Mid-Life Blog Writing Crisis
As many of you know, I write all of my articles in advance. I usually have a couple weeks worth in the bank, sometime writing several a day. On Monday I posted the last article in my bank. It was so strange letting my draft pile get so low. I posted the article and then went back to my draft folder and deleted the article in draft form. The bank was empty.
I wondered for a moment if I wanted to go on. I have been blogging for nearly a year now. Yes, it was therapeutic, yes it is a way to keep the writing juices going, and yes I made many new friends and a few enemies along the way. I’ve also learned to temper my words and thoughts. I’ve learned there are certain opinions I need to keep to myself.
I have no expectations of this blog doing anything for me other than the benefits I’ve mentioned above. I don’t know the story behind all the readers here. Many have said they look forward to reading every day. There are about 100 regular readers and 11 people who subscribe through Bloglines.com, and about 10 or so who leave comments. I appreciate you all for allowing me to dump ideas directly into your brains on a daily basis.
After thinking it over I think the whole experience has been positive and needs to continue for now. I will try my best to continue having half baked fresh articles for you every day.
So at this pause, please forgive me for considering the option of hanging it all up. I’d hate to give it up and have to come crawling back because I had new inspiration. So if you come upon a crappy article here, such as this one, just say Pffff…. And check back another day. I need to get writing now, so I hope we’ll see you all here tomorrow.
posted by The Guy Who Writes This at 5:48 AM
16 Comments:
I'm glad you're going to continue. You know, there's no law that you absolutely must do a post every single day.
I need a law keeping me to ONLY one post a day!
Since you have made this a full time venture, why not take a 2 week "vacation" and fill your bank back up? We can all survive a couple of weeks without your daily musings if the end result is a continuation of your thoughts. During the 2 week period, you could put teasers on your blog letting us know what is coming.
I am glad you're going to keep writing. I enjoy reading your blog every morning (well i try for every morning! lol)It's a nice little break from my kid, I get to feel like a grown up for a few minutes while my kid watches sesame street.
Don't stop! Go on a little hiatus if you like (as I did once) but do try to keep going.
You think today's article was "crappy?" Nope. The very subject matter (blogging and trying to come up with ideas) is pertinent.
Guy - I am with Donna. Lately I have been writing "accidentally" and then forgetting about it until I find some scribbles on a scrap o'paper or buried somewhere on my computer amidst my homework.
Take a break and recharge. That's some Auntie advice. And then come back soon all rested and edgy.
Ho about some guest articles, writen by us, your loyal readers? That and a vacation. When the inspiration comes, i will be here feeling fortunate to experience it. Shit, thank you.
I have one or two to submit. Love you Guy.
Wow, thanks for the kind thoughs and understanding if I ever have to step away for a bit. I've got you all covered for the next four days though.
Port has a great idea. I will gladly accept guest articles, and you will get full credit. I welcome all, though I don't expect any from you who already have a blog. You've got your own mouths to feed. But hey, submissions are welcome.
Thanks kids,
Love
Guy
Sheeeeit. I had this real good comment written up and somehow it got deleted. Shheeeeeeeeeit!!
Oh Muse, where art thou now...
Chalk it up to the pre spring doldrums Guy. Inspiration will shortly follow the spring blossoms. Makes me feel like waxing (waning?) poetic.
Petals always fall
From their flower
Why do I cry
As we fall
From each other's
Flower.
Okay, okay...I admit it. I pimped the poem. It was written by my best bud Larry, who died at age 24. A story for perhaps another time. He did give me permission to use it if I ever had to convince some lady of my sensitive side and to skip the Gin as a panty remover. There Larry...you're published now. He went laughing all the way at the Grim Reaper. I can still hear him laughing now...You would have liked him Guy. A lot. He was in your League - one of the great ones.
As an aside, what is so bad about porn that we have to go through two bouts of word verification. Is porn not the raison d'etre for the rapid proliferation of the internet? Does masturbation really cause hair to sprout from the palm of your hand?? Is it the root cause of myopia??? Oh yeah - Larry's last name was Brayton hence the self imposed nickname of Master Brayton...Hahahahahahahha
Well Moosehead, that't the first time I've ever heard of someone who died over bad poetry. I've been sounding the bell of that possibility every time Fisher Poets Gathering comes to Astoria.
I've had similar thoughts. Write when you feel like it, Guy. We'll keep reading.
Gosh, if I'd have known you were that low, I'd have meme'd you!
See you when you feel inspired...
Syd, Darlin, if you promise to keep writing, so will I.
Mo3, too funny...a meme would have saved the day. If I knew you better and if your husband weren't a Marine I call you something right now ; )
Guy, we all go through periods of drought and of creative overload... it's all part of the process. I think you had some good advice for me the last time I was feeling this way- Looks like it's time for another journey. If inspiration doesn't find you, then go find it!
Thanks Bayou. I was right then and you are right now.
Hey, for some reason Lach's blog won't open for me, I'll keep trying. I love you guys.
Guy
Semper fi, Guy, Semper fi!
On another note, I have to say, I have a journalism degree, and therefore wrote for a living every day for years, whether or not I felt like it. Those days were difficult, but usually talking to others about what they thought should be covered helped a lot. There are Emily Litellas around everywhere wanting to know, "What's all this I hear about..."
I'm glad you are no longer under a deadline and can write freely. Even your Memes are good.
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