Because that is the art of blogging...
by JCK

I've been struggling since I've been back from the BlogHer conference. Struggling to find words, to put coherent thoughts into sentences. My rhythm has been interrupted by ...questions.

 Do I want my blog to have a focus?  Can I write posts in 300 words or less?  These bullet points were raised in one of the sessions, and I'm having difficulty with both of these things. I'm finding my head rearing back and a snarky voice saying, that's NOT me! I don't want to do that. Fuck that! These are both valid ideas/concepts in building readership and I see the point, but I like the feeling on my blog right now. It's not for everyone and it won't ever be. And, that's OK. Truthfully, I'm really writing for me. And if I start to write with these goals that are not mine, I'll feel hemmed in and trapped, and God forbid...pandering.

I love having readers. Who doesn't? But, I'm not going to go after them by writing what I think

other people will like. If there is to be any art in my writing at all, it has to be somewhat free form - a platform on which to grow, stretch... and make mistakes. A place where I can be in turns - raunchy and temperate. Some days expressing my feminist perspective, some days speaking as a mom, and some days just writing about what kicks up my skirt. That is what blogging is for me.

Here is where I get to pull out all my paint tubes and smear them on the canvas. Perhaps it's as simple as finger painting or splatter art one day, and then if I'm lucky enough- soaring in a sculpture of words with my muse. I've had a few of those moments and hope to have more. For today, I'm going to have to give myself a lot of rope, because then I can swing from it, jump over it or use it as a noose.

It all works. Because that is the art of blogging... 
Submitted by JCK (view blog) on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 12:58pm

Comments

 

Laughing In Support - Pave Your Own Way

Hey, anyone that has read my post knows I can't do 300 words. One rare occasions maybe 450.

Prescriptive definitions of Blogging - Take 3 keywords and guarantee x number of visitors in the morning can be helpful but don't let it suck the life out of just writing.

Write/draw/photo or whatever. Mix with a little heart. Your blog will take form. Be organic and not mechanical in your blog and it will show its own identity.

It is cool no matter how you flow.

Gena - Out On The Stoop

Submitted by Gena Haskett on Thu, 08/14/2008 - 03:13