SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Aysia Berlynn’s Manifesting.
THE BLOG PROCESS
Thank you for another reader suggested topic – the blog process and how it affects me! This topic forced me to reflect on the history of my blog, why I do it, and my vision for this site. I’ve produced monthly (prior to graduate school every 3 weeks) blogs for 15 years. Originally, these blogs were on Facebook via the Notes app. I started blogging to stay in touch with friends who went to different colleges after high school. I wanted to make them laugh (humor was a larger component back then), keep them up-to-date with the happenings of myself and mutual friends, and sharpen my writing skills. Over time this blog has evolved into a more therapeutic, informative, and reflective space.
Okay, let me answer the damned question. The blog process takes about a week. I start generating topics, typically 3 or 4, shortly after posting the previous blog. Sometimes the ideas pop in my head and other times it’s subjects I’ve been stewing on for a while. Believe it or not, I usually write the entire blog in one sitting. However, the key to my blog’s success (as defined by my personal perception of my writing quality) is proofreading and revision. While I spend a day or two generating topics and one day writing the text, I spend another 2 – 4 days proofreading, editing, and revising. First, I read over the blog in my head and make edits to structure and language. Then, I read it aloud to get an idea of how the words flow (e.g., rhythm, pauses). Then, I read it again partially in my head and partially aloud. After the final reread, I copy the blog over to my website and pretty it up with some colors and spacings. Then, I find a picture that evokes the mood of the blog and I post the damn thing!
My blog has four main effects on me. 1) My blog serves as a place for emotional digestion. Through my blog I have realized that writing is a very helpful way to express the thoughts in my head and digest my experiences and emotions. Sometimes the realizations I express here in words come to me as I type. It’s a beautiful synthesis of emotion, art, and vulnerability. 2) My blog keeps my writing – specifically nonfiction – skills sharp. This is a great place to practice comedic writing, practice how to communicate information people want, practice writing to a targeted audience, and write about actual events. 3) My blog helps me get more comfortable talking about myself. I still prefer to listen and learn about people. I find them fascinating. But my therapist suggested many years ago that I could use this space to not only explore myself but confront my own vulnerability. 4) My blog hinders my fiction writing for a week. But I believe the sacrifice is well worth it and critical to a sense of accomplishment. Besides discussing my fiction writing here holds me accountable which has improved my productivity.
Where does my blog go from here? For now, I’ll continue to publish a monthly blog. The nature of which may evolve as I continue in academia and pursue creative avenues. I believe in getting the right information to the right people, so it could become a place for guidance and mentorship through the lens of my (and others’) personal experiences. If I end up in a tenure track position in academia, I will have less time to devote to my hobbies (esp. leading up to tenure). As a result, I may have to decrease the frequency of blogging. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Ultimately, I would like to see this site grow into a digital repository for my essays, short stories, novellas, and novel excerpts.
WRITING
Speaking of writing, I’m still working on my 2nd novel and a short story for a contest in June. My novel is currently at ~35,000 words or about 1/3 completed. I’ve been pretty consistent about writing ~2500 words per week. The expected date of completion remains late summer. As for the short story (currently at ~500 words), my writing partner and I have decided to each submit short stories to a contest about reimagining climate change and the next 180 years of civilization through a utopian lens. Yeah, I’ve never written a hopeful story. But it’s good practice and the hard deadline will keep me motivated and accountable. On the nonfiction side, I’m currently working on two manuscripts with the goal of submitting one this year for peer review.
A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE – EXPLORING RURALITY
Last week a close friend visited and remarked on how they wouldn’t have appreciated a small town in a rural state when they were in their early 20s. Now in their late 20s, they’ve begun to appreciate solitude and a slower pace of life. As usual, said friend and I are of one mind (hive mind, we call it). Just a few years ago, I would’ve balked at the idea of living in a town of 8900 where the nearest major city is 2 hours away. Now, I find myself in a certain state of peace walking through the quaint town center or driving over to the next town for coffee and a quick bite. One of the cool things about rural living is the patchwork of small towns which feel like a quilt of different neighborhoods. Like a neighborhood, each town has a its own history and character. There are different restaurants and shops and the meandering drive between them is scenic. I remain in the exploratory phase of my new home state and a reprieve from travel has provided a sense of home and grounded me in routine. I have more time to think and reflect – something I learned to sit with when I lived in Japan – and also more time for hobbies and self-care. Part of that is a function of working at a small liberal arts college but I also don’t feel the hectic pressure of city life. That said, visiting Montreal does scratch the urban itch and reminds me that my proclivity for city life hasn’t disappeared.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished watching: Atlanta (s4); Only Murders in the Building (s2); The Last of Us; The Mandalorian (s3)
Currently watching: Hunters (s2); Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (s1); Physical: 100;The Great British Baking Show: Professionals
Recently finished reading: Wine for Dummies
Currently reading: Dune; Modern History of Japan; The Prince
Thank you for reading! Future topics are always welcome – this has been a fun exercise over the past few months. My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, June 1st. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 