I started this blog almost two years ago, and I confess I had no real plan for where it would go. I was just thrilled to have some place where I could spout my opinions and describe my writing experiences. . .even if I was the only one reading the posts in the beginning.
But I realize a theme has developed in the 99 posts previous to this one:
Write the story that makes your heart beat faster, even if it breaks some of the rules along the way.
Okay, especially if it breaks the rules.
Most books start with an intriguing idea or a scene that beckons us. The story crooks its finger, smiling in that beguiling fashion we can't resist. We follow along, convinced there is treasure at the end of this voyage into the unknown, if we can just hold onto our faith.
But that is not always so easy to do. The story lures us down unexpected paths, scaring the pants off us half the time, but we can't seem to ignore its pull. The tale unfolds before us, as if someone is paving the yellow brick road one step at a time, and we aren't about to stop before we know what happens next.
Sometimes it feels like the story abandons us in a bleak wilderness of blank pages, chiding us for not knowing which words go where. Yet it also twirls us through a wonderland populated with intriguing characters and plot twists and a wide range of emotions we would not have encountered if we had stuck to the safe route.
This blog evolved in that same way.
There was no theme in the beginning, other than the general subject of "writing". There was no grand scheme, or master plan. Rhyme or reason were definitely not involved.
In fact, too often it felt like my brain's hard drive had been wiped clean, without my knowledge, and definitely without my approval. How was I ever going to write a post? I couldn't. It was impossible! Wait a minute, what about. . .
After quite a few posts, the theme began to wave its arms at me, cackling at my disbelief, demanding I publicly acknowledge its presence. Now that I have, I know there is no guarantee that the theme won't meander again, or even morph into something completely unrecognizable before post #200 arrives.
And that's what makes this so much fun.
So let's celebrate these first 100 posts, and let me thank you for accompanying me on this rule-breaking exploration. It's been a lot of fun sharing this writing journey with you, and I look forward to discovering what's over the next horizon.
Let's hope it's another wild ride.
What have you enjoyed about this blog so far? What would you like to see in the next 100 posts? Tell us what you enjoy about blogging, or share some of your favorite blogs, as well as why you're a fan.
I enjoy blathering so blogs are like a great big Spanish Galleon with wet gunpowder to a poor pirate... MUST PURSUE!!!
I think writing is the same...
Congrats on the blog record! Whoohoo!
Posted by: Maureen | December 03, 2010 at 12:33 AM
What do I like best about this blog? You! I appreciate the time and thought you put into your blogs and your talent for humor and knowing the right thing to say. :)
I guess I enjoy blogging for the same reason of doing a journal; to sort out my thoughts. Some thoughts I blog about I should probably keep to a journal. LOL
Posted by: Melissa | December 03, 2010 at 08:40 AM
Maureen, great analogy! I love blogs, and probably spend too much time following different ones around. But there's so much great info! From people I would never encounter.
I like to blather too. It's nice I have an outlet for it. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 03, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Melissa, you are just the sweetest. :) I'm glad you enjoy the things that I put up here. I've been tempted to scale back since it does take time. Fortunately I like to blather (see previous confession--one comment up! LOL) And since I know I've got an appreciative audience, I'll keep going for that. :)
LOL about the blog being a journal. Mmm, maybe that's why I don't keep one. I really enjoy your blog, though, so keep sorting out your thoughts!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 03, 2010 at 10:15 AM