My Blog's Worst Enemy

Yep, that says it in a nutshell. You see, yesterday I accidentally submitted to Blogger that my blog was spam. What I thought I was doing was listing my blog as one that was receiving spam. Oy!

I was then frantic to undo what I had done. But, apparently I'm okay, because my blog is still here, and I am able to post. Of course, then I wonder--has it just not come through yet?--or perhaps it went through but because there were no more reports, my blog is fine.

Wow, what a way to sabotage myself. But you know, we do that with our writing, too. We think we're being clever, but in actuality we are shooting ourselves in the foot. You know, that extra bit of description that leaves your reader's yawning, too much dialog (yes, that can happen) that leaves your reader wondering what is in the head of your protagonist, and so forth.

When I was in Chautauqua last summer, my mentor wanted me to write a bit more on my story, starting it at a different page. So, I did. Then I reread what I had written, and decided I needed to add a couple of things. I should have left it with my original instincts. Everything I had added, he pointed out and said it didn't ring true, or didn't need to be there.

So I'm learning to trust my instincts, and not be my own worst enemy. What about you?

How to make your blog relevant

I'm trying, during the month of January, to post every day on my blog. I come up against an immediate challenge: what is so doggone important that I have to take time out of my day (and yours if you're following me) to write about?

Certainly, my life is pretty basic: lots of computer work, following other people's blogs, hopefully doing some writing (I know, I know...everyday, right?), and trying to keep on top of the interviews I'm going to be doing on my blog.

So, are you with me in wondering what to post? There's the basics: I went to the doctor; my kids came for a visit, etc. Yawn.

How about something relevant, and sizzlin', something that sparks a bit in your reader's soul that says, "Yeah, I've been there, too." What is relevant? What strikes that chord? I believe we're all a part of the big life experience. And sharing a part of our soul, reaching into our own depths, we find that common thread that binds us all together. And that's what we write about, that is what gives depth and meaning to our blogs.