Do you have anything that you do but you aren’t very good at it? For me, that is writing. I use run-on sentences and I overuse the ellipsis. The thing is, I don’t really care. Writing is one of my favorite things to do. Most of the time, it’s blogging or writing in a journal, but sometimes it’s a little more adventurous. Doesn’t matter what kind, I love it.
source |
Most people would say that you get better over time, but I think I just change. I think I used to be funnier, but I’m OK with that. I don’t lead a life now that is full of funny and ridiculous things (although they still happen from time to time.)
When I was sent these questions, I decided to write about writing. I was tagged by my friend, Samantha. Feel free to grab these and answer them yourselves and tell me all about it. I love reading about writing. Weird, right?
1. What am I working on?
I write on this blog – I think that’s pretty obvious. I have journal that I write in daily as well. I find that writing helps me focus. I am always taking notes because it helps me process information. I think my journal and this blog help me focus on my life and make sure that I’m taking it all in. I also write down ideas, stories and things that I could grow someday into something more than a bunch of typed words on a page. I would love to write a book or even tell you that I’m doing that, but it’s not really anything like that right now. Just some ideas and words… maybe someday.
2. Why do I write what I do?
The focus that I talked about is a big driver for me. It’s nice having my stories and thoughts written out. I love getting feedback from others and knowing that I’m not the only person in the world who cries at every episode of Parenthood or has full conversations with my dogs. It’s a great way to connect with people and with myself.
3. How does your writing process work?
Wine or coffee. Comfortable clothes. Laptop or notebook open (I don’t know how anyone writes on their tablet or phone). I just write. I ramble on and on about whatever I’m thinking about or whatever I just finished doing. Sometimes I hit publish without really thinking about it. Sometimes, I hit save and walk away for days. I am not a big fan of editing things right away, so usually my husband is the one that catches my errors. I don’t really have a schedule that I follow, although most of the time, I write at night. Other than that, I don’t really have a “process.”
I’m a little surprised that I still have a blog. I had started and quit so many times in the past. I have wondered a lot lately if I would still be blogging if I had stayed in Minnesota. But, in the end, I love this blog. I love having a place to share things. I also love writing in a journal and having a place that is just mine. I love the idea that someday, I might write something bigger.
So tell me your thoughts on writing. The why, the how, the where, the when.
fabulous post. i started and quit so many times as well, and i think you are a fabulous writer! much better than i.
I'm with you on writing style… I just write how I would say something. Sometimes it's run on. Sometimes it's not complete. I want it to be a reflection of who I am, not of how certain "rules" tell me I should be!
I'm glad you're sticking with it, because you're one of my favorites to read. And I think you're a great writer!
One of my favorite things about blogging is that there's no deadlines or harsh critiques– you can write at your own pace and write about whatever you want and it's not only okay– but accepted (for the most part). I've been thinking about this a lot lately, which probably sounds kind of weird haha, but writing is one of the things I've done from the time I could, well write, to de-stress and express myself! Even if I'm not the best and even if my grammar isn't perfect, that doesn't take away from the feeling of getting words down on paper.
I recently found a diary I kept in middle school, and thought, "Why don't I journal?" And ever since then, I've found that more and more bloggers keep a journal, and I think I need to start doing the same. I definitely agree that blogging is a great way to connect with people who understand quirky habits!
Also, stealing this for my post tomorrow 🙂
I overuse the ellipsis, but hey… 🙂 That doesn't make anyone a bad writer! I write because I love too, and even if my blog doesn't always show it, I do have a passion for it. I was a journalism major in undergrad and truly thought my calling in life was to be an actual journalist, writing for newspaper or magazines. My plans have changed now, but I do still have a book in the works that I hope I can submit for publishing this year!!! 🙂
I really like your writing style! It's in between; informal but no crazy grammatical issues that make me cringe and weep. And I think run-on sentences can be used for effect. (Started that sentence with "and." I'm a rebel!) Some of the funniest posts from The Bloggess are nothing but run-ons.
Hooray for writing about writing!
Jenn | Business, Life & Design
I wrote one too many papers in grad school so there is no way I could sit and write a blog. Bless your heart, Steph. Thanks for making my day all the time.
i love that quote. i love that blogging is a way to get feedback and just be whatever you want to be. and i'm 100% with you on the writing process.
I think I might be different because I've always been "a writer". Even at a very young age I wrote in journals or spent my summer vacations writing my own stories. I can also write anywhere, but I prefer a computer.
-Jackie
http://ournashvillelife.com
Love this post. I too, am a terrible writer. I don't know much about punctuation, the proper tenses, and the majority of my sentences are run-ons that end in prepositions. But I love it. And will continue to blog, because in the wise words of Eric Cartman…
"Whateva! Whateva! I do what I want!"
Being yourself is what blogging is all about, I took a break for a long time, but coming back to it has made me so happy! I love that quote you posted, and this post is so inspirational, thank you!
writing is so good! I have loved blogging and having a way to document my life on the reg and process what has happened on a daily basis.
I'm a better editor when I walk away from it. I'm actually best when I edit on a third read.
File under: what many years as a copy editor have taught me. hahaha
I adore the ellipse.
Always interesting to see why people write a blog, how the do it, and what they like about them. To me it's a great way to meet new people and experience life out there. It's a fun platform to voice opinions and relate to others. I'm one of the few guys who blog and love it.
Plus, living in NYC it has offered me a bunch of cool perks – free events, Broadway shows, dining, etc.