I’ve spent the last week thinking a lot about my blog. Thanks to Jody Hedlund’s post (here) I started questioning my blog’s purpose. What do I want my blog to accomplish? What do I want to accomplish with my blog?
Ahh…two very important questions.
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My three-fold answer:
1. I want to connect with readers.
2. I want to share my journey as a Christian writer chasing publication.
3. I want to help and encourage other writers.
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Hopefully these answers will bring some focus to my helter-skelter posts. Maybe narrow my hodge-podge of thoughts into something a bit more meaningful to both of us.
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Here’s what I’m going to try out through the month of February (if it doesn’t work, or I don’t like it, I have the freedom to ditch the plan and reevaluate).
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Mondays:
A post on the craft of writing. Some sort of tip or insight. Something that I’ve recently learned that has helped me grow as a writer. I’m always reading a craft book, so most likely the post will come from my latest read. Or maybe it’ll be something I thought up all on my own (insert laughing here).
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Why?
I hope these posts will help writers grow (myself included).
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Wednesdays:
Musings from an agented, full-time working, yet-to-be-published writer trying to live my life for Jesus. Two bonus points if I can relate my musings to Monday’s post.
Why?
It’s been said that a unique voice has the power to captivate readers. Well, in this life, my voice is that of a slightly frazzled, always questioning, hard-working, Midwest Christian gal playing house, teacher, and writer. Whether it’s unique or not is up for debate. Until the jury gets back to me on that one, I’d like to share my voice in an attempt to encourage, challenge, and maybe even humor you.
Why the bonus points?
I like when things have a theme. It makes my inner-teacher smile.
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Fridays:
The 3 C’s, of course!
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Why?
So I can connect with other readers and writers. So I can share the joys, triumphs, setbacks, and fears I face on this often frightening, slow-moving-yet-exhilarating journey. I hope you’ll continue to share your 3 C’s in the comment section. I truly enjoy reading them.
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So now what?
I’m eager to get started. It feels good to have some sort of road map in place. I’m going to start next week (that sounds like something I say to my husband after I’ve devoured a pan of brownies and a carton of ice cream…only it’s usually in reference to healthy eating).
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Until then, join me on Wednesday, when I answer T. Anne’s question: Do you run your future story ideas past your agent before writing them?
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Question to Ponder: Why do you blog? Why do you read blogs?
Your plan sounds like a winner! My blog's purpose is also to connect with other readers and writers. At the moment, I'm just sharing my walk through the hills and valleys of the agented-under-submission life. If my novel gets contracted in the next six months, I will have more to report. 🙂 So for now, I just enjoy the friends I'm finding.
Sounds like a great plan, Katie. Glad you're back blogging. Hope you had a great break. Still praying for that publication news post!!
LOL You sound like a teacher–getting so organized with bonus points:)
I blog because…many of the same reasons you mentioned. But mostly to connect with other writers and learn, learn, learn!
Good thoughts on blogging. I have found having a series of different themes for different days works very well. I try to connect them as much as I can, but I like to have variety as well. But from week to week a reader can kind of know what to expect on each day.
Lee
I like it! And I'm all about bonus points! I'm always trying to connect mine too. :0)
I like your plan, Katie. And I think your voice is beautiful when you blog. You engage readers, provide insight into the life of a writer – your life, and show that you care for others each and every Friday. Keep up the good work!
Been thinking a lot about my blog too, since Jody's post. I'd have to say that I agree with your three points, and I also want to connect with writers as friends, mentors, and for juat all around support.
Thanks for sharing this; it's helped me define better where I'm heading.
Blessings to you and your readers:)
Karen
I like your goals. I don't think I ever would have connected with such a great group of writers without blogging. Living in Alaska is pretty isolated- there's not a whole lot of us and only writers group I know of.
Refocusing once in a while re-energizes me. Sometimes my direction doesn't change but I have a fresh vision for the journey.
I love the connections blogging has helped me make with fellow writers… the shared knowledge and support link us in a unique online relationship that I really appreciate. I'll continue looking forward to your posts.
To connect with writer soulmates, to share snippets of advice and life that God can use as we walk with others on the Christian journey.
A wonderful bonus has been that blog writing looses my imagination and helps in the daily word quota!!!
Patti
Same reasons as you. But lately reading others blogs has motivated me to write. I find on the weekend when I take a break I don't write as much.
Yay for being organized!
I blog because:
1) I love it.
2) It's a great way to connect with some readers.
3) I love it. 🙂
That sounds like a good schedule, Katie. I had to make this same choice about my blog recently, really evaluating what I post, how much time I have and where it's going to go in the future. Because you're agented now and working specifically toward publication, I think it's great that you're going to be opening up your posts some. This way you can appeal to readers as well.
Oh, I cannot wait for Wednesday's in February and of course to hear the answer to my question. I so want in on the mind of a newly agented writer. I not only long to be one, I desire to know what you know. So teach me please. =)
I like themes too and I'm looking forward to your upcoming posts! It sounds like a great way to do things! So organized!
Oooh, the inner teacher! Nice. I can't wait to see if she can score those extra points.
And Jody's posts were amazing, right? Right.
Sounds like a good plan to me!
I read blogs for a lot of reasons but mostly for information, for fun, and to keep in touch with people. 🙂
I began blogging as a challenge to myself–a challenge to see if I grow, but it has morphed into so much more…connecting, learning about the industry, learning about how people make decisions…Loved the insert laughter here. Your Friday C's are a fantastic way to connect with others. They are part of the reason I feel so safe and connected here!
My stomach hurts,
Wendy
I started to blog late last summer in response to "the call." Well, a louder call. A tentative toe in the water to develop writing discipline and to see if anyone really cared about what I had to say. Now I have two blogs, each with a different focus. The first is devotional and the second is writing.
I learn so much from reading other blogs! And I love connecting with others. Writing is a much less lonely pursuit from when I first started writing back in the 80s. The internet is a wonderful thing!
I've enjoyed your blog pre-refocus, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it just as much post-refocus. 🙂 Look forward to Wed's post!
I would probably benefit from a plan like this. I may have to consider it. I blog because I love it. And I love the people I have met through blogging! They are truly what keeps me going as a writer.
I really do think blogging is something we must evaluate from time to time. I'm constantly trying to figure out what it truly means to me as a writer, so thanks for letting me vent last week!
Your plan sounds great, Katie! I think it does help us to have some focus, although I'm sure it will change as our books come out and we develop "true" readers.
Have a great week!
Ah… reasons for blogging… they're as different as everyone's reasons for writing, I suppose.
LOVE LOVE your new direction, I'm trying to be slightly less coocoo with my direction as well, but maybe not QUITE so organized (my SOTP-ness coming out)
I'm eagerly awaiting Wednesday's post… I'm curious to know that too!
Sounds great Katie. I can't wait to read your posts and the comments under them. I love the blogs of my writerly friends. They give me laughter, and comfort without any anxiety. I never feel pressured, like I do in other parts of my life. Actually, when I'm bloghoppin' it's a time to relax and enjoy. =)
I love Jesus first and foremost too. Thank God for our Savior, Katie. 🙂
Serving At The Master's Table with you. (^_^)
does sound like a great plan- I'll be looking forward to reading more
Jodi did give us alot to think about
how great to have so many prayerfully searching for ways to share their journey
I blog mainly for myself. A chance to put thoughts in order, to whine, to laugh. A place to share what I'm working on. I read other blogs to see what others are doing in my own craft to learn new techniques. I read to expand my horizons and maybe because I'm curious (nosy)
(-;
Sounds like a great plan! I've always loved your blog and think you already have a good balance.
I started a blog to journal my writing journey and connect with other writers. Like you though, I've wondered about the purpose of it in the grand scheme of things. It's very ecclectic.
Awesome. I love your blog, but then you knew that. I missed you last week. Though I know unplugging is so important. I like reading what you learn as a writer and how your journey with writing is coming along. I am so excited for you right now with the events of last year and can't wait to see how this year goes for you 🙂
Thanks to Jody I think we all thinking harder about why we blog. My desire is to serve my readers, if they glean anything from me I hope it is a zeal for writing.
I look forward to your lineup Katie!
Sounds like a good, plotted out lineup to me! 🙂 I think my reasons are basically the same as yours. Connecting with others who share my interests: mothers, writers, readers.
I'm looking forward to Wed. post becuase I've always wondered about that. Have a great week!