Two years ago, I started this blog as a way to connect with other woman writers through the Blog Like Crazy challenge. That November, I skipped a couple days and made it to day 27. Then I stopped blogging for a month. Last year, I did something similar. I started strong, kept writing posts a couple days ahead, and then I quit with a few days left.
Since then, I've posted sporadically about things I wanted and/or needed to shape into words. Instead of blogging, I've been writing my butt off for publications on all different levels. Instead of using my blog as a writing exercise, I pretend that people can't see my blog has been neglected.
Let me be clear: this problem is one that I've dreamed of having, but now that it's present, I'm scared of screwing it up. I spend inordinate amounts of time overthinking word choices and syntax. I pitch headlines and ledes and then work with editors to craft them into something eye-catching.
But most of the time, I'm writing. I'm pulling together stories and articles from memories and research. Putting words on paper (or a computer screen) releases pressure I didn't know was building up in my brain, and keeps me grounded.
This November, I won't be blogging like crazy -- I'll be writing like crazy. Every day, I'll post either a blog entry or an article that went live that day. For the article days, I'll write up a little blurb about the piece's background. Expect things like tips for research, how to keep interviews on course, or even thoughts on negotiating writer's block.
Hopefully, a month of celebrating writing, and especially blogging, will help me to rekindle my love for the medium. Even if it doesn't, it'll get me back into the habit of writing every day. Once I get that back on track, I'll be unstoppable.