Three years ago today, I published my first blog post. To be honest, it was a momentous experience for me as it was my first real step in believing that I could actually refer to myself a writer. Since that decision to expose myself literally to the world (yes, pun intended) I’ve grown and changed quite a bit as a writer.
When I first began blogging, I would spend three to four days working on a post, revising, amending, altering, and rearranging the words until there was no possible editing left to do (or so I thought.) My posts were usually WAY too long and often focused on the many deep thoughts I felt I needed to share with the world about my angst-ridden childhood or my skewed sense of self-worth. Whew—it was heavy stuff, and in retrospect I believe I owe you all a very big thank you for slogging through it and then being kind enough to leave me a comment.
These days, I don’t post nearly as often as I did three years ago. My latest posts are much shorter in length (you’re welcome) or maybe they’re just photographs. As I spend the bulk of my free time working on my novel, I usually don’t have the energy or time to write weekly posts and it’s almost a miracle if I publish once a month.
I get advice from other writers that it’s important to keep at the blogging. You’ve got to get your name out there! Build up that fan base! Get that mailing list organized! That way, if my novel is ever published—wait—I take that back—WHEN my novel is published, I’ll be able to market it more efficiently.
GAH! That’s the hard part—I hate that idea of posting just to get “out there.” I’m told that with all the changes taking place in publishing these days, authors have to really work hard to get their novels recognized, but the idea of self-marketing somehow rubs me the wrong way. And I don’t want to post just for the sake of posting—I want to share only when I have something really interesting to write about.
Today, what I think is interesting and what I choose to write about is that it’s my three year blogging anniversary and I’ve come a long way since I started. I’ve met some very interesting people along this journey and I hope to meet many more. Thank you all for reading, for commenting, for supporting and for following me.
And just so you know, each and every one of your names will be listed on the acknowledgement page WHEN my novel is published.
Cody will also have his name listed as he keeps my feet warm while I write.
Congratulations! I have enjoyed all your posts and photographs!!!
Thanks, Beth. I truly appreciate your readership!
Congratulations and happy anniversary. I know exactly how you feel about “getting out there” and having something to say in your blog post. I enjoy all your posts so keep them coming, even if only once a month. I’m lucky to get that many out, too. But it ‘a fun, isn’t it?
Happy Blogoversary, my friend. So happy that our paths crossed in this virtual world and, even better, in real life. Big hugs.
Hugs to you, too Jayne! Miss you!
I think the best blogs evolve into something reflective of who the writer/blogger is, even if they start out purposeful. With so many people blogging, who we choose to pay attention to pretty much says it all 😉 Yes, a three-year milestone is something to make note of. Who knows what the next three years will bring?
You’re right, Deborah–who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see…
Me too. All of it. Some of my posts took longer to write than a chapter of my memoir. So much angst. Blogging gave me a massive dose of self-confidence. Write on, dear one!
I will if you will!
Deborah nailed it with “who we choose to pay attention to.” I pay attention to your writing not only because I really really like you (insert heart here), but because what you write moves me. It’s the reason I’m excited to read your novel when it’s ready.
I really like you, too! Thanks for always being so supportive. XXOO
Congratulations on your anniversary, I really enjoy your blog and can’t wait to read your novel!
Thanks, Sabrina. It’s coming along now. Now I can actually say that I will finish it!
You are pursuing an awesome thing, Jessica, and that captivates me to follow you, and read what you have to share. Can’t wait to hear about the book getting it’s publisher!