Question of the Month: How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed? Monthly question posted by the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG). I was an original member of the group, but have slipped in ranks this past year.

Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.

I’m popping back up on the list for IWSG because this question is relevant to me and my blogging career. I started blogging in the fall of 2009. I originally thought of it as a way to express myself through writing and connect with other writers and readers. I’ve done that, many times over. I’ve made wonderful connections with people online and in the real world through my writing. I usually start each post with a “Quote of the Day” and end with “Journaling Prompt.” At first, I was hoping my blog would be a place to go for journaling prompts, especially after I’d done some workshops on journaling, but I don’t know if that ever happened. 

At first, the posts were about writing, or reflecting on life, being a mom of four boys! I joined the Blogging from A to Z challenge in April (don’t remember the year), and did that for several years. It was intense, but fun. A great way to develop discipline in daily blogging and visiting and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. I haven’t done that, now, for a few years. It was too big a time commitment. Once I started writing theater reviews, I focused mostly on that. Now, I go to over 50 shows a year, and write about them here, both to promote live theater and to process what I’ve experienced. I love it. 

Cast and crew for the stage reading of “It’s Murder, Dontcha Know?” based on the novel by Jeanne Cooney. At Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN, Sept. 28, 2023

Like I said at the top of the post, I was an original member of the IWSG. I love the concept and the community that Alex is fostering through this blog hop (as we used to call it). I haven’t posted as much in the past year because reviewing has taken up most of my writing time. Also, I felt like I said the same thing over and over – I’m insecure about my abilities to be a successful writer, to actually write a book that others want to read, to stick to that project (which can take years). I’m also like most people and have time constraints and other obligations. Then, I started working on writing plays. I have one full-length original play that I’ve produced locally, and I’m currently working on a stage adaptation of It’s Murder, Dontcha Know a novel by Jeanne Cooney. (Which, I know, I’ve mentioned several times here.) That said, I’m finding success with it. We had a stage reading of it here in the Brainerd area last fall, under the direction of Joey Yow. I’ve been invited to join three other women playwrights next year for stage readings at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, MN. And, it will be fully produced here at the Brainerd Community Theater at Central Lakes College next February! So, my focus has shifted a little.

Graphic by Blue Cottage Agency

I still love this IWSG community and pop on every once in a while and read entries by friends I’ve made through the blog hop. I plan to continue as long as Alex is still hosting it. I appreciate the addition of a “Question of the Month,” as it gives me something else to write about besides the above mentioned same old, same old insecurities. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: How have you grown, or changed, as an artist?