MIMM - To Blog Or Not To Blog

This week is the last Manuscript in Motion Monday...for now... and the topic is, "To Blog, or not to Blog?"

 

I have to admit, I'm slightly biased on this front - I love blogging. I've been at it almost five years now - since two weeks after the birth of my second child. But blogging has often been a form of journaling for me - or a means of sharing life experiences and funny stories/pictures with family that cannot see me on a regular basis.

So as a writer, seeking to improve in my craft and build meaningful networks with like-minded individuals, where do I stand on blogging?

I'll admit, I mostly started my writing blog almost two years ago because I'd been told by several different knowledgeable sources that they were a meaningful asset for a writer. It wasn't hard to set the blog up. But then, what content to write????

What could I possibly have to say that would interest anybody? I'm not published, and I don't have a degree in creative writing. So my 'writing' blog became something to sit and stare at, between posts on the family blog, wondering what to do about it.

When I began my new years resolution to put more effort into the blog, I changed my attitude. I decided that instead of trying to be an expert at something, or waste time and energy looking for an unexplored angle, I would treat my blog as a forum to connect with other writers. Or, a chance to write and discuss topics that interest me, books I enjoy and want to recommend, and opportunities in the writing world worth passing along.

Do blogs promote book sales? I don't know, I'm not published yet.

Does a blog really make a difference? Again, I don't know. I hope that something I say, at some point, is meaningful to someone. That statement sounds really broad, but the truth is that I've been uplifted and encouraged on numerous occasions by posts of other bloggers. If I said just one thing that meant something to just one person, I would consider my blog a success.

And more importantly is this - if I never managed to publish a book, if I never said anything worth being read, I would still be blogging.

Why? Because it helps to fuel my love of writing.

And that's the answer that matters most to me.

You Want Me To Write What?

This post is my late edition of Manuscript In Motion Monday (MIMM). I know, I know, it isn't Monday anymore (nor has it been for several days) but I really struggled coming up with a post for this topic "You Want Me To Write What?", and in truth, almost gave up. Kasey shared an experience of having a friend ask for help with a written legal request, and though feeling inadequate, was able to rise to the task, using her talents and skills with the written word.

I've never done anything like that. I've never been asked to write something out of my comfort zone, and until recently, at least a few of my friends didn't even realize I do write. Why is that? I guess I just don't talk about it much, except on my blog, or with other writer friends.

So as I was formulating a written apology to Kasey for coming up empty with this weeks MIMM post, I had a thought.

It's something I've been wanting to talk about for a few weeks.

Critiques. And I'm not talking about the writer's group kind. I'm talking about the kind we usually label 'reviews' and slap up on Amazon and goodreads, etc.

I've read my share of amazing books. The kind you talk about and blog about and tell your friends about. I have no problem gushing about these books.

I've read my share of so-so books. The kind that were enjoyable to read, but you don't think much about after you turn the last page, and never really mention to others.

And I've read my share of terrible books. The kind that when you get to the end, you think, "Why did I bother to finish?". Those books are the easiest to criticize. And sometimes they are so horrible, I feel compelled to write up a critical review outlining all of their faults.

And then I realize, Why? Who am I to criticize this author? Is my opinion so important, that others should listen and heed?

There's been a few times I've looked a book I hate up on Goodreads to find it has a rather high rating and an equally large fan base. I'm just not one of them. And you know what? That's okay. Not everybody loves every book. But I certainly don't have to verbally attack the author because of it.

Which reminds me of the following Disney villain and one of the things he said:

 

"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so."

~ Anton Ego, Disney's Ratatouille

Shannon Hale also weighed in on this topic here.

What do you think, o ye book reviewers and published authors? Is there a place for positive and negative review? Is there a line that reviewers shouldn't cross, or does even the vicious and cruel have a place? If I read a really bad book, should I write an equal review?

Tell me what you think...