So, my sadly-neglected blogging career (ha!) on this site needs a reboot.
How I’m going to approach the reboot is the big question. The reality is that my time is limited, and my previous approach was not getting many results. I lacked focus, and often felt that I was all over the place in my blogging. And honestly, it had turned into a big chore, so it was easy to let it fall off my plate.
I’d like to avoid that this time around. I want blogging to be a joyful experience. I don’t want to spend hours agonizing over topic and word choice and wondering, “Does this help my brand?”
And I definitely want to reach readers. For all of my blogging history, the majority of my audience has been other writers. Many of those are ALSO readers, don’t get me wrong. But there are already so many great blogs out there that target writers. I love to talk writing, but not all the time.
The one thing I AM going to do is share more of my fiction, especially in the flashfic format. A while ago, I challenged myself to write flashfic inspired by the planets of our solar system–just because. I have three from that challenge I like and want to share, so keep an eye on this space for them.
To the friends, fellow-writers, and readers who were still there when I emerged from my cocoon (“She’s aliiiiiiiiive!”): What kinds of things do you like me to talk about? What types of posts have you enjoyed in the past?
I’m trying to cut down on time spent on the computer as there are so many things which require my attention. I’m more likely to read shorter posts on blogs rather than great long ones – even if the latter are really interesting!
In the past I’ve really enjoyed hearing about you – the writer, the person, the mum – especially the home schooling and the wonderful things your kids do and say. Also, the challenges which your writing throw up, and how you deal with them.
And I would certainly appreciate knowing if you are going to go off and have a break 🙂
It’s not that I worried about you, but from time to time I wandered over to your blog to check…and wondered how life was treating you and yours.
I like the idea of you having been in a cocoon – changes happen to those in cocoons, and beautiful things emerge 🙂 Looking forward to whatever you blog about Rabia, and it’s good to have you back online.
I don’t have the time for writing long posts, either!
I didn’t know if the schooling and mothering stuff was at all interesting to people! I’ll keep that in mind when I’m thinking of post ideas. And I will be mindful of announcing hiatuses in the future.
Thanks for your input, Prue.
Count me in for wanting to know about schooling and mothering. I am curious to see how other creative types manage their creative passions with their daily duties, especially to family and home.
Speaking for myself: Not very well, I’m afraid!
There are so many stages to life with children, it can be hard to STAY in a groove before there’s yet another turning point. When mine were little, as yours are now, they needed much more supervision and hands-on involvement. Now they’re older and able to keep themselves occupied for longer periods of time, but they’re also involved in more activities and it’s more important to stay on top of the schooling.
For me, though, the main thing has always been not to let my “down time” take over all my spare time. Epic Procrastinator, that’s me!
Epic Procrastinator, yeah, I can relate to that. And what you said about down time taking over spare is exactly what I do. *sigh*
About the stuff that inspires your fiction, which is fantastic. Stuff you’re reading. Stuff that informs who you are. The occasional joy post always was awesome. I felt like I came here for a spirit-lift most of the time. Whatever you want to write. (I’m a huge fan, can you tell? :bats eyelashes: )
I’m following up my planet shorts with a brief post about why I went the direction I did with the stories. That should cover the inspirations part! I’ll do some more thinking about the other suggestions.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support. They mean a great deal. Some days, it feels like I’m putting my words out into the void. Getting a positive response is such an uplifting experience.