What do you get out of blogging?
What do I get out of blogging?
I write. I’ve written a novel and I’m writing a second. I’m planning two others. I also work full time and have a family. Oh yes, I feel like crap quite often, due to illness as well. This is hectic and incessant, but the writing side of it is also something I do alone. Only I can put the idea’s running about in my head, down onto the laptop, or paper. Only I can make sense of them and juggle them around until they sit the way that doesn’t look too wrong.
When I decided to have a serious stab at writing in 2010 I didn’t know much of anything about the writing or publishing world. I was a reader and I’d always wanted to write a novel. Luckily I was reasonably internet capable and started poking about online. You’re already here, you know what I’m going to say, you know the wealth of information that is on the blogosphere. I was amazed at what I found. Not only were the blogs stuffed full with information about books, writing, reading, agents and publishing, but there were blogs with people like me, sat behind their computers, driving themselves forward and talking about it at the same time. There was a whole space where people could talk who shared the same interests. Not being one to be left out, I started a blog of my own. It’s not been easy, knowing what to put on these blank pages never is, but what I love about blogging is the connection, the sense of community and of sharing. I don’t have to sit behind my laptop alone and wonder what’s happening out in the world while I’m doing it, because I’m doing it with you, right now. We’re sharing our journeys, whatever they may be, and for me, that is what blogging is about, that is why I blog. Community and sharing.
sharonsant says
You’re so right. Writing is a much more social pursuit than it once was thanks to the Internet. At least, the promoting bit is. π
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s something special blogging. And I know we’ll meet some further great bloggers in the coming month π
Bel Anderson says
Hear, hear! π
Rebecca Bradley says
π
Joanne Phillips says
I totally agree, Rebecca. When I started blogging early last year I had no idea how much I was going to love it, or how many wonderful people I’d meet online! Now my blog is one of my favourite places to be – I feel safe there, it’s hard to describe. No matter how busy I get I always make time to blog because it helps me feel connected and gives me a sense of continuity. Great post for B! x
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Joanne. It is funny how our blogs are a place for us to come isn’t it? But we have friends here and like minded people. We share here and people share with us and it’s respected and that’s important. I think it will be around for a while yet.
Annalisa Crawford says
I am still blown away by the community feel of the writing blogs, even almost 3 years later. It’s definitely what makes me still want to keep blogging – it’s not a case of ‘having a platform’, it’s a case of making friends… which is a much better reason to have a blog.
Rebecca Bradley says
Three years!
Yes, it’s definitely the friends and connections that keep me coming back. Longer conversations and connections can be made. I love it.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – There’s no doubt about it; blogging gives a real sense of community and connectedness. It’s one of the really important things about the blogosphere.I There’s no better way that I can think of to share interests and meet a wonderful group of people (like you) that I couldn’t meet any other way.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Margot. You and your blog are solidly a part of my community whether you want it or not now. I’ve attached you with willpower alone π
I’m massive twitter advocate but there’s more room to say something on a blog. It’s a great way to connect and make friends.
Mama J says
I love blogging. When I started, I thought I’d be talking to myself and I’m still amazed whenever people visit my little blog.
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s funny isn’t it when you first start. It takes time to grow, but eventually community comes and it’s a space for sharing and interacting.
Kate Diggerhound says
Blogging is brilliant and I am so glad I started it up 2 years ago. Slowly my blog community is growing and I have met so many lovely people through it. I think overall the blogging community is a great one to be part of. You are right there is tons information out there and until you start searching you don’t realise how much there is to help you.
Great post
Kate
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Kate. I think I’ve probably been blogging about two years. At first you feel like you’re talking to yourself, but then suddenly you realise you have your own community. It’s wonderful.
kirstyes says
I echo the idea of the sense of community, though I’m just as happy if I’m just writing things down just for me, as long as it’s out of my head. Happy blogging.
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s it isn’t it? We all get something different out of it and that’s important. It’s versatile and we can use it that way.
Anne Mackle says
It’s great to have such a network who all enjoying writing to share your thoughts with.Blogging rocks!
Rebecca Bradley says
It definitely does!
TaMara says
I started blogging to share with friends and family who don’t live nearby what was going on in our lives. Now I’ve made so many new friends through blogging!
TaMara
Tales of a Pee Dee Mama
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s a great tool to do with what we need, but I’ve also found some great friends and the A to Z challenge will introduce a few more π
Margaret says
I love blogging too, I started because I wanted to share my interest of gardening with others. I also wanted to improve my writing skills. I too have made friends through the blogging community. Recently I have been asked to write a regular blog for a gardening website, so it can lead to other things too:)
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s fantastic Margaret! It definitely shows what can happen with regular blogging. Congratulations!
Jean Davis says
Gotta love how we can all be alone at our computers but the internet brings us together. Writing doesn’t have to be a lonely pursuit any more.
Rebecca Bradley says
Technology. Can be used for good as well as evil π
ramblingsfromtheleft says
Rebecca, good reasons to blog. I also love the idea that I can have fun playing with words and images that will not nec. be in any of my books. Like the idea of a story blog or something interactive with my readers. This is lots of fun and worth the time π
Rebecca Bradley says
I love the interactive stuff you have going on at your blog at the minute. The first time I went over I couldn’t think of a sentence so I left. I tried today but I think I made a hash of it!
ramblingsfromtheleft says
Quite the contrary, Rebecca. I loved you sentence. I’ll have a slammin’ good time with that story π
Patricia (@patricialynne07) says
I remember when I first started poking around and looking for information on publishing. It was amazing. Now I’m glad to be part of that community and help new writers who come looking for help.
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s it isn’t it, we move along a little from first arriving, and find we are giving little snippets of advice out. Though I’m not sure just how trustworthy mine would be!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I wasn’t even online when I signed my first contract. I had no idea what I was missing. This community is awesome.
Rebecca Bradley says
There is so much content here, it’s an amazing place!
Jane Isaac says
You are so right, Rebecca. It’s all about the community π
Rebecca Bradley says
And what a great community we have π
DJ Kirkby says
Well put! I’ve missed blogging and I am so glad you got me into the A to Z challenge because it has encouraged me to get back to making the effort to blog regularly, and to make the time to read other people’s blogs.
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m also glad you’re doing the challenge Denyse. It’s great to see you posting.
Julie Flanders says
I agree with you 100%! Great choice for B and I’m glad you are in for another round of the challenge. π
Rebecca Bradley says
I love the challenge. Sometimes it doesn’t love me! π
Rosanna says
After 2 years of blogging, I’m finally enjoying it. You’re so right, it’s not easy, but being able to connect like this makes it really fun – and rewarding.
Joanna (Lazuli Portals Trilogy) says
I agree with you about the community, Rebecca; I think that’s why we’ve stuck with it. π