Writing vs. Blogging
It’s the first day of NaBloPoMo!
I’ve been (slowly) reading books about writing in an effort to help me open up and develop a style.
I don’t think it has worked.
If anything, it has made me so acutely aware of my lack of knowledge that the idea of ‘writing’ is even scarier now. So, I’ve decided perhaps I should separate ‘writing’ from ‘blogging’ in my brain.
Somehow. Maybe.
Anyway…
I did take a few good things away from the books. Honesty is important, as is a certain fearlessness. (I haven’t exactly mastered that part, heh.) In theory, I should just go-for-it and not over-think. Things will sounds more true that way. But, trying not to over-think is a problem for me. (Over-thinking is one of my favorite vices!)
Also, it seems I’m supposed to be writing to someone – a specific audience. I think this could help me a great deal, if I can select an audience that will allow me to open up.
Maybe I need an imaginary friend. A snarky, blunt imaginary friend.
Or, I suppose I could write to my-niece-at-age-21. She is only 2 1/2 right now, so jotting down the stuff I’d want to teach her about adulthood, or memories I’d want to share with her once she’s an appropriate age might work.
Also, different posts can probably have different audiences, as long as I’m not too inconsistent. I’ll have to think about this further. *nod* Do you consciously write with a person or audience in mind?
6 Responses to Writing vs. Blogging
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Hi, I found you via Sue’s site…
I do write my blog with an audience in mind, but my other projects I just push on through, not really thinking about who will read it untill the end.
.-= Lynn Fisher´s last blog ..The November Project =-.
Wow, that’s definitely a lot to think about. I’m the same way; I tend to overanalyze things myself too. It really sucks for writing, I’ll say that much!
Keeping a particular audience in mind sounds like the right way to go though. Absolutely. =) I tend to slightly modify the content of my words accordingly with whomever I am addressing at the time. For example, I’m sure there won’t be very many 2 1/2-year-olds interested in quantum theory.
LOL.
At any rate, I think it’s really awesome you’re taking part in NaBloPoMo~! I don’t think I’m quite disciplined enough, myself. But maybe someday I’ll find the drive to do it; hehe =]
Very cool, Brianne <3
.-= Taversia´s last blog ..Webcomic Readers Choice Awards 2009 =-.
Yeah, this month is definitely going to be an adventure! I know it’ll be hard some days, but I really want to stick with it. 30 days isn’t THAT long… right?
It depends on the website. I originally created this identity for raw catharsis without having the links to my established self clearly delineated, but it’s even more of a challange to do that than just make friends-only posts on Livejournal for people who have some idea who I am.
.-= A Strange Boy´s last blog ..Stagnation =-.
I’ve been thinking about this for a bit. I think, in terms of blogging, you should write for your readers, and you should both picture who your readers are (that fabulous girl from Brooklyn, for instance!) and who you want them to be as your audience (probably younger people like us reading about your life).
I interviewed an author last night, and the last question I asked him was, “What advice do you have for aspiring writers?” He answered, “Just write.” He elaborated more, but the major sentiment of his advice was exactly what you’ve concluded here: “just do it.”
Go you!
p.s. NaBloPoMo will help with this. Have fun! I’m skipping for the first time in years and years, so I’m excited others I admire are doing it.
I struggle with this because my readers also include my Father, my Husband, my Roommate, possibly my Mother, etc. If I think about them too much I clam up. I do have two whole New York readers though, so maybe I’ll try to think about them more.