This is my premier blog, the first one I have ever attempted. I'm late to the game because honestly, blogging does not come naturally to me, which is odd because I have opinions about everything. But I've been told that blogs meant to promote a book or an author should never contain that author's real opinions. They should be whitewashed and sugar-coated, sanitized for public consumption – and that is the main reason I have always avoided blog writing.
If I have to write about the weather or my vacation or the pearls of wisdom I discovered while writing my latest book, then forget it. I'll be bored writing it, so I can only imagine that people will be bored reading it. Yet, if I write what I really think about politics, religion, ethics or anything else that I like to discuss, then I risk alienating people in a way that only body odour was formerly able to accomplish.
That's why I'm hesitating even now, labouring over the keys and holding back my thoughts as though they were a sneeze, set to explode all over my monitor, leaving a sticky mess behind.To blog the truth, or to blog pleasantries, that's the question. What think you?
If I have to write about the weather or my vacation or the pearls of wisdom I discovered while writing my latest book, then forget it. I'll be bored writing it, so I can only imagine that people will be bored reading it. Yet, if I write what I really think about politics, religion, ethics or anything else that I like to discuss, then I risk alienating people in a way that only body odour was formerly able to accomplish.
That's why I'm hesitating even now, labouring over the keys and holding back my thoughts as though they were a sneeze, set to explode all over my monitor, leaving a sticky mess behind.To blog the truth, or to blog pleasantries, that's the question. What think you?
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Welcome to blogging. Personally, I find it a terrific way to find your voice on topics, share insights, learn, connect and yes, sometimes get a few people offside. But what's wrong with that? I say that if you can say it face to face, you can write about it in your blog. We all have opinions and should be free to express them and that's part of the beauty of the web, it gives us all a platform to do so.Remember, "if we don't stand for something, we may just fall for anything". My advice, be honest, be open, be transparent, be provocative...in short, blog like you mean it!
I agree with you. Blogging about politics or the social highlights of the day can mean the loss of a fan or fans. I learned that at a book signing when I made what I thought was a funny remark on someone in the headlines. The reader standing at my table put the book down and immediately let me know my opinion was not wanted. It’s a very fine line but one that you may be able to walk if you share your thoughts the way you did in this blog. A great start. Getting the discussion started sometimes make the most interesting blogs. Although, I do hope you reconsider sharing your knowledge of the process -- we all want to learn the secrets to success!
