Because You Asked: This Is How I Decide What To Write About In My Personal Blog

/ Ally Bean

EARLY THE OTHER MORNING the 6:30 a.m. temp was 71º F and sitting outside in nature with my morning mug of coffee was my plan. It was too nice outside to not take advantage of it.

I told Z-D, I’m going to go outside and look at the moon I can’t see.

I sauntered outside onto the deck and plopped down on a chair. I looked up into the sky where a few wandering clouds obscured the bright waning gibbous moon, making the scene look indistinct and otherworldly.

I liked it.

• • •

Once upon a time a light-hearted blogger named KizzyLou created a blogging club for laid-back bloggers. She made personalized membership cards for everyone. This is mine.

• • •

THUS WHILE BASKING IN the hazy moonlight I began to contemplate what I could write about next on ye olde bloggy. I was feeling woo-woo in the moment, allowing my mind to attend to whatever floated into it.

Point of fact, I usually have an idea about what I’ll be talking about before I sit down to write it. I rarely do stream of consciousness posts wherein my unedited disjointed thoughts spill out. Instead I lean into thinking beforehand about what specifically I’ll be going on about, then sit down and write – edit – rewrite – edit – edit some more – then publish.

Don’t bore us, get to the chorus!

[The subtext of how I write everything here.]

Of course as a blogger who primarily writes a character-driven blog the foregoing makes sense. I adore reading plot-driven blogs, which seem to be more the done thing now, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable telling y’all everything I do in a linear Dear Diary approach to personal blogging.

You would yawn.

Instead I allow what happens within me to be the catalyst for blog posts creating what has been described as an old-fashioned newspaper Lifestyle Column approach to personal blogging.

[More information on the difference between plot-driven versus character-driven HERE.]

• • •

Currently WordPress explains who writes & edits this blog as a team of one— meaning I’m chief cook and bottle washer.

• • •

HENCE I SHOW UP to my blog ready to answer the question “What up Buttercup?” not with the exact details of my daily life, but with my subjective thoughts & feelings gleaned, then noted, whilst living my midwest suburban life.

Thoughts that I hope are not stupid, tedious, or pedantic.

Because those, my little moonbeams, are my nagging fears as a personal blogger who’s been writing a blog for decades now— and who would have thought I’d have lasted this long‽

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

If you write a personal blog, do you generally favor a plot-driven or character-driven approach to your blog?

How do you decide what you’ll write about next?

What worries you about how your blog posts will be received? Do you have any small nagging fears like I do? Or maybe some large ones I haven’t thought of?

Any other questions you’d like to ask me about personal blogging?

~ ~ 🔹 ~ ~

266 thoughts on “Because You Asked: This Is How I Decide What To Write About In My Personal Blog”

  1. How do you decide what you’ll write about next?

    Hmm. Since moving, I haven’t felt the desire to write about anything at all. No plots or characters have appeared on the horizon to tug on my sleeve and encourage me to sit down and write. Maybe this summer when the heat and humidity chase me indoors, I’ll reclaim some tiny corner in the blogosphere.

    In the meantime, Ms. Bean, I always enjoy your posts . . . and find none that I would characterize as stupid, tedious, or pedantic. 😀

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    • Nancy, thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. My fears have been assuaged.

      I totally understand about not feeling like writing anything. For me, and you too, a story or subject has to present itself for me, or you, to write about it. And even then I delete over half of what I do write, deeming it not blogworthy.

      I look forward to reading whatever you share on your blog when the time is right for you to write it. May summer cabin fever be what you need to get writing again.

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  2. I like a blog with a solid voice, like yours. Doesn’t matter what’s driving it, but I want to hop on . I get my blog ideas from what’s around me, and comments from blog friends. I love when people want to explore something. I like to make people consider the other side, so my fear is they’ll stop reading and not consider that all sides have a point, and it’s not necessarily nefarious. I want people to engage in discussion. I’ve seen what’s it’s like to take sides and it’s not pretty

    Liked by 2 people

    • LA, well said: so my fear is they’ll stop reading and not consider that all sides have a point, and it’s not necessarily nefarious. I wonder about that too. If I say something that a reader finds offensive, even it is just a slightly different perspective, will the reader drop me? Are people that sensitive to alternative points of view that a simple observation will upset them? Rhetorical question, but… 🤔

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Blogging to me is cyclical, unstructured, chaotic with periodic organization of subject matter, fueled by deep insights or day-to-day drivel, storytelling when I feel like it, reporting something with stats and graphs, illustrating (or not) with self-taken images, ruminating over something-to-me significant but to most normal people insignificant detail and everything else I can’t articulate now but maybe later. Or I write a newsletter to invite people to visit me on other platforms. Or I stop publishing the many drafts in my draft folder but moan about it to my audience how my words don’t make any sense. And then I ignore the blog until one day, the urge to write everything under the sun that pops into my head stimulates some invisible courage to hit publish and so I do.

    Liked by 4 people

  4. Interesting information, Ally. The sentence that stands out for me “there is no wrong answer … what matters is the story you’re telling in this moment.” For me, always nonfiction and bring the reader along – the stories I like to read. I think all writers have imposter syndrome at times. You just keep doing, you, Ally, wherever this takes you and take us along. 💕 Erica

    Like

    • Erica/Erika, true. Each blog post is about the story I’m telling in the moment. Years ago I learned that I had to give myself the grace to change my mind later about what I said back whenever. I’m consistent in that I write what I’m thinking about, but new information may appear and I’ll get to thinking something different. And that’s okay. For a former perfectionist this is a big step forward.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hi Ally, my blog is mainly photographic although it didn’t start that way. I would define it as perspective/ experiential. Recently, I have been known to write about things that are bothering me (or have been) and have also dipped into politics, something I used to avoid completely but can’t anymore.

    On that score I was very worried about reception but I felt it extremely important not to be put off by fear – something that’s been generally happening a lot in some quarters – and take it on the chin if necessary. It wasn’t necessary except for one person who decided to be a boot. But then again, there’s always a boot lurking somewhere.

    Sometimes a post will sit in my draft folder for weeks or even months before I publish it because I have to mull it over. I can have up to about ten in there waiting to either go public or remain private. Writing about a topic often helps me to define it but they’re not all gems so it’s not always necessary to publish these thinkings.

    No questions for you but thanks very much for sharing your process. Cheers.

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    • Lynette, your description of your blog rings true with me. I know your photos are wonderful and uplifting. And that you occasionally write about something that is currently bothering you. You keep a good balance between the two.

      I don’t go into much detail about politics here. I used to write more about my observations and frustrations, but realized other people compose much better posts on controversial subjects than I do. So I read what they have to say and comment when I feel I can add something to the conversation.

      Same here about how writing helps me define what I’m really feeling about something which is why I delete as many posts as I publish. Part of my process is discerning what needs to be said.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Like Lynette I’ve felt compelled to blog about what’s happening in our country. I also worried about reception but didn’t need to. It has sparked very good discourse.

      Liked by 3 people

  6. I don’t write a blog. I just read blogs and I like quite a variety of blog styles so I don’t think I prefer one over the other. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I don’t but I always like when a blogger replies if I do comment but I understand when they don’t.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Ellen D., I read a wide variety of blogs, too. I don’t limit myself to one age group or style of blog, looking more for bloggers who are sincere and articulate and make me smile.

      Not replying to comments is a big turn off for me. I’d feel like I was being rude to ignore a comment someone took the time to tell me. Connection is precious.

      Like

  7. There are a few posts, like my Sunday poser that I have to think and come up with a question and my Wednesday one liner. Other posts are in response to different prompts. They are far easier to write. I don’t worry about how people will respond to my posts as most people are kind enough to read and comment on them.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I started back blogging in March of this year, and decided to make it a personal blog. I think my posts are a combination of both plot-driven and character-driven. A lot happens between working a 9 to 5, and juggling my personal life so whatever occurs, I use that as my inspiration to write my posts. How I decide what to write next depends on how the week goes: if it’s a smooth week, then I’m able to write a post everyday. If it’s a hectic week, I’m glad I’m able to get at least two or three posts out at the most. What worries me at times is am I oversharing at times or am I venting more than actually helping someone by sharing a life lesson I learned. So far, love today’s entry and I’ll definitely be back to read more, thank you for this post! ❤️ ✨ 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gabrielle, I like your approach of combing work life with daily life to arrive at your inspiration for blog posts. You are doing great to post as often as you do. Good point about the balance between oversharing or venting. What is enough, what is too much? A rhetorical question, but one that all personal bloggers wrestle with [I assume]. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  9. If I say that I write a post when I have something to say to more than just myself or my family is that a valid answer? Or an answer at all? Not sure that I define my blog or writing in any way as it’s literally just a place to say things to people I don’t know IRL but who are people I really like and want to chat with. Sort of like a text but I don’t have to use a ton of acronyms and I try to use punctuation…

    I hope that no one feels an “obligation” to read my words ever and if they choose to move on that’s okay, although of course I would wonder… I actually would like to be a bit more “incorrect” in what I put on the blog, a bit more edgy or controversial but I hesitate to appear offensive so I tone down some things I would prefer to rant about. I suppose that is my fear.

    Lastly, I don’t necessarily think too much about why others blog. Everyone has their own reasons and I don’t analyze much about why they are here. I just know the ones I like to read and interact with and would miss if they chose to stop.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, ha! I love your line: like a text but I don’t have to use a ton of acronyms and I try to use punctuation. Oh ain’t that the truth!

      Like you I occasionally wonder why some bloggy friends will ghost me. If someone has been checking in here, and I’ve reciprocated, then *poof* I’m persona non grata I have to wonder was I too tedious… maybe not edgy enough? Did I step on someone’s toes… accidentally. Who is to say, but it is baffling.

      I’m curious about how people communicate, so I try to figure out if someone envisions their blog as a character-driven or plot-driven blog— and why! Always looking to see if I can determine what makes someone tick.

      Liked by 1 person

      • The last paragraph is so true! I literally read only a small handful of blogs anymore. Over time blogs that I loved have ceased, blogs that I had mixed feelings about have been let go and I am comfortable with the small number in my list. The bloggers in that list have been around for so long with me that I feel pretty comfortable being judgmental about who they are and what they are! It’s when I attempt to add new blogs and find that the writers don’t seem to know their own selves, or contradict themselves with words or actions, that I have taken the attitude that I don’t really want to find out what sort of “ticking apparatus” they have 🙂 Now if I was getting paid tons of $$$ to use my amateur psychology degree then I might investigate more but… 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        • You said what I’ve found lately too: “It’s when I attempt to add new blogs and find that the writers don’t seem to know their own selves, or contradict themselves with words or actions…” that I become indifferent and see no point in sticking around. I like blogging well enough but I won’t let it bog me down. 🫤

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  10. You need not worry about ever being boring or pedantic or any other nefarious word! You engage your audience in the most wonderful way (how else would I test myself on whether or not I am a (insert subject of the day here)?

    I don’t know what my blog is! It’s part short-story (or poetry) inspired by a prompt, and part blah-de-blah about where I am walking to and from.

    I can honestly say I don’t overly worry about whether or not a post will be well received but am much pleased when I received lovely comments. I have been fortunate in not attracting trolls so I must be doing something right!

    Is there anything better than sauntering onto a deck and just being in the moment?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dale, thanks for your support. I do try to not concern myself with what other people think of me. In real life I’m good at it, but sometimes in blogland I get the yips. Self-doubt slinks in.

      I adore your description of your blah-de-blah and I want you to know I enjoy it. Lean into that here as well.

      Yes, yes, about being in the moment. Sitting on the deck plays into my slug club membership. So many fun bloggers come and gone.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I often get the yips and usually end up getting the best comments one the ones I doubted myself most for – what up wit dat?

        Love that you enjoy my blah-de-blah and it’s funny because I was telling my beau I have lost my love of blogging because of all the challenges and want to focus more on my own stuff. So.. Yaya!

        I love your card. And so true. Lots of bloggers have gone on to other things…

        Liked by 1 person

        • That’s happened to me, too. Weird, huh?

          I’m with you about feeling less in love with personal blogging. It used to effortless to come here and write, but now with the WP hoops to jump through the process can be anxiety-producing.

          Plus I admit that I really miss many earlier bloggers who I felt close to, but had to go their own ways. Back then I wrote posts knowing who’d show up, but now random is as random does.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Very weird. And I have not reached the point of complacency or rather, the assurance that those I feel “meh” about will be well received 🙂

            WP really does burst the bubble on blogging at times! Which reminds me. I can’t take my inbox anymore. Once again (and I promise I will write it down and actually do the necessary) what is the app or whatever you use to follow your blogs? I had a fit a month ago and just flushed my whole inbox of its 2K+ emails!!

            Yeah, There are a few that I miss, too. On the occasion where I go back to previous blogs for whatever reason and I see who commented, I am reminded once again that they are gone. Sigh….

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            • 2K+ emails!!! Oy vey, you’re making anxious from afar.

              I use Feedly.com to keep track of the bloggers I actively follow. I used the free version at first, but upgraded to a paid account. It’s easy to use and allows me to be proactive about who and when I read posts.

              Yep, same thing. I see who commented back then and miss them now. Not that current bloggers aren’t great, just for the most part not longtime friends.

              Liked by 1 person

              • I was beyond stressed!

                Feedly! That’s it! I definitely have to get myself hooked up…

                Life and all that… But I know what you mean. The ones who were there in my very beginnings when all I got were crickets!

                Liked by 1 person

  11. A membership card?! Nice! My blogs tend to be more plot driven, sometimes with a little twist or personal realization at the end. Sometimes that realization takes years, which works well when writing a semi-memoir blog. But I haven’t been very motivated recently. Too much else going on, though I still enjoy other people’s blogs!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Ok here goes:

    1. I can honestly say that I don’t know whether my blog is plot or character driven. Especially right not because my mind is blank.

    2. Whatever is keeping me awake at night is usually what comes out in my blog.

    3. My blog originated as a place to get things off my chest. A place to rant when needed. It was very therapeutic. However, whatever is keeping me awake these days is often too close to home so it stays tucked away to prevent offending those close to home. So now I end up writing about more boring things or not writing at all.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jenn, I’d describe your blog as character-driven. You take your reactions to your daily life and turn them into interesting blog posts. I understand about not wanting to get too personal or specific about what happens in your life, I feel the same way. Yet we both show up and share something so while maybe not as dynamic as it could be, we’re doing our best with what we have to write about. How’s that, you buying this idea? 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Your posts are like a warm chat with a friend. Mine are more like someone asked a question and I’m answering–with gusto and enthusiasm (because I’m curious about everything). Me, I’ve got posts scheduled for almost a year. But I’m a tad nuts.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jacqui, thanks for your kind assessment of what is going one here. Conversational, yes I am.

      Like you I’m curious which is how I came to be thinking about blogs as being character-driven or plot-driven. Of course being asked to explain my process prompted this thinking.

      Laughing about your posts that are scheduled ahead. Once upon a time I had an editorial calendar for this blog, but jettisoned it so that I could be more of a pantser here.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. In blogging, I fear conflict through being misunderstood. I tend to avoid certain topics for that reason! And so I try to keep my blog a happy, light-hearted place – and my tactic has worked: in 10 years, I’ve never gotten any nasty comments. (For context, the comment culture where I live is ugly.) A couple of weird ones and plenty of spam, sure, but no comment conflict! 🥳🙌

    I’m not a Dear Diary person, either, so I guess I’m more character-driven rather than plot-driven! Thanks for teaching me these definitions, I hadn’t really considered them at all until now, but it’s quite interesting actually.

    Your coffee spot sounds perfect!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Snow, I know how you feel about being misunderstood. I also try to write in a light-hearted way here so that no one feels like I’m out to get them. Which I’m not, but has not always been understood. I’ve had trolls attacking me, but I no longer engage with them. I learned along the way.

      I’d say your blog is character-driven. You take this and that from your real life and create blog posts based on your awarenesses. The thing about character-driven versus plot-driven communication patterns is that once you understand the concepts you’ll begin to see people in real life who talk about their lives primarily using one pattern or another. It can be trippy.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. “Same here about how writing helps me define what I’m really feeling about something which is why I delete as many posts as I publish. Part of my process is discerning what needs to be said.”…Yeah, I read through the comments – at least some of them!
    I just pubbed a post today after a longish silence. The nagging need to do this is a good incentive (and helps me know I am alive!) and the satisfaction comes in what you describe above along with knowing I followed through in the discipline required…
    “Any other questions you’d like to ask me about personal blogging?” Yes, a question for you: how do you balance the inner need to be complete (risking boredom) in a catchup post and just plunging in and starting with ‘now’?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, I’m glad to know you wrote and published something today. Wonderful to see you back in blogland. Obviously you knew it was time to write something and what to say.

      Excellent question. When I first started blogging a wise blogger told me that everything you publish should have something in it that prompts your readers to shout YES! In other words be relatable.

      For instance in this post someone could say “Yes, I get it” to: 1) seeing the moon, drinking coffee; 2) knowing if you write with a character-driven or plot-driven style; or 3) sharing your fears.

      So write your catchup post or your in the moment post, just present it so there will be a YES!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I definitely prefer a character-driven approach to blogging. My posts are usually based on something going on in my life or just some random thing that crossed my mind. (I didn’t know how prophetic subtitling my blog “random musings of a redheaded rambler” would be.)

    Liked by 1 person

  18. My driving force in blogging is to make connections between different experiences that I have had over the years. *That happened when I was young, which is similar to *this which is happening today. Exploring human nature and spouting wisdom or irony or just a good laugh about the relatability and inter-connectiveness between us all. Is that a word? Not sure. My fear would be that people wouldn’t relate to the emotions I express and conclusions that I draw. Like, they don’t get it.
    I feel like perhaps my blog is both plot & character driven at times. As far as topic, it usually ‘just comes to me.’ Usually, a week or a few days before I plan to post, a tiny idea will surface. I’ll consider it briefly, then let it go. While I go about my daily whatever, sure enough, things will pop into my brain that have some relevance to the topic, so I will jot down a quick note on my phone. Sometimes a complete paragraph will suddenly come together while I am in the most unlikely of places, so I will type it on my phone to preserve the wording. Finally, I sit down to write and find a way to connect all the separate ideas into one cohesive article. Sort of a haphazard method to create organized thoughts.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gwen, good point about visualizing your blog as a way of connecting parts of your history together and then sharing your story with other people. This makes sense to me. I know that I wonder too if what I’m feeling about something I write will be how readers take what I’m saying. We all want to be understood.

      Your ‘just comes to me’ process is EXACTLY how I put together my blog post ideas, too. I’ll think about something, dismiss it, but then if the thought comes back it is go time— with scribblings every which way + thoughts floating through my mind until I compose a lucid post. Haphazard to organized, I like it.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I don’t put that much thought into the delivery. It just gushes out of my fingers and I hope for the best. Sometimes I think I should go back to blogging more frequently because that made me pay attention. I’m missing some of the weird wibble wobbles of life. Mostly I like my blogging family. Very cool.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Never stupid, tedious, or pedantic! (I have little patience for any of those, and would not willingly subject myself to someone who is STP.) I prefer character-driven, in general, but I love a good plot, too. Seems to me that most genre fiction is plot-driven, which is probably why literary types turn their noses up at it. Probably what I love best is writing that can combine the two, which I think is pretty hard to do. But what I really love the most is just good writing, people who know their way around a sentence and paragraph. I think you have a nice balance of each of these in your posts here, which is why I willingly subject myself to your musings whenever I see them on offer. 🙂

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    • Rita, thanks for the compliment. I do try to not waste anyone’s time. Be specific with what I say here. I agree that in literary circles plot-driven books are often looked down on. I majored in English Lit and was taught to look at characters first, plot second… if at all because Great Literature was solely character-driven. I’ve gotten over that idea.

      Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. I enjoy hearing your take on things— and of course reading what you’ve written. You’re never STP either.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Ally, I enjoy your writing style and sense of humor, so I’d read anything you want to write about!

    If you write a personal blog, do you generally favor a plot-driven or character-driven approach to your blog? I think my blog is character-driven, but maybe I’m too close to it to tell for sure. I know that I tend to prefer reading character-driven books and blogs. But a good plot can also be fun.

    How do you decide what you’ll write about next? A lot depends on my mood. I often do an end-of-month roundup or focus on a holiday. I write lots of drafts and delete them.

    What worries you about how your blog posts will be received? Do you have any small nagging fears like I do? Or maybe some large ones I haven’t thought of?
    I worry about putting too much personal information out on the internet for all to see and try to scam me! (Not the blogging group who comments, but unknown lurkers.)

    Any other questions you’d like to ask me about personal blogging?
    Have you ever had any bad encounters with scammers or other bloggers?
    Do you have rules for yourself about where to draw the line on revealing your personal info.? Do you worry about keeping yourself safe online?
    Have you ever been offended or annoyed by someone’s blog?
    Well, those are some intense questions!! 😅

    Liked by 1 person

    • Michelle G., I’d describe your blog as character-driven. You are creative and friendly, allowing readers into your mindset.

      I do the same thing, I write many posts that I end up deleting because they seem wrong in some way.

      More good questions. Here goes:

      Have you ever had any bad encounters with scammers or other bloggers? In the mid-2000s when I was writing a different blog I had my entire blog stolen, title – content – template – photos. I talked with a lawyer about it but because the thieves were in Korea and blogging was a new medium, there was no recourse. So I walked away from that blog, eventually starting this one.

      Do you have rules for yourself about where to draw the line on revealing your personal info? Do you worry about keeping yourself safe online? Like you I keep personal information to a minimum but talk frankly about what is going on within me. There’s a fine line to walk there that I learned about early on.

      Have you ever been offended or annoyed by someone’s blog? Sure, but I don’t hate follow anyone so I stopped paying attention to that person. Connection is voluntary.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. My main fear is that some people I don’t want to read will find my blog. As a fellow long-time blogger, I’ve been offended, annoyed or appalled at some posts and in the appalled category, I don’t go back. One guy would post vitriol about politics, not all the time, but enough that I never returned to his blog. Bloggers who aren’t ever reciprocal usually lose my interest too. I’m curious about lurkers and about those who comment. I want to know as much about them as they do about me! I often imagine what they look like and would probably be shocked at how far off I am. 🙂 I don’t know what kind of blogger I am–slice of life? Plot? A whiner? A philosophizer? I’m all those things. Otherwise blogging would bore me and I would have quit long ago.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, I imagine your fear about who is reading your blog is a fear of many bloggers. Since the beginning I’ve told everyone that I write a public blog so I know they can find me… if they want to… but usually won’t bother.

      I’ve stopped following people for many reasons usually because they’re just plain mean people who aren’t bringing any smarts or joy to the table. Too much snarling I’m I toast.

      I agree about the value of reciprocity when it comes to blogging friendships. I know people come and go in blogland but I also know some people are only here to be on stage, not interested in anyone in the audience. I can only clap so long before I move on.

      I’d say you write a plot-driven blog about slices of your life whilst philosophizing along the way. That’s why you’re interesting.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Thanks Ally, now that I read what Scribophile says about character vs plot driven writing I am positive I have no idea. I try to approach each post under the mantra “Tell a Good Story.” As you know, my stories are (yawn) boring and niche, but I like to make them comical, conversational, and as entertaining as possible- especial since they are boring. No one wants to read a textbook.

    Liked by 3 people

  24. 71 degrees at 6:30am? I read the rest of the blog but I’m still stuck on that. Wow – what a lovely morning! Love your Lifestyle Column approach, Ally! Nope, never tedious, pedantic or boring!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Wynne, yes it was unexpectedly pleasant outside so I had to go outside. I’m pleased you approve of my approach to blogging. Once you understand the differences between character-driven and plot-driven, you’ll understand blogging in a new light. There is no right or wrong, just different ways of sharing your narrative.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. One thing for sure is that I have trouble coming up with story ideas that make me want to sit down and start typing away. I’ve gotten to the point where I often think I’m doing nothing much more than repeating myself. But, I’ll continue to plug away. I hope!

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    • Neil, I know how you feel about trying not to be repetitive. I don’t want to revisit ideas but I also write about what happens to me which is often same old, same old. Yet, like you, I keep on plugging away.

      Liked by 2 people

  26. I’m like Claudette. I sort of got along until something strikes me. There is no rhyme or reason to two or what I post, although there do seem to be seasonal tendencies. So crocuses and poetry in the spring, fall leaves and gratitude in autumn and winter loving stuff (to bug all the winter haters 😏) and hardly post in the summer. Although again I might. No rhyme or reason! Some poetry, some stories, and some photos. Occasionally, a fictional tale or strangely enough, my most read post ever was called The Rant, and it was about working life in the health care field. It went mini viral (via FB) long before I had found a blogging world. I like the connections I’ve made but am never quite as Johnny on the spot about answering comments – which is why by 3 hours post publish, you have 59 comments, and I might get 8! You really do connection well.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bernie, it’s your randomness that makes your blog memorable in a good way. I write about a wide variety of topics, too— so I might be inclined to like your style just ‘cuz. Interesting about which post went viral, don’t know what to make of that, other than to say you must have been saying what needed to be said.

      Thanks for the compliment about doing connections in my comments. I don’t post often anymore but when I do I keep in mind I’ll need to reply to comments, preferably sooner than later. It keeps me grounded.

      Like

  27. Woo-woo has been my state of being since … gosh I don’t know when. But whenever the woo-woo state breaks (sometimes momentarily) I’ll post generally character driven pieces.Someone I remember or knew and think the world might like to know (or at least a few caring fellow bloggers). I gave up blogging for likes a while back. It’s an evolution. Okay my moment of clarity is gone and I must now rejoin the Woo-Woo Nation! (l love your posts)

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    • Jan, you make me smile. So you’re in a consistent state of woo-woo, living your days, writing your character-driven blog. I get it. I don’t care about *likes* either— or follower counts while I’m thinking about it. I enjoy comments because it’s fun to talk with people, but those other numbers are irrelevant for a personal blogger such as myself.

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      • It took me a long time to figure this out. And now I go look occasionally because I like to see where the readers are from, but the numbers are now not important.

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        • Bernie, I know at one time I thought it was important to have numerical proof of popularity, but then it dawned on me no one cares. It’s how truthful you are and how you make people feel that matters. Older, wiser, me.

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  28. I enjoy your sense of humor which keeps me coming back to your blog. I’m not sure what to write about most of the time. I take bits and pieces from my own life. Lately that is photos because of a photography class I’ve been taking since January. One more week and it’s over! Woohoo! I’m ready for a break and my new telephoto lens is heavy and my shoulders, arms, hands and neck hurt.

    Liked by 1 person

    • E.A. Wickham, I’m glad you like my humor because I like to see you here. And over on your blog, too. I’m a pantser about what I’ll be talking about when I decide to write here, but I do have a point to what I write albeit often on random topics. That’s actually how this question came up… 🤔

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  29. I sadly fall into the “later” category. I post, and then as soon as I see the comment, it approves. But if I am just cruising onto something else, I forget to follow up. Excuse me while I go do that!!

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  31. I usually just write about things that are happening in my life or observations and things I come across IRL or online that I find interesting. I don’t really worry about how my post will come across as I try to stay non controversial (no religion or politics, for the most part). I want to be welcoming to all. Also, I keep it anonymous so I feel more free to talk about personal issues like my post today.

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    • Bijoux, my approach to finding a topic to write on is like yours. I’m observant and willing to share some aspects of my life so that’s where I start when I think about what to write next. I do like being more anonymous than known, so there are topics I won’t discuss, photos I won’t share. I do, however, want to be understood so I fret sometimes about what I’m going to say, fearing I may come across wrong.

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  32. In books and in blogs, I definitely prefer character-driven! And I would like to say thank you for this: ” I rarely do stream of consciousness posts wherein my unedited disjointed thoughts spill out. Instead I lean into thinking beforehand about what specifically I’ll be going on about, then sit down and write – edit – rewrite – edit – edit some more – then publish.” – I have recently unfollowed one or two blogs which were just so disjointed and difficult to read, and so I appreciate a well-written, thoughtful, EDITED post.
    Now to answer your questions.
    If you write a personal blog, do you generally favor a plot-driven or character-driven approach to your blog? Well, you know me. It’s a little of this, a little of that. Sometimes I like to write about things I’ve been thinking about, sometimes I like to write about silly things that have happened in my life.

    How do you decide what you’ll write about next? I think about it while walking – some weeks I think I have nothing to say but then end up with what you would call twaddle? I can’t remember your exact terms. Oh! Flapadoodle! That’s it!

    What worries you about how your blog posts will be received? Do you have any small nagging fears like I do? Or maybe some large ones I haven’t thought of? I don’t worry much about how it’s received, I figure if someone doesn’t like it they don’t have to read it. That said, I do like to entertain! So I guess I want to be not-boring.

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    • Nicole, thank you. I like to edit. It is built into my DNA. Must be succinct. I agree with you that some blogs are too jumbled to read. It may make sense to the blogger, but for me it’s too confusing to try to read.

      Your approach to personal blogging sounds good to me. I enjoy what you have to say. I find many of my ideas while out for a walk, too. I call my efforts here flapdoodle & twaddle— truthful but random, often of dubious value.

      I wouldn’t want to be boring either. I admit that I occasionally get in my own way when it comes to how I write what I write and then go down a spiral of self-doubt about blogging. Then I get my groove back… at least so far I have.

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  34. A very interesting question, Ally. There are so many reasons for people to start a blog that reflects their personal desires and aspirations. Some blog as a way of sharing their writing or personal experiences, others to engage with like-minded individuals and to build compassionate communities. My goal is to gain knowledge, explore new perspectives and areas of endeavours. These past 15 years has been a profound and exciting journey for me. Always a joy to stop by.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rebecca, I agree about the myriad of reasons for starting a blog. It’s refreshing to encounter new iterations of personal blogging— and then to see if someone leans into presenting their narrative in a character-driven or plot-driven way. Color me forever fascinated.

      Your reasons for blogging have done you well. 15 years in blogland is remarkable, a tribute to your tenacity.

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  35. I love being a little moonbeam…why, thank you so much. And this post is so perfect. So timely! I fear redundancy…boring the reader. There are days where I think I’ve mined all the remotely interesting topics. More than once. Bordering on flapdoodle! 😜🥰😜

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  36. Your distinction between character-driven and plot-driven doesn’t seem to apply to my blogs at all. It occurred to me today that I might describe mine as ‘topic driven.’ When something catches my attention and continues to interest me as I begin to explore it, away I go. Some blogs take months to write; some are so involved they take two or three postings to finish and turn into actual series. I have a file full of drafts waiting to be finished and posted — partly because my photography began cutting into my writing time — and there are so many cool things to be explored, I may never run out of things to write about.

    I’ve never worried about how my blog is received, and never have paid attention to the stats. From the beginning, I said that if no one showed up, that was fine. Since I didn’t engage in challenges, offer a ‘like’ button, or such, growth was slow — I think it took three years for me to get ten comments on a post. But just as in my business, organic growth has been solid. I just got a note from WP that I’m in my 18th year of blogging now — I’ve actually had three mostly different groups of readers: some get bored, but many have died.

    Once I finish an entry and post it, I don’t worry one whit about its reception. If I’m happy with it, that’s enough. Once I’ve posted, I move on immediately to the next draft; my motto always has been “write and let go.” But I do love my readers. I guess the pleasure of writing and the pleasure of conversation with those readers are equal.

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    • Linda, yes I think your blogs are less of the personal blog variety and more of the informational blog variety, therefore the character-driven versus plot-driven dichotomy doesn’t apply to you. You sound like you have your future blog posts well in hand. I, too, sometimes write a post quickly, but usually it takes me many drafts to get to the final product. If I even publish it at all.

      I started blogging primarily to make online friends which is why I sometimes fret about how my blog posts will be received. I don’t want to let anyone down. However I can understand why that is of less concern to you considering your motivation is to keep writing, keep going.

      It’s funny about stats. I’ve never paid them any mind either. I consider them clutter, but I am aware that I have many regular commenters who I try to not bore with my life. There are numbers associated with comments that I cannot overlook.

      18 years of WP! That’s a feather in your hat. I understand about how pleasurable it is to have conversations with readers. In fact at this point that’s really why I keep blogging, to see what other people have to say.

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  37. I think I have a character-driven approach to my blog: It’s all about ME! Sometimes I’ll tell a story, but still, I’m the focus. Someone I follow on Substack wrote a series of Dear Friend letters for a while, and they were quite lovely. Yes, they were quotidian, detailing what she had done since the last letter, ruminations on books she had read or movies she had seen. But her writing is lyrical. She’s the kind of writer who can make a dull moment shine. It is in the writing. You have written about your experiences, like at Koger’s, and you do it in a way that’s funny and engaging. You, my dear chickadee, have a style.

    Sometimes I know what I want to write ahead of time, like with letting peeps know about the Knit-A-Thon. In my earlier days of blogging, I wrote book reviews and interviewed authors. That’s something I’d like to get back to someday. Maybe. It’s a lot of work and I’m retired. So these days, I feel I have to be inspired. I’m always thinking (probably too much) so it’s just a matter of sitting in the chair and turning on the computer (or iPad). But I don’t keep to a schedule, so if I don’t feel like writing, I don’t.

    I always worry that I’ll bore my readers, especially when I do write off-the-cuff, like my occasional Five Things posts. Interestingly, those often seem to be the most popular. But, yeah, boring people is my biggest worry. I don’t think of myself as an entertainer, but I do want it my posts to be worth reading. That’s probably another reason why I don’t have a schedule. I don’t want to fake it. I don’t want to pretend that I’m in the mood when I’m not. It’s a slippery slope.

    Does personal blogging feel like work to you? You’ve been blogging for ages. You may have already answered this but I’m not going to read the gazillion comments to find out: Have you ever had the experience of sitting down to write and then just going … blank?

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    • Marie, I’m sure you write a character-driven approach. I adore what you have to say on your blog because it is all about you. No one has called me a chickadee in a long time. I’m smiling about that and your compliment. Thank you.

      I didn’t know you did author interviews. I can imagine that takes some focus and effort and connections to make it happen. I understand why you don’t do them now, you might be past that phase of your blogging career. Inspiration is better.

      I keep a loose schedule for this blog because if I didn’t I’d never come back again. I need a little accountability in the form of saying I’ll do something then doing it, but I wouldn’t want to seem fake about it.

      A question: Have you ever had the experience of sitting down to write and then just going … blank?

      HELL YES! I plan when I’ll have some uninterrupted writing time hoping the muse will be with me, but sometimes I’m a complete blank. Drives me bonkers, truth be told. Yet when you are a team of one if you can’t dream up something to say, there is nothing to say.

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  38. However you get from brain cells to virtual ink on the page, it works quite well. I always enjoy coming here.

    I mix approaches depending on the day. I know, I’m supposed to pick an approach and stick with it, but I don’t listen.

    Deciding what to write??? Ugh. I hate deciding what to write. But I don’t worry about the posts. For the record, I don’t think you should either.

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    • Dan, what a great way of describing what we all do when we write a blog post: getting brain cells to virtual ink on the page. Yep, that’s it in a nutshell.

      I know that for me deciding the topic du jour can be more difficult than just sitting down to write and edit. I get what you’re saying. Thanks for the compliments. I’m flattered that you like this blog. I do try.

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  39. As a sometime novelist, I think of a plot-driven post as telling an interesting story. I don’t have too many personal stories to tell these days, and I usually don’t have the urge to dig up stories from my past. My family currently has lots of interesting stories, but I don’t feel it’s my place to tell them.

    Recently I’ve been finding a topic that I find important at the moment and write a little essay about it. All the better if it’s personal for me. Also I love to include photos. I used to be a painter, so I’m very visually oriented. Besides, I think most people like a picture.

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    • Nicki, I know how you feel. I know and hear many interesting stories, but they aren’t mine to tell so I don’t dip into them to use here. I try to keep this blog about me, but not too much about me.

      I add images to all my blog posts, but rarely personal photos. Those I put on Instagram, never repeating them here. I may need to rethink that going forward. I am making extra work for myself.

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        • I’m sorry that happened to you on IG. I’m not popular enough to be noticed so I fly under the radar there. I like it because for me it is lowkey social media. Nothing to do there except show up.

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  40. If you looked back through my blog posts you would see how much it has changed over the years, it was once more personal but since I feel my life now is pretty run of the mill and kinda boring I started writing about different stuff. I don’t think I ever worried about who if anyone would read my blog posts

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  41. I’d say I’m primarily a character driven blogger. There have been occasional posts or series that a researched, fact based, informative pieces but mostly it’s what comes out of the inspiration cloud when I sit. I will edit the hell out of my posts, though, because my stream of consciousness posts give me anxiety.

    I don’t know that I have the small nagging doubts anymore. I used to have a TON when I started blogging but I think they died down over time, mostly because my blog doesn’t have the reach yours does. I think I might worry more if I knew I’d be reaching hundreds of people with my posts.

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    • Laura, we are two birds of a feather. Once in a great while I’ll do research and present something factually but usually I’m more conversational. Of course I share my post only after I edit it a million times.

      You raise a good point. I do realize that I feel beholden to the readers who follow here and I don’t want to disappoint so I am more cautious about what I write than I once was. I don’t know how this blog attained the reach it has, I’m thrilled by it, but also a little intimidated by it. Yet I solder on.

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  42. A topic I never tire of is hearing about someone’s writing process because I find it to be one of the most interesting elements of writing. I often wait for some sort of inspiration to strike before writing. Like you , I have somewhat of a plan before I start writing, but it often ends somewhere else. That’s the creative part of writing that most appeals to me.

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    • Pete, you know I’m going to agree with you. How people do things fascinates me, especially the writing process. Like you I start with a specific idea but it rarely goes to where I think it’s going to go. All I know for sure is that I do best using the character-driven approach— regardless of the topic I’m tackling.

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  43. Team SlugClub here!

    I think I’m plot driven? The one format that is easy for me to follow is kind of a letter where I tell everyone what I ate, my workouts, what I’m watching and reading, and sometimes other stuff drifts in, like my dissatisfaction with work and what it’s like to have a puppy.

    Probably my only rule of blogging is to write like no one is reading. I don’t mean that literally – I make some attempts at proof reading and I would never write anything that I wouldn’t say in person to the people that I write about. But I mean that getting an audience and trying to guess what people want to read isn’t my motivation. At the end of the day I write what I want to write, and I enjoy reading blogs that are written in the same spirit.

    There are times when the writing process gets very hard, and those are the posts that I get the feeling that no one wants to read. But if I only wrote when it was easy then I’d be writing one post a year. I also had the gut feeling that my post about state flags this weekend was going to be incredibly boring but it got lots of really interesting comments! It ended up being the best of all worlds where I enjoyed the comments so much and learned a lot from the tidbits that people wrote about. I guess the lesson is that if you have a yen to write about something, then do it!

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    • Birchie, being part of the Slug Club was descriptive and fun, harking back to a time when bloggers were sillier. You’d have been welcome.

      I think you’re plot-driven, too. I like what you have to say and how you say it. I know what you mean about reading blogs that are written in the same spirit as your own. Early on a wise blogger told me to write each post like I was talking with a couple of friends, don’t try to appeal to everyone. It’s been sound advice that has done me well.

      Excellent point: if I only wrote when it was easy then I’d be writing one post a year. I feel the same way. I’ve had a similar thing happen when I wrote something I thought would be a yawn, then readers were all over it… while I looked on in amazement. Go figure!

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  44. I write my posts stream of consciousness style and rarely know what I’m going to write about before I sit down at the computer. That wasn’t always true. Looking back at some of my early posts, nearly 20 years ago, I wrote more topic driven stuff, did more research and put more thought into what I was writing.

    I am fascinated by the volume of commenters your posts always get. I’m thinking it’s because you usually invite us to interact with you by ending your posts with a question or two. I’ve experimented with doing that and did see a difference in the number of comments those posts got, but given I usually write Diary Style about my life the questions don’t always feel right for my blog…like I’m second guessing myself. Oh, well, color me admiringly jealous.

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    • Jean, now that you mention it I used to do more research too. My earlier posts were a bit more academic than how I write now, but I’ll never be able to comfortably do stream of consciousness style writing. You, however, are good at it.

      You’re not the only one who finds it fascinating about the number of comments my posts generate. Adding questions does help. On the one hand I’m thrilled as my intention is to make bloggy friends and start conversations, but I also have to intentionally allow time in my life to attend to each comment. This isn’t how I envisioned personal blogging when I started in 2004, but here I am. No complaints, just an awareness.

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  45. I love that you had a morning nice enough for coffee in the deck at 6 am. (I’m still awaiting the day.) And under a gibbous moon, no less. Having read that ten a million times, I actually, this time, clicked to look it up! See, you always teach me something new.

    I am a bit of a panster with my blog. I do not have drafts waiting to be polished and published. I have some general themes and whatever most recently struck my fancy, if it’s in general keeping with the tone of my blog, I’ll work it up into a post.

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    • Eilene, I was thrilled to be sitting outside in April drinking my morning coffee. It was pleasant and unexpected. I know about moon phases thanks to Mr. Howison, my 7th grade science teacher. Now you know about them too!

      Good point about paying attention to the tone of your blog, any blog. I try to stay away from some topics knowing they wouldn’t be right here, but after that like you I write about whatever strikes me fancy.

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  46. I’d say that I tend to write a plot-driven blog. I write about what’s happening around me – the adventures of running a day care and raising a bunch of growing kids with a couple of orphans thrown into the mix, and then there’s the family-of-origin stuff and the excitement of an intense basketball situation. I almost titled my blog ‘Never Dull’.

    I decide what I’m writing about based on what’s recently happened, or I switch gears if there’s something pressing that I might want people to weigh in on. I’m wishing right about now that I’d thought ahead and asked blog friends for dessert ideas for my Thursday night book club. I have loads of blog posts that I plan to write and if I had time, I’d post almost daily. That’s not realistic. It just so happens that there’s a lot to share in my current state of life.

    I do sometimes worry about how others will receive my writing. Too long – that’s my usual fear, but I’ve been really working to reign it in and be aware that people’s time is limited. And occasionally I worry that I’ll offend someone. Ex: Today I told a mom at Costco that she should keep a closer eye on her kid. He was refusing to put down one of those price gun things used by the cashiers. The workers that were checking my order out said she comes in all the time and her kids are terribly behaved and she doesn’t bother to correct them. I was blown away watching the nonsense unfold. I assured them I’d say something, and when I did they were elated. I probably won’t blog about it. People get offended when other people do things they wouldn’t dream of doing.

    I write under a pen name, but really – if my sibs, horrible coaches, lousy neighbors, etc. stumbled upon my blog, I don’t think I’d be all that bothered. What I write is true. In my writing group, the other members say my writing is relatable. (I write about stuff that happened when I was growing up). They say I write stories that aren’t necessarily unique, but it’s the way I tell them – the twist of humor I tend to see in situations. I think that translates to my blog too.

    Great thought provoking questions. Wish I’d had time to comment earlier.

    My personal blogging question: What’s your favorite topic to write about? Or maybe was there ever a time when you wrote daily, or what was the most frequent you ever posted?

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    • ernie, I agree that you write a plot-driven blog and do it well. I could see your blog being called Never Dull, btw. I know that your life lends itself to a definite plot line, easy to follow from day-to-day.

      I admire your ability to get people to weigh in on some of your decisions, like what dress to wear or what food to make. That seems friendly to me, like we’re on your team.

      Interesting albeit sad story about the unruly kids, not diligent mother. I’m glad you said something the Costco employees could not, but you’re right that blogging about that might bring up… issues… for some readers— and you’d hear about them.

      Twist of humor? Oh yes, you’ve got that in spades. I write this blog under a nom de plume but people in my real life all know about the blog. It’s never been a secret, but the secret is few people in real life care about what I say here.

      More questions:

      What’s your favorite topic to write about? I like any topic that makes me laugh so the tropics vary but my reaction, the catalyst for a post, remains consistent.

      … was there ever a time when you wrote daily, or what was the most frequent you ever posted? When I started blogging over 20 years ago I was a daily blogger. Then using an editorial calendar I went to 4 days a week… then 3 days a week. Eventually I dropped the editorial calendar idea and started writing about whatever 2 days a week, usually Tuesday then Thursday or Friday. During the pandemic I went to a weekly posting schedule which has now morphed into a fortnightly posting schedule. As I’ve aged gracefully I’ve embraced a less is more philosophy! At least for the moment, things can change, ‘ya know?

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  47. I’m hardly a cool kid with my grey hair and false teeth but I love your blog and wanted to reply to your question about what kind of a blog I write.
    To begin with, I didn’t know the difference between a plot-driven and a character-driven blog. After reading your linked article, I think mine is a character-driven blog, more specifically, the character being me.
    Like you, I try to avoid it being a Dear Diary so there are days when I don’t bother to write.
    But I have been blogging for over ten years and enjoy the process of sending my thoughts to the Universe and hoping that someday, somebody will read them.

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    • Unishta, well cool kids come in all ages, in fact I’d say the older you get the cooler you become! Of course maybe I’m just being hopeful about what is to come for me.

      I imagine you’re right about how you write a character-driven blog. Many of us do. I don’t post daily, or even weekly anymore. I adore your way of saying: …sending my thoughts to the Universe and hoping that someday, somebody will read them. That’s what we all want, isn’t it?

      Thanks for reading and commenting here.

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  48. Well your method works well for you Ally. Since my blog is mostly about walking, the longer excursions where I take a lot of photos, I take those walks, write down a draft of what happened on that walk when I get online the same day, then I have to go through the photos and later I pair the photos to the text, which works pretty well for me. I never did any challenge posts until Terri asked me to join almost two years ago, but I don’t go out specifically to fulfill a challenge. I want to stay true to my blog, so if I can fit the challenge in, I do it and I like to do holiday posts to stray a bit from my norm. Wordless Wednesdays work for me as I often have quirky pictures I can share or even nice pictures that would have gotten lost within my longer posts.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I like knowing about your blog creation process. Your ability to keep your focus on what you want your blog to be about is inspiring. I dither around with my topics but you stay on the path. [pun intended]

      I’ve joined in a few challenges over the years and found that while I met people through them [a positive thing] I also found them stifling [a negative thing]. However you’ve got your head on straight about doing them. I like how you use your quirky photos for Wordless Wednesday. They make smile. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Ally, I am not sure I could come up with a topic to write about weekly to be honest. I am lucky I won’t run out of blog fodder as long as I continue to go on walks. I plan ahead for Winter, the lean months of not walking on a regular basis, so unbelievably I still have pics and tales to share from 2024.

        I was never crazy about the challenges as it does stifle what I want to write about, but it also can give my posts some variety also.

        I do enjoy Wordless Wednesday, especially a pic like I had today. Animal/bird actions and expressions can be funny and even funnier if you can come up with a witty title. I have one follower who often comes up with funny pun comments for my WW posts, wherein I ask myself “now why didn’t I think of that?”

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        • Yes… there are weeks when I wonder if I’ll be able to come up with topic… but because I write about my real life and my online life and my rabbit holes of research… I find something.

          I love that someone can find a pun to tell you about your Wordless Wednesday photos. That sort of thing is what makes personal blogging great.

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  49. I guess most of my blog posts are plot driven…I write about a book I read, a movie I saw, something I cooked, things I saw on my walk, my family…whatever crosses my mind really.

    I like the badges, I remember when those were a thing all those years ago. I’ve been blogging a long time, and I think perhaps you’ve been blogging a bit longer than I have (I started in November of 2005).

    There are years when I probably post every day, and years where I barely write at all. You’ve been there for (almost) all of it. ❤

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    • J., I agree that you write a plot-driven blog. It’s a gift to be able to write about your daily life in an interesting way— and you’ve got it. I look forward to checking in to see what you’re up to now.

      Yes I started blogging in March 2004 so I predate you a little bit. While you’ve remained writing on one blog I’ve changed mine a few times, but the reality remains that we’ve been blogging forever. So pleased we met along the way and stayed in touch. 🤓

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  50. I fly by the seat of my pants, as it were. I’ve had a handful of blogs. A couple deeply personal completely true to life memoir and current events, mental health – whatever struck my fancy… but two of them had to be made private due to different people in my life acting less than favorably (obsessively crazy) about them… so now I just write fiction. There is a children friendly fantasy blog that is very character driven …there’re two sets of characters/worlds I write primarily about… and a not children friendly more real-life style stories blog… in which I have characters, but it’s a wider range of characters who may or may not be around for long series of short stories. I never know how many times I may use them again… I write when I have a idea, or sometimes I make myself sit to write because I feel like it and eventually something flows out… that’s where the seat of my pants part comes in lol

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    • Linnea, many bloggers write by the seat of their pants. I know I choose topics randomly, by the seat of my pants, but try to establish a definite schedule, a plan, about when I’ll post. It’s all about balance and what keeps you sane. I admire anyone who can keep more than one blog going, I find writing for one is plenty. You’re right that sometimes you have to make yourself sit down and write, often discovering something interesting in the process. Thanks for reading and commenting here.

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  51. Character-driven, 100% Which is probably why I never find anything you write stupid, boring or pedantic. For me a blog is ‘personal’, therefore everything I want to read or write about has to pass through a very human filter of experience. Lately I have tons of ideas to write about but as I have an endless to-do (read: procrastination) list for writing, my posts are too few and far between. My main fears about blogging? Repeating myself, or saying something stupid (both of which I probably do without realizing it! 😅)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mel, thanks for your vote of confidence. To be clear I don’t lay awake at night worrying about if I come across as stupid, boring, or pedantic, but it crosses my mind when I edit my posts. I have my own standards, as do you.

      My take on being repetitive is that because things in our lives, by nature, repeat over and over, I figure it’s okay to repeat yourself in a personal blog because we are human. Distinguishes us from AI. 🙄

      I adore your observation that character-driven means ideas have to “pass through a very human filter of experience.” Yes, yes. Well said.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Glad my observation resonated, and I fully agree about the repetitive nature of things. My reading tastes are the same — love anything character-driven, avoid plot-heavy stuff unless there’s a strong character component. Same thing for TV and films. For example, I recently discovered Slow Horses, which hubs and I both loved. Anything of the spy/thriller-type genre would not normally appeal to me but because the show is so filled with quirky characters, I can accept the action and violence (though I do close my eyes much of the time!)

        Liked by 1 person

        • Makes sense to me. I don’t read many plot-driven books, I leave them to my husband. I’ve heard of Slow Horses, but never seen it. I take your point about spy/thriller shows, usually I’ll pass. One of the best character-driven crime drama TV shows I’ve seen was Endeavour, the prequel to Inspector Morse. It’s the first thing that pops into my mind when I think of the term character-driven.

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  52. Plot-driven, but with a good dose of character thrown in as well. My biggest fears (though they really aren’t all that big) have to do with a) not having enough plots to write about (aka a dry spell, which usually means I need to travel more – wink, wink), and b) keeping up with my blog reading.

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  53. If you and I were enjoying a cup of coffee and a cookie or two, I envision your chair being elevated several feet above me. I am the one who can put one to sleep, and you are the one exploring the stratosphere. 🙂 I love the blogging community, but sincerely fear putting a reader to sleep because I live a simple life at this point in my journey around the sun. My posts have become more infrequent because I’m always waiting for something important or interesting to happy to write about. Your posts always make me think outside my box, and I appreciate that opportunity.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Judy, you flatter me. Thank you! I do try to write about something that’s on my mind AND relevant to something— although my flapdoodle & twaddle may be an acquired taste. I understand about waiting for something to happen then using that as the catalyst for a blog post. When nothing happens, what’s a blogger to do‽ 🤷‍♀️

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  54. Oh gosh yes, I hate the thought that people would find my writing boring. But I’ve learned to accept that some people will and do, and to understand this simply means they are not my people.

    What I’ve yet to become comfortable with is allowing all my myriad interests, concerns, travails and traumas out in one space, hence why my writing is spread about in a few different places.

    Thank you for sharing that you still have some fears about your blogging – it helps someone like me to find their feet and feel OK about themselves and their writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, hear, hear! You’ve explained my fear and the solution to it in one paragraph. Not my people, yes that is the reality. And it’s not a bad thing to know that, is it?

      I take your point but I admire anyone who can keep multiple blogs going, focusing on particular topics in each. I can barely keep up with one blog so you rock blogging.

      I don’t stay up nights worrying about my blogging fears, but I acknowledge them because to deny them would be disingenuous. And if there is anything people remember about me, for better or worse, it is that I am truthful. 🙄

      Liked by 1 person

      • I remember you saying that the Ally we see here is the real you, it’s just that it’s not all of you, because you choose what aspects of your life to keep private. I know that line is in a different place for each individual blogger, but I also believe that decision in no way makes any of us less truthful or authentic.

        One day I may combine all the bits of me and my writing into one place. I accept the true reasons behind the splitting is that I don’t always I feel I can write without fear of either judgement or causing upset to those who know me IRL. Maybe once that stops bothering me… although, is it even realistic to think it ever will?

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        • I get what you’re saying about intentionally NOT upsetting people in real life who may be aware of, or even read, your blog. That’s why some parts of me remain hidden. I used to talk more openly but discovered to my dismay that people who want to find fault with you will look for it in your blog… twisting what you say to prove their point.

          Instead of dealing with that kind of nonsense I just don’t go there anymore. Nip it in the bud, as they say. So my answer to your question is that the fear of causing upset remains, you just have to work around it. 🤷‍♀️

          Liked by 1 person

          • Yes, I lost a friend who was convinced something I’d written was an attack on her and something she’d done. It wasn’t, but there was no way I could convince her otherwise. Hey ho. As you say, either find a way to work around it, or write about it but don’t hit publish (which I’ve done a lot!)

            Liked by 1 person

            • I’m sorry about your lost friend BUT was this person really a friend if they wouldn’t believe your explanation? In my situation that’s the question I asked myself… with the answer being NO!

              I also write many posts that I perfect then delete. If I get clarity from my writing then that is enough.

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  55. I found the information on the difference between plot-driven versus character-driven enlightening. When my son was a teenager I might have given him some unhelpful advice. I can see now that he was trying to write a plot-driven novel, which is not the kind of writing I prefer to read. When he asked me to critique it I suggested he was missing character development. Poor kid! Being a good artist he went on to write comics, but now I’m feeling a twinge of guilt for sharing my ill-informed opinion.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, I’m loving your story. Isn’t it something how you can look back and realize what you didn’t know then was where the issue was but now you get it. I’m sure you did no irreparable harm to your son’s psyche. Wonder if he even remembers?

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  56. I honestly don’t know how to answer that question. I think my blog is character-driven and I’m the character. Literally nothing happens in my life, so it can’t possibly be plot-driven. But that doesn’t really explain what I write about. I write about mundane things that I think we all think about, but we don’t talk about. I write about books and friends and dogs. Honestly, that’s what my blog should be called. Books and friends and dogs. LOL.

    Liked by 1 person

    • NGS, I agree with you that your blog is character-driven. Your approach is similar to mine, turn daily [some would say mundane] events into something that resonates with other people because of how relatable they are. That’s character-driven more than plot-driven.

      Not saying you should do it but if you change the title of your blog to Books and Friends and Dogs, it’d be a big hit just from the title alone. Who doesn’t love those things! 😁

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  57. Pingback: How I decide what to write in my blog… – Fedora Pancakes

  58. There were a lot of great questions, which I really liked—so it took me a little longer to respond.

    I’ve never really thought about whether my blog is plot-driven or character-driven. I’d say it’s a bit of both, depending on what’s happening in my life at the time.

    As for how I decide what to write about next, I keep a loose schedule in my head for my regular posts (like “Tater Tot” or “What I Kept”), and that helps guide me. The rest just come as life happens or when the mood strikes. Sometimes I’m inspired by bloggers like you! 💜

    I definitely have small, nagging fears too—just like you mentioned. I think I’d write more often if those little fears didn’t get in the way. They tend to make me quieter and more polite than I’d like to be.

    And now my question for you:
    What are your top five blog posts you’ve ever written—and why?

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  59. I’ve never thought of it in those terms before (shows just how much I still have to learn when it comes to writing) I would say, my posts tend toward plot driven, even though in my heart of hearts, I much prefer a character driven muse. (my earlier blog was titled “Heart to Heart” if that is any indicator of anything. Absolutely tend to have a few nagging, negative, thoughts dog me when I push “publish”.. years ago, another Blogger (Linda/ varnish girl) gave me some great advice that I still have pinned to the wall in front of my computer when it comes to blogging..she said, “Write about what interests you, and do the best job you can. Publish it, and then move on to the next thing. (If you don’t move on, you risk one of two things. If your piece is good, you’ll spend too much time patting yourself on the back. If it’s bad, you’ll beat yourself up. Write and let go….if people offer comments or criticism, consider them, but don’t be ruled by them. For heaven’s sake, don’t worry about the numbers.”

    Liked by 1 person

    • DM, I tend to think about all types of communication as either character-driven or plot-driven. One of the side effects of majoring in English Lit in college. It’s not like there is a right or wrong, there are just tendencies.

      I know Linda. She commented earlier on this post. I know that writing about what interests me has gotten me to this point. I listen to criticism or praise but feel my own internal moral gyroscope keeps me balanced. I agree about not worrying about the numbers. Of all the things that come with personal blogging those are the least important.

      Great to see you here. Thanks for stopping by to comment. Now get back to building that house!

      Liked by 1 person

  60. Hi Ally,
    Plot driven or character driven? Hmmmm, I suppose the plot is my daily life and the character is usually me. Or my people? I never thought about it, really.

    I have so many things I want to share and write about, but never have enough time. If there is ever a time when I can’t think of anything to write about (very rare) I’ll usually go into my recent photos and that will spark some memory of something fun/funny that happened recently.

    In the past, I never worried about how my posts would be received, but more recently, a som have chosen to find the most negative thing they can find and that is what they like to focus on. I’m over negative people and ‘swoosh’….out the door they go. 😉 I’m only here for fun, not to right every wrong in the world.

    Well, did you see the morning moon?

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    • Suz, I know that once I understood the differences between plot-driven and character-driven I realized I write a character-driven blog. Not that it changes what I do, just gives me a fancy way to describe my blog.

      I know how you feel about having the time to write and share posts. Many things happen, but which ones to talk about sometimes comes down to pictures.

      I’m sorry you’ve had some difficulties with people who are intent on finding the negative in all things. I get that, have dealt with that personally and in blogland. Ditto about being here for the fun, why else blog?

      I saw the morning moon eventually once those silly old clouds moved on. And I poured myself a second mug of coffee.

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Thanks for this little insight into your blogging thought process. I can assure you I have never found your thoughts to be stupid, tedious, or pedantic…but rather entertaining and sometimes even inspiring. What more could you really ask for from a personal/lifestyle blogger? As for my blogging insecurities…that what I write will be uninteresting, “know-it-all” sounding, or too personal (something only a mother could love). Since my mother has passed, that would mean I’ve lost my one unconditionally dedicated fan.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Christie, thanks for your compliment. I like being a personal blogger so I try to do my best. I understand your concerns but have never found your posts to be uninteresting, know-it-all-ish, or too personal. It’s been interesting to learn what worries bloggers and so far it hasn’t been the same things. There’s a lesson in that, I’m sure.

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  62. Judging from the number of comments your posts generate, I’d say that you are definitely doing something right. I would say that my posts are more character-driven, but my lack of “feeling it” lately stems from the crazy plot-driven world we are currently living in (or, is that craziness more character-driven, considering where the craziness is coming from?).

    I have never been an easy blogger, full of ideas that anxiously jump onto the page fully formed. I agonize about the topic, then write, rewrite, edit, delete, and fiddle until I hit POST.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, you ask a good rhetorical question about the world in which we are living. No answer, but I get what you’re implying about The Donald.

      I’d say you’re a character-driven blogger, too. I also relate to your process when it comes to how you write your posts. Even after all these years I admit it’s not easy for me to hop out there with a post, but I do it anyhow. For some reason.

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  63. I get the temperature its 87.8 @7.30 this am and climbing…everyone eats and I love to cook hence as my children are scattered around the 4 corners of the world I started my blog initially for them and over the years its morphed into something else as well as food…I no longer blog daily…too hot and too much, there is life outside the blogosphere…smile- I try not to get involved in politics or religion…I love to research and I love A-Z’s…that’s enough of my wittering have a lovely day, Ally 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, thanks for your s support. I appreciate your encouragement. I fret some about posts, but am not consumed with doubt. It all boils down to not wanting to waste anyone’s time. It’s way too precious for all of us.

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  66. I’m the 200 th comment. Will be short Ally Bean. I dig your blog muchly, for the snark, (apparent) ease of writing & pleasure in reading, also the other comments. There’s a sense of sharing. I’ve been awol a long time. I’ll get back to it I think. Big decision as to what the focus of blog is.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Susan, oh you’ve made my day with this comment! Thank you. Over the years many people have told me that my snarky take on life is what they like the most. I think I’m being truthful but apparently that translates to sassy. I’d love to see you get back to blogging, but also understand how you need a direction, a thesis statement as it were, for your blog. Let me know when you are officially back in blogland.

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  69. “Thoughts that I hope are not stupid, tedious, or pedantic”. My nagging fears resemble yours, Ally. I absolutely love the whole “lifestyle column” feel of a blog. I see my blog in that category as well, or at least that is what I aspire to. Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rhonda, I get the lifestyle column feeling from your blog. When it comes to personal blogging how you write what you write has to be who you are at heart. I couldn’t write a plot-driven blog, somehow that’s beyond me.

      Liked by 1 person

  70. Much like my novel-writing style, I usually have a general idea of what I’m going to write about on my blog, but then it often veers off into another direction entirely. I don’t mind; I find it liberating. I’m probably more plot-driven these days, but at certain times (e.g., when I was unemployed, when I first started dating Tara, when there is political upheaval) I bust out the character-driven posts.

    My blog revolves around things that are happening in my life. Settling into a new job, a trip I’ve taken, a recipe I’ve tried, a TV show I’ve enjoyed, a funny conversation with Tara, a dead possum I’ve buried in the backyard, that thunderstorm that caught me off guard. It’s all about the things that have happened to me (which explains why my blog is plot-driven). If a reader asks an interesting question, I might devote a post to that. I only have one rule of thumb: the more offbeat, the better! (Fridgescaping, I’m looking at you.)

    The only times I’ve been worried about how my blog posts will be received are when I’ve dipped my toe into the political waters. Which is rare.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mark, makes sense about how writing a novel would require some meandering to figure out what the characters and the plot are going to be. Outside of AI, books don’t fall fully formed from the heavens above.

      I’d say your blog is decidedly plot-driven which is why it’s fun to follow along. I know that I adore offbeat so I may be prejudiced in your favor.

      I’m with you about the political waters. I rarely talk about politics directly here. I make mention of it, and my opinion about whatever, only in passing. Like you I’m here to entertain, not instigate.

      Liked by 1 person

  71. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about plot-driven vs character-driven in terms of blogging. (Definitely yes, in terms of books.) I think a mix of both is nice. I like being brought into people’s real lives and knowing what they do, no matter how mundane they think it is. I would guess mine is character-driven since I like to dig into topics that interest me.

    I keep an editorial calendar in google calendar, so I try to stay a month ahead with blog topics (I usually just need 2/week, although some of those are reading recaps, and Friday posts are Five for Friday/TGIF). I also keep a list in my Notes app with blog post ideas in case I come up empty. Ideas come from many sources: other bloggers, podcasts, my own curiosity, etc.

    I have had a few people who leave very unkind comments on my posts, so I’m always worried one of them will show up (they show up randomly, use my own email to get around my system, it’s fun) and leave a nasty comment that will make me spiral. I hate that I let them do that to me, but it’s just very disheartening to get mean comments when I’m just doing my best, you know? Sighhhh.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Stephany, I agree that your blog is character-driven for the reasons you mention. You pay attention to what sparks your interest then write about it.

      I’m in awe of your organization when it comes to your blog. Once upon a time I had an editorial calendar going and followed it closely, but I fell off the wagon and started just writing stuff. I like your idea of using your Notes app for when something strikes you in the moment. I wonder how many observations I forget that’d would have made for blog fodder.

      I’ve had a few trolls along the way too. I’m sorry that has happened to you, didn’t know about how your own email can be used against you. Like you it is entirely random, like the way spam is, and mean for no apparent reason.

      Disheartening? Yes, definitely. Difficult to get over? Absolutely. But we do, don’t we?

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  72. I think your blog has lasted this long is because you write about what interests you in an informative and entertaining way! And that is the key. We each have our own personal perspective, but we have to remember that we’re writing for someone else to read it. You do that very well, which explains the success of your blog!

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  73. I know I always enjoy a good conversation when I come over, Ally! I’ve been blogging for over 10 years. I used to write all kind of things before my husband was retired and before habing grandkids. I responded to the WordPress daily prompts, weekly photos, flash fictions, poetry prompts, and seasonal and family events, and travels. Some bloggers know my grandkids by names and remember them as babies. Ever since we moved close to my daughter’s family, we help out to take care of the grandkids. I managed to respond to the poetry prompts to write some poems and some personal things related to the poems. I have many folders of all kinds of topics and ideas but don’t seem to have time to write. You got me thinking to look at my folders!! 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Miriam, thanks for your kind words. I like the conversations in the comments, that’s where the fun is. I know there are many prompts and challenges out there and like you have done a few back in the day. I understand how the grandkids and your husband’s retirement changed your blogging time. I know I have many ideas about what to write about lurking in folders I should get to… eventually. Live first, blog later.

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  74. Haha, I like “Live first, blog later,” Ally. I miss the conversation with my blogging friends but the grandkids grow fast. When my daughter was in junior high, she wanted me to drop her off one block from school and let her walk. The grandkids started to be independent already. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  75. I am fascinated by why people blog, Ally. You asked great questions and I have enjoyed reading the follow-up discussion. I believe that most bloggers are driven by a genuine passion for their subject matter and a desire to connect with others. I started to blog out of a need to explore new ideas, perspectives, and gain knowledge into the idea of living with a creative mindset. It has been an exciting journey and the path is limitless.

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    • Rebecca, I agree. Most bloggers who last any length of time want to connect with other people and use their passion for something to forge the connections. It seems to work and makes our small worlds a great deal larger. I enjoy where blogging has taken me and how it has helped me feel more creative in the process.

      Liked by 1 person

  76. Just found this by way of Nance. Hey, I sit down and let the fingers do the talking. Not a diary. I would not put that out in public. More like, shake my head and see what rattles. I used to be in groups that did photo essays and prompts, some silly, all fun. That all seems to have passed. But, bottom line, I enjoy playing with words.

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    • Mary, thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Your blog sounds like it’s character-driven like mine. I used to do more challenges and use writing prompts/questions, but now I go rogue and write about what I want. I like playing with words— a great way to describe my overall approach to this personal blog. Great to meet you!

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  77. Thanks for sharing your process Ally, it helps, especially as I routinely find myself very resistant to writing anything at all! It’s weird, when the date I have in mind for publishing a post approaches it’s like a wall comes up & I find I have nothing I want to write about (despite having copious notes of stuff I could write about 🤣)

    I like the question approach though (what’s up buttercup)) it keeps things light & gives it room to flow (which has just given me an idea 💡 thanks Ally ☺️

    I hadn’t thought about plot vs character driven before so this was interesting, I guess my blog is character driven.

    Love the slugclub membership card 👍

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rae Cod, I get what you’re saying about that wall coming down— and *poof* your brain stops braining. Same here, which is why I try to keep my Buttercup question in the front of my mind.

      Just answer the question, Ms. Bean, I tell myself. Light is what I’m going for here. There’s enough dark elsewhere.

      I’d say your blog is character-driven. I enjoy what you have to say. If Kizzy Lou was still around and adding members to the Slug Club, I’m sure you’d qualify. And that’s a compliment btw. 😜

      Liked by 1 person

  78. Well, Ally, I am finishing up a blog post for Monday and laughing a bit because it’s kind of a “Dear Diary What I Did During my Last Week” post. This and That. Hopefully, it’s somewhat entertaining because I’ve included cats and plants and football and a box of tissue.
    Anyhow, I used to try and write 2-3 times a week, but now it’s either when I have time or when the mood and subject matter strikes. I don’t like writing just to write, which means I can go weeks without a post or I can publish three times in a week. There is no method to the madness.
    I don’t believe I have any fears about blogging. I write and either people will like and comment, or they will not. In the early days of blogging, I saw others who were so focused on their statistics and how many followers and comments they had, and that was never a goal of mine. I was so surprised when WordPress freshly pressed one of my posts (years ago when they were still doing this) for all to see. I had almost as many comments as you do on a regular basis. It’s just nice to be in a community of other bloggers and even though we may never meet in person, I get to know people from around the country and the world and maybe understand other cultures a little better. I feel the connection is almost more important than what I write.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mary, your approach to blogging is one that many commenters have mentioned: write when you are in the mood, as much or little as you like, just cause it’s your blog. I get it. You be you, boo.

      I’ve never paid much attention to blog stats either. I know that there are comments galore on some posts here, but the other numbers are available somewhere [I guess] if I suddenly need to know them. I started blogging to write, not to attend to numbers. That’s what bills are for!

      I agree with you about getting to know people from around the world. I’m still amazed when I realize I’m *chatting* with someone from Australia [for instance] as if we were longtime friends. And I’ve learned how people live in different parts of this country which has been enlightening, too.

      Blogging is cool! 😎

      Liked by 1 person

      • One of my favorite bloggers is in Australia. She is in love with Gibbs and I desire to have tea and swear with her. I want to say we are friends even though we will never meet. You are the cool kid, Ally, along with many other bloggers that would have my life be less if not for meeting here on WordPress. ❤

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  80. My news feed is an endless stream of source material for my blog. 98% of it is waste bin-worthy, but that other 2%? Fascinating share-worthy bits about life on Earth. Also, this: “write – edit – rewrite – edit – edit some more – then publish” – makes me think you climbed inside of my brain for a moment. I am captive to the pursuit of writing perfection, sigh…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dave, yes you do a wonderful job to taking something in the news cycle and expounding on the topic in a fun and informative way. I enjoy your approach to personal blogging.

      I try to achieve writing perfection too— both in my posts and my replies to comments here. HOWEVER I’ve learned that if I allow myself to occasionally goof up, misspell a word or use the wrong verb tense or whatever, I am a happier blogger. Sometimes good enough is perfection!

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  81. I love that your blog is character driven. I’m not sure how to describe mine. Sometimes I worry about being misunderstood or criticized because I don’t show personal photos. I don’t because my blog is written under a semi-pseudonym to establish an online space for the name under which I hope to publish novels. I have published books under my given name for other projects. I also like to feature the books of other writers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, your blog seems to me to be character driven regardless of the name you use when you publish it. I like your book features. I don’t do personal photos of people, but I do include photos of stuff or scenes on occasion. It’s a way of keeping this personal without showing photos of people who may not want to be seen.

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  82. Hi Ally, this post has me thinking what I like about your blog.
    I like the every day topics, I like the genuine vibe, and I enjoy your questions that get us thinking and/or responding.
    I have evolved a lot as a blogger and the biggest hurdle I overcame was a time when I made posts too long. My passion was there and perhaps the content was even good – but long blog posts can be a drain. Not to say that all long blog posts are – because a fe wof my long posts that I really like HAD to be long – like the Sneaky Pete review post. And of course there are some bloggers who write plenty of long posts as part of their approach – so I guess post length depends on a lot of factors. And when I had that season of maxxing out a post, it was usually with the photo challenges and four images was not enough – I was sharing like 9 or 10. Which was okay, but a few folks would sometimes say, “that was a lot” – or I skimmed most of the pics” – and not that I really cared what they thought (because my posts have to be what I want). However, a handful of years ago I felt something relax and shorter posts came naturally. Four or five photos seemed perfect and that has still been my mode.
    Has the length of a blog post ever been something you considered?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yvette, thanks for the compliments. I am who I am so what I write about comes from me.

      Another question answered. I consider the length of a post, both when it comes to word length and how many pics/images I’ll add. Generally speaking my post are about 500-700 words with no more than 3 or 4 photos. Sometimes I deviate from my formula because like you said sometimes a post HAD to be long. Or if I’ve been on a walk through somewhere interesting and took a lot of photos I up my picture count.

      I think you’re right that people will skim any blog post that they feel is too long, but not everyone agrees on what is too much therefore I just do what works for me, makes me feel comfortable. I refuse to let this blog drain me, ‘ya know?

      Lovely to see you commenting here. 😊

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      • well I meant to add that I enjoyed the length and pacing of your posts – because you seem to set them up with an image when we need one, or a block of text, etc. – makes it very digestible….
        also, I looked inside a tiny library and guess what, it said “you are enough” – and I grabbed a picture to show you – I will get to it eventually – I am a little behind right now

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        • I do put some thought into how a post will look on the screen so I break up words with images or visual breaks. I know I appreciate that when I’m reading a blog post, more so the smaller the screen. I hadn’t thought of it as digestible, but I like that description. Looking forward to “you are enough” because, you know, you are! 😜

          Liked by 1 person

          • hahah – yes, we are enough ❤
            and I was just planning my lens-artist post and had about 10 images but naturally felt to go with three black and white and three color – so sharing only six.
            And this kind of ties into how I shared that in the past, I might have needed to add all 10 images – and filled that post up – hahaha
            I loike the more contented mode – where a little less is perfect….
            —
            hope you have a nice last day of April

            Liked by 1 person

  83. Ally, It’s an emphatic – I have never, ever found you to be “stupid, tedious, or pedantic.” I feel like you’re chatting with me and I’m nodding and chuckling along. You continuously amaze me as to how many comments you get and respond to! Oh, and I think my personal blog is character-driven – thanks for the link.

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    • Pat, thanks for this vote of confidence. I never quite know what I’m going to write about next so it’s as much of a surprise to me as anyone else. I try to keep this blog conversational, not academic. So happy you join in here. I agree your blog is character-driven which makes it authentic and compelling.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I’m fine now, but have had a rough 2 years (open heart surgery to fix a leaky valve, with a long complicated recovery, my mother going to a nursing home then passing last summer, cleaning out and selling her house and settling her estate. Nothing positive there, but I posted this week, well, reposted, so that’s a start. I hope you have been well.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I’m happy to hear from you but can understand how blogging took a backseat considering what you’ve been through— a lot of STUFF, emotional and physical. I trust you’re feeling better now as you return to your blogging roots. Will check out your blog soon as I can. Always fun to see bloggers return. Thanks for stopping by to let me know what’s up.

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