Unfortunately, I suck at it.

I can’t tell you how many blogs and journals I’ve started, and made exactly one entry in. Sometimes I manage to make three or four. But talking about my life and day bores me. I hate to think what it does to my poor reader.

I did write regularly, though. Fictionpress.com let’s anyone post anything they like. I used to post poetry and short stories and little novellas I was working on there. Had almost 150 postings in 3 years. It was quite an experience. The reviews really make an impact on your writing. Just knowing that someone wanted to hear more of a particular story gave me something to work for.

Also, the flames, though painful, were wonderful help. I had one person read one 4 page segment of a story in progress and call my character a Mary Sue, tell me I was describing too much detail in setting, and that there was too much back-story. She wasn’t nice about it, either. This was on one of my first postings (horrible stuff) and I was around 13 at the time, so I didn’t take it well. Never went near that story again.

But you can bet I did some research into how to improve those failings. And I have never allowed a character of mine to become a Mary Sue again.

I don’t know that that is really blogging. But it sure did a number on my writing. Now, I mostly restrict myself to commenting on other people’s blogs and in forums. It improves my writing, too, but it doesn’t require as much time and trouble.

Have a nice day, folks, and great comments! Almost makes me want to actually blog.

P.S. I’m sorry if there are any major grammar or spelling errors. My computer broke a while back and I can’t afford another. Instead, I make do with my iPhone. While it is acceptable for Internet surfing, a wonderful typing experience it is not. Editing is impossible as it won’t let you read but so much. So, please excuse the mess. Talk to y’all later!

To your points #2 and #3 above: To bloggers first starting out, it’s sometimes hard to build an audience initially (outside of immediate friends and family). It always starts that way of course but for those who need that extra boost of motivation from immediate feedback or writing for a larger, known readership, there are resources out there and even independent websites that help bloggers promote their sites and their writing, like StageofLife.com.

We wish everyone the best! Keep on writing.

Eric
CEO/Founder
Stage of Life

However, I dont really agree that blogging makes EVERYONE a better writer, but if you are a writer to begin with, it DEFINITELY will make you better.

I am actually having a dispute with a contributor on one of my blogs. He is a GREAT contributor, but i ALWAYS have to rewrite the posts to make them easier to read. he is NOT a writer, but has good stories (if that makes sense) But now he is saying that edititng his writing is like telling a painter to change his painting. I COMPLETELY disagree. He’s not a skilled writer like a painter is a skilled at painting.

Anyways. GREAT article, and I would LOVE it if i a couple of you writers head over to my POLL and let me know what you feel about this whole dispute.

http://www.webdesignforidiots.net/2009/03/a-personal-poll-to-settle-a-dispute-feel-free/

But there is a potential pitfall there too. If you’re like me, the instant gratification of interacting with people can easily sidetrack you from spending time on work that is more beneficial longer term.