Shooting At Ducks That Aren’t On the Pond

Okay, maybe it’s just a little bit inflammatory, but I have to wonder, occasionally, what am I doing this for? I know all the marketing reasons. They have little to do with the real reason for this blog. My intent has always been to provide a little help and encouragement to other writers, with a little entertainment along the way.

If the feedback is any judge, ducks are scarce on this pond. Maybe I should just pack up my laptop and go hunt something else.

Then I recall one post that seemed to be exactly what at least one reader needed to find. If I helped that one reader perfect her craft, then it’s worth it.

In thinking about the apparent futility of blogging, I also discovered that I find new energy and encouragement myself in putting these ideas in writing. Going over some of my past offerings is helping me recapture my voice and affirm this vocation of writing. Perhaps I am just enamored of my own words, most writers are. Or, just maybe, I am writing as much for my benefit as for others. Everytime I have taught a class I have learned something, either from my students directly, or by discovery.

Maybe this modern extension of a writer’s world is yet another tool to help us grow in our craft even as we reach out to help others to join us.

So, maybe there aren’t very many ducks on this pond, but the pond is a pleasant interlude whether we find any new ducks or not.