Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Start as you mean to go on...

So, looking back at my first three posts, I realized something disturbing. They were all about me!

A friend once told me that writers inherently have big egos. Otherwise, how could we ever think other people would spend precious time and money to read words that we’ve written? That may be true...

As any writer does, I like to think that the stories I’m telling will be enjoyed by others, but I don’t have ego enough to expect you’ll just keep coming back to my blog to hear me talk about myself week after week...how dull! I really want this blog to be more about YOU! I want people who stumble across this page to get something from it. But what?

Here’s where I run into a snag. I’m not an industry professional, so I have no great insights for you. I’m not a historian who can offer you fabulous new tidbits about life in olden times. I used to come across interesting info in my readings/research that I could have shared, but now I have a young child at home—there is NO extraneous reading anymore and the only places I go these days are playdates and critique group (also known as writers’ playdates).

So what could I possibly offer you?

(cue crickets)

Hmmm...I’m not sure, exactly. Which is why I named this blog “Hodgepodge.” You’ll get a mix of things: snippets along my journey to publication, a book review here and there, interesting stuff I pick-up about history, writing craft tips I glean, life lessons I learn from my toddler, recipes (I put my Chemistry degree to work in the kitchen!), as well as any finds in movies, books, or music I might come across when I have the time. And I’m sure to throw in the occasional reflection on my life.

Still don’t know what you’ll get from my blog? Me either, precisely. I imagine it will evolve. I’m expecting the craft of blogging to be a bit like writing--the more you do it, the better you get at it! I hope you’ll give me a little rope and stick around to see what this ‘hodgepodge” becomes...

Up next week? Writing Craft - a blog about Scenes with Purpose.

What would YOU like to see more of?

12 comments:

  1. Tell us what your snag of the week was. (In my case it nearly always involves the word was, were, something weak and verbish, or an intractible character. Tell us what you learned about tripping over that bit of flotsam, or is it jetsam. What archaic word have you come across in your writing that made you smile? What archaic word do you wish you'd have been able to use? Just some suggestions.

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  2. Great ideas, Gretchen! I will keep a list of them as I go along.

    My snag this week has really just been not being exactly sure where my next scene is going...therefore, I've been playing around on Facebook (naughty! I didn't take my own advice from last week!) and surfing.

    Ooooh...I did come across an interesting word usage this week! I'll have to go jot it down for a future post...

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. You'll probably have a mix of three different types of visitors: Readers, Writers, and Friends & Family. So, a mix of something that will interest all of them might be a good idea for post subjects. If you read a good book or see a good movie, you could share that to interest other readers.

    Writing tips you learn at your writing playdates will no doubt draw in more writer pals.

    Then throw in some vague tidbits about your personal life and that handsome little devil of yours, and friends and family will return for more.

    Plus, I think it's perfectly fine to talk about yourself. Others can read your joys and tribulations and be able to relate to what you're going through... they won't feel so alone in their own joys and tribulations.

    Oh, and I like your idea about sharing interesting words you learn.

    Gosh, there's just so much you can do...I think I'm starting to get dizzy.

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  4. >>Gosh, there's just so much you can do...I think I'm starting to get dizzy.

    LOL....nah, it's just pregnancy!

    Seriously, thanks for all of the great advice. I enjoy the mix on your blog...you give a great example!

    Thanks for stopping by, Linda!

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  5. Heather,

    You're doing just fine. All the ideas everyone gave you are great, and I have done many of them myself at times.

    You'll be surprised to know that some people will enjoy and relate to your baby challenges. I know one author who writes the funniest stories about her hubby on her blog. Naturally, this author, Christie Craig, writes funny mystery romances. Her book, Divorced, Desperate, and Deceived is great.

    Just more ideas, Heather.

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  6. Hi Heather,

    I like to hear about you, lol. Baby stories, writing stories, everything. Keep up the good work!

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  7. Hi Sandy! Thanks for the encouragement. I'm hoping I'll find my way with a good mix of everything.

    Hi Nancy! I'll try to keep it interesting...which probably means LESS about me...lol. Thanks for coming by!

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  8. Ack! Chemistry? Eeegads you're one of those smart people. Hm. Does this have anything to do with the perfectionistic tendancies?

    HUGS -- you're doing a great job.

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  9. Chemistry?! God bless you sweetie. I never got past that whole figure out the equation thing with molecules, but I digress.
    Blog what ever moves you when you have the time. It's your space to do with as you will.
    Welcome to blogging and nice to meet you.
    Thanks for your well wishes and stopping by my place the other day :)

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  10. This as been an eye-opener for me. I don’t write enough about myself on my blog. It’s all about the work, my process, the period my books are set in, etc. I propose we take cues from each other. I’ll take pains to write some of myself and you write some more about your process. Then we will be just fine.
    You have a great weekend.

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  11. Hi Claire! Smart/Crazy...it's a fine line :) Great to see you and congrats on the new release from Wild Rose Press.

    Hi JennyGirl. Thanks for coming by! I can't wait to see more of the books you love in the year to come :)

    Simone, your blog is so lovely. I always learn something from it. I think you have the right idea! Let's work on that :)

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  12. Hey, Heather, you're doing just fine. Talk about your journey, wherever it takes you.

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