I breathed a sigh of freedom. Finally, I can write whatever I want and publish it the same day. For a moment, I felt like I landed a New York Times bestseller.
The next moment, I cringed. Almost visibly. My ideas are half-baked and unedited and I’m putting it out there for anyone to read. What was I thinking? Or was I thinking?
In paid publications, an editor cuts what is best left out of the story.
Like the editor who edited out wagnanimous mainly because it’s not a word, but also because it was too cutesy for the article.
Another editor cut a paragraph in half when I rambled.
Still another cut the story in half. I’m exaggerating to make a point.
That point is, when my writing goes live on my blog, there’s no one to stop me. I’m a free bird, but that doesn’t mean my writing’s going to fly.
I included wagnanimous in a post, but had second thoughts, so I asked my husband.
“Is wagnanimous a silly word? I don’t want my blog to sound silly.”
He raised his eyebrow.
What did that mean?
“And the post about Sandra Bullock and Jesse James? Should I trash it?”
He stared ahead.
Was that a yes or a no?
What about criticism?
I blog about everyday life lessons. Neutral enough, I hope. But I bet sometime, in some blog, I’m going to offend someone. Or I’m going to contradict myself because I change my mind. Or the reader is going to make a valid point, and why didn’t I think of that?
Someone could take a post personally when I didn’t have them in mind at all. I might sound like a know-it-all, or worse, like I have no idea what I’m talking about.
What’s going around in your head?
WRite wHere I’m supposed to be – My ideas and my blog are half-baked, at best. Which brings to mind, my best is good enough and so is yours. Deal?
I\’ve read that part of the draw of blogs, for many readers, is the sense of fresh immediate authentic writing as opposed to over-processed, over-edited, already been chewed writing found in other mediums. That\’s not an argument for sloppy writing or rambling but what works on blogs is not the same as what works in magazines or print. I\’m just saying . . .
Hey Lori, So glad you dropped by. It doesn\’t get any fresher than half-baked, now does it? : )
I like your choice of works \”over-processed\” and \”already been chewed\”… speaking of food.
I agree with Lori above – good blogs usually offer up a fresh viewpoint. But, since I am getting close to getting my website and blog up and running I can relate to your anxiety. I actually said aloud last night, \”What was I thinking? Who is going to care (or want to read) what I will be writing about?\” I find your blog very entertaining – so keep it up!
Thanks, Agnes. You\’re a wonderful encourager. I\’d love to read your writing so when your website and blog are up and running, please let me know. I\’ll be there!
Your editor thinks you are doing a great job. I would highly recommend The Village Baker in Pendleton, SC
Oh, man, Mr. Edtior – how\’d I forget the Village Baker??? Thanks for all your help. You\’re the best!
Kim, your blog is always fresh and bursting with great insight! I love your transparency – you just write what the rest of us feel. Keep up the good work!
Edie, thanks for the encouragement. In the Writer\’s Digest interview with Jerry B. Jenkins, he commented that his wife said she is going to put on his tombstone, \”Never an unpublished thought.\” I think I\’ll add that as one of my goals. : )