Writing about writing is one of those things I only began to do in what could be called my elder years. Heck, I didn't even talk about my writing much to anybody for many years. A few friends knew I wrote, but sharing my work was even rarer. To be honest, I didn't think most of my friends would have had any interest in it.
Because I will be joining a new group blog, which requires writing some sort of introduction for those there who don't know me, and because recently I was asked to do an interview about my writing, I've been thinking about questions I rarely do-- who am I? From where did I come? How can I describe myself to others? What parts of my life are important and which are things maybe I should have already discarded?
Pretty much, I am a live in the moment kind of person and generally spend little time considering those kinds of questions. I am sure I did more of that when younger or maybe just off and on. It's not part of my average day. I don't often stop to think-- am I happy? What if I didn't like the answer!
Fiona Mcvie, the interviewer, surprised me with some author questions. It took some thinking to come up with answers. I have no idea how many people read her blog, but I do know Rainy Day had more hits after that piece ran-- which may or may not be related. As with sales of my books, I mostly have no idea what causes people to come here or stay to read more posts. I write about what interests me and just hope it interests others. Here by the way is that interview:
One thing I took away from these questions was that I am a more private person than I had been thinking. Some of my long time friends said they learned things they hadn't known about me.
If you do a blog for over ten years, you'd think you'd be out there-- and in a way, I am. But not much about my private life. I don't use this blog as a personal journal. While, I always have known that I am a good secret keeper, I hadn't thought all that meant in regards my own secrets.
Despite the risks of talking politics, I am pretty well versed on many issues and might talk that with trusted friends. These days, I don't share it here. Despite enjoying a good debate, I don't like getting mad or making someone else angry. Once in a while, a political idea, appropriate to its times, makes it into my books. It can be fun for the hero and heroine to argue about it as they learn more about each other. This works better for historical books than contemporary where views can prove more hot button than funny.
Another thing I don't think I've ever shared here is-- I am a repository of silly and unneeded information on celebrities. I grew up on movie star magazines that my aunt would pass down to our family. I'm not fond of the mean stuff but like seeing their homes, vacations, who they are dating, who broke up with whom, what they wore to a big party. I like learning about people from all walks of life, which leads to watching documentaries about creative people of different sorts.
Does any of that seem important enough to put in a bio? If it doesn't, what does? Although the interview is now done, I still have that introductory thing for the new blog (I'll share its link before it goes up November 12th).
Before I close this down, what do you like to read in a blog? I'd love hearing from you in a comment or email as to subjects you'd like to see here. I am open to having a place where others can give opinions on issues they find important, you know over that cup of coffee...
All images from Stencil
3 comments:
Interesting. I need to do some thinking about what you have said, and listen to the interview. In the mean time I'm going back to bed, (side effects of the strong antibiotics have wiped me out), and sleep to the rain on the roof.
I do not have any specific subjects on blogs that I search for. It is very serendipity. I think it is hard for some artists to really talk about their art. It is more something they are compelled to do rather than plan.
Brig, antibiotics are bad that way. Hope you are better soon.
Tabor, I actually enjoy some journal type blogs if the writer doesn't reveal too much where it begins to feel embarrassing to read it. I also have a hard time when they speak about how awful something is in their lives but can't reveal what. It leaves their readers feeling bad for them but with no idea what's happening. I think journal blogs are a narrow road to walk to get it right, but like a good memoir, they can be very appealing. I do reveal some in mine but not about my family at their request ;).
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