Last November I began this blog because I wanted to catapult myself into writing again. That was my simple, initial reason. Since then I haven’t missed a single day; in fact I have overdone it on some days with too many posts. But what the hell – blogging got me writing again. Not only that, I actually accumulated a few friends (that was totally unexpected!) and discovered a fascinating community. When I began the blog I wasn’t looking for friends or a community or anything really; I just wanted to write so that is what I think I am doing here – writing.
It took me awhile to realize that blogging is a reciprocal thing. I didn’t understand what ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ were to begin with. Then, when I began to explore other people’s blogs I was amazed, touched, and fascinated by all of this wonderful writing that I didn’t know was there. In the last few months I have learned more about photography, art, music, history, geography, poetry, illness, health, inspiration, pain and friendship than I ever learned at university!
But back to my point; I have noticed that some bloggers differentiate between their blogging and their writing. I tried to do this but failed – ie. I tried to plonk my love story into a separate blog because in my mind I thought that would be my writing blog and this would be my blogging blog. It didn’t take me long to realize that any blogging IS writing.
jmgoyder 
When I began blogging in April, it wasnt so much to get me writing, as making a record for my family and so it might encourage other over 60 women to try cycling.
Okay I am now going to look for my bicycle!
I just live the feeling of freedom it gives me. I drive as well but the wind in my face and going where cars are not allowed is great. I feel fitter than when I was in my 30’s.
You have inspired me to get fit again!
And how well you do it to… I wrote or write on a article site where I have pumped out 215 articles in 6 months… it was a way of teaching myself to pen words of wisdom for our business… now I enjoy the blogging. Some times a bit of writing but I’m having so much fun posting photos and commenting and reading other blogs… it’s a great small world now and I begin feeling I’m getting to know so many more people from all over…
I know what you mean – in a slightly different way I was churning out copious amounts of lecture material when I was teaching – ahhh, the relief of blogging and finding people like you.
I completely agree! All writing is writing. My poetry blog is separate only because those who read my poetry and those who read my primary blog ten not to be interested in the other.
I was thinking just this morning, how much my writing has improved since I started daily blogging. It’s worth it just for that, but the extra bonuses you mention make it special.
I know what you mean and am still in two minds because one of my friends says to me that if she sees that my post is about birds she just deletes – ha!
That’s okay. Lots of readers are selective in the posts they read, because there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Very true.
NOOOO…say it ain’t so! Your bird posts are treasures. What a bird brain. hehe
I’m glad now that I didn’t just stick to the bird theme though – my unbirdy friends might have abandoned me!
They may have…but I doubt it. They are just too good and always entertaining and funny.
We think most people who start blogging have no idea where it’s going to take them. The community spirit can move you in directions you hadn’t foreseen.
Did you have that too?
Yep, Julie, it sure is.
I started my WordPress PhotoBlog intending to only post a photo each day, but it quickly had words added to the photos, and has almost become like my old Google writing blog (except that it has more photos). I had to close down my Google writing blog as I didn’t have the energy to both write & go out on photography excursions. Now I have a Health Blog as well, although it’s weeks between each post.
I’ve also acquired some lovely internet friends. In fact, sometimes I think my internet friends know me better that my own family.
All in all, I have the most wonderful life since I had to quit work in 2010 due to Chronic ill Health.
Shame it took such devastating ill health to show me how to find peace & happiness.
I wonder if the internet will yet become the way to peace between different religions & races.
Your last sentence says it all – yes, I do believe this could happen. I was very cynical about the internet before but now I love it. I would never have met friends like you otherwise and for this I am so grateful.
Anytime you put thoughts into words and write them down or type them out.. It’s writing. When you get feedback, even better.
Spot on!
My reasons for blogging were exactly the same as Brends – I did a special birthday for my husband and put photos of his career on the walls around the kitchen. My grandchildren were amazed – to them he was just grandpa. I then recalled how I wished I had asked my grandparents and my own parents more about their early life. Although I show places we have visited, my garden etc. I also write about things we did with our sons when younger and memories of their great grand parents and even further back. May be one day they will find the posts of interest.
Yes it is so wonderful to create a bit of a record – thank you Rosemary!
Writing is everything for me… It is always so hard for me not to write.. (once I exprienced, it was not me as if… so I decided to write in English language) anyway, I love reading too as much as writing and I love your writing and your blogging dear Julie… It is same for me too to be in this blogging world, reading, learning, inspiring,…etc. Thank you for you and for being there, Good Luck in your writing world wherever you write… Love, nia
We Australians are so monolingual. One of the many reasons I admire you so much, Nia, is your bilingualism, and your way of expressing English is like music and your writing and photos are like gifts to all of us – your fans!
Oh is that why you originally moved it? I couldn’t figure out why cause I thought it fit in just fine and then you moved it back and I like it just where it is now!
I am learning from my mistakes!
ahhh but what a leader you are…because I just kept following wherever it went!
That’s so funny because I always found the term ‘follower’ hilarious because it sounded like a disciple or something!
Keep writing for us as well as yourself.
I just wish I could write the one coherent eloquent post per day the way you do – I am still bitsy!
Our circumstances are different, our posts are different.
I am going to try to get my niece, Ashtyn, who is marrying a Scottish fellow next year at one of your castles, to contact you and Mrs Tootlepedal. Is that okay?
Isn’t this an incredible way of expressing yourself? When I first started, I convinced myself that it was for a purpose. Sort of a journal of starting this new business. Now I realize a very big part of blogging, that I didn’t want to admit to, was that I just wanted to write again. Why is it that when we were younger writing was encouraged and when you’re older you feel like you are wasting time and should be doing something else? Not anymore! I agree with you. I’ve met incredble people… such as yourself, heard amazing stories, and have learned so much. Best of all, I’m writing again.
Yes – that’s exactly what I meant! If I were trying to write anything else every day I wouldn’t be able to at the moment – but the blogging compels me every day – weird and wonderful! Thanks Magnolia.
Some people have asked me, “Would you like to be published some day?” I just laugh. Every time I click “publish” for my blog, I’m, like – published.
The biggest response I’ve found between publishing in magazines and publishing on the web is that I get checks from magazines, and response from my blog readers. I’ll take the response every time.
If you don’t want those checks may I have them? Hahahaha!
Like you, I had totally different aspirations for this blog – it was supposed to highlight my writing–but I found a wonderful community (and you). I need to balance the two–and most of my general writing is under the heading of On the Homefront, my writing writing is under Off the Cuff–but to be perfectly honest the twane (SP?) are meeting. I am glad to have found your blog and love every facet of your writing and photography.
I love that word ‘twane’ and yes that happened to me too.
I began my first blog (Recover Your Joy) five years ago for that very reason — I wanted to disclipline myself with writing every day. Now, blogging is simply how I began my day — always with writing.
I too have learned along the way about reciprocity and sharing and caring — and likes too! And, like you, I have met some amazing people — and you are one of them.
So glad you are here blogging along. You make my world much brighter. You inspire me and touch my heart and lift up my spirit.
Ditto ++++ Louise!
Blogging is a journey, isn’t it? You never know where it’s going to take you!
Yes and I have begun to really like that.
You got that right … about blogging being writing!
My problem is that I have several things I want to write about. I’m thinking about creating another blog, just to open up my options, i.e., I don’t want to write about everything in my one blog! 😉
I know what you mean!
You got that right, about blogging being writing!
I think I want to have two blogs, because I can’t write about EVERYTHING I want to write about in the one blog. I don’t want to confuse my readers, for one and I don’t want to confuse me, for two, HEH! 🙂
I know what you mean – it’s a dilemma!
I wholeheartedly agree with you. I learned more about writing, expression, and storytelling writing on my blog than for a class. Practice makes perfect. However, my college advanced expository writing prof was excellent, and I learned worlds from him.
Yes I understand and I don’t like making writing errors in my posts (which I do quite often). But bloggers are very forgiving I’ve discovered!
[…] morning that set my mind a-wondering…. Victoria wrote in response to Julie’s post, Blogging is writing, “I wonder if the internet will yet become the way to peace between different religions & […]
This was interesting. I started a blog to promote my writing (my novels and novellas), but found that I’m not very good at marketing or selling. So the blog became more of a journal about what I write and why. There are many writing blogs out there that are much more efficient. Mine doesn’t seem to be as much about the nuts and bolts, as I’d intended, but more about the process–whatever that is. Things never turn out exactly as I think they will.
It’s kind of lovely how it all evolves in unexpected ways!
as everyone tells me, just blog from the heart. look how many different issues i blog about. i can be a broken record on days. anyone got a record player??? LOL
I like the way your blog has so many facets!
thank you Julie!!! i hope u can see this remark, wordpress is so messed up for me
Seems like you and Jo are both having same probs!
Fabulous post! I agree, blogging IS writing. I didn’t think that at first. It’s taken me a long time to understand that.
I too love the friends I’ve found through blogging. It’s a great experience.
~FringeGirl
I agree – such an eye-opener!
Love reading your blogs/writing!
I agree – so much more here than just a place to write or post photos – such an education in history, cultural diversity, emotion, dreams and struggles of life (can go on) … Yes – it’s all writing – but I do think everyone uses the forum in the way they feel most comfortable… it’s interesting. I thank you so much Julie for encouraging me to be a little braver than I felt (re: adding my own words to my images) back when we met. As you see – you created a monster writer … though I have found I get too depressed if I write much about my struggles — so have explored the creative sides of myself that much more – which has been wonderful. As for your Love Story – I LOVE it just the same, wherever you decide to house it…. and love you for sharing your heart so honestly everywhere!! xo R
I’m so glad your own writing is in your posts now but I do get it about exploring things beyond our struggles. You have taught me a lot that way Robyn.
xo – just back from session 3 with new therapist — painful encounter and not sure it’s helping. Will give it a few more ~ one day at a time … Hope you are ok over there…. read you may consider biking somewhere — sounds really exciting — I loved biking… go for it!! 🙂
Just saw this because I had to go into town for the day – so sorry to hear the pain sessions don’t seem to be helping – maybe a few more and bingo – god I hope so. Sending love Robyn.
I agree. Though I don’t write a lot, it helps me to organize my thinking and check my spelling plus a friend pointed out to me that I have ended up sharing a lot about my self.It is all good.
Yes, it is all good. You are so right!
J, couldn’t said it better myself – somebody by name Lorelle – has said: Your blog is your unedited version of yourself. I think that’s so true …
I love this idea!
I agree…blogging IS writing. And yes, as Tilly says, I too believe we are all just getting better and better at it. Everyone should either think back or go back to their first post. In one word…describe it! Mine? CRAP! Don’t ya love it? xoxo
I’m sorry your first post was crap – mine was actually brilliant – haha!
HAHA! Of course it was! And have only gotten better and better too. right? LOL I need to do a post on humility. 😉
http://help-me-rhonda.com/2012/08/23/seven-deadly-humiliat-sins/
And here it is…my post on humility! 🙂
I was also surprised to learn that I wasn’t just writing, I was connecting.
Yes – that was one of the most unexpected bonuses for me too.
You are absolutely right!
Thank you for the great reminder, Julie! I was feeling down on myself for not doing any writing this summer. Turns out I did do a little after all!
Yes, that’s what I was meaning – thanks!
Hi Jules!
What an excellent post!
I love the pont you made about blogging & community I have three blogs (4 I write on ), One you know, I have one for chronic pain. It gets ignored even though I have been writing for C/pain elsewhere for 15 yrs..
I spend my tiime doing what I am passionate about, here at BB writing,. And my thid blog, which I co-admin & co-write. Thatis another passion I enjoy, advocating for kids.
For me ,my self-discovery about blogging was finding what I am passionate and sticking to them.
Aftre all, we cannot be a master to everything ~ BB.
Oh no! I should be subscribed to your chronic pain blog – I guess it’s just not having enough time!
Yep! It is all writing… and varied too. 🙂
And I really like that variation!
Hi Julie,
I’ve actually been thinking about this for awhile now. You might want to consider adding a section or “tab” in your menu for your love stories, so it’s got it’s own section. I discovered that has worked well for me when I started chronicling the courtship of my husband and me, so that way if someone just wants to rifle through those stories they can go to that section. The trouble is, you have to have a little patience with WordPress–it’s not exactly intuitive the way they set that up for us to build. I about went mad trying to figure it out and every time I add a new “tab” to the menu I run into forgetting how I did it in the first place. I think there are instructions on WordPress on how to do it, but again, not terribly intuitive.
Anyway, if you can figure out how to work it, then when you “categorize” each of those stories, it will put them into the right section under that menu, while also still keeping them on your main page.
Trust me, maintaining two different sites is a bit of a burden, as I’ve got the two (accidental birder and babyaspirinyears) but those are two very distinct audiences, particularly for those serious ornithologists/birders who want to see the birds but could care less about the posts about my hair or rendezvous with my husband over the British Isles.
As for the writing discussion, I started out the blogging and have committed to writing at least once a week (and most of the time twice a week since I’ve got the two blogs) just so to practice. I’ve been working in Corporate America writing advertising copy, industry white papers, brochures and fact sheets for so long now with a bevy of lawyers looking over my shoulders that I had shut down with any good yummy writing. The blogging is honing my skills and forcing me to be better. So writing is writing.
And writing from the heart with honesty and bearing the soul is even better.
You have definitely got me thinking – thanks so much for this information because I am really thick when it comes to working the technicalities out! I am gonna print your comment out – so grateful to you!
[…] here we go, the newest 7 Things. I’m thinking it’s time for some humility (Jules, I told you I […]
Totally agree, Jules! And my world has become so much larger, since I started my blog… I’d never have met people around the globe, otherwise! It’s a way for me to broaden my world view, to understand other cultures. It’s opened my eyes to the vast range of human experience–outside of my own. A wonderful, enriching experience!
Yes – I had no inkling until I started blogging – I have been enriched by people like you.
I have so much writing to do and so little time. I won’t be finished by the time I die…..lol
I know!
Yes, I definitely agree with you. Blogging is definitely writing, and it is very immediate and intimate too. I was writing long before the internet, and I never enjoyed the responses, and meeting the people I was writing for, till I started blogging. I have just met you, and am still getting my first impression by reading different posts, but it is a great pleasure already.
Thank you very much ShimonZ! Yes, the blogging world is weird and wonderful but also worrisoome!
Thank you for popping in and liking my blog “Is there such a thing as too many blogs”. This led me to see your views, yes this incredible world that has now opened up to us, to see, learn and contribute is awesome.Bloggers/writers unite 🙂
Yes!
Hi Julie! I love love your blog, the spontaneity and candidness of it, beautiful! This is my favorite post, I started my blog because I love to write and I stil believe that beyond all the digital publishing gimmicks, pages per view and site ranks, this is primarily about writing, the art of writing and the beauty of the written word! Thank you so much for liking my post at Keurawa.com!
I am really enjoying your blog too so have subscribed. Thanks for your lovely comment!