Today, we will taking a little detour from the projects and recipes. Jen of Classic Play asked me to participate in a little series answering questions about why I do what I do. They are questions I really think about quite often, in the privacy of my own mind, and today, I’m writing it out to share with you.
Why do I write?
Of all the elements of blogging, writing for me is the most challenging. While I can pour out step-by-step directions in my sleep, the introductory or lead in paragraph is a test. It comes from a certain mix of things – feeling that I have nothing worth saying, anxiety that I’m repeating myself (and boring people), feeling like I’m strange because I just like to make stuff and finally, wondering if anyone really cares. The last bit is not about feeling unloved or ignored, it’s about the deluge of information available on the web and wondering if another voice (mine) is really necessary. I do want to connect on a personal level with you readers and in this one-sided relationship, I am aware that connection is through writing.
Why do I write? Honestly, because it’s ‘supposed’ to be there. Not the direction part but the other stuff. And it’s not all the time. I do have days where the story comes out easily. But since it is a struggle at times, I’m in the process of rethinking the writing portion of my posts because occasionally, the only reason there is a post is because I wanted to create or I wanted to try a recipe (and eat it). Instead of making such a big deal out of writing the perfect intro, it might get boiled down to “I made something and I wanted to share it with you”. Chances are, you came for the how-to anyway. :)
What am I working on?
There is always something in the works. With the holiday season coming up fast, I am brainstorming and planning out posts for the remainder of the year. Sounds a little premature but with the craziness of the season, plans make for better time management.
Additionally, I have a few larger, more complex projects I am trying to plan out – if they will work, if they are worth my time, etc. Lucky for me, I love to dream.
How does it differ from others of its genre?
This is a tough one. I would say my work, my blog, is set apart from others in my genre by my photography style. I’ve been told my images ‘look like me’, meaning people can tell it’s my work without seeing a link. I like knowing that. My diverse content is still cohesive through my images. Furthermore, I like to think I share recipes and projects that are doable and fun. As a working mom of two with a real life full of responsibilities, I want my content to reflect the type of things we actually do, the way we actually live (albeit it more beautifully captured in styled photos). I work to stay away from meaningless/pointless content because ain’t nobody got time for that. :)
How does my writing process work?
My posts come together differently every time. Sometimes I see the lead in image first, sometimes the nerdy explanation of the food chemistry is on my mind and a few times, it’s the story behind why I made the project or recipe is what I’ve got. I like the diversity, always starting somewhere new.
I think that is about it. Thanks again, Jen, for the intellectual exercise. :)
I’m passing the baton onto Stacy of Kids Stuff World and Ali from Alexandra Hedin. I love them both for their realness and ability to laugh.
I’m so happy you did this!! You said writing the intros doesn’t come easily for you, but as a reader I can never tell. I love your voice and I think it carries through everything you do.
I’ve always considered you a beautiful writer.
Thank you. You are so kind. :)
Well put, friend. These are good questions, ones I think I’ll consider myself. And you need to know that you have such a well done blog – your ideas are good ones, and your photography knocks my socks off.
You make me feel so good. :) Thanks friend!