Monday, March 29, 2010

Method to the Madness


So I've been blogging for almost three years now. THREE YEARS. Wow. The time has flown. Anyway, it struck me lately that in all the blog posts I've written (353 if the Blogger count is correct), I've practically covered the entire human experience. Yes, this blog is about my writing and publishing career. But it's also about my life, my kids, my husband, my fears, my favorite recipes, books I love, the weather... you name it. I've shared with you the pain of my fourth miscarriage, my triumphs (and shortcomings) as a mother, my literary successes (and failures), and even funny things my boys have said.

Well. What else is there to say? Haven't I covered it all? Is it time to say sayonara to my bloggity-blog career?

I don't think so... At least, not yet. It doesn't interfere with my writing, and I actually enjoy the outlet I've found (and, more importantly, the friends I've found) online. So, after thinking and praying about it for the last couple of weeks, I've decided that I am going to commit myself to at least one more year of blogging. However, I am going to prescribe a little method to my madness. It's time I had a bit more direction, I think.

Nothing really is going to change, but I am planning on sticking to a regular schedule. Hopefully this will keep me organized, and help you find and read the posts that interest you. Without further ado, my new weekly timetable:

Tuesdays - Writing/Publishing
Since Mondays are a crazy day for me, I'll begin my blogging week on Tuesday with a post about writing. This may include snippets of books I'm working on, answers to questions from my readers, writing tips and advice, or anything else related to the wonderful world of penning novels.

Thursdays - Personal
A few months ago I asked what you (my lovely readers) wanted to see more of in my blog. I was surprised by the number of people who wrote that they liked the personal stories. Well, you asked for it. On Thursdays I'll keep it intimate by blogging about my world. My kids, my life, my struggles... whatever is hitting me that week.

Saturdays - Just for Fun
To edify your weekend, I'll post something fun on Saturday. A recipe, a great link, an interview with a fellow author or friend, or anything that strikes my fancy. If I have a giveaway (and I have more of those on the docket!), it'll be posted on Saturday.

There you have it. A little order from chaos. Doesn't that feel good?

Any-hoo, stay tuned for the inaugural week of my new, orderly blogging schedule. I'm actually going to take the rest of this week off as it is Holy Week, one of my favorite weeks of the year. I want to soak in the whole experience... From our inspiring church service yesterday, to a candlelight Maundy Thursday service, all the way through Easter morning. Wow. I get chills just thinking about it. Aaron challenged our church to fast on Thursday in preparation for the Lord's Supper, but as the little baby inside happens to like food I don't think I'll be participating in that... But I will make the day special all the same.

As I leave you this week, I can't help wondering... Do you do anything special for Holy Week? Any family traditions or personal dedications that you revisit every year? Did you give something up for Lent? I'd love to hear...

Have a Blessed Easter.

3 comments:

  1. So happy you're still going to blog! I love when authors have a way to connect with their readers - especially the authors I love (which is you!)

    Happy Holy week Nicole. :)

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  2. I always give up something for Lent. Usually it's pop or sweets (I love a good brownie!). One time I was tired of doing the same old thing, so I decided to give up pessimism. Yep, pessimism. It sounds crazy, right? It was the most difficult Lent and the most rewarding. I was in graduate school and in the middle of writing my thesis. I was drowning in research papers and statistics. I found myself saying "I can't do this" or "I don't think I can do this" over and over. Deep down, I knew I had it in me to finish, so I thought it was the perfect time to give up "I can't."

    My husband teases me every time I mention this, but it worked...and I have my thesis sitting on my bookshelf to prove it!

    Happy Easter,
    Tracy

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  3. Thanks, Katie. I love connecting with you, too. Looking forward to the day when your book is on my bedstand... ;)

    Pessimism. Wow, that's awesome, Tracy. I don't know why, but I always think of that tradition in terms of food. But there are so many things we need to let go of... Wish I would have thought of that this year. Thanks for expanding my horizons! And congratulations on your thesis! That must feel amazing...

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