100 Essays Later

In May, 2009, I published my first blog entry. I’d been journaling for many years prior to starting the blog, and I wrote both fiction and non-fiction in various forms for much of my adult life. My blog, however, was my foray into making my writing regularly available to an unknown readership. It was scary and exciting. It was a brand new experience.

Although this is technically my 102^nd posting, it is my 100^th piece of writing. I have written 100 short pieces about topics from education to parenting, manners to technology. Why am I still doing it? I ask myself that about twice a month!

When I started this blog, it was an experiment. I have never actively promoted it beyond posts on Facebook and Twitter. I have received positive and constructive feedback, which I have found useful and rewarding. I titled my first entry, “ Talking to Each Other, Talking to Myself.” This blog is as much a writing practice platform for me as it has been a publishing vehicle.

And now, 100 pieces later, I am debating going further. This blog has been a great way for me to keep my writing skills sharp. I teach writing. I evaluate writing. I should write, too – right? People are reading my writing, even if it is only a handful of my friends and family. That is fine with me.

However, if I am to “put myself out there” and play with the grown-ups, I should go further. That is a little scary. I don’t know what will happen. I know I will encounter more discussion and dissent. How does one “promote” one’s blog? That is a research question I need to explore. I have a difficult enough time preparing two entries a month. How much time will “selling” the blog take?

So you see why I have been so comfortable keeping things the way they are. To paraphrase Captain Picard, I need to give myself a kick in my complacency. It is time to move forward and boldly go where my blog has not gone before.

In addition to my usual two posts a month, I am going to try to include more short posts. I will try to share links, articles, videos, photos, and other related topics. At first, you may only see one of these a month. Give me time to make this a new habit.

I don’t know how to move my little neighborhood blog into the wider web world. If you have suggestions, I am open to them. Researching the project is at the top of my free time list.

Blogging has continued to be a great way for me to articulate my thoughts and clarify my views. This cross between public journal and opinion column has been and will continue to be my primary format.

I have not been too strident. I have expressed political views, but I have worked hard to be diplomatic and muted. That is another choice I am reevaluating. What do you think? After 100 essays about the topics listed on the right, I am ready to explore new avenues and ideas.

This piece of writing has asked more questions than it answered. It is more of a reflection than a statement.

Dear reader, thank you for journeying with me this far, and I beg your patience, indulgence, and collaboration on the road ahead! On to the next 100 posts!