Ever wonder how hard it is to write a blog? I field about five inquiries a year that go along these lines:
"Jan, I'm thinking of starting a blog."
"Oh, really? What are you going to write about?"
(At this point, there's a bit of attrition)
"I don't know..... I just thought it would be fun... Don't you need another drink? Let me get that for you."
"Thanks."
(Sometimes, though, I get an ACTUAL ANSWER)
"I was thinking I'd write about (motorcycles) (puppies) (my children) (music) (kittens) (my grandchildren) (my house) (my garden) (books I've read) (my......)
(Well, you get the point.)
"Could be interesting."
"Jan, how do you think I should start?"
"Well, write 1000 to 1500 words once a week for three months."
(At this point, there's usually something like disbelief.)
"What do you mean? Like, write that much EVERY WEEK!"
"Ummm, yes, having a blog means you actually have to write regularly."
"Oh, WOW! I didn't think it would be like THAT....."
"Let me know if I can help you with any other tips."
"Oh, yeah, I've got to think about this. Thanks."
(Having written 376 blog entries, including this one, I just smile and nod.)
I went to an art show today, and as I was visiting with some of the artists, one asked me if I was an artist. I paused, and said, "Yes, but I work in thread. I have about 100 original pieces I've designed and executed." At which point, no one understood my medium, but I'm used to that reaction. (All these folks were painters.) I just keep producing.
These 'I want to write a blog' conversations started me thinking about productivity. All art is about productivity. Anything else is just posturing. If you think I'm slacking on my blog entries, it's because I find myself writing six to eight letters a week, a few 'how to' manuals for the uber elderly so they can interface with the mysterious world of electronics, and editing someone else's work.
Something I've been thinking about is I want my blog entries for the next few months to be less experiential and more contemplative. (Less of I went, saw, did, and more I think.) These are difficult to write since it takes much, much more effort from beginning to end to produce those 1500 words. Hopefully, you will enjoy this bent. Oh, but never fear my baseball fans, I will do my annual Spring Training Report from the Texas Ranger's Camp.
