I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am a Small Fry Blogger. Chances are, so should you.
Maybe there’s a chance we’ll be discovered and hit the Big Time. We may or may not make a pile of money because of that, but we’ll be Known. People will ask us for our opinion on things and when we go somewhere, they’ll know who we are.
Isn’t that what we’re after? Isn’t that why we blog?
Really?
As a Catholic writer and blogger, I find I have to fight a few natural causes of Writing Publicly (and writing online, even if for an audience of two, is public writing). One is pride, which seems to manifest itself in Feeling Important. Another is distraction, which manifests itself in an attitude of “The Internet Needs ME, RIGHT NOW.”
Both of these, in my experience, can be battled by constant discernment, frequent prayer, and vigilant humility.
In the last six years of blogging, I’ve changed. My blog has also changed. I’ve gained new readers, lost others, and learned a lot in the mean time.
My publishers seem happy with my platform, but I still consider it very much Small Fry Blogging.
We could get into a discussion of quality versus quantity, but my point is this: we have to be comfortable, first and foremost, with who we are as bloggers.
Food for thought: Who are you as a blogger? What’s your passion? And can you be comfortable with the smallness that is probably an inevitability of your blogging?
Sarah Reinhard
When Sarah Reinhard's not writing online at SnoringScholar.com, she can be found on Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook, or Google +. She's the author of a number of books, including her latest title, Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless.
I write to express myself. It forces me to be clearer than when I speak because I love to talk and I do not understand the concept of economy of words with respect to speaking! 🙂
I write each day to study and reflect on the scripture readings from the Lectionary.
For years, I tried to read the daily mass readings and they would not stick with me. I then tried to read the scriptures and make some notes in a personal journal for myself (an actual hand-written diary).
After doing this for a while, I felt much closer to God. I felt happier and more peaceful. People around me took notice.
In the Gospels, Jesus directed us to share his words and the more I wrote in my diary, the more I felt like I should share it because it truly nourishes (and heals) my spirit. I felt like I was being selfish by keeping it in my private diary because if only one other person could feel what I felt, then it was worth it.
So prayed and was moved to publish them on my personal blog. I was concerned that it would take more time than my personal diary and it does. However, the hour I spend in this effort is repaid 100-fold.
I began to publish on September 3rd last year and I am both grateful and amazed at the response. I also think (hope?) that I am a better writer because of the practice (estimate 75,000 words written ~ 500 for each post)
There have been times when my EGO gets in the way – when I look too carefully at my stats, followers, etc. These metrics are a way to determine effectiveness of my writing. They are not an end goal.
I hope as many people read my blog as necessary to get whatever they need to help them in their own journey of faith. This is one way I can spread the Gospel and reflect the love of God.
Great topic!
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Thanks Sarah, I always appreciate your timely wisdom!
Hi All:
As a fairly new writer (3 years) people have invited me to establish a “regular blog”. I am a guest blogger on CWG and like that assignment. But a “regular” (daily, weelky???) blog confuses me. As a writer I must admit that I’m not even sure why people want to blog. Do bloggers think that they have better answers than everyone else, wisdom that is lacking in the world, earth changing ideas……..what? I am “kind of” uncomfortable that someone would be taking time and energy to read me daily/weekly/????? And I’m also uncomfortable with the idea that I would take daily/weekly/ time and energy for the sake of two or three (couple) of people for who are reading me for “free”. I’m 65, a spiritual director and would much rather spend time with someone face to face rather than throwing out all my time and energy “into the wind” for a “maybe” response. Help, this whole blog thing is a ball of confusion for me. If I want to grow as a writer and eventually publish “hard copy” why should I set up a regular blog?
Kathryn, blogging isn’t for everyone, and I say that loudly and often. It sounds to me like you shouldn’t blog. It’s not worth it.
As for why I blog, it’s much the same as the reasons why my husband fishes, whether or not he catches anything.
It’s a personal decision and, as I’ve said here before, not everyone should blog.
Thanks for keeping it real and reminding those of us who love to blog that not everyone does!
Many blessings to you and your writing!
I started blogging just to practice writing for an audience. Over time that audience has grown, and I enjoy the interaction and the community and the friendships that have formed as a result. I find I have been pushed to grow both spiritually and as a writer, and have had many people tell me they found my writing helpful to them. So for me, the blog itself is a good means to a good end.
But there are all kinds of writers and genres, and I have certainly seen many successful catholic writers who don’t blog one bit.
Okay and a different answer to the why: Publishers live and die on sales. They have to have writers who can sell copies. Blogging is a form of advertising.
If you love it and are good at it, it’s a lot of punch for little or no financial outlay. Because you can set the pace and the topics, you can choose the amount of time and energy you put into it. And anyone can start a blog, whereas not just anyone can book speaking engagements, open up a rolodex of client contacts, get a great newspaper gig, etc etc.
So those are the reasons I think it is the default suggestion for new writers. As you point out, that doesn’t make it the right choice for all. It is important to have a web presence readers can find, easily. But it does not have to be a blog.
Sarah,
My blog is definitely more small than yours! At times, it can be discouraging, but it is definitely a lesson in humility. I pray that my words reach those who near to hear them. I do what I can. The rest is in God’s hands. Still, if one of my posts went viral one day, I’d be a very happy camper! 🙂
Great topic, Sarah!
I think a good test is to ask, Could I be nominated for Best Under-Appreciated Blog? (A real category in one of the Catholic blog awards.) If I’m using my smallness as an excuse to write weak stuff, that’s not good for me.
Though like you say one of the hazards of blogging is an obsession with self-importance, one way I gauge how well I am writing is by noticing whether my regular long-term readers are showing signs of enjoying my work.
I’ve been at this for almost 7 years now…I am small, and that’s fine–though I have to say, the thrill of getting a comment doesn’t go away 🙂 I have encountered many wonderful people as a result of having a blog, and I have learned just how much I enjoy creating with words. Yes, I have the same battles with Pride and Distraction. But overall, I’d say it’s been good.
Of course I hope for bigger things, but I know that I shouldn’t expect much. I mean, how many bloggers are out there, blogging about the same things? Many. My wife and I enjoy our blog and do it as a hobby, because our lives don’t allow us to do it as much more. I also do a little blogging as a musician/speaker but that is usually neglected.
Overall I love giving my opinion and actually having people read it, and comment. I’m humbled whenever someone gives me their time.