So.
I don’t think it’s a secret that I’ve been having trouble updating this blog. You can tell by looking at the dates on all of the entries – they come sporadically, with neither rhyme nor reason, with no set schedule. It frustrated me to no end, especially since it came across as unprofessional. I’m a freelance writer, so I live in a world of headlines and deadlines. I’m used to having someone tell me when something is due, then meeting that date. I thought that, combined with some writer’s block, was my problem. And what a problem it was. See, I want to make this blog successful. Eventually, I’d like to make some money from this blog. But you can’t do that with random updates and stories that, let’s face it, are pretty flat.
There’s a reason for the chicken picture. You just have to read the whole entry to find out what it is.
I decided to check out some other blogs to see how they do it, and it turns out that the answer was simple – they get personal. The writers aren’t afraid to talk about their lives, their adventures and even the mundane details of their world. Why didn’t I consider that? Well, for two reasons:
1) I was trained as a journalist to keep myself out of the story in the name of being objective.
2) I didn’t think that my life was worth writing about.
I don’t know why I let these two points hold me back, but I do know what shook me out of it today. It was thanks to this post over at The Bloggess, specifically the video where author Jenny Lawson talks about how opening up to her readers – daring to be vulnerable – led her to connect with readers and have a more meaningful experience as a writer. While watching this, I realized that she’d really done nothing other than chronicle her experiences as a wife, a mother, and a woman living life to the fullest. She doesn’t need to post articles about visiting exotic locales or living in a bustling city (though I’m sure she’d rock those articles if she did write them). She just speaks her mind and invites the rest of us to join the ride.
And hell, I can do that.
Don’t worry – there will still be articles here about eco-friendly living, crafts, spirituality and whatever, because that’s part of who I am and what I love. I plan on publishing some interviews on my site as well, because one of my favorite things to do is talk to people about their passions. And I will eventually put some ads or a donate button on this page, because I would eventually like to get some money for my efforts.
But there are going to be some changes around here. I’m not going to be afraid to speak my mind, chronicle my experiences in the first person and just have more fun. And that, dear readers, will make things better for all of us.
I look forward to this new twist in the journey. I hope you do too.
Note: Why a picture of a chicken? I took this photo a few years back while on assignment for the local paper. It took me forever to get a good shot on account of the chicken freaking out and running away every time it heard my camera beep or make a clicking noise. I’m proud of this shot. Also, chickens are awesome.