I have a confession to make. I hate blogging. (You’d probably already figured that out, given that my blog hasn’t been updated since last July.) But blogging seems to be expected of writers these days, along with a lot of other things that didn’t even exist back when my first novel,
Wrong-Way Romance, was published in 1991. But while I don’t mind Facebook, for instance—in fact, it’s fun to share book covers, reviews, etc. with readers—I begrudge every minute I spend writing blog entries, including this one. For one thing, I don’t think my life is so thrilling that people would want to read about it every week. (I’m reminded of the cell phone commercial from years ago, in which a man “tweets” such thrilling tidbits as “I’m sitting on the porch,” much to the chagrin of his mortified teenaged children.)
More than that, though, if I’m writing, I want to be WRITING. There are only so many hours a day that I can devote to it, and I’d much rather spend those hours writing a book than a blog. In other words, I’d rather be living the writing life than waxing philosophical about it.
In fact, lately I’ve been so consumed with my characters that when I’m not writing about them, I’ve started drawing them. I haven’t done any freehand sketching in years, but for some reason I decided to give it a whirl. I used to draw a lot when I was younger, but to my frustration, I couldn’t draw anything realistically; everything I drew had a cartoony look to it. With the rise of manga, however, I decided that cartooniness might actually be a good thing. And so I drew this sketch of John Pickett and his Lady Fieldhurst, from the mystery series.
And it was FUN! So much fun, in fact, that I drew another, this one considerably . . . warmer. (When I texted it to my younger sister, she promptly texted back, “Oh, get a room!”)
So, I’ve fulfilled my writerly duty and updated my blog. Now it’s your turn: do you blog? If so, what do you find to write about? Do you read blogs? Obviously you’re reading this one, but why? What do you think of authors on social media—do you enjoy getting an inside look at what their lives are like, or would you rather they spent that time working on their next book? Do my sketches look anything like you imagined John Pickett and Lady Fieldhurst, or do you think I should put the colored pencils down and stick to writing? Inquiring minds want to know!
Much truth here! I have just not been able to keep my blog going. I’ve enjoyed guest-blogging for fellow authors, and if I were on top of things, I might invite guests to blog for me. But I’m with you; when I have time to write, I want to be writing something besides my blog. But, yes, it does seem to be expected.
Phyllis, I like guest blogging, too. There’s not the burden of constantly coming up with new topics, for one thing; for another (and more importantly) I’m able to reach people who might not have heard of me before.
Sheri, I think your post is dead on! I like the social aspect of blogging, but coming up with topics is hard (and I’ve just started my blog)! I already have visions of being forced to write screeds about washing my car or how I hate macaroni. I’m amazed and impressed with the writers who fire off interesting blog posts on a regular schedule. I enjoyed your post, though–I’ve never seen anyone admit they hate blogging before. A new era of honesty dawns! 🙂 Good for you!
Allan, I feel your pain! Although I am looking forward to reading what you have to say about macaroni . . . 😉
Loved your blog! And your drawings, too. I loathe blogging, but I do a blog once a month. Torture. But your blog is fun!
Boy, did I hit a nerve, or what??? I didn’t realize there were so many of us who felt that way!
Love it that you enjoy the artwork as well as the writing aspect! Me too. It creates a sense of intimacy with the characters most writers can only imagine! 😉
Well, I’m having fun with it, anyway. It’s been fun rediscovering something I’d put away for a long time.
I know exactly how you feel. My postings are erratic at best, but sometimes I have an idea that won’t work as a short story so it ends up as a blog. But I’ve learned not to spend a lot of time on it. The best part is finding photographs to use. Like you, I have another art form that I enjoy, in my case, photography.
I think blogging short fiction is a great idea! And it’s cool about the photography. It seems to me that most creative people are creative in more than one way.
Hi Sheri — putting your drawings on your blog was a great idea. It’s bits and pieces like that I love to read about a writer’s writing life.
I have a blog and like to mix it up with a book review, a writerly link day, a personal philosophy day, a guest blogger, and a day when I just ramble about stuff. A long time ago I decided I wouldn’t spend time telling other people how to write because there are so many others doing that already. My blog is a way for friends and readers to get to know me better and a way to help support other writers.
I think this is a good idea, having lots of different stuff on your blog. I did an interview with Gary Corby (author of a wonderful–and hilarious–series of mysteries set in ancient Greece), and got extra mileage out of it when he posted links to it on his own blog, Facebook page, etc. As far as “how to write” blogs, I attended a workshop once where the speaker warned that the only people who would be interested in those blogs were other writers, and that writers who blog should make sure their entries appeal to readers, or potential readers. Made sense to me!
Right on! I blog for LadyKillers every other week and dread it. I struggle with the themes we’re assigned. So why do I do it? Does anyone read it? Who knows. You could have another career in art. I LOVED your pictures.
I know of some research-related blogs that are very helpful (especially those pertaining to historical topics), but I would hate to have to commit to the kind of research that would have to go into writing such a blog entry! As for writing on an assigned topic, the very thought gives me cold chills. Like being back in college–yikes!
I must admit I clicked on your blog page as I was wondering if you had left any hints about John’s chances of future happiness with his lady (having just finished Dinner Most Deadly, and getting rather too emotionally involved in it!) and had to grin to myself when you admitted to hating blogging. I am a writer (of sorts) but cannot think of anything worse than having to write a blog about myself and my doings (which are likely to interest nobody). Oh, one last thing, I loved the drawings. Spot on. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Vivienne! Thanks for visiting. I told my 22-year-old son that Dinner Most Deadly was my “The Empire Strikes Back” book: I still remember how appalled we all were with the way it ended, and the fact that we would have to wait for several YEARS to find out what happened next! Thankfully, the wait won’t be so long for John & Julia. My publisher has scheduled the next book for March 2016–only about 6 months, as opposed to the more typical 10-12. And I think you’ll like the ending of Too Hot to Handel much better. 😉