Joining the conversation
Meaningful conversation is an art. Blog posts are meaningful conversations in a written form. Therefore blog writing is an art, right? This is the part where I stress myself out. For anyone who read my last post (and remembers it), I discussed the pressure that I put on myself, and the resulting writer’s block that descends on me, every time I think about formulating a worthwhile post. I’ve finally figured out why.
As I just pointed out, creating a successful blog isn’t just about writing, it’s about having a conversation. Therein lies my problem. I am an introvert. Tried and true. Starting conversations doesn’t come naturally to me. Strangely enough, I am married to one of the most conversationally, animated extroverts you could ever meet. (I envision my husband smirking at my description of him. At least he will be when he reads this…because he will read it. He’s good like that! But I digress.) Unlike me, who has been labeled in the past as (gasp) ‘snobby’ for my lack of banter, my husband could strike up a conversation with any stranger and have that person remember him ten years from now.
The point of my observation is this…friendly, genuine conversation is memorable and attracts people. It is one of the basic qualities of being successful and respected, maybe even highly admired. All of those attributes I wish for every time I sit down to write a blog post…before I end up turning off the computer without ever writing a word.
As an author I love the freeing, creative experience of my stories, withdrawing into my own little world for hours at a time, heck even days at a time if I’m on a roll. It appeals to my personal nature. I find the writing process fairly easy. But blog writing is different. At least I perceive it that way. It takes finesse. A sense of knowing the current trend of people’s interests and sharing it in a noteworthy way. A gift some people possess naturally, but I am determined to learn. I share my life with the best teacher after all. It’s a funny thing. You’d think that after being together for almost 27 years (we starting dating at the age of 14!) that he would have eventually converted me over to the ‘social’ side. I’d like to believe there’s still hope for me yet.
As I wrap up this post I have to say I am feeling amazingly empowered and encouraged about my future as a blog writer. I look forward to sharing my journey with new readers and followers, developing my writing and the conversational side of myself that’s been hidden for…well, let’s just say too many years to count. I am excited to finally be the one starting the conversations and maybe, just maybe, I’ll never shut up!
