So, I did it again. For at least the fifth or sixth time in the last couple of months, I spent at least half an hour typing a post, then consigned it to the purgatory of draftdom, in all likelihood never to be seen again. (That is, unless you're subscribed to my blog feed, which occasionally traps these limbo posts and allows you to read them even though they're erased from my blog.)
It's a constant battle; I want to be transparent. I want to share my real joys and pains, especially with people whom I feel have become my long-distance friends. If we were in a small group together, I would have no hesitation in sharing some of these things. But I'm also aware that I'm writing in a public forum. And some of you have never met me in person. It's all too easy for me to give an impression that isn't accurate when seen through this narrow window of my blog.
Fellow bloggers, do you struggle with this? Am I the only one who has a dusty little pile of draft posts that sit there to remind me of the gap between what I would like to share, and what I think is prudent?
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9 comments:
Ahhh, the purgatory of draftdom. Very well put.
It's hard to decide what to put on a blog, yes. It all depends what God calls you to do.
I love reading blogs that allow me to get to know the author. See a part of their life and beliefs.
Press on, sister. Keep those drafts and when you're ready to post, you'll post them. :-)
Yes, there can be a lot lost in translation in a forum like a blog, so it's hard for me to know what to share. I find it extra challenging when I get little feedback from readers, as well - am I offending people, inspiring them, boring them? I have to constantly resign myself to the oddness of this form of teaching and sharing and realize that if I'm doing what God has called me to do, it's ok for my ego to take a hit now and then. :)
I have been described as a "what you see is what you get person." I've been open on my blog in the past, but in the last few months I've pulled back from it. It isn't nearly as much fun as it was when I was being transparent. We watched a TV show the other night and I want to blog about it, but it's so controversial that I haven't. It's eating away at my heart. Does that mean God would speak through it? I don't know. I still may write about it soon.
Rosslyn, what an excellent topic.
You are very wise and write beautifully. I think you're too intelligent to make a 'dangerous' error in sharing too much. We've never met, but in our blog correspondence I've come to see some things differently through your eyes.
I enjoy that about your blog; it connected me to your writing immediately. I love the eclectic nature of it and that it's often deeper ponderings on various topics.
There are topics aspiring authors should not touch, especially when they have work on submission. But an editor in the CBA admitted that, when she visits potential authors' sites, she wants to get to know the person. A fine line, isn't it? If anyone could ride it deftly, though, I think it would be you. :)
Only you know what those purgatory-dwelling drafts contain. But if they are along the same line as most of your posts, or perhaps more transparent, I for one would love to read them.
God bless you this evening.
Hi Sheri, Kristi, Barbara, and Gwen -
Reading your responses tonight, I was full of gratitude to have this way to interact with you. We have a great deal in common, and yet you all offer such valuable differing persepectives. I don't take this encouragement for granted at all--you are very kind to give it. I can't wait until ACFW 2009 - I hope some of you are planning to go, and we might be able to meet.
Thank you very much for taking the time to comment.
Well - Barbara - obviously, we've already met. :-) Doh! But it would be a lot of fun if you came to ACFW with me and met all these great people! Think about it...
Rosslyn, I'm with you. Once it's out there you can't call it back :-) I have a bunch of drafts myself.
Yes, the blog is a great forum and a wonderful way to communicate -- but since it's a little like a diary, it's easy to forget that others read also :-)
That being said, I so appreciate getting to know you through your posts! There's personal and then there's PERSONAL -- so keep posting, please :-)
I know that the moment has passed, water under the bridge, so to speak, but I'd like to wade into the pool for a moment.
I find my stories tend to be a little dark. I worry over how people will see me if their only exposure to me is through my stories. I tend to have a very dry and often critical sense of humor, which is not hard to tell from the storylines. But there is also a very merciful and empathetic side to me that I don't often broadcast. It's hard to strike a balance in this.
Hi Travis!
I'm so glad I set me blog to moderate comments older than 3 days. Now my blog tells me if someone comes back and leaves a comment on an older post, so I will always know it's there.
I think your merciful side has come through to me because of your comments on my blog. Also, even though your stories are sometimes dark, it takes a certain compassion in worldview to write the particular kind of dark stories that you write. So I don't think you have to worry! Discerning readers will be able to see more of your personality than you may realize.
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