Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Monday, May 19, 2014

Saying One or Two Things about Blogging

After finishing my A to Z series on life in Guatemala, it's been difficult to come back. I wonder, what more can I say?

My husband and I now live in Guatemala, I am a full-time writer, along with managing editor for WiDo Publishing, and we both have very busy daily routines. We are definitely not on vacation. The more I'm working on my books, and on WiDo's books, the less I have to say on my blog.

And I think that's okay. Like my author website, it's here, whether I am or not.  Blogging is a rewarding activity, but I don't want to be one who posts out of habit.

As I scroll through sites I follow, I appreciate those who share real content, regardless of the subject matter. I found some amazing new blogs to follow from the A to Z Challenge. Content and Personality (or Voice) are what I look for. To me, they appeal more than consistency.

In blogging as in life, it's okay not to say anything if there's nothing to say. And with that, I'll go away for a while, maybe long maybe short. Until I have something more to say.

34 comments:

  1. And it's always a pleasure to see a post from you! Glad things are totally working out for you and your family in beautiful Guatemala!! See you around in blogland, KarenG! Take care
    x

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  2. Crap, am I sharing real content? Is entertainment news real?
    Share when you want, not because you have to. When it feels like a job, it's no fun.

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  3. It should never be a chore so when you have something to share then I shall always read it:) I think you moving to a place outside ones comfort zone, sort of speak, is amazing. Different food, culture, way of life and you are open to it when many people are not. So enjoy your days, evenings and always looking forward to your writing:)

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  4. I agree--blog when you want to blog. We'll be here! I'm so glad I found so many great blogs to read during A to Z.

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  5. That is the beauty of blogging. You can with it as you see fit. Write on with your stories. Read and edit on with WiDO publishing. And we'll be here when you have something you wish to share on the blog :-)

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  6. So odd we humans! Doing the Eh to Zed made me want back into the blogging scene after ignoring it for the instant gratification of fb! I am in total agreement with your analysis however. I miss my flesh and blood pals so much although little else of my life in Nova Scotia ...erm...culture perhaps by which I mean bookstores, cafés, galleries and music. We will be home for 2 months and then back here in the fall. The best part of this for me is making a commitment to write with witnesses (usually Margot!). I'll be happy to see you when you blog and happy to imagine you sinking into your adventure.

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  7. I agree, Karen....but it also makes me think like Alex C.....Have I been posting quality info?? I hope so! I need to spend more time on my writing, too. I've already taken a Facebook hiatus (which wasn't a bit difficult, since I don't really like it, anyway! LOL) You've prompted me to take more control of my time management, which has needed a real kick in the patootie!! Enjoy your work time, and your relaxing time! I'll be thinking of you!

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  8. I've been the same about blogging. Is that your view (your pic above)?

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    1. Hi Donna, it's not the view from my house, but it's a fairly short walk away.

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  9. I haven't run out of things to say, (YET) but when the day comes I will retire my blog, or at least go on hiatus.
    One thing I would love to read about, on your blog, is the editorial process, and how it differs for different books. WiDo publishes a wide range and I wonder if an editor approaches the manuscripts with a different methodology. Or is there one at all?

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    1. Mirka, I can't bear the thought of retiring my blog, because I worked to hard to get it to this point. But I don't feel at all bad about posting only once a month or less if life gets in the way. Regarding the editing process, it really depends on the editor more than the book. Several of our editors have posted about their process on the WiDo website blog.

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  10. I usually keep my posts very short. I only have a little bit to say. I like having the interaction with other writers as part of my routine.

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  11. I'm loving your posts about your new life. I hope you keep them up.

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  12. You already know I loved your A-Z posts. Don't forget us, but always do what your heart tells you.

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  13. I have been on hiatus for a number of reasons and you are right, we are better off keeping quiet rather than say/write something that adds no value. I am feeling better this week and hope to start writing soon. I have started five posts and plan to complete at least one and get back on track.

    I'll see you in Blogland when I see you. Have some good adventures and enjoy them without thinking about writing a post.

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  14. Personally, I'd love to hear what your day-to-day life is like. As a soon-to-be expat, what seems mundane to you as you adjust to a new country and culture would be fascinating to me.

    I was happy to discover you during A to Z and hope we don't lose touch. I'll be here no matter how frequently or infrequently you post.

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    1. Holli, Same here! You and many others I followed in April have added real quality to my blog list. And thanks for the tip about what you'd like to see me post. Quite a few others have mentioned this as well, and I really appreciate the feedback since I'm in a kind of transition here on the blog.

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  15. To me, that is what blogging is all about. It does not matter the number of posts I write or how often I do it. It's just, when I have something to post about I shall post. I enjoy so much receiving a new post from you Karen - I have learned many interesting bits of everything here at your place. BOL in your new home, and happiness always. Cheers, Lilly - As we say here in the Maritimes - "See Ya" :)

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  16. Stunning header!

    And nicely put. Why write something just to post. We should have something to say when we post on our blogs....

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    1. Michael, Especially if we call ourselves writers, then our audience has a right to expect some real content and not just Ho hum, thought I'd post today since I haven't for awhile bla bla bla.

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  17. You've nailed it! Sometimes I'm awake all night trying to think of something to write. When I relax and live, that's when I am inspired. I'm so glad I found your blog on the challenge. I look forward to your posts showing up on my blog roll ... whenever that may be. :-)

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  18. Hi Karen. I just popped in to see how your life abroad is shaping up. No one likes finding hollow blog posts, which is why I gave up on the A-Z , but those I read this year were much better because of coming up with the theme first. But blogging is like friendship, I guess, where sometimes a friend just wants to say hi.

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  19. Hi Karen! I love the photo on your blog. Boy, Guatemala is gorgeous. I never knew. Bravo for you, a fulltime writer. This is a wonderful blog and I'll continue to follow it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. ~Victoria Marie Lees

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  20. I enjoyed your A to Z and I learned so much. I'll keep checking back - I feel certain you'll be inspired to share more of your writing on this blog. Enjoy your hiatus

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  21. I know what you mean about blogging. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to blog about, so I go away too. I think I'd miss it if I gave it up entirely, though.

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  22. At its core, blogging is a personal thing anyway. I hope your absence is shorter rather than longer. I've been looking forward to posts relating to your new world. I hope you can find the time to do that. You have always been one of my favorite people. Not just as a blogger, but as a person. Take care Karen...

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  23. Thank you for this. I like to have the ability to just leave for a while and come back when I am ready to say something. But then I take a picture and some every day thing happens that I want to share and I'm back at it again. I read some, but I have to catch up on more of your Guatemala A to Z posts. I just wanted to check back in and say hello. All the best ~ Inger

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  24. Hi Karen .. it's been great finding you amongst the blogging fraternity .. and lovely seeing you and hubby transition down to Guatemala - the world turns ..but how fortunate for us you have upped sticks to such a marvellous area ..

    The thoughts you express here are so true ... and Denise's comment ... "hollow blog posts" ... I've never wanted to get into that realm ... so content and voice have been my mentors ... friends and leaders too .. ie Alex we all turn to .. and friends with support ... eg Elizabeth, you and some others .. all offer great advice and thoughts re the blogging world ..

    Glad you'll be around ... I've so much to say - a week between posts is too long, but I seem to fail to do much else ... I'm just very grateful people want to read ...

    When you are around I shall be tracking you!!! Cheers and I shall be looking in to the WiDo blog re tips and tricks ... Hilary

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  25. Dear Karen, it seems to me that you've made a wise decision that many bloggers are making. When there's something to say and your have a burning desire to do so, I know you'll return. I surely take many respites from blogging and that helps me find my center. Peace.

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  26. Thank you for your comments. I always feel a bit guilty for not blogging more. I prefer to post an article when inspiration hits. It isn't a good way to write a novel, but no one is subjected to the daily output of a WIP.

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  27. I've always believed in saying nothing if there is nothing to say. If only the rest of the world thought the same there would be a lot less noise.

    Looking forward to hearing from you again when you've got insights and stories to share.

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  28. Great post, Karen. I run my blog that way too making myself scarce or visible depending on my life.

    I hope all is well in your part of the world - happy writing! May it always be a passion, not a chore and never work! :) :)

    Cheers, Jenny

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  29. After that long stretch of A to Z challenge, I'm trying to post only on Mondays. I made some great new blogging friends too! With your view, I think I would enjoy work no matter what!

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  30. What an adventure you are on! Blogging comes in seasons, doesn't it? It's been a month since your last post, so you must be enjoying your time away. Guatemala looks beautiful!

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