Over the weekend I wrote my 150th blog. I figure that equals approximately 100,000 words—about the length of a novel. It took me almost six months. At this rate— technically—I could write two novels a year. But that’s not realistic.
OK, it is if you’re Nora Roberts, who publishes FIVE novels PER YEAR. Whew! She gives new meaning to the word prolific. Plus the incredible perseverance to keep your seat in the seat of a chair to produce that kind of work. My hats off to her (and her typing speed). [Although somehow I don’t think she vacuums very much.]
For me, the difference between 100,000 words of blogging and a 100,000-word novel is three words.
The first word is: editing. I don’t edit my blogs. Who has time? Novels require rewriting and rethinking; rewriting and reviewing; rewriting and rereading; reworking, redoing, revamping, re-this, re-that until you are REally REady to scream.
The other two words are: lower standards. I accept less than brilliant writing. I accept passive voice, duffer language, sentence fragments. At this point in my career as an unknown writer, I accept that blogging is a more casual—and I guess less serious?—form of writing.
But because I eventually want to get noticed for my ability to put words on a page, I am not slapping together a bunch of hooey. I try to be honest as well as entertaining. (Boring is the LAST thing I want to be.) I’m hoping an authentic voice pops through the verbiage—because I think that is what resonates with readers.
And so I trudge on… BTW, I actually LIKE writing blogs. Believe me, if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it—future rewards or no future rewards.
Speaking of rewards, there is a 50 Blog Rule in my house. The Queen of the Manor has decreed that for every 50 blogs posted, a new pair of (reasonably priced) shoes has been earned. (I like this Queen!)
It’s a good reward system. While I’m cruising the internet for upcoming purchases, I run into good blog topics—like the cost of a pair of Louboutins or Jimmy Choos. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
Consequently, when I approached the 150th blog milestone, I had already picked out the pair from an article on black-n-white fashion in the new issue of More Magazine (March 2010, page 36). For weeks I have been forgetting to buy butter at the market, but you don’t have to tell me twice it’s time to cash in on Blog Reward Program.
One can never have too many floral pumps.
I ordered the shoes lickety-split. They’re Bandolinos—rose print pumps. I have a thing for floral shoes. I checked the reviews for this shoe style at amazon.com. They’re rated high on comfort—which added to the affordable price cinched the deal.
Only 49 more blogs to go for my next pair….
P.S. I know I’ve said this before, but as soon as I figure out my digital camera, I will post pix of my Rewards Shoes for Blogs #50 and #100, as well the ones for finally (after 12 months) getting my blog installed. They’re Miz Mooz emerald green cowboy boots. TDF!
