I started blogging as a sort of exercise in 'whistling in the dark.' Not knowing anything about writing - not knowing any writers - I threw myself out there and started something out of nothing. When you think of it, that's what writing is all about. You can't learn how to write until you do it. There's no other way.
Just like there's no way to build an author platform other then getting out there and making connections. CJ Lyons, at last year's Pennwriter's Conference sent a shock around the room when she said that an author platform is not a blog or twitter or facebook pages or any other material thing. An author platform is your audience. It's people. And it takes time and nurturing to build those relationships.
But it's even less mercenary than that. I have a writer friend in Missouri, a lovely state I have never visited. I have another writer friend (who recently had a possum problem in her bathroom) in Australia. Another friend is a killer gardener as well as an awesome writer, living in Kentucky (where I also haven't been - I need to get out more.) These people are cool and smart and funny and dangerously talented. And I would never have found them if I hadn't started whistling.
So, THANK YOU, fellow Insecure Writers. You don't know how vital you are.
(((Hugs))) From one insecure writer to another, Right Back at You! You'll never know how much you (and the other great writer friends I've made) mean to me. I'm so glad I've found others sharing this journey.
ReplyDeletehugs right back at you, Stephanie. Even though we're locked in #cutenesswars, I so appreciate your support and your lovely spirit on the blogs. You are a ray of sunshine, no lie.
DeleteThanks! That's such a good thing to point out.
ReplyDeleteAnd even beyond the whole platform thing, I think that blogging and connecting with other writers on line is important because it makes you feel like you're not alone in this. Some (apocryphal) statistic says something like 97% of writers self-terminate. Maybe the reason so many writers quit is because they feel like they're being a writer all by themselves. And that's just too hard to do for very long. But blogging helps. Even if it is only two or three people who are listening to you.
The "you" at the end was obviously not you. Oops...
ReplyDeletejenny, don't know what you're talking about. at least 5 people read this blog. there's you. my mom...my best friend from high school...um..wait...:)
DeleteHaha. Well, you're one step ahead of me! My mom doesn't even read my blog. But then again, I haven't actually told her I'm a writer. I'll get around to it one of these days... ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes. It is about people. And I'm so happy to have connected with you as one of those people. ^_^ My writing tribe consists of many fabulous people, those who I know only in cyberspace and those I know IRL. All have been a huge support and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteAngelina - I love the idea of a 'writing tribe' that's what it feels like to belong. *warm & fuzzies* for all!
DeleteMaking the rounds after the A to Z Challenge to say hello! I enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteSusanne
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