Why I write

Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Permalink

Non bloggers will be bewildered. Or you know… not care at all. But bloggers will now be familiar with the blog hop thingy going around. Akin to the flu or measles. ‘Cept less debilitating.

I’ve been tagged by the lovely Lee-Anne to share ‘Why I write’. It’s actually come at a good time as it forced me to (properly) consider some stuff I’ve been pondering over recent weeks. And – for that reason I’ve reordered my questions a little!

True! Source: ontheoldpath.com

True!
Source: ontheoldpath.com

Why do I write?

Short answer: Because I have to!

Longer answer… I think I love writing for the same reason I love reading. I love words. Although I dislike poetry and am not a stylistic writer (I doubt I’ll ever be criticised for being too descriptive) I love the way words fit together. I love phrases and sentences. And – although more so when I was writing speeches and the like – I’m an iambic pentameter freak and tend to be a bit anal about the rhythm of a sentence. (And prone to add a pesky adverb or ten for that very reason!)

I’m not a visual person. At all. And although I’ve got fairly good interpersonal skills, I feel more comfortable writing than speaking.

It’s cathartic. My mind is very busy and writing helps organise my thoughts and provides me with the clarity I often need.

What I’m working on

At the moment – other than some freelance writing and blogging for work / business – the only writing I’m doing are my own blog posts. I’ve written before aboutWhy I blog’ and this hasn’t changed. I love writing and am struggling to work out what (else) I want to write.

However… I’ve recently been considering the direction of my blogging. I did my first and only paid post of the year recently and someone commented negatively about the fact I’d done it (saying it sounded like a promotion. Which of course it was!). I’d clearly marked it with disclaimers but nonetheless the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. Initially quite upset, I eventually realised it probably just clarified something in my mind – that I really wanted my blog to be MINE.

Sure I’ll write newsletters, online content or blog posts for others. But I’ve decided my blog is mine. I’ve also decided that I’m cutting back. I’ve realised blogging will really only ever be a hobby for me ( which is how it began back in January 2009).

pic73

But (or So?) I’m taking a step back. I’m hoping to focus more on ‘other’ writing. I’m going to reopen my Young Adult novel I started years ago, and think more about creative writing opportunities. As an (albeit related) aside… I have to admit the notion of screenwriting really interests me although am not quite sure how to pursue this little fantasy!

How does my writing differ from others in my genre?

In the blogging arena I like to think I don’t take myself too seriously. However, I believe one of my greatest weaknesses (as a blogger) is that I don’t really have a genre. Or rather a blogging niche. Although I experienced great relief on closing my diet blog early this year, I lost a lot of followers and readers.

Debbish is a bit like me. One day it’ll be introspective and I’ll be pondering the meaning of life; and the next I’ll share a sarcastic rant about something fairly inconsequential.

And then there are the book reviews which I’m LOVING. It combines two of my three greatest passions (reading and writing)! I am conscious however, that my biggest weakness on that front is probably also my biggest strength. My self-absorption means that I inject quite a bit of ‘me’ into my reviews. If I was more professional I’d minimise the smart-arse comments and personal anecdotes, but I like to think it makes the reviews a tad more interesting. 😉

How does my writing process work?

When I started my Young Adult novel, I downloaded a template to help me flesh out my somewhat-small idea. It seems that in writing – like in life – I’m a planner. Not a pantser (ie. someone who flies writes by the seat of their pants).

When writing for others I’m fairly methodical in thinking about key messages and the ‘arc’ of the piece. My background in project management (not to mention endless report and briefing note writing while in government) has reinforced the basic structure of ensuring I have conclusions or recommendations or some sense of closure at the end.

Umm yes… What she said!

Umm yes…
What she said.

And yet, when it comes to blogging I’m all over the friggin’ place. Because I’m reading books not due out for months and months (I recently read something due out in November) and I can’t publish the review until just before their release, I’m finally using a planning calendar on my blog.

However, I’m constantly moving things around and have a ridiculously huge number of half-finished blogs. One of the reasons I write is to get something out of my head (and find some clarity to whatever’s plaguing me!). As a result many suddenly-urgent posts have overtaken their planned predecessors.

Of course quite often I later read over the post and wonder what the fuck I was thinking. But… oh well…

Next up?

We’re supposed to tag a few people, but I’m just tagging one – a good blogging friend who I’ve never met in person (though we have skyped!) – Jo from And Anyways... Jo divides her time between her career and family, her blogs and other writing commitments. I know she’s been very busy of late so may need a bit of time for this but… I for one am keen to hear what she’s working on at the moment.

Are you an aspiring writer?
As an aside… Do you believe anyone who ‘writes’ is a writer? 

Linking up with Essentially Jess and the IBOT team today.

40 Comments
  • Jo Tracey
    July 1, 2014

    I’m so pleased you’re about to pick back up on your YA project! Thanks for tagging me…I’ll ponder this one for a few days…:)

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      No worries Jo. I know you’re busy – but keen to hear how your novels and non-fiction astro writing are going.

  • Lee-Anne
    July 1, 2014

    Love your non-nichey eclectic topics – as well as funny, your words ARE stylish. Glad to hear you’re getting back to the YA novel and good luck with it. 🙂 (The writing quotes are great…LOL the meme!!)

  • JM Peace
    July 1, 2014

    Love the quote about likes and comments on blog posts – BRILLIANT. It’s the things you just smash out in a hurry that seem to get the most interest. Good luck with your YA novel 🙂

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      Thanks. And it’s true. When I had two blogs I’d taken painstaking care when writing my Debbish posts, but Diet Schmiet posts would (metaphorically) just spew forth! Because they were so unfiltered and ‘real’ (and almost daily for a year or so) that blog grew much faster!

      Deb

  • Bianca
    July 1, 2014

    Found you through essentially Jess link up this morning!
    Love your work. I love that first quote. It’s so true!

    Bianca xx

  • Kathy
    July 1, 2014

    I enjoy your Debbish thoughts and opinions – I read blogs for insights into people and life, not for formula tips. Good luck with dusting off your young adult novel.

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      Thanks Kathy. I’ve said I was going to do it a few times now. So I REALLY need to follow through. The idea of finishing something (even if it remains in my bottom drawer…. if I had a bottom drawer – have no desk drawers at all as it happens!) is tempting.

  • Renee Wilson
    July 1, 2014

    Good for you for deciding to get back into your young adult novel! You will have to keep us posted with how you go. I write for many of the reasons you do. I too have a busy mind and writing/blogging is the perfect release for it. That quote about the number of likes is hilarious!!! I might have to steal it from you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Dropping in via #teamIBOT.

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      Oh Renee it wasn’t my meme and I couldn’t attribute it to anyone as (when I did an image search) it came up many many times. I remember seeing something similar on FB and guess it works for both!

  • Jody at Six Little Hearts
    July 1, 2014

    I love that quote about not knowing what you think until you read it! That’s me for sure! Thanks for the great read.

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      Thanks Jody – yes that quote was perfect for me too! Writing about something often motivates me. Last week I whinged about needing a new bookshelf and I HAD been meaning to look at a nearby second hand shop. After publishing the post I went and found a damned bookshelf (which I could have done months before). But writing about it kinda committed me to doing something about it!

  • Char
    July 1, 2014

    I think that blogs that incorporate all aspects of life are way more interesting than those that limit themselves to a single topic. Keep being ecpectic and I’ll keep reading.

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      I often think that about your posts Char – running to rocky road to coffee shops to toilet emergencies! 😉

  • Eleise @ A Very Blended Family
    July 1, 2014

    I think it is great that you have decided to make your blog a hobby because it is about you! That means you can keep your authentic voice. I do feel that monetising my blog has made it different and the voice has changed. Thanks for this post, a thought provoking one.

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      Thanks Eleise. It’s been strange as I thought I wanted to monetise etc… but it just hasn’t sat comfortably.

      Deb

  • Lisa
    July 1, 2014

    So glad you are chasing your YA novel dream. My blog has changed so much since I started my blog 2 years ago and I have had mixed reactions with the sponsored content too. I have started writing for other people now which has taken the edge & pressure off my blog to succeed. I earn money next to my blog not on it. Best of luck with your writing. xx

  • EssentiallyJess
    July 1, 2014

    I feel that I have no niche either, and that my blog is different every single time. It would be nice to sometimes say ‘oh I’m this kind of blogger…’ but really all I have to say is ‘I’m Jess…’

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      No you’re not… You’re ESSENTIALLY Jess! 😉

  • Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me
    July 1, 2014

    I can’t believe someone was negative with a sponsored post, what a goose? Anyway I hate to say it, but you know I’m honest but no, I don’t think that everyone what writes is a writer, but I do believe that those who write have the makings of a writer. Just like those who run aren’t always runners, but perhaps runners in the making… I love that you have decided that your blog is just yours!

  • Jodi Gibson (JF Gibson Writer)
    July 1, 2014

    Good luck with getting back to your YA novel Deb. Hope it ignites a new writing spark.

  • Tegan
    July 1, 2014

    I tried to define my niche last year (and some may say that it’s a mental illness blog) but I found myself floundering. I felt stuck, and I love that not tying myself to a niche means that I can write whatever the hell I like!
    Good on you for getting back into your novel!

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      I’m the same – which is the reason I ditched the diet blog and kept Debbish. It felt more authentic – more me. (And yes… that means it’s all over the place!) 😉

  • Susan Lattwein
    July 1, 2014

    Your blog is about life, that’s not a niche thing. 🙂 Love your heartfelt answers, and good luck with the YA novel. My daughter is studying screenwriting as a winter unit at the University of Canberra, and doesn’t the AFTRS do short courses? Do it!! 🙂

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      Will look into it Susan – thanks for the heads up!

  • Caitlin
    July 1, 2014

    I really enjoying reading people’s perspectives on why they write. It’s been good. I need to write mine now, but I think the pickings on who hasn’t done it already is getting slim…

    • Debbish
      July 1, 2014

      It’s interesting that so many people who blog, aspire to be (or are!!!) writers!

  • My Yellow Heart
    July 2, 2014

    Love reading all these perspectives. I love to write but I definitely don’t consider myself a writer. But I enjoy it nonetheless, and in my post for the blog hop, that was my final point. Very jealous that you get to ready books before their release dates and loved your first quote. Having my blog has helped cement my opinions and thoughts about matters through the simple act of writing about them x

    • Debbish
      July 3, 2014

      Oh yes, I find writing SO cathartic – which is why I struggle to write fiction I guess. (I always think that’s weird as I HATE reading non-fiction and only read fiction!).

      Deb

  • Lisa@RandomActsOfZen
    July 2, 2014

    Deb, I love that first quote, it’s exactly how my mind works! Half the time I don’t even know what I’ve written until I press publish.
    Good on you for getting back to your novel, it must be such a good feeling, knowing that’s what you’re meant to do, and going with it.
    As much as I absolutely love to write, I could never comfortably call myself a writer. xx

    • Debbish
      July 3, 2014

      No, I’m the same on the ‘writer’ front. I tend to say I write. I’m okay with calling myself a blogger though. Seems like there’s less rigour around that (which I’m not entirely sure makes sense!)

  • Jess
    July 2, 2014

    I like the eclectic nature of your blog! I really enjoy reading it! I am glad you add in your anecdotes and enjoy your sarcasm and wit! I hope you do finish your YA novel, I can tell you’d be a great book author.

    • Debbish
      July 3, 2014

      Oh Jess, that’s so sweet. Thank you. x

  • Vanessa
    August 10, 2014

    I feel the same way as you about niche-less-ness. For me, it doesn’t feel right to squish myself into one area. Though I have tried to sort of narrow it all down, in reality my blog is just me. And like you, some days it’s serious, some days it’s not. I write because I have to! I’d like to have an income from (or related to) my blog, but I’m not going to sacrifice the way I write for that. I’d rather earn money some other way and enjoy blogging if it comes to that.

    • Debbish
      August 10, 2014

      Yes, knowing that I wanted to keep my blog for my personal use has (sort of) motivated me to start seriously organising myself to approach businesses about online writing (for them. ie. elsewhere!).

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