This is something I've been thinking about for a few weeks now. Someone on their blog talked about how they didn't feel qualified to give writing advice and even though I don't remember who it was, I started to wonder. I talk about writing topics on here.
Am I giving people advice?
I didn't plan to give advice. Really.
I'm not published. The posts usually come from personal opinion and research. I do have background in research and presenting evidence. One of the few good uses I have from competing for several years in speech and debate. Most my college years I was a memeber of the Weber State policy debate team, and even though I wasn't very good, I spent long hours, weekends and such doing research. Topics varied, including: China's one-child policy, prostitution and crime rings, bus segregation, masochism (for real), abjection, guerrila warfare, and secret societies. Just to name a few. So, I do know how to research and use that information.
I talk about writing because that's what I'm doing. I love to write and hope to some day submit for publication. So, for me it made sense to have this blog be about writing. The fact that people even follow it is such a treat and the occasional blog comments always make me very happy. If people come here for advice, I'd be surprised and a little bit honored.
Point of this post. Remember, I'm not expert. I might be wrong in some of my posts and more often then not, I'm writing what I think or what I find. And I hope the end result is enjoyable but this isn't a "do what I say" type of blog. It's meant to open conversation, not give direction. And I hope to improve it in my journey in this wonderful industry.
Random fun picture...
7 comments:
I've just recently started blogging about life and writing and wondered the same thing. Who am I that anyone would want to read about what I have to say?
But I think everyone's opinion is valuable, and that it's important for people to make connections with others who are experiencing simillar things. I know writing can be a bit lonely and it's nice to meet people who know what that's like.
Lisa - Agreed. I think the networking potential of blogs like this is one of the reasons I enjoy having it. The people I meet through blogs are fun and make writing a less static/lonely task.
Hi,
Really looking forward to your blogfest!
I did a piece on my blog in reference to a blog award I received - the giver having said only to go to those who don't try to "teach/preach" aspiring writers when an aspiring writer yourself. His comment when you've had at least five books published you're in a position to afford insight to what worked for you and how you got there!
I get what he meant: there's a huge difference in sharing experiences of subbing/rejections and the like among fellow unpublished writers (even critiquing in a friendly manner), than that of a unpublished writer telling another unpubbed writer where they are going wrong etc.
After all, two unpubbed writers are in the same boat! Neither with experience and "hindsight" of how they may have got published sooner had they done this, that or the other!
In a personal sense I think blogging is great for expanding horizons in ever sphere of writing, not least blogfesting, which brings all of us into contact with genre' we might not otherwise take a peek at let alone read.
So yeah, blog-on, enjoy the company of other writers whomever they may be. Share experiences, share research etc., - the good, the bad, the ugly and oddities found along the way. ;)
best
F
F- You write the most epic, awesome comments. Some good points and I do think the link with other unpublished writers makes it worth having a blog. And just to work out issues myself, since writing them down makes it easier to get through than just thinking about it.
Hi there. Personally, as an unpublished writer, I've found your blog both entertaining and informative. We all have our individual experiences; some will be new to others, some will be relatable, but both are important to share. Sometimes it's just good to know that there are other writers out there in a similar position as yourself. I say, keep up the good work.
I actually think there's nothing wrong with unpublished writers giving advice, or if you're really uncomfortable, suggestions. You obviously have some critical faculties, or you wouldn't be writing your own material (how many things have spots where you felt you were doing something right that you'd seen a published author do wrong), and you wouldn't be reading other people's unpublished work. With all the writing groups out there, unpublished writers give advice all of the time.
I also pick up advice from other people, and I'll bet you do too. Even if I don't necessarily agree with something, I'll pass it along in case the person I'm talking to can use it.
I don't think it's arrogant--I think it's part of that long conversation we start in our heads the moment we start picking stories apart, continue with friends who read the same books/see the same movies/listen to the same music/look at the same art as we done, then continue with fellow new writers wherever we find them, and continue with fellow pros. We never stop learning from each other, and if we have our heads in the right place (IMO), we never stop sharing pointers and opinions.
Franklin Beaumont - Hi there. Why thank you. I'm glad my blog is enjoyable to you and appreciate the compliment.
Tamora Pierce - Thank you for the comment on this post. I never considered the critique group as giving advice but that's very true. Sharing is another good approach and I do like the idea of this being a long conversation. I appreciate the comments and new insight on the topic.
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