Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Why I Write

"I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself" : Rita Mae Brown

Thank you to Bridie, Christina and Claire for asking me to be part of the "Why I Write" Blog Hop. It has been a perfect opportunity to finally get some of the thoughts that have been rattling around in my head down on paper.

So, it turns out I've become very attached to my blog over the past few years. Whereas in the beginning I thought it would be easy to stop blogging when it no longer provided joy, over time it's grown to become such an important part of my life as well as being a very special record of memories for my family that I can't contemplate parting with it. It's a difficult thing to explain but there you go!

That said, lately there has been a little grey cloud hovering above this space and I have never questioned why I continue to write here as much as I have these past few months.  Rather than mention it or take a break or do anything drastic like throw in the towel completely I've just pushed through hoping time would provide the clarity I have been looking for. Thankfully, it has. I've made a few mental shifts and some more tangible changes in how I spend my time in Blogland and I've returned to my blog with a renewed enthusiasm.

It seems I've allowed myself to be affected by what is happening "out there" in Blogland. I don't know why, when  I'm constantly dishing out advice to the Kids to "run your own race and don't worry about what anyone else is doing" but I can't deny I've been affected.

The thing is, Blogland has changed so much since I started almost 3 years ago. Lately I've felt bombarded by messages on how to blog, how to create content, how to monetise, why monetise, how to be better, how to be bigger, how to comment, how to increase traffic (yuck!) and basically how to do and be anything and everything except what I actually want my blog to be. In a nutshell, it has felt strange to be part of an industry that is changing so much and not wanting to be part of those changes. There is safety in numbers and I've felt the weight of not following the crowd. Likewise, I've felt the loss of so many fabulous blogs that have either shut up shop or scaled back to near nothing. Many of us feel the same and thank you to those who have been on the receiving end of my e-mails and conversations around this topic.

There is increasing chatter "out there" too about blog etiquette (or lack thereof), of websites critiquing Blogs, of judgement towards bloggers who include Children on their blogs, of cliques and strategic alliances forming, of trolls lurking on social media. It's all affected my enjoyment of blogging. Yet, when I open up my laptop all I see here is the kindest of people popping in with the very best of intentions and this is something I don't take for granted one bit. I've never had a single negative comment here and I'm proud to be part of the little online community that we have built together over the years. How silly to be blinded by all the negative "out there" when the reality is that everything is AOK in here.

I'm mindful of online privacy issues yet I'm not a total narcissist to think my blog is so important that masses of people are flocking here to read my words and look at my photos. This is a very small blog in the grand scheme of things and for the time being I am comfortable with the intentions of my blog as well as with the way I share my words and photographs. I'm going to continue blogging although I shall henceforth be putting on some blinkers to what is happening "out there" and sail through Blogland, happy to be a boat with a red sail rather than one of the white ones so to speak.

So, this is all a very long introduction to answering the following simple questions:.
  

What Am I Working On?

Nothing. I have so little spare time available that I simply write whatever I can in the couple of hours that I allocate to blogging each week. If anything, I should probably be working on an "About Me" page.

How Does My Writing Differ From Others In My Genre?

I don't know if or how it differs. My blog is essentially a personal blog and I actually don't think I fit into any specific niche or genre and I'm OK with that now. I've never intended my blog to be a useful resource for anyone about anything. It's just my life -  family things, things I do, places I go, things I'm making, random thoughts and stories.  Thank you to Claire for this Post which made me realise that it's OK to not have a niche or teach people anything. The fact that anyone outside my extended family finds anything I write remotely interesting is very humbling. I write in a way that is probably described as conversational, as if we were sitting around the table having a cup of tea together in the sense that I get equal enjoyment from visiting you in your spaces.


Why Do I Write What I Do?

I write because I love it. It's a hobby and more importantly a little space just for me. I write what I do to record memories for myself and my family. My Husband is the biggest fan of my blog and the biggest compliment for me is when he or friends and other members of our extended family mention how much they enjoy my Posts and seeing what we have been up to as a family.  I love documenting life and it is something I have done since I could first hold a pencil. My relatives have always lived overseas or elsewhere in the country and I have been writing letters to them since I was about 4 years old. As a child I had pen pals from Europe and South America and I loved getting an insight into how people from all around the world lived. This fascination with people and how they live is something that prompted my desire to be an exchange student to Germany and then Canada a few years later. During those years my favourite thing to do was take photographs and write letters back home documenting my travels and experiences. This blog is simply an extension of what I've been enjoying all my life. The ability to connect with like-minded souls from anywhere in the world through blogging is one of the best bits of blogging.

How Does My Writing Process Work?

I usually have a Post "written" in my head and then it's just a matter of typing it up. My most productive places for forming sentences are in the shower or when I'm going for a walk. I don't set out to interrupt my showers or walks with thoughts about a blog post but I guess because those are the only times I am on my own without children it's a natural place for my mind to wander to. I don't schedule Posts or have a single Post sitting in "Draft" form. I just sit at my desk and write something and then hit publish. This means that when I look back on old Posts I am often very confronted by what I've written and generally cringe my way through the Post wanting to re-write the entire thing. I now never read back over old Posts! Having Posts in "Draft" would also cause stress in the same way Pinning ideas on Pinterest or a having a Queue of projects on Ravelry would in that I know I don't have the time to do anything other than what I can do right now!

EDIT: I'm passing the baton over to the lovely Katie from Life With The Crew who writes about her life in Pennsylvania with her sweet little girl and menagerie of animals.




50 comments :

  1. Mel, I've loved reading about why you blog and the processes involved. I feel much the same in terms of just how much blogging has changed since I started and how at times you begin to question what you have to contribute to blogland. And time and time again I am reminded by these people in this house that they are the reason I do it, my greatest fans, my family. I too have an empty drafts folder, and instead my posts revolve around whatever images happen to be captured on my camera. I love reading about your beautiful family, and your writing is very warm and welcoming. Don't ever stop!

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  2. I love this post, Mel. I love your space, your family and the place you live. You manage to make the ordinary beautiful. That's why you've been one of my favourite blogs since I started blogging myself 18 months ago. Just keep on doing what you do. Please. Xx

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    1. What a nice thing to say Deborah, thank you so much! x

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  3. The about me page is one of the very hardest to write, oddly enough it is also my most visited page. I should probably review what is on mine.

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    1. How interesting that it's the most visited page! I really need to get onto it!!! x

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  4. Everything you've written is exactly why I love your blog. I admire you for going against the grain and staying true to yourself.

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    1. I really wasn't fishing for compliments but thank you for the lovely feedback all the same. I think it was good timing for me to reassess why I blog as I had started to doubt what I was doing :-) x

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  5. Such a lovely post Mel. I agree with all your sentiments about blogging. I haven't been blogging for as long as you, but even I have noticed these new topics of building traffic and the like. SEO is another one I hear about a lot. I really blog for the connections and enjoyment of it. That's it. I've been lucky to steer clear of any negativity on my blog, and hopefully maybe I'm naive to say I hope it stays that way!! x

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    1. I'm sure it will stay that way! Your blog is fabulous! I should've said that SEO and all this type of information is super useful (essential even) if you want to earn money from your blog or further your reach etc. I've just noticed lately there has been a massive influx of Posts on these topics landing in my inbox compared to 3 years ago and it's not really stuff I need to be reading for the purpose of my blog. x

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  6. I've enjoyed following along with your blog for quite a while now. I really enjoy a well-written blog, and you have such a clear writing style that it's a pleasure to pop in for a chat. You have a real talent for sharing the funny and not so pleasant parts of life, and have a great sense of humour. I'm glad you've decided to continue with the blogging, as it did sound like you might give it up for a while there. One night in a saddened state I deleted my "about me" and photo, and I've yet to get it all back on my blog ... it's a time issue. There are a lot of bloggers out there who would like to guide us into writing better blogs for whatever reason. The one that annoys me the most is the growing sense that a blog should have a theme. A blog is essentially a journal, and in my journal I write what inspires me at the moment, but with photos. More fun to let loose and pick a topic, any topic! Have a great week Mel :) Wendy x

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    1. Yes, whenever I sit down to do an "about me" page I then think, well I could be doing a proper Post instead and so never get it done. As for themes, well I like blogs that have a niche like cooking blogs for recipes or crafting blogs for craft ideas but it's hard to pigeonhole yourself into a theme if you are doing a general personal blog like mine which covers anything and everything, unless you want to of course! :-)

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  7. Seven years of blogging for me and I know it's changed since I started. If you don't mind passing the baton to a relatively new visitor to your blog, then I'd like the chance to answer the questions. I blog at Angel Jem's City Cottage on blogspot and I will return with a link to my post soon.

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  8. This is very insightful, I enjoy reading about the family lives of other people as sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in my own and it's good to know that someone else out there is sometimes feeling the same!

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    1. This is one of the best things about blogging I think, it's a great leveller. In the end, regardless of where we all are in the world, there are more similarities I think than differences x

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  9. Back again. I did my post on my blog; Here it is;
    http://angeljemscitycottage.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/why-i-write-angel-jems-city-cottage.html
    Hope to see you soon x

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  10. This a lovely reflection of your motivations to write Mel. Thank you so much for participating, I am glad I passed the baton on to you. I enjoy reading about your family and your life. I used to have pen pals all over the world and my blog pretty much replaces this need to communicate with the world by letter (it would be nice to send and receive letters though). My son has pen pals now, only they email! We live in a changing world and sometimes I am overwhelmed by it all. I like coming back to my favourite blogs for a bit of grounding. Have a lovely week Mel. x

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    1. Thanks Christina, I'm so glad you did pass the baton! We do live in a changing world, the whole social media things with the Kids is something I need to get my head around!!! x

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  11. Hey Mel,

    Genuine. Those blogs that teach us nothing.

    Leanne xx

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    1. I don't think I've ever felt so flattered to have my blog referred to as one that doesn't teach anyone anything - ha ha! x

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  12. I just hit the publish button on my blog and then visited here to find the same thing! I didn't find anyone to join either.
    The best blogs that I read (and obviously that includes this one) are those without an agenda, that feel as though we're chatting around the kitchen table amongst the clutter of family life as we veer from one topic to another - sometimes happy, sometimes a little down, telling stories, perhaps passing on a hint or recipe or just discussing life. And in your case, gazing through the windows at the fabulous view.
    Keep up the good work.

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  13. I'm glad you've kept blogging. I enjoy what you share here. I don't know much about the issues you're talking about, but maybe I'm not privy to those discussions. In any case, I think it's easy to fall into the trap of worrying what others think and it's just human nature. But the fact that you're rising above it says a lot about you. Thanks for a good read.

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    1. So easy to fall into that trap and so annoying! I think it's probably an Australian thing that's happening just at the moment. I joined a couple of Blogging groups and forums thinking they'd be quite fun and social but the focus is all on the business side of blogging which is a fantastic resource and support for those on that path but not so much if you're not. x

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  14. firstly, I have been meaning to say how much I like your header, with the little graphic hill and seat and name, its BRILLIANT. And as for the blog, I say tune out the other stuff, its YOUR blog, and YOUR story. I most like the ones that tell the stories, record the memories your little world. I love how we can find connections with people that are so far removed in distance but are of like minds. And without the blogs, a lot of that wouldn't happen!

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    1. I agree, blogs have so much value beyond the potential to make money and that's what I'm most interested in too, thanks Sharon x

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  15. I always love reading your blog, Mel, and hope you continue feeling the joy of blogging. I've been blogging for over 6 years and I love looking back over my posts and seeing how our family has changed and grown and how my thoughts have progressed. Please keep doing what you are doing!

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    1. I will, thanks Fiona! 6 years seems like a long time to be blogging but the last 3 years went by in a flash so no doubt the next 3 will too x

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  16. http://sevenlittleaustralians.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/why-i-write.html
    Thanks for tagging;) joined in the fun:) Loved reading your processes. I often write in my head too when alone, no voices clamouring at us I guess. Though as we are on tank water have to think fast in the shower;)

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  17. Mel, I am a late comer to your blog which is disgraceful on my part given we have a farm across the valley from you. I am sooo glad you haven't given up. I love the freshness of your words, the sensitivity in your pics and the fact that you give everything a go. (green with envy at your broadbeans) I'm a novelist but my blog is an escape for me - it barely registers on anyone's radar but it is my escape from literary research and from the rules of writing fiction. It's like sitting on the top of the hill at the farm and looking out across Pittwater! Keep up the good work and well done, you!!!

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    1. Hello Prue! A local, what a treat! I think you have just articulated in one sentence what I was trying to say in my longwinded essay above - I just want to blog without feeling like I need to follow any rules. I want it to remain the enjoyable hobby that it started out as and it is a creative outlet and 'escape' for me too. Thank you so much for popping in and leaving these words of encouragement x

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  18. I think the ipad ate my last comment!
    I'm not like the direction lots of blogging is going - all cliques and businessy and making a brand - I'm finding much more story telling and sharing on IG - and its so much easier to engage in in 5 minute bursts
    That said - the blogs that teach me nothing are still where I like to be when I visit blog land - and why I keep coming back

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    1. Hi Ally, love following your European Vacation on IG - so great!! x

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  19. Love your thoughts on this! And I love that you write because you love it! Not much better than that! Also, I am so in awe that your husband reads and compliments you on your blog - so beautiful and wish mine did :) Like you, I find myself writing posts in my head, and I also refuse to join the masses - I blog when my heart and mind align and it just feels right! xx

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    1. Hi Elisa, thanks so much for popping in, sounds like we are on similar blogging paths, Mel x

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  20. Hi Mel, sorry that you're thinking I was one of those bloggers who weren't interested in continuing the blog hop - I just didn't check my email for a couple days! I've been reading some other blogger's posts about why they write and have found it really interesting. I'd love to join in!

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    1. Not at all Katie! My fault for not saying exactly when I was publishing my Post, sorry!!! I've updated my Post :-) Mel x

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  21. Hi Mel, a great post! Yours is one of my favourite blogs and I love 'popping in' to see what you and your clan have been up to across Bass Straight!
    Like you, I have blogged for three years and the photographs I take, things we do, what we cook, what I'm loving and family milestones all form part of the modern day 'baby book' that is my blog...no niche just us. As a primary school teacher come SAHM my blog is a creative outlet and a space just for me. Your writing is so honest and genuine, keep doing what you're doing! Have a great weekend! x Dre

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  22. Hi Mel, what a lovely post! I fall in and out of love with blogging all the time. Usually when that happens I take a break from it. I'm not interested in the stats or making money from my blog, I just really enjoy reading other blogs and connecting with people. Have a great weekend! x

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  23. Yes, put the blinkers on, and I will put mine on too! Whenever I worry my blog is not cool enough, or my IG feed not fabulous enough, I remember why I started it in the first place, and try to be true to myself (God that sounds wanky, sorry) and then I sort get my head together. Sounds like you have too. Your blog is never anything but wonderful, and wonderfully YOU. I really enjoyed your post, it's so nice to read more about how and why you write. And bless your lovely husband for reading your blog, I don't think John has ever read mine! x

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  24. I've noticed before that from time to time various moods, for want of a better word, affect blogging and bloggers, some good, some bad. All part of the blogging life's rich tapestry but it's always good to see folk unlucky enough to have been swept up by them emerge safely from the rapids.

    You know I love your blog Mel, so I'm glad you're feeling the love again too x

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  25. Wonderfully written and expressed Mel. You know I share your thoughts on this topic and am so glad you are comfortable in your decisions about your blogging path from this point forward. I adore your posts... don't change a thing!! So glad there is another blogger out there blogging simply because they enjoy writing, sharing and connecting with others xx

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  26. I'm with you on the follow the herd/conformity/build following/how to blog stuff. I too blog mainly for me, and partly to share and engage with a small community of like minded people.
    I look at all the super blogs and it all just looks like hard work. I don't think I would enjoy it so much if it was an income source...too much pressure.
    Anyway, I've enjoyed reading this post, and happy to discover this blog. x

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  27. I love reading this Mel! I love how matter-of-fact and comfortable you are with the why and the what and the what-you're-not. I love reading your words and insights so much. X

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  28. You have nailed it in terms of why many of us started blogging and continued to do so. My lack of recent bloodiness is just lack of time now I have a job and lack of access to a computer when I'm home due to my other job- the fabulous five. I think I read somewhere that you had found some of your blog friends weren't following you. I hope I'm not one. I can't find a spot on your site to check if I am or to sign on again except as bloglovin'! So techno unsavvy, I am!

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  29. I'm loving reading this why I write blog hop as it travels the world, your post is wonderful, full of sincerity and I know exactly how you feel about all the "advice", sometimes I want to remame my blog "it's my blog and I'll do what I want!" blogs like yours that our like conversations are my favourite kind and it's the perfect way to describe it x

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