If I blog it, they will come.

I have a love/hate relationship with blogging. I have maintained a personal blog since before the time the word “blog” existed, back when they were referred to as “online journals”. It’s interesting to go back to my early 20’s and watch the drama of my life unfold, and then wonder why I couldn’t put two words together coherently. I wanted to be a writer at that time too, but boy am I glad I waited until my late 20’s to take my writing seriously.

Anyhow, I never thought anyone would read them, and no one has beyond my personal friends. It’s just a blog, and it didn’t make me famous or get me a book deal. As a matter of fact, if anyone went back and read it they would run screaming from the insanity of my life. I also dislike blogging for the fact that it takes time away from my actual writing. As a matter of fact, if I was not sitting here writing this right now I could be working on my in-progress novel. On the other side of things, I love blogging because it keeps me connected to the rest of the world. I love reading and hearing feedback from other writers and readers.

All of this comes from the fact I recently watched “Julie and Julia”. While I loved the movie as a whole, I was irritated by some of the points made by the main character. She states “I could write a blog, I have thoughts!” Exactly the problem tiny little red-headed lady, everyone has thoughts and everyone can blog. It doesn’t mean that the entirety of the virtual world is going to flock to your blog and send Random House executives knocking down your door. I think a blog has to augment your actual writing talent.

I recently had a conversation online with a writer that went something like this:

Me: So, what do you write?

Other Writer: Oh, I have so many ideas, but I don’t actually have a book I’m working on. I spend a lot of time on my blog.

Me: …

But hey, who am I to judge? Whatever keeps you writing. And, yes, before I sign off, I do realize the irony of the fact I’m railing against bloggers as writers.. in my blog. Like I said, I have a love-hate relationship, and this part of me loves connecting with like minded individuals. I just wanted to make the point that everyone blogs, and bloggers are not special. Take your talent for the written word and cultivate it into a novel or book or short story. Show the world what you’re made of, and heck post it on your blog!

By the way, there’s a new interview coming soon! I got a little behind on my workload, but I can’t wait to post the new one.

Renda