A Tuesday in December

“How To”

Gee, I’ve never done anything like this before, he said.

Like what? You mean a personal blog?

Yeah, he said. I mean a thing, a piece all about myself and stuff.

Well, I’ve been told that it is a terrific means of getting your thoughts out in the open, working through problems and the like. And sometimes other people might happen upon your page and be able to relate. That’s the idea, they say.

Yeah, that was my thought, he said. Most of the ones I’ve come across are pretty much all about the person writing it, so nothing I write down will be very original as far as content goes. I mean, so many people are dealing with the same kinds of problems in life, and there are probably thousands of writers who just want to get it all off their chest. And I think the idea is that you won’t feel so alone with all the heavy things going on inside your mind if you can just reach someone else.

Perhaps. But there are some blogs out there created by specialists for specialists, and they contain only technical information for people who are into the same hobbies and have similar interests. Do you think you might include that kind of thing on your page, information about subjects you’re interested in?

Hmmm…I guess so, he said. But I don’t really know if I know enough about the things I’m really into to write about them. Other people might get bored reading it and see it as amateur—just some guy trying to show off his knowledge. But so many people know so much more about the things I’m into than me, I just don’t think it would do any good. Like, I love playing guitar and I love music and know a little about books and some philosophy and a couple of other things. Maybe I’ll just only bring it up if it is important to the story.

That’s a possibility. Have you considered including your personal thoughts about life and about the world? Your 'musings', so to speak? I’ve noticed that many bloggers tend to stray into that randomly, mix in some ethos with their pathos.

I don’t know; that’s not exactly why I want to make a blog, he said. I guess if that stuff comes up while I'm working through my own issues then it would make sense to use it. I have a lot of ideas that could go with my stories. But then again, people might think I am trying to show off my ‘deep thoughts’ or something.

But the personal insights can be central to your narrative, can they not? Won't you need to explain to the readers how you feel about the things that happen to you, or are they supposed to simply understand what you’re going through based on the action alone?

That’s a good point, he said. I’ll probably end up writing down how I feel a lot, but not too much. There is just waaay to much to think about and to know about out there; it could really get tiring and pointless if I’m not careful. But I guess I can’t really say at this point since I haven’t even started yet...

...I suggest you take a few minutes and just write down whatever comes into your head. When you have written for awhile and have a sizeable chunk on the paper, pick out the material that sounds best, the narratives, anecdotes, knowledge, musings, whatever you think people might be interested in. But remember that in the end you are still writing for yourself so if you wind up with a sticky ball of gibberish and brain stew that particularly tickles your fancy, fuck it! It’s YOUR blog, brotha.

Aaaahhh…YEAH! You’re right—it IS my blog! he said. Thanks for all your wonderful advice, Better Half. You’re the best! See you around sometime. I’ll give you a call if I need some more help, alright?

Ha! Of course, friend. But don’t worry yourself about what I think; there are a million people out there who will be more than willing to give you a piece of their mind. Just remember:
“You can always apply
the same technique
to their critique
as you can to your own writing.”

Salve and happy blogging!!