Today, I’m going to tell you about a fun blog hop with an interesting twist. I was nominated by my friend Gay. We met when our daughters became BFF's years ago and we’ve stayed in touch. We haven’t seen each other in many years, but we stay connected from afar. Gay is such an inspiring woman. A fierce and wonderful mother, a new grandma, a speaker, photographer and writer, not to mention, she has the voice of an angel. Above all, she is an encourager with a huge heart. You can find her at Captive Heart.
This blog hop is about writing. I would never call myself a writer. Writing is something that I wish that I could excel at, but it's always been elusive. My husband and dad both have self-published books (shameless plugs) and someday I'd love to do the same. But, I have no idea what I want to write.
I'm an accountant. I love accounting. No, really. I do love it. But, I also have a strong creative streak in me. Which is why I feel so lucky to have this blog. The photography and writing is the perfect outlet for that side of my personality. But, currently I find myself in a bit of a rut. In my last post I told you about the unplanned break and not being able to get my rhythm back.
I’m so inspired by other bloggers, especially those that have the gift of writing. I'm hoping maybe you can help me get my blogging mojo back. I'll answer the questions and give you a little insight into my current writing process. But, what I really want is some suggestions on how I can improve this process, so that I'm once again enjoying writing and publishing things that I'm proud to put out there.
What am I currently writing or working on?
I’m currently finishing up my recap of the trip to Provence. I have just a few more posts. I really did drag that one out but I didn’t want it to be over. The next big series will be about the road trip we took with my dad and brother. That one is going to be quite a few posts also. I want to capture all of it and document the special time we had together. There are several other small trips that I haven't blogged about yet, not to mention the posts about our life in London. I feel so behind right now. I realize all the pressure is self-imposed, but I have a tendency when overwhelmed to just stop doing anything (hence my recent hiatus.) Any suggestions on how I can get caught up? Or should I even worry about it?
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I don't know how to answer this question other than to just say it's my voice. In a sea of travel/expat/random blogs, I don't think this one stands out that much. Which is perfectly fine with me. My blog started out as my personal journal during a time of major transition. I was shocked when more and more people started reading along and connecting with me. For a while it became all about growing the numbers and "building a brand," another phase of the blog that I thoroughly enjoyed. Conventions, networking, press trips and meeting some pretty amazing people. But, I quickly realized that I couldn't maintain that, particularly after going back to work full-time. I'm not sure that I would even want to. Now, my blog has gone back a little in the other direction again. I'm hoping that I can find a balance between the two. A personal scrapbook that connects me to people and opportunities.
Why do I write what I do?
My blog turned three years old this month. I can't believe it. Going back and reading old blog posts makes me so happy. It reminds me of fun and adventures, wonderful times with family and friends. Struggles and how I got through them. And the photographs are such a treasure to me. I love my little piece of the internet and feel bad that I've been neglecting it lately. That it's felt sometimes like more of a chore than it ever should.
Thankfully, fall has always felt like a time to reset and restart. So that's what I plan to do. I write this blog for the same reasons today that I did on day one. To record, celebrate and connect. I'm glad that Gay gave me a chance to remember that.
How does my writing process work?
I don't really have writing process (I'm sure you're really shocked). I usually just sit and write, lately reluctantly. My photos are often the focal point. Sometimes it feels lazy to let them tell the story for me, but I put just as much into the photographs as I do the writing, sometimes more. I've developed such a passion for the photographs. But, I know that I'm neglecting the writing.
I feel that my best writing comes from those posts that I write in my head for days and days, on the tube, in the shower, when I can't sleep. Then when I sit down with my laptop, the words just flow. Those are my favorite, but few and far between. I also feel that my writing has changed the longer I blog. I've toned down my sarcasm a little and I self-edit more than I used to. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. My writing process definitely needs some work and a shot of inspiration.
Any suggestions for me?
My nomination for this blog hop is you!
Tell me about your writing process.
