I have a question for everyone.
shocking, no?
When you began your blog, did you have an exact idea of what it would be about? Was there a particular theme to the things you planned to post and now that you have been running it for a while did you stick to the original idea?
I went backward through my blog looking for something a few days ago and realised that I have done over five hundred posts. This was supposed to be a book review blog that has now evolved into a everything you can possibly imagine and some stuff you might not want to blog.
You know what? I like it.
So, did you stick to your original plan?
readful things blog 
126 responses to “How the hell did that happen?”
My blog started out as an art blog, that moved to a book blog, that moved to a blog promoting women artists and writers, that has some reviews, but ended up being about the journey, because I think that’s where my truths resonate. Blogs, like all creative endeavors, are organic. They shape us as much as we shape them.
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Excellent thoughts! I think i felt a sense of guilt for going off track, but then I decided it was too much fun to just do random stuff and kept doing it.
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I haven’t been blogging long (so maybe it’ll change) but so far, I’ve stuck to my original idea of a blog ^^ (I’ve had it only a few months though, so who knows how that’ll change).
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You are stronger than I lol
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XD i don’t know about that. but it’s easier to not pollute your blog concept with stuff when you have nothing else to say. lol I’m a stay at home mom.. so my entire day revolves around a very small space.. i don’t usually have a lot of personal stories to tell cause nothing ever happens XD
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Happy Sunday morning, Ionia!
I’m pretty pleased that other than a few days out of the country, I have posted something to be thankful for each day this year. Didn’t really expect that I would keep it up, but I have. But I also have other posts in addition to that. I have so many thoughts and words to get out sometimes. But, still, I’m a talker, not a writer.
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I seem to be going through a “should I post that?” Phase. Where I question everything I write and then delete half of it. Squirrel!
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If you want to post it, you should. Don’t feel constrained by what somebody else thinks
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Thank you. This is why I look to you for advice.
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I just finished Sihpromatum upon your review recommendation. What a great book. Do you know if the rest of the trip is being chronicled? I wanted the book to go on.
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She is working on the next book now:)
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Yay. It was an excellent read
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My blog was originally going to be a vehicle to discuss topics regarding analytical environmental chemistry, and be linked with and add to the web presence of the company that I work for. This was about five years ago and I hardly posted at all. Perhaps that was because I wasn’t that into it. Then earlier this year I decided to switch the emphasis to books, reading and writing, all things that give me pleasure. Since then I have generally been posting regularly and met many interesting people. The experience has been fun and interesting and although my posting regularity has diminished recently I expect that it will return with time. I still find the topics I post about exciting, even if that cannot be said about the content of all of my posts.
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I agree. I have met a lot of wonderful people doing this as well. Who told you that your post content was boring? I will kill her. or him. Who was it, I demand to know.
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It was my girlfriend.
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Oh, I hate that bitch.
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Don’t. Self loathing is so unseemly.
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If I like me enough to feel satisfied I would not need you.
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Well it is good to hear that I have some use, your satisfaction is always my goal.
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I can think of many uses for you. Go mow the lawn.
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I have already done that, you know that. What is next on your interminably long list.
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Do you think I should say it here?
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Of course.
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First, I want you to take those big, strong hands and stretch them out so they are limber. Then, and I really should not say this here…
Get to work scraping up the rest of that sticky tape already.
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Not back to that job again.Will these stairs never be finished?
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What did you think I meant?
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I had a few thoughts, but I was trying to keep it clean for once.
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Only a single x then?
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Absolutely, XXX is special and reserved
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Lol. Surely neither of us has lost enough innocence to qualify for all 3 x’s
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Mmmmm
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Well, you might’ve
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Me? Well I like that, corrupter of the old.
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hello, to me it almost looks like a spirit being pulled into the abyss.
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I love your blog and do look forward to your book reviews, but your image has already been branded in my mind. You are a cute and zany person who is adorable in every way and that comes thorough because you blog so much about so many things. Your sense of humor shows through the minute I click on your blog. If it were “JUST” another book review blog, looking all formal as such, it would be boring. I have about a dozen book review blogs that I follow. Most of them I click through barely reading the title or looking at the cover image, but not yours. I have come to value your opinion because I can see how helpful you are to so many people for so many reasons and that is part of the personality that I love. It is why I always look for and read your reviews. I don’t want you to dare change your fishy theme that got me hooked on reading it…or your profile pic that makes me smile every time I see her quirky smile looking back at me like, “What did you just say?”. i started blogging without a clue. I don’t feel sometimes that my blog is professional enough for me as an author. Then I look at some other author blogs and what they post and I am like, “I am fine just being me, even with my silly blog name”…what’s with this “mybrandofgenius” thing anyway? Read the “About” page. I’ll tell you what: I have been all over wordpress, my two facebook profiles, and Goodreads, trying to get and keep my ducks in a row…and I have decided, FUCK IT! Being paranoid about who might think what about me or who I might offend has stopped me from being me. I hear all of this stuff about properly marketing yourself, and I think, “Man, life is just too short to worry about this many details.” I have come to the conclusion that I am undisciplined, absurd, and genuinely insane…and if I offend anyone, get over it.
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I love your POV! Okay, first of all this comment made me laugh so hard. Second of all, I have to agree. Fuck it. After the great photo incident I sort of stopped caring. I still ponder if I should post what I’m really thinking, but I am learning that me is me, take it or leave it.
One of the things that draws me to you and your writing and overall personality is that I can imagine you being exactly as you are in real life. That is important to me as so many people tend to me someone else at every different venue they choose.
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Thanks. I have been seriously starting to develop multiple personality disorder in trying to keep everything manageable on all of the places that I am supposed to be marketing. Then I found out that the people I “liked” and the ones who “liked” me in a professional group on FB have access to my personal page and comments (even tho I thought that was private) and vice a verse. Weird. Still haven’t figured all of that out yet, but decided…you know what, It really just doesn’t matter.
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Life is too short indeed. Here today and gone tomorrow. Somewhat like the old adage that says you can’t take it with you when you die. Will a FB update really matter in the grande scheme of things?
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My life is an open book 🙂
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My original plan was a limiting one – mostly because I had no idea what I was doing. I’ve managed to expand the concept and plan to keep the format alive (Dialogue with a crazy-a** Pict) while incorporating a wider range of topics. I’m branching off and doing a cooking thing but since that has nothing to do with my writing, it will be its own project/blog. Even if someone is using a blog to help create a brand/platform, having the personality of the creator in it means it will likely go in a few different directions some of the time. I love the place you have here and always look forward to the reviews as well as your poetry, stories, your general posts on life, other bloggers and writing. It all seems to flow together well.
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One of the things I love about your blog is that I never know what I am going to see happen next. It is the suspense I feel when the post is loading that makes me so happy to be there.
I truly appreciate that I have been able to get to know you and share this blogging experience with you.
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Thank you, Ionia! I have to say, I’m looking forward to where you go with this – I like this window into your brain!
PS: Most days *I * have no idea what’s going to happen on the blog – that’s part of the fun of writing it!
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Lol me either with mine.
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Now I want to say…Katie, please don’t go, I was just getting caught up in your D/A thing!
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Oh, I’m not going anywhere – not really! I’m taking a two-week hiatus to work on Parts 2&3 of my book for the July Camp NaNoWriMo. My son is away for the next two weeks doing fun things, so I’m going to don the guise of a writing hermit. I’ll still lurk when I need a bit of a distraction, but I needed to devote my writing to just the book for a little bit – get myself out of a bit of a slump.
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I understand. I was worried that you were offing things for good on your blog and I wouldn’t want to see that!
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🙂 No way! I’m having way too much fun to do that! Plus, D and I have 2 and a half books left to write of his story before he’s exorcised from my brain. We’re good for the long haul! And thank you for reading and finding it a fun place!
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I signed up for WordPress in May, 2011, really had no clue, put up one embarrassing post, and didn’t come back until December 2012. I had a long time in between to think about what a blog was and how to use it. The second time I had a plan, some idea of what I was doing, and much more confidence. It worked much better the second time. Still, my blog changed considerably after my initial posts. I have also spent a great deal of time checking out other blogs. My blog finally evolved into what it is, whatever that is. 🙂
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It is what it is. You really should post instructions on how to assemble and ark though. Some of us need your wisdom.
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I definitely didn’t stick to the plan. I was expecting my blog to be purely for my novels, posting chapters and asking for feedback. The feedback part never happened, and I found, surprisingly, that I don’t really like others’ blogs of the same nature. I don’t mind following others’ novels as they progress, but those kind of blogs usually turn into the publishing process, the cover design, etc. Although I’m happy for those in those stages of the process, I’m not anywhere near that stage, and already know what my plan is for that stage in the novel process, so I get bored with those blogs pretty fast. Now I’ve included poetry, current topical rants, and a music playlist series. I haven’t actually posted about my novel (or really even gotten the chance to work on it) for a few months now, but I’m okay with that. I enjoy what I post and my readers enjoy my blog. What more could I ask for? ^_^
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Absolutely. I feel the same way. I worried at first that the people who had followed me for reviews might not like the other stuff, but there came a point when I realised that it is your blog. You should have a right to post what you wish. We don’t force anyone to follow us, it is all a matter of choice.
Thank you so much for reading, and for your lovely comment as well.
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Amazingly, my blog started for the sole purpose of talking about things that I was bitter about and still just more sarcastic and better pictures.
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Then it has changed a lot, no?
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It is completely different than any idea I ever started with.
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LOL! Nope, my blog didn’t stick to its original theme either, which was supposed to be about being an author. I am amazed at all the topics I’ve written about, and mostly shocked at the amount of poetry. But looking back, I never thought my blog would help me meet such wonderful, friendly people, either. So I’m very happy how my blog has turned out. 🙂
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We are all very happy about how your blog has turned out Briana!
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Aw, thanks! I like yours, too! Pretty cool!
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I began my blog due to a recommendation from a friend – yes, him. I started, then stopped. Twice. I have always enjoyed writing – letters and conveying my thoughts – came as a result of feeling safe enough to do so – again thanks to him. My title is words4jp – which is words for my sons Jordan and Peyton. I figured, what I wrote would somehow find their way to them someday and they could see I had more in my mind than the stuff their father and step mother said that I did – and still do. I started back up writing again this past January after dealing with a terrible year, holidays which just about killed me and him doing the thing I never ever thought he would do. I just started writing and found a community that understood what I was experiencing. God knows the one person who said I could always turn to him and feel safe did the absolute opposite. I feel Into poetry and love it. I have always felt that I have a book in me somewhere. Ever since I was a kid I felt I had something to write. I still do, though I am not much if a storyteller, really. My blog is an extension if who I am and where I can be me and feel safe to do just that.
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That is wonderful and I love the way you came to naming your blog. I certainly enjoy my visits there. I agree with you, that blogging is very personal and an extension of what makes you who you are.
Thank you for commenting. I have been doing a lot of thinking about this recently, as I seem to keep transitioning to include different things on my blog. I like it, and I have met so many wonderful people, like you.
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i started out knowing that I wouldn’t be able to stick to a set ‘theme’ or one subject so I guess that’s a plan in and of itself…and I guess I’ve stuck to it. lol variety is always more interesting anyway right? I’ve enjoyed reading your blog in all of it’s random glory : )
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Thank you:) I guess I just need to learn to relax and stop being so uptight:/
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Not in any way. It was originally going to be all about my books and marketing for my books. Then, I wrote about my opinion on various aspects of writing. Then I added poetry. After that came music, personal stories, rants, and whatever caught my mood. I think a big reason is because I started using my blog to communicate with all my WordPress friends. So, I felt more at ease and less business-y when posting. It’s like I’m gathering with friends to talk instead of orating in front of strangers.
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I think that’s true. In the beginning I never would have ranted like I do now:)
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We’ve been a horrible influence on you.
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You have. Who is we?
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I’m not taking the full blame for this. I’m pretty sure you talk to other people here.
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Nope. Just you.
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Guess it’s my fault then. I’ll send a squirrel to apologize on my behalf.
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Mine started out about a year and a half back as a satire on corporate life, a kind of a Dilbert (even if I say so myself) in prose. Midway through, posts started acquiring a political and current events theme which is what it is even today. The satire part of the theme, though, has stayed.
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I think as we get more comfortable with our followers that also tends to allow us more freedom.
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oh heck no. i had no idea what my blog would become – i just started writing one mostly due to jumping on the blog bandwagon, trying to figure out what it was all about. Mine has definitely morphed and evolved over time, having jumped from design to design and even blog source to blog source.
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I think I lost control of my own and it grew into this lol
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Yes – they appear to require feeding from time to time…
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I seem to have managed to stay on track since I Started back in September, and I set up Dean’z Wordz for anything that wasn’t Doodlez related in January
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I need to go to that blog. I was going to yesterday but I got involved in your art.
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There’s not much on it tbh. I dont update it as often as my art blog. I’m going to try and get into doing book reviews. Ive a few book I read recently that I’d like to review and I’ve four or 5 more to read that I’d like to review.
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My blog began as an homage to my beloved, one whom I’ve not met in person as of yet, but still touches my heart in every way imaginable. Now, while there is still the poems that are dedicated to him, I’ve branched out into storytelling, as well as commentary. So, what started out as a way to channel my feelings for my sweet has opened many other doors all of which I am grateful to have opened 🙂
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I totally know what you mean. I really, really do. I want to frame this comment.
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A frame? Awww you’re too much :p
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I started my current blog two years ago. It kind of stagnated for a few months until I decided that i would write at least one post every day in 2012. I made it into July before I finally gave up on that goal. My original idea for the blog was that I would write about whatever motivated me. Share some of my fiction, promote my published efforts, write about politics, post pictures. Post funny things. And sad things. Motivating pieces and larks. Basically, the name says it. King Midget’s Ramblings. I post what I think and feel. In that respect, my blog has remained what I wanted it to be when I first began.
There are those who say your blog must be focused on one thing to attract an audience. Food. Or Politics. Or Photography. Or Art. Or …. But, you must never mix subjects. Pshaw. For me, it’s not necessarily about attracting an audience. It’s about sharing what’s in my head and if people want to read it, yippee.
These days, as you know, I’m in somewhat of a reduced blogging state. My temporary retirement is really from any kind of daily effort and just trying to minimize the impact blogging has on my other stuff.
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I must agree. I can’t write the same thing day in and day out any easier than I can read it. I like what you have going on your blog. i feel I can learn something there as well as have a good time. I do spend way too much time on WP as well, but I have a lot of fun and it helps me get ideas, so it isn’t all bad.
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Agreed. Ditto for your blog as well. It’s these kind of random life explorations, writing explorations that are interesting and idea-generating.
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Thank you:) Random is such a good word.
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NO! Of course I didn’t stick with my plan to only blog on my Civil War book “Rough Enough”. The next thing I knew I was putting my book reviews on, comments about my new writing work on the E-Shell: Seashell Books and my Drug War novel, and then it went form there to actually making comments on life etc…. I guess when we get an outlet for ideas, it’s just invigorating and so we follow with where the winds take us. Now I need a Fron page for my blog that will show the different subject headings I’ve written under. Any idea of a good page on Web Press?
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This is a good question. I shall ask the followers. Do you mean a theme?
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Since I’m far short of you in number of posts (ok, I’m short of you in many things) let me just say no, I did not know how my blog would evolve. And continue to.
What’s more interesting is that I really can’t predict what people respond to so i don’t try anymore so I am not disappointed in posts that I like that they don’t.
It’s a little like art – you never know what touches people. Pla keep writing.
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Absolutely. I visit your blog for two reasons. The things you post are interesting and also make me think. Secondly, I can’t live without that smile at least once per day:)
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Thank you. Sometimes I actually believe you
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Only sometimes? You are smart. Incidentally I was telling the truth that time.
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Yes, sometimes. And TY for the truth… I read your blog because you’re smart, edgy and unafraid. And that too is truth.
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I am rather ballsy, but I can’t lie and pretend that I’m someone else. I’d fuck it up in the first hour. Like when I gave up the word above, which clearly is working out brilliantly.
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Allow me to edit for the moment… You are either ballsy or not. You ma’am are. Which I find rather attractive. And no, pretenders are always found out no matter what they try. So why not be yourself? In your case I can’t think of a reason not to. Another truth.
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Thank you. I like this shade of cherry red. It matches my mickey mouse t-shirt.
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Now that is worth knowing. Truth.
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I only know of a handful of blogs that remain true to their original purpose. I am in the other camp. Free Little Words began on Jan 1 this year and was a platform for me to chronicle my love for my boys. I wanted to remind myself daily that there is love in the everyday moments and, hopefully, to be the best mum I could be by focusing on the positives. My original intention was to write a post every day for a year. Posting daily ended a month ago as my focus shifted to writing my first picture book. Through WP I have developed a daily writing habit which was not one of the intended purposes but an outcome for which I am truly grateful. I am considering a second blog about picture books which would continue after I retire Free Little Words. Although I have considered keeping this blog for random writing into the future. I love your blog and all that it encompasses: reviews, thoughts, squirrels and cupcakes. ♥
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I like the mum posts. I get mushy
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Nope. I was going to write about fiction. I still do but also have other things to say. I NEVER thought I would let my poetic side come out. I just got a book on how to write poetry so I am getting effing serious. Seriously, serious seriously.
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Seriously?
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Seems like he is pretty serious to me. Go John! Let that poet out!
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Sewiously
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Seriously, serious
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Seriously seriousness is such a serious thing. Explain what hsiku
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Is lol
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I don’t think I had a plan when I started! Now I have about 470 posts, I think It’s amazing how blogs take on a life of their own, almost! Or mine has, and I love it.
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I love your blog too!
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That is so awesome! I am not even close to 500 posts, lol. Congratulations! I know what you mean about my blog not really being anything like I started, my blog originally started as a programming blog! Now it’s um… I don’t know… ramblings of a mad man, lol. I think it’s part of the process to keep adapting and changing and finding things we like to do. Make it fresh and help people to come back… (although why anyone returns to mine I don’t know, lol).
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Because we love you. Duh.
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My idea was to write about whatever came in my head and whatever was going on that day. I like to change it up now and then, keep my readers (more so me) on my toes!
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Absolutely! I just don’t have an excuse other than I forgot what i was going to write and ended up with this.
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I always figured that it would be somewhere between my two previous blogs – one was a very serious, very austere writing blog, and the other was a ridiculous game review blog. I guess I’m definitely somewhere between the two, but I suppose I didn’t expect it to carry on for as long as it has. It’s now the biggest blog I’ve had, and I guess the most successful, though
I don’t know how I feel about my blog. I’m glad that I’ve managed to stay with it for so long, but I don’t know if there’s a logical goal around it.
Is it going well? I don’t actually know. Compared to what I’ve done before, definitely. Compared to the average blog, I ehh… try not to think about it. There’s lots of big, more popular writing blogs out there, and I’m not bringing anything extraordinary to the internet – much of what I say has been said by others with different words to mine. It definitely seems like it serves people better as a place of reference, rather than an interactive blog.
I suppose in that, it’s failed.
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I really don’t see that as a failure. Perhaps things have been said somewhere before, but in this day and age, honestly what hasn’t been said, done or tried before?
I go to your blog because I appreciate the style with which you write and the personality you display. I think if you have kept at it, that is the important thing. I really did aim to keep my own blog from the silliness I often display, but I have fun with it. I enjoy interacting and the comments and opinions of others and I couldn’t really ask for more.
Keep doing what you are doing!
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HaHa! I started my blog to promote the classes I taught. Within a very short time I decided I would take “a leap of faith” and concentrate on designing and publishing crochet and knitting patterns. I also spend a ridiculous amount of time reading other peoples blogs, most of which have nothing to do with my niche market. LOL. Happier and more satisfied (and with less income) than I have ever been in my life. the story continues…….. 🙂
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I agree. I spend way too much time on wp as well, but it is so much fun!
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I’ve mostly stuck to what I wanted to do. My intention was to write and post poetry, but I also thought I would post a few short stories as well and have yet to do that part of it. I still my add this to my post sometime in the future. Oh well, I guess evolution is inevitable.
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Indeed. Look at the giraffe;)
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Ionia, I can’t believe you asked us a question to which you expect an answer. And look how many answers you’ve received!! Initially, my blog started out as more of a spiritual journey type blog with inspirational, motivational, happy feeling blog posts about my faith. But I wanted to connect with other people who were/are writing memoir, so I changed my blog to the current one, Healing by Writing. That one has pretty much stayed with the theme. BUT prior to reading your question, I was just thinking about how I could let’s say spice it up a bit. You know add in some photo blogging, talk about life when you’re retired and 67, what kind of wild things do retired people do, and more. My book blog, Found Between the Covers, needs a shot in the arm too. But I can’t do it all at once. Thanks for a lively discussion and for encouraging my new-found deviation!
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I always support deviation! Honestly, anything and everything that you write is always worth reading. I will be a proud devotee of your blog no matter what you include:)
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[…] was reminded today of why I started blogging. Ionia Martin (one of my new favorite bloggers) asked bloggers whether their blogs ended up where they wanted them to. My response to her as it is whenever I […]
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Mine is meant to be a book review blog too and it can be very limiting. I am trying to branch out more however not as successfully as you!
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You just have to kick your feet up and say, oh well. It’s what I did.
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So far I have stuck with my blog’s original purpose (it has only been a little more than two months though), but I am often tempted to go in a different direction at times. I am also learning that keeping up with blog posts takes a lot of time! I never imagined it would be this consuming. 😉
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I really do feel your pain. It takes hours!
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Though, for the most part, we really have different interest, I really do enjoy your posts!
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Thank you!
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500 posts – amazing, I hope I’m still around for half that! I started with the intention of keeping up with the NaPoWriMo and now I won’t drop it, except I have veered off the path with a few short stories thanks to the great prompts out here. Great post that gets us to turn around and see from where we hail!
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[…] How the hell did that happen? (readfulthingsblog.com) […]
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