For the past little while I’ve had a wicked case of blogger’s block. Maybe it’s because I’m prioritizing book news and upcoming events in my desire to get my book out to as many readers as possible (not to mention to see some familiar faces and friends both old and new)!
It’s understandable, this dry spell because – hard to believe – I’ve been blogging since 2007!
We’ve been through a lot, this blog and I. Travel writing, the move to northern Manitoba, my first novel. Not to mention long gaps when I was attending graduate school for my MFA and pouring myself into creative work rather than these posts. Ups and also, of course, life’s cavernous downs: my step-father’s death, my brother’s. Grief, creative uncertainty, hard work, publications, reviews, celebrations, trips, and animals. Of course, the animals.
I suppose it’s been a sort of diary for where-ever I’m at, and that’s been great and useful, but lately I’m feeling like it’s not really working anymore.
I feel like I’m all over the map, writing about creative process, then our new cat, then my mom’s health, my grief, and oh, look, a new book!
While I don’t want to lose my authentic voice and will continue to post about my own complicated feelings around writing process, and probably a bit about my personal life, too, I’m feeling like I want to start focussing this sucker more clearly towards the specifics of what you – my reader – are looking for.
So, in light of this, there will be changes. One change is the new gift that I’m offering to people who sign up. Titled, simply, How To Write, this infographic outlining writing process using useful quotes can be pinned up over your desk to inspire and help you as you proceed with your creative work. If you’re reading this and already a subscriber, you can grab it right here. Do me a favour though? Can you comment a little bit (even one sentence would be great!) in response to the following questions:
What do you want from this blog?
What brought you here in the first place?
What would help you; what would you love to see?
Are you keen to read posts about writing craft, reviews of new (under-reviewed books), creative process, guest posts from other artists, interviews with agents and other writers? Heck, maybe even podcasts? An advice column? Anything else? The sky’s the limit! What would keep you coming back, engaged, excited to visit?
If you look back at the beginning of this blog, at the very first post, you’ll see that it was my brother who suggested that I start it. My brother, Tim, who left a little smiley face right there in the comments (typical big brother: he loved it when I followed his advice).
So, I don’t want to stop blogging despite the fact that in our every-rapidly-changing world even it is becoming a bit like doing macrame these days… I want to keep it going but I want to make it relevant, useful, interesting. Something that will inspire and engage.
Thoughts (and thank you!)
Hi Lauren,
I come to your blog to read about you. I want to know how you’re experiencing the seasons on this prairie land, to know your current curiosities and challenges. Of course, I also come for the surrogate experience of the writer’s life. I love reading about your writing practice and where it takes you; it energizes and inspires. I also love reading about the things – the people, pets, plants and wool that round out your life.
(Thanks for the gift. What a beautiful tool!)
Hi Lauren: I think I started reading your blog when I was considering inviting you to Stories in the North. I love reading about *your* writing journey and all of the ups and downs of your life. (Is there a memoir in the works?) I use your blog as a treat or reward for myself. “Complete X and you’ll get some time to read Lauren’s blog!”
So I guess I’ve come here for your wisdom and your honesty about your writing journey. And sometimes to live vicariously — I loved ‘going with you’ to write in the haunted house!
I agree with Cathy, I’d love to read about what you’re reading and what you are gleaning from it. And yes, some notes on craft — though there are a lot of ‘craft’ sources out there so I’d want the blog to reflect what you are learning and why you think it is important.
Thanks so much for your input, Angie. It’s really helpful 🙂
Lauren I am reading your blog because I am your mom’s friend and she asked me to read it. But after reading Swarm I became a fan of your writing and look forward to reading your recent book. I will see you in Toronto and bring friends to your reading.
Fondly, Aldona
Thanks, Aldona! See you soon 🙂
Hi Lauren,
I’d like to read more about the craft of writing and inspirational quotes. I started following your blog after your reading from Swarm in Calgary. Congratulations on your new book. Do you have any courses coming up this year?
Mohamad
Great input, Mohamad. Thanks! I might be running some online workshops in the new year (probably a weekend afternoon, here or there). I’ll be sure to let you know!
Lauren,
I have followed you since your step-father’s untimely death. lately not so regularly, which is crazy now that we are almost neighbours.
I wish for a community in the rural areas that can find ways to come together to learn, share, and be heard in public.
Hi Ruth: That would be nice. I hope we run into each other sometime! I will certainly keep you posted if I run a workshop or anything else out your way – or, if you happen to be in a reading group and want to do my book I’d definitely love to come for the chat. Take care!
Lauren, I am interested in learning about the craft of writing and am hoping to discover some coverage of that topic in your blog.
Your new book “this has nothing to do with you” compelled me to subscribe. I savoured my reading of it all the way through. It’s a very fine work!
In addition to posts about writing craft, I would love to read book reviews – even of lesser-known books that may have already been in publication for a time.
Thanks for asking for comments on your blog!
Thanks for commenting, Cathy! And for reading the new novel and offering your thoughts 🙂 I will take note of your response here, and maybe I’ll see you in Barrie on November 4th?
Looking forward to it!