Beginnings are always hard. Starting anything, from a new year, to a new job, to a new day, can take so much out of a person mentally and physically. Take this blog for instance. I have wanted to start a blog for a long, long time. But I’ve put off starting one for a long, long time, too. Being a procrastinator probably has something to do with it, but I think fear has impacted the delay a lot more.
I love writing. I really do. But not too many people have seen my work. I’ve always been worried that they won’t find it interesting, or just read it and say it’s good to humor me. And that fear has sat on my shoulder and whispered into my ear for years. Whispered “you’re not good enough. No one will like what you have to say. Your words are all things that have been said before, why bother?”
I’m terrified as I write this. I don’t know the first thing about blogging. I don’t know what a ‘plugin’ is, or even really how to post this. I’m sure I’ll look back on this post in a couple years and be unbearably embarrassed. But I have listed to my voice of fear for too long. So this is the year that I’m telling that voice to shut up. This year I will write. I will blog. I will say what I want to say. And if you don’t find it interesting, that’s okay. But maybe someone will.
So here’s to a new year, a new day, and a new opportunity to try something hard.
Congratulations! Bon voyage! you will be just fine. Tell your little voice to shut up. You’ve made a start – now continue. Maybe set a modest goal of one post per week? or per month? your schedule must suit YOU.
Here’s a tip: initially keep your posts short: 500 – 800 words is plenty.
Always include 1 picture per post – they’re eye catching & add interest.
I’ve been blogging for 8 years now, and I’ve had lots of fun, and found my space in the Blogoverse, particularly in the Bookish community.
Enjoy!
I’m going to start with one post per month for a little, but I hope to work up to one a week.
I really appreciate your advice, I know you have some great experience!
Xx
Hiya, Megan! Well, wowee, you’ve done it at last. Congratulations for getting round to it in your busy life.
Don’t worry. Just continue writing and posting pictures and so on as you did in your Mumbles broadsheet. It’s just the same really and you’ll soon get the hang of it. And those of us who know your writing don’t just say it is good if we don’t feel it is. You can count me as one of your honest fans. And to start with, remember, you write to please yourself, no one else. If you enjoy the stories you write then you can bet there will be others out there who also like them. One doesn’t write to please others – each story is in your head and heart, no one else’s. When you write THE END, it is a great feeling, and at that point your story is really precious to you, Not to be touched by anyone. You save it with satisfaction and sit on it for however long you need. Then when you feel you can let it out into the world at large, that is the time to start editing and polishing for others to enjoy. Of course you’ll have the ones who don’t like your work, but isn’t that life? Just let them move on along to someone whose work they do enjoy. If they comment disparagingly here the bonus is that you can delete their comments and block them, heheh.
Just remember to write in your blog on a regular basis so you build a fan base. It does not matter if it is only once a month, but try and make it a regular date so people get to know more or less when you will post. And with something like a blog, you can write odd bits and pieces during that month and save those as drafts for when you do your full post and publish it. Kind of like a diary.
Love you too, good luck
from me and PC
down by the sea shore
xx
Thank you! I always worry that people just say my writing is good because they don’t want to hurt my feelings. Honest feedback is always appreciated! I’m gonna keep posting once a month on the first Saturday, like I did with the newsletter, but I hope to reach a point where I can post more often.
As for social media, I’ll definitely follow your advise!
Xx
Oh, and when you do blog, announce it on your media streams like FB, Twitter and so on. That will send peeps to your blog.
Good on you Megan, you go Girl 😀 As one who has been privileged to read your writing, trust me, you have nothing to worry about. And I look forward to reading more. Mwah!
^-^
Xx
Hiya Megan
I was missing your “Megan’s Mumbles” and although I am not a blog fan (despite that fact that I love writing and also spend a lot of time online), its good to read that you have finally achieved one of your goals. I would prefer your original Mumbles as it was ‘reader’ friendly. But I will endeavour to work my way around your blog.
I will follow you on Facebook so please add me to your blog site.
Hi!
I’m going to try keep my blog as close to my newsletter as possible. I just have to figure out how to put more pictures in! I do appreciate your willingness to stick with me despite the format change. ^-^
Xx
Congratulations! I was so pleased to receive your email announcing your new blog! I’ve known for as long as I’ve known you that you want to be a writer (one of the first things Pete told us about you, before we even met you). It’s pretty hard to become a professional writer without writing on a regular basis and I have no doubt you’re going to be a fantastic writer because you already are. Please add to your blog often–your “mumbles” are a delight to read.
Thank you so much! I do intend to blog regularly, although it may take me some time to work up to a weekly basis.
Xx
Congratulations baby girl! So proud of you!