Pawsitive Pondering
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| Rigby and Special Agent McGee. |
Z is for:
Zest + Zeal = Zen
Live every day with a
Zest for Life and a Zeal for Love
so you may achieve your
Zen of Being.
Peace out.
When I launched Writing in the Buff three years ago I had no idea what to blog about. I didn’t particularly want to blog. It was my writing Yoda, the scathingly brilliant Cathy C. Hall, who peer pressured me into it. Over the course of a week I ran into her at the grocery store twice and Quick Trip once. That had never happened before and hasn’t occurred since. It was like the Fickle Finger of Fate singled me out. And with each Cathy C. Hall sighting, I received verbal pokes.
“Really, Lisa, start a blog you must,” said she.
“I don’t know how,” I said. “What will I write about?”
“Quit whining,” said Cathy C. Yoda . . . er, Hall. “Blog you must, grasshopper.”
(Okay, so I’m mixing my mentorisms. It’s my blog. I’m allowed to do that here. Besides, Cathy is a seriously multifaceted Yoda.)
Anyway, the point is, I came into the Blogosphere dragging my feet, and it isn’t a lie to say that after three years I still suffer an identity crisis. What is my blog about, besides the obvious and very broad topic of writing? I have fun with the Monday and Friday memes (they’re like play time for writers), but aside from that, what I am doing?
See, that’s the thing. Writing is a BIG topic. And lately I’m feeling the squeeze to zero in on my Zen and find my focus. As I pull back the layers to discover exactly what that is, I promise to write about it, and only the naked truth because as a writer, I’m shortchanging myself and my readers if I don’t build my words from an honest core. Even fiction exposes the truth, one way or another.
So how about you? Why do you blog and what got you started? Did you begin with a clear vision, or has it developed over time? Is your blog the result of organized planning, or is it a meandering miracle? Please share how you started and if you know where you’re going . . . have you found your blog-writing Zen?
Thanks for visiting.
See you next for Book Blurb Friday –
Lisa
Lisa--First of all, 224 followers cannot be wrong. You apparently are doing SOMETHING right.
ReplyDeletePart of the appeal of blogging is the fact that it's like a warm up. Our mind gets into a writing groove, and our audience is not as discerning as an editor at a magazine. Or more correctly, the stakes are not as high. We also get instant gratification (comments) or sometimes--instant failure (no comments for days, until a pity comment is posted).
I started blogging when I was extremely depressed one summer. As a teacher I had June and July off, and when my husband left for work in the morning he found me up, sitting on the couch with the laptop in front of me; when he got home, he found me in the same place. My butt had not moved, and neither had my laptop.
Do I know where I'm going? No, not really. However, I DO know it's a meandering path I'm taking...
I started due to unemployment anger and found this "Over the Rainbow" group of people I wouldn't trade for all the yellow brick roads in the world.
ReplyDeleteMay the force be with you! :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
It took me half a day to figure the techie stuff out, but I am grateful that I did set up a blog. I have no idea what I am going to blog about; mine is eclectic, homey, informative, about family, fun and writing. I do it for personal satisfaction, although it would be nice to reach the masses. Your blog is very entertaining, and your wit is immeasurable. Ummmm, well Cathy -on a stick or in person -can give you a run for your money, at a convenience store or anywhere you might bump into her. I am so glad to have found you southern belles.
ReplyDeleteI wanted a website for my prints, got totally mired in WordPress (great name for a printmaker!) and then my daughter introduced me to the social side of Six Sentences, I started to write, added a 'Blogger; site, carried on clueless as to the 'daily diary' nature of a blog, distrusted memes for far too long and then ... just did what I enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI've said before, several times, that your blog, Lisa has provided vital directions on several occasions for which I shall be ever grateful.
Like you and others, I had no intention of blogging. No way! But three years ago when Hubby came home in shock from learnning he and a few other older guys pushed into forced retirement, life as I knew it slammed into a brick wall.Hubby was depressed, which he wouldn't admit, and angry. I was supportive but drowning. After three months and in a summer with him 24/7, I was pouring out all my juices getting nowhere in a pool of negativity. I found the blog for myself, not others, to force myself to write something and to write without whine! That was the only rule...tea, books, writing and no whine! It was a lifesavor for me, kept me afloat until things could change. He is now happy in retirement but I still struggle with the 24/7 bit. Love the blogs of others and even love my own on some days! I, too, have met some very interesting people all over the country. Like Sioux, I am meandering in blogland, just on a pleasant float trip meeting others. Glad you were one of them!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and look forward to your MWF posts very much, as well as your friendship, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea an no plan, but take lots of pictures an can't shut up; I am never at loss for a topic. I probably post too much, but that is the way it is. My sister had a blog and suggested that I begin my own, and that is how I got started.
Sioux - Thanks for that. :) I agree with you with regard to your warm up theory. If nothing else, blogging keeps me writing even if it is just in snippets.
ReplyDeleteJules - Yes! The writing community of bloggers we've infiltrated is awesome. So much support!
Linda - LOL Cathy is a force, for certain. The very best kind. And we're glad we found you and the rest of our MO pals, as well.
Sandra - Thank you! This sounds trite, but that does honestly make it all worthwhile.
Claudia - Ha! No whine...I don't know if I can do that. A lofty goal, though!
Kathy - You've grown so much as a creative artist in just the short time we've been pals. Can't wait to see what you do next!
Several writer friends started blogs and so I jumped on the bandwagon. At first I faithfully blogged every week day, Monday through Friday. As time progressed, my posts began to shrink. Now I only post 2-3 times per week. Some blogger buddies post every single day AND comment on blogs they follow without fail. Whew! I don't have that kind of energy, but really admire them for their dedication!
ReplyDeleteBlogging is rewarding but could definitely be a full time job!
Pat
Critter Alley
P.S. I always enjoy your posts, Lisa. Your sense of humor really tickles me!
Pat - Thank you! And I agree that blogging can be VERY time consuming. I'd get a lot more submissions out there if I didn't spend so much time visiting my blog pals. :)
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is perfectly balanced between personal and professional. You've got lots of great stuff for writers here, but we get a real sense of who you are through your Wednesdays post - which is why these are my favorite. I don't have a clear direction for my blog either - so for now I'm using it as kind of a file system for all my writerly things and stories. When I find that clear direction or voice, I'll know it!
ReplyDeleteI started blogging to showcase my work-in-progress, a book about traveling when I might not necessarily feel like traveling.
ReplyDeleteWhen I hit the brick wall of Writer's Block, I began posting to photo memes. Then I discovered writing memes, and am so grateful they exist. I still haven't regained my signature humorous-essay style, so not much has been done on the book, but at least I'm writing.
Just got back from another trip, and am exhausted and 'way behind on posting and commenting. Looking forward to Book Blurb Friday, though.
K
Am so happy that wise Cathy gave you the push! I enjoy your blog so much and think you do a great job of showcasing your talents--which are varied like your blog. My blog was originally going to be about surviving a midlife divorce, but that got very old very fast. Now my blog has the worst identity crisis ever, but oh well. Like everything else, I figure it's a learning experience!
ReplyDeleteI started my blog because of my mom - and with the thought it'd keep me writing. I started out daily, keeping it at 250 words max (which is hard to do), but then it was more random. I don't "Dear Mom" when I'm posting news or when I was doing your BBFs. I felt like I need to write to someone when I blogged and well... and I'm glad I did as I've met many wonderful people because of blogging!
ReplyDeleteDeb - Thanks for that. I guess it is a process for most of us.
ReplyDeleteKay - You bring up a great point. Blogging does keep us writing, one way or another.
Tammy - I found you when you started the Sexless in the City posts and fell in love with your style. Your topics are more varied, but the style is still awesome.
Lynn - You already know I loved your letters to your mother format right from the start. And I agree that meeting terrific people is one of the perks of blogging.