tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post807918416448745298..comments2024-03-20T02:49:17.606-07:00Comments on Between Fact and Fiction: The Truth About BloggingNatalie Whipplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978251567306345129noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-7810146116914507572011-05-05T09:58:12.950-07:002011-05-05T09:58:12.950-07:00I don't get a lot of time for blog-surfing, bu...I don't get a lot of time for blog-surfing, but when I do, yours is one of the first ones I check out. All the stuff you said about the reasons writers should blog are evident on your blog. It's a very friendly, honest place to hang out. I've learned tons here too. Thanks! :)StaceyWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12230362072587995336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-46948876780234220932011-04-30T09:51:53.160-07:002011-04-30T09:51:53.160-07:00Just found you on Twitter and after this post I wi...Just found you on Twitter and after this post I will follow you for your honesty. I am new to blogging--well I've started many but the one that is sticking is Dailywritingcoach.blogspot.com (forgive the plug but I'd love for you to fine me, as well. But if you don't, I want you to know how you have put my hat on straight today. Yes, I want people to follow me and hire me to help them with their writing. That was my motivation a few weeks ago when I began my blog. But I find that, like any writing, if you immerse yourself, it takes you where it wants you to go. I now write my posts for the thrill of writing about something I'm passionate about--writing. I have three followers, 1 is a friend. That's all I may ever have. But my few minutes--or hours--of posting allows me to touch that place inside me that needs to write. I'm finishing up 15 years on a literary (I hope) novel set in 19th century Ireland that fits no genre. I've published other books, this is my first novel, my current reason for living, sort of. Your post tells me that when I write from my heart, whether it is food writing, fiction, blogging, I am fulfilling myself, which is why we all write--which is the truest way to reach others. Many thanks for this post.The Sandtray Coachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07525617865514497746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-84532234137783774742011-04-29T21:25:04.256-07:002011-04-29T21:25:04.256-07:00I'm not sure I've ever commented, but I...I'm not sure I've ever commented, but I've been following your blog since around January. I'd just like to say that no, most teenagers don't read your blog, but as a 14-almost-15-year-old, I think I qualify. But then, I'm also an aspiring writer. And I blog, too. But my point is that ... well, I'm not sure what my point is. Maybe that I defy conformity? Oh, here's a better point: while blogs don't really draw in most readers, they draw in some, who draw in others, who draw in others. For example, I read Kiersten White's blog (which is how I found this place)so I decided to read Paranormalcy. Then I recommended it to all my friends and they did the same.<br />This target-audience(ish) reader? Definitely drawn in. And I haven't even read more than an excerpt or two from any novels you've written!<br />(My verification word was "coromama". Just thought I'd share that strange tidbit.)Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00109141852889052568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-32046991496542089072011-04-29T07:25:03.000-07:002011-04-29T07:25:03.000-07:00Well said, Natalie, especially the last part. :)Well said, Natalie, especially the last part. :)Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-29298963272120925052011-04-29T06:27:26.379-07:002011-04-29T06:27:26.379-07:00You always write the truth! I'm so glad to hav...You always write the truth! I'm so glad to have found this blogging community. I've learned so much from it. But yeah, there's a lot more beyond it. Hard to remember sometimes ;)Sherrie Petersenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11670339498152684137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-41707102853189361092011-04-28T20:25:26.952-07:002011-04-28T20:25:26.952-07:00Love your post, Natalie. Your truths just reek of ...Love your post, Natalie. Your truths just reek of ... truth. And honesty. We can never say spontaneously what seems to come out so well on paper--assuming we don't hit the post button too quickly.Donna K. Weaverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17158114738303231773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-23827064202481079742011-04-28T20:23:18.951-07:002011-04-28T20:23:18.951-07:00"I would likely gravitate to corners and peop..."I would likely gravitate to corners and people I'm familiar with, which might make you think I don't like you but really I'm afraid YOU won't like ME."<br />I'm the same way. I'm shy and terrible in social situations. I tend to say what is on my mind and that can be off putting, I know. Even online, though, I still find it difficult to open up and insert myself into 'conversations' (i.e. comments). I've been reading your blog for awhile, but I think I've posted 3 or 4 times.<br /><br />Thanks for the wonderful post, as usual. Rock on!Tarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07807432443934355757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-47433119797652639142011-04-28T20:22:25.045-07:002011-04-28T20:22:25.045-07:00I've been following you for awhile now, and al...I've been following you for awhile now, and always find you encouraging, but this particular post really spoke to me. It is so easy to get lost in the "popularity" game, wanting to be liked, especially when you have 5 followers and 4 of them are directly related to you. I always have to remind myself that I didn't start a blog to be followed. I started it as an outlet to share my fears, hopes, thoughts, and doubts. The things that I find myself unable to to voice in the "real" world. So thank you for validating my cathartic musings! Keep up the good work!<br /><br />On a completely different note, can I just say that I love love LOVE that you used the word irk! It's one of my favorite words and drives my husband up the wall every time I use it. Glad to see someone else putting it to good use ;)Amber Cliteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00537436446374599840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-91353437537493835532011-04-28T20:11:11.815-07:002011-04-28T20:11:11.815-07:00What a great post. I'm also the girl that woul...What a great post. I'm also the girl that would hide in the corner and be afraid people won't like me. I'm going to a conference next week and I'm terrified I'll be too shy to say anything to anyone! <br />Blogging has sort of gotten me out of my shell more. I've loved making friends through commenting on other blogs and receiving comments on mine. I haven't been blogging very long, but I've made some great friends already! I love seeing what they are up to, and I look forward to their posts. I don't know if I'll ever have a lot of followers, and truthfully I don't really care. I love the relationships I'm building with my online friends. They make me happy. :)Chantele Sedgwickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07920913211842919013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-42818768226267148152011-04-28T19:29:01.675-07:002011-04-28T19:29:01.675-07:00Thank you, Natalie. This is what I struggle with m...Thank you, Natalie. This is what I struggle with most of all. I like blogging a lot, but I hate the "how do I get more followers" game. It's not me. I may not get many comments but I feel that those who do comment <i>want</i> to be there, you know? Like friends. And really, at the end of the day, if blogging is taking away from my writing time - which it has lately - I need to reevalute my priorities.<br /><br />Are you sure you're not my long lost twin? We are so much alike, lol.Suzie F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09560250678212373878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-64645392617298187032011-04-28T19:02:59.068-07:002011-04-28T19:02:59.068-07:00What a great post. I think what makes a great blog...What a great post. I think what makes a great blog is authenticity. You certainly have that. (Although, as you say, your authentic blog self doesn't have to be identical to your in-person self.)Anne R. Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02420000168356370825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-27338183024301246952011-04-28T18:48:15.736-07:002011-04-28T18:48:15.736-07:00I've thought a lot about my blog double, latel...I've thought a lot about my blog double, lately. I'm not REALLY that girl all my blogging friends know. I mean, I'm much less (all good qualities that you may garner from my blog posts) in real life. I have to wonder if we were all put in a room together IN THE FLESH how would qe get along? Hmmm. Sounds like a good blog post.Jessie Oliveroshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06232456334069794107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-65987369729211307852011-04-28T18:14:26.272-07:002011-04-28T18:14:26.272-07:00I certainly follow my own rules when blogging - an...I certainly follow my own rules when blogging - and I honestly don't care if my blog is crap or not. LOL.Trishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16927558937796802496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-34889031999595659402011-04-28T17:59:06.335-07:002011-04-28T17:59:06.335-07:00"If you met me, I'd be nervous and short ...<i>"If you met me, I'd be nervous and short on words. I'm horrible at small talk, and large crowds in particular freak me out. I would likely gravitate to corners and people I'm familiar with, which might make you think I don't like you but really I'm afraid YOU won't like ME."</i><br /><br />Oh my gosh, it's like I wrote this!Adam Heinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02225813532455467868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-43563846412307869002011-04-28T16:54:58.728-07:002011-04-28T16:54:58.728-07:00Very well said, Natalie, and quite true.Very well said, Natalie, and quite true.William Kendallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00331324250821836822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-43204713560634185472011-04-28T16:48:29.728-07:002011-04-28T16:48:29.728-07:00Great great great post. I never thought about blog...Great great great post. I never thought about blogging until I started taking my writing seriously. I'd heard it's good for networking and learning, and I've done both over the last year. I can't even tell you how much I've learned about writing, publishing, etc. And I've also met my two critique partners through blogging. While my "followers" I've gained aren't necessarily the market I'm writing for, I do know they will support me--because they already do, through their encouragement, advice, their own experiences... and I am thrilled to be able to support and encourage them as well. I LOVE the community I've found on here.Kristin Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14169967050454852124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-24936799028832505022011-04-28T16:30:19.264-07:002011-04-28T16:30:19.264-07:00I never knew there were rules to blogging which is...I never knew there were rules to blogging which is probably a good thing since I seem to have broken most of them. I agree with all your truths especially about followers. I love to read your blog though I don't read your genre. And I've actually blogged about you, at least a couple of times, because I love your attitude & most especially your spirit! I'm so happy to see you blogging regularly again.Nancy Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05735642863696266005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-65658335979489401512011-04-28T15:48:53.088-07:002011-04-28T15:48:53.088-07:00I agree 100%. I have been 'trying' to foll...I agree 100%. I have been 'trying' to follow the 'rules', but it really isn't me. I hate feeling like people are judging every word that comes out of my mouth and that I have to be perfect all the time. Some people seem to come by that naturally. Not I.Kathryn Packer Robertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-69408418067561368112011-04-28T15:41:49.408-07:002011-04-28T15:41:49.408-07:00I'm so glad you wrote that! (And not just bec...I'm so glad you wrote that! (And not just because I feel like a pimp right now that you took my sugestion, lol!)<br /><br />For me personally, reading the blogs of other writers has taught me SO much about not only 'the industry' but about the actual practice of writing. <br /><br />I love seeing other writers succeed and to know that we have all gone throught the same struggles along the way. It's a community that supports one another and I'm happy to be apart of it.<br /><br />I cannot agree more that (for me) it's not about the 'like' button or how many followers you get. It's all about the people. The people like us.Sara-Marissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16155108851058013752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-31559750169046967792011-04-28T15:39:07.742-07:002011-04-28T15:39:07.742-07:00Your truths are all very, VERY true.
My target au...Your truths are all very, VERY true.<br /><br />My target audience is little kids, I mean 4-8 right now and up to around 12 when the novel comes out. Very few blog readers are of that deomgraphic. <br /><br />But I don't care. Blogging gives me a place to be on-line that I feel somewhat comfortable with. And I appreciate the peers I have met here. <br /><br />And I'd be sitting in the corner, too, small-talk hater that I am!<br /><br />You said many things I've been thinking for a while. (Except that I couldn't figure out how to say it.)<br /><br />Shelleystoryqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07039684494823420722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-54880188427652619382011-04-28T15:31:28.050-07:002011-04-28T15:31:28.050-07:00I feel like I'm much more interested in gettin...I feel like I'm much more interested in getting to know other people through blogging than having them get to know me (and it shows in my blogging or lack there of). Maybe that will make for bad marketing. I don't know. My blog is more a way for me to keep active in a community I love. And to occasionally share my silly ideas or ask for feedback. I'm grateful for that. My true writing heart goes into my books and poetry. I've never felt particularly skilled at writing creative non-fiction, which is what a blog is in my opinion. I know I could grow and become better at it if I worked harder at it, and I'm definitely better than I used to be.Candicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13658962630981643176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-29743756320529319212011-04-28T15:08:40.995-07:002011-04-28T15:08:40.995-07:00Could not agree more. I think most bloggers will g...Could not agree more. I think most bloggers will go through a phase (or several, lol) where they worry about numbers and audience -- I know I did -- but eventually they'll realize exactly what you've said: that's not what this is about.<br /><br />I'm SO happy about the people I've met and the conversations I've had through blogging. People like you! :)Kristanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04771013578685419826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-8625825446882859932011-04-28T14:50:41.894-07:002011-04-28T14:50:41.894-07:00Great post - I didn't toss my blog up until af...Great post - I didn't toss my blog up until after I was agented. Initially, yes I wanted to get myself "out there," but a couple of months into it, I'm doing the blog for the sake of the blog. My followers rock and I enjoy their comments as much as they seem to enjoy my posts.BBChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13750774359232145507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-57348808764802156802011-04-28T14:49:05.370-07:002011-04-28T14:49:05.370-07:00I do agree that teens do not read these blogs and ...I do agree that teens do not read these blogs and we're reaching out to other authors. And the numbers aren't as important as getting to be friends.<br /><br />And even though I haven't followed you for long, I was worried when you posted that you were going off line for awhile. It's important that we care about each other and help each other through those rough times.Natalie Aguirrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03756087804171246660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-85623954368463060492011-04-28T14:48:27.805-07:002011-04-28T14:48:27.805-07:00And this post, sweet Natalie, is EXACTLY why we lo...And this post, sweet Natalie, is EXACTLY why we love you. You're so real, so honest, so refreshing, so inspiring. <br /><br />The on-line writing community IS amazing. From Twitter to blogs, there are so many cool folks out there-- an ocean full of support. And for me you're a huge part of all that's good. Great blog, great voice, cool posts. I don't blog, but I tweet (and it was a fellow YA writer who urged me to get on Twitter), and your truths apply to Twitter too. <br /><br />Blog on, Natalie. You write it, we'll read it.<br />Cheers, <br />Lynne<br />P.S. And thank heavens you didn't tweet about Peeps :) (Which, I discovered after trying one today for the first time, are truly nasty. They also hold their shape in the microwave, which is slightly disturbing. :)) Although, considering how well you write, you could have blogged about Peeps and I'd bet it would have been a brilliant post. 'nuff said.Lynne Matsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com