My Life In Blogging

The life of a blogger! Well, it's not that dramatic but it is a part of my life. Why do I do it? The truth is, I began my blog about two years ago, initially because other writers had done so. I was blinded by the world of social media, floundering out of my depth but I quickly found a way through the maze and became gradually more proficient.

Now I continue to write here because it is my therapy. It helps me to unblock my mind, let go to a degree and encourage the words to flow. In a sense, it is almost as good as having a listening ear -a friend, someone or anyone who listens to you ranting and raving about all that is wrong in the world or in your life - or simply someone who listens. Of course I may not have many readers, who knows, but at least I can write here and not be silenced.

It is true that any writing is good for you and you have to exercise your 'writing muscles' just as an athlete has to train for six days each week. It is a constant ritual like the ebb and flow of the tide, becoming part of your daily routine just as eating and breathing are.

The benefits of embracing the world of blogging have been very rich indeed. In my circles I meet readers, book reviewers and published authors as well as writers. It is an eclectic circle and one filled with interesting view points, experiences to draw upon and many useful tips. I know more now about self publishing, approaching agents and also publishers than I did a year ago and I have yet to go down this road. At least I'll be well equipped to do so -I hope.

Best of all, it's wonderful to simply meet new people and to be able to interact with them. Not everyone you meet will keep in touch but if you try to socialize in this media world, you will discover some new friendships that will continue. I love the fact that I have friends around the globe. It's fantastic.

Best of all, my writing is flowing. The novel (or work in progress) is developing nicely. I seem to have a penchant for picking difficult topics. I have yet to write a completely fictional novel. My interest lies in history and this latest topic is certainly complex. I confess that my historical character has proved difficult to portray realistically. Having gathered all of the facts surrounding his life, I am now trying to develop his character and evoke a picture of the man as he once was. There are still people living today who knew this man and remember him vividly and fondly. Having gone to this amount of work I feel a sense of responsibility in doing justice to his memory and it is not easy. One can only work from the accounts of others as to personality, character etc. And so I must have faith in my writing and trust the judgments that I make.

And having said all that I'm now sitting here well aware that one chapter is in the wrong place, another is incomplete and I think one will have to be completely revamped! The joys of editing. Perhaps sometimes the words flow too well allowing the mind to wander off course . . . now, where was I?

I love this quote by Ernest Hemingway:

'There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.' (I agree.)

Then there's input from Anton Chekhov:

'Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.' (that old rule, 'show, don't tell.)

Keep up the good work, writers everywhere.