversation that sparked today’s thoughts.
“Sally” said something like this:
“Why do writers have to blog anyway? I mean, I just want people to read my book someday. I don’t wanna bare my soul to the world in some sort of online diary…”
Hmmm.
Dare I tell her the truth? Dare I tell her that’s what writers do–we bare our hearts, minds, and souls, not just in “online diaries,” but also in the very stories we write? Did she not see the irony of her own words?
I knew her trepidation.
The cold, consuming fear.
The gut-wrenching knowledge that much like cyber footprints, plots, POV’s, and characters are rarely erased. And that, yes, because “blogs” are an extension of us, they play a significant role in our stories.
In order to care about stories, folks want to know something about their authors. That means we converse. We reveal. We sometimes get naked. Perhaps, not in the literal sense, but still, in a very real, very humbling, no-barrier-between-you-and-me kind of way.
A writers’ meanderings are dissected. Analyzed. Sometimes scoffed at. Always judged.
But the beautiful lesson is this: somewhere along the way, as we blog our little hearts out, we discover something wonderful. It’s miraculous really.
We become acquainted with compassion. For ourselves.
We concentrate on quality over quantity.
We strive. We grow. We rise to the occasion.
We learn to forgive our off days, difficult moments, and blush-worthy posts. And when niggles of doubt and daggers of fear come calling, we shake off those darts from the enemy, dig in our heels, and we go again. Because that’s how good writers get great.
Blogging isn’t the be-all-end-all. It’s a different process for everyone. But for writers, we realize (as we grow wise) that it’s an opportunity. A chance to share with the world a small piece of who we are, what we think, and how we evolve. As we continue to write, craft, AND blog, we’re blessed to make friends along the way, and we’re humbled to be part of their learning curve, as well.
I tempered my thoughts to Sally with a little TLC.
“Sally, I bared it all, and you can, too.”
And then I reminded her (with respect to her writing/blogging ministry):
- Only you can share your perspective.
- Only you can honor God’s will.
- Only you can decide the direction you’ll go.
- Only you can choose the story you’ll tell…or the blog post you’ll write.
But…
You first have to start.
******
Were you scared to blog?
How has it been rewarding for you?
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
PLEASE TWEET
Writers, don’t be afraid! See what you’ve missed. (Click to Tweet)
The SECRET to a beautiful blog post… (Click to Tweet)
How to bare it all and still keep your dignity (Click to Tweet)
Photo Credit: cammyclaudia/Creative Commons
Have a super weekend!
Blessings Always,
Comments 5
Thanks for this great encouragement. What we gain sharper writing, compassion, friendships far outweigh the uncomfortable parts of blogging. For me this has been very true.
Loved this, Cynthia! Great overview of why authors blog…why it’s good for us, really. I’d also share this encouragement with your friend: You don’t have to bare your soul in every blog post. I want to get to know readers, yes, and I’d love for them to get to know me. But I don’t always feel my blog is the place to air every worry, fear and vulnerability…it’s okay to preserve a degree of personal space and privacy.
BUT when we do take the time to open up on a blog, share our hearts, more of than not, I’ve found it richly rewarding!
Author
Lisa:
Stepping out into the blogging world takes us into a new realm, I think. The more we do it, the better we better we get at it. We come to understand that not every frailty and flaw has to be revealed, but the more we “show” folks who we really are, the more likely we are to reap the benefits you mentioned. I so appreciate the warmth, honesty, and compassion over at your cyber home!
Melissa:
I echo your thoughts! While we want to be “real” as we blog, being authentic doesn’t mean we don’t set limits. We don’t need to air every grievance. We probably shouldn’t diss Aunt Pearl’s salmon patties. And heavenly days, the world doesn’t need to know the color of our underwear!
Hi Cynthia, I didn’t know very much about blogs or blogging, but from a small taste, I knew I had to have my very own. I had no idea I would make so many friends and meet other like-minded people through this experience. The biggest lesson is it can take over one’s life if not kept in balance.
Author
Patti: I’m so thankful I found you through your lovely blog! Though I’ve scaled back my blogging to two days a week (for now) I can’t imagine ever quitting. Blogs are a such a fun way to meet new friends as you mentioned.