A pleasant surprise greeted me as I visited Jordan McCollum’s blog this morning — a review of my own blog. I am very grateful to have Jordan’s and Kathleen MacIver’s professional evaluation and suggestions. I’ll be giving them serious consideration and looking at ways to improve the effectiveness of how I communicate via my blogging. Drop by Jordan’s blog and see what they say. Then let me know what you think.
Why do you read my Musings? What other content would you like to find here?
MUSINGS 
Wow! This was terrific and very informative. I enjoyed it very much.
I like reading you because you’re a Canadian writer and you seem so darn nice..But I guess that’s not very helpful.
I do like reading about other people’s writing and publishing experiences, however and what they are working.
Good point. I think it’s because you are Canadian, you’re interested in the world, you don’t preach, you post such beautiful photos, and…
You’re reflective and thoughtful.
There’s more, but I’ve gone blank.
Thanks, Laura and Joylene. I appreciate your comments. I guess I take being a Canadian writer for granted, but then that’s one of the things that appeals to me as I follow your blogs, too. It also may be one of the things that becomes a disadvantage when I start looking for a publisher because my novels are all set in Canada. Time will tell.
I visit in spite of the fact that you’re Canadian – How’s that! Seriously – I read your blog because it’s down to earth & you make good points without being preachy. It’s also entertaining – I like the pics & your observations in general. Finding a blog purpose is not that easy. I’ve struggled with that issue enough of late to the point where I’m thinking of bailing out altogether & just devote the time to life & writing. There’s no way I’ll attempt to give writing advice & to simply use my blog for endless promotion would be a total drag for everyone – me included.
I hope you won’t let the suggestion of a having a purpose discourage you from continuing your blogging. I’m convinced that not every blog has to have a specific niche or aim for wide circulation. Sometimes it’s enough to be an outlet for opinions and other bits of creative writing that we’re willing to share with online friends. Those snippets help keep our writing fresh, and that’s bound to benefit our novels, too. Blogging doesn’t have to be all about self-promotion; it also provides an important opportunity for interaction, encouragement and sharing. *climbing off my soapbox now* 😉
I read your blog because I love the pictures and your writing style is enjoyable. You are always friendly and helpful, and I like it that you respond to the people who comment on your blog. I also enjoy reading about what it’s like to live in Canada.
I’m not sure about your blog’s purpose–but it is exactly what I enjoy reading. 🙂
Carol Benedict
Thanks, Carol. I told Jordan and Kathleen that my only purpose right now is to gain confidence putting my writing out where people can see it. Becoming better known and gaining a wider readership may be desirable in the long run, but, as I said to Dave, sometimes it’s enough if our blogging provides us with a creative outlet — a way to “prime the pump” and stimulate the flow of thoughts and words — and maybe get encouragement from others who are working their way along the writer’s path, too.
Wow. Where did you find these blog critiquers or how did they find you?
I simply like reading the blogs of other writers that aren’t too long-winded or those that post chapters of their book.
I don’t mind reading other writers work, but when I have to go back 10 posts to the beginning … well, who has the time?
I’m with you. I keep mum on my book until it’s actually time to promote it. I’m afraid any excerpts or whatnot might be considered already published.
Hi Tricia. I didn’t realize Jordan was in website marketing until she did a guest post for Nathan Bransford a couple months ago. We’ve been following each other’s blogs for a while, I guess just because we’re both aspiring authors.
Thanks for your feedback. I don’t know if brief excerpts of a novel would actually be considered as publication, but my reason for not posting any is because they may come back to haunt me when the final published material differs significantly from the old excerpts!