A couple of years ago, I challenged myself to writing a blog post every day of the month of February, 2011 – I called it Post a Day February. I decided I would try to write every day for 28 days and post what I wrote to my blog. I don’t think I was successful in writing every single day, but what I was trying to do was get my brain in gear to write; I think I accomplished that goal because writing became easier for me and I became less judgmental about what I wrote and less critical of myself in the process.
You see, I’ve never really been a writer. I’ve been more of a doer and writing about the doing hasn’t always been easy, which is probably more a function of time than of interest. I’d much rather be doing something than sitting down writing about it. I’ve never been a consistent journal-writer although I’ve carried little blank books around with me, thinking I might get it by osmosis or something. I’ve written stuff down when I’ve traveled but it’s usually more of the “we went here and we did this and dinner cost this much and the train was late” variety of travel-writing than anything that might be readable, either by myself or by someone else, later on.
Then came the day when someone introduced me to her friend as a writer. As in, “This is Lois; she’s a writer.” I was flabbergasted! Speechless! I’m not sure I even said hello to the person I was being introduced to because I was still focused on the words my friend had said.
But it got me to thinking. All kinds of questions showed up in my head. Was I a writer? What makes one a writer? Could I be a writer? Do I need some kind of qualifications or something to be a writer? Is there a test? If I’m a writer, how often do I have to write? Do I need something specific to write about? And the questions went on and on… and on and on.
Did I have answers? No. Have I answered all those questions since that fateful introduction over a year ago? No. Do I write? Yes. Am I good at it? Who cares? And that’s all that matters to me. I no longer think I have to write something that will appeal to everyone. I no longer think I have to have the perfect subject matter. I no longer put restrictions on what I write or how I write it. For that, I’m very happy and oh so much more comfortable than I could have ever imagined being.
So, onward and upward. I love it that people are making up challenges for all of us to participate in. It seems there are challenges out there for just about anything – writing, photography, and reading are just a few of the ones I’ve heard about lately. Today begins the WordCount 2013 Blogathon coordinated by Michelle V. Rafter – the challenge is to write a blog post every day for 30 days during the month of June 2013.
I’ve accepted the blogging challenge and will be posting on my blog every day. I don’t have a “theme” for the month, just as I didn’t for the Post a Day February that I did on my own in 2011. A theme isn’t required for this “official” challenge, or even necessary – in fact, I find having a theme keeps me from being creative in my offerings. Like, how do I know ahead of time what will show up in my head? My stream of consciousness? My universe? I understand the blogging challenge itself will have theme days as the month goes along, such as a haiku day, and I want to remain open to whatever else the challenge brings me and the other bloggers participating.
It’s Every-day Blogging – whatever comes into my head every day is what I’ll write about. And since it’s going to be the whole month of June, it’s Blogging Every Day.
See you tomorrow!
Oh, and I got a cool badge to put on my site! Check it out here!
Lois, I learned this week that even well known author writers don’t like “writing”. Apparently “a writer” is not defined by what you enjoy doing. As for me, don’t consider myself a writer but I DO love writing e-mails, snailmail and do it every day. I am much more the writer than the doer. Maybe there’s a blog in me. Who but my few precious friends who have been with me for years would care, I wonder. May have a look at that site you referenced here.
Hope life is good at that end.
Marilyn, YOU are the person who introduced me as a writer! I was shocked into silence! You probably don’t even remember it but it made a huge impact on me. It was last year when I went with you to Baja… what a turning point that trip was for me, in more ways than one!
My two cents – I think there’s a blog in each of us. I’ve encouraged others to start blogs, even if they keep the postings private. I’ve found writing to be so amazing for me, a cool look inside my inner workings, and I want everyone to experience the same for themselves! Blogs are free to set up and easy to navigate once you get there. I’m happy to help out in any way I can! Oh, and a huge thing for me was finding out that I was writing for myself, not for anyone else. Once I really “got” that, it didn’t matter if anyone read it or even liked it. It’s the ramblings in my head, the adventures of my every-day living, the experiences of my six decades on Planet Earth – you have that as well! Go for it!!!
Lois,
I loved this blog post and especially the questions you asked yourself. I didn’t know I was a writer until an editor gave me the opportunity to write a column for our local newspaper back in 2000. I never even hesitated I just did it.. Sometimes I just start with a title or a first sentence when writing my blog and let my muse take it from there. Works for me! Good luck with your challenge.
Barbara, you are the shining example for me – you blog what’s in your head, you step out where you’ve never gone before, you look at life with fresh eyes every day. I appreciate the blessing of your presence in my life – an unexpected friendship that came out of the anonymity of FB. Who would have ever guessed?!
“..Do I write? Yes. Am I good at it? Who cares? And that’s all that matters to me. I no longer think I have to write something that will appeal to everyone. I no longer think I have to have the perfect subject matter. I no longer put restrictions on what I write or how I write it. For that, I’m very happy and oh so much more comfortable than I could have ever imagined being…”
Lois, I love you and you know that. Am I good at it? who cares! those are the words I value the most.
You do not have to cater anybody, you do not need acceptance or approval. You write about your life, about your feelings and they are yours. It is your journey.
Looking forward to reading what you have to say
Dace, you are one of the most transparent writers I know – I love your blog, your honesty, your imaginative outlook on life. Thank you for your kind comments – I love reading your comments because I know they come straight from your true heart. Love you back!
Great post Lois! I agree that if you write and enjoy it, then you are a writer. It’s always a nice perk when others enjoy your writing as well. You always have an interesting viewpoint and I very much enjoy reading your posts. Write on!
Thanks, Nancy! I’m enjoying reading your blog posts about Portland – write on!
Thanks Lois. I “keep getting told, if I want to share the great health product you are sharing, I need to have a Blog”. Once before my wonderful hubby came into my life, I was doing Internet dating, and at dinner this fellow asked me “Do you know why you are here?” I said,”No” and he said “Because you are such a good writer.” I, like you, was shocked! So maybe one day I will try again, and might take you up on your offer to help. I have tried WP several times, and gave up.
Lorna, you would be a great writer! I just know it! And I’ve never read anything you’ve written but I think great writing must come from great stories and those you have! Start a blog – it’s easy to do and yes! I’d love to help you… anytime!