Thursday, May 29, 2008

12 excuses why I’ve been averaging one sorry blog post a week

1. I’ve been busy.

2. I’ve been funneling all my creative energies into other writing projects in preparation for a writer’s conference I'm attending next month (where I get to meet with agents, editors and writers who actually know what they’re doing. Wahoo).

3. Lately, whenever I get some free time, I don’t feel like writing on my blog. I feel like reading. Or listening to a podcast. Or walking. Or watching entire seasons of West Wing in one stretch. Or pretty much anything besides writing on my blog which for some reason feels like a chore to me or maybe an old boyfriend who I used to be infatuated with but now he just gives me the creeps so I ignore his calls and walk on the other side of the hall whenever I see him coming just to avoid eye contact.

4. Sometimes I’m just too sad.

5. It’s not that I’m depressed. It’s just that my life is depressing and I’d be an idiot not to get sad about it. I like to think there’s a difference.

6. Some days, I’m sad enough that I hear things like this about how a giant new particle accelerator may have the potential to create a black hole that will eventually swallow all life on earth as we know it and you know what I think? I think: What a relief.

7. Trust me, nobody wants to read what I would write on a day like that.

8. Some days I remember I also have a wonderful life with amazing kids and a great job and a husband I can talk with about anything. I should write on days like that. But I don't because I'm too busy taking care of my kids and dealing with my job and talking to my husband.

9. I’ve been exercising an hour every day. This is good for my body but it cuts into my writing time.

10. Nora has been sick (again) and grumpy. She insists on sitting on my lap (up peese!) whenever I try to type anything.

11. I keep meaning to get back into the habit of writing every day (okay so maybe I wasn't ever actually in that habit, but I plan to start). I have the best intentions. I compose handfuls of posts in my mind over the course of a single day. I have a million things to say. Then it’s 11 pm and I say, I can write something or I can just go to bed and worry about it tomorrow.

12. I have a very comfy bed.

17 comments:

Suburban Correspondent said...

Sometimes it just goes like that...

You should only blog when you feel like it, anyway. If you're not enjoying it, what's the point?

Anonymous said...

Anything that involves The West Wing or a comfy bed (or both at the same time!) is a perfectly good excuse in my book.

(But you are missed!)

Allysha said...

I didn't know you were a WW fan. Come over sometime and we can watch an entire season together!

Jennifer B. said...

Sounds like you have your priorities in order. Thanks for this post--you help me to feel human.

Sandra Tayler said...

Are you going to the Writing for Young Readers Workshop at BYU? If you are, which writer's workshop are you going to attend? Stacy Whitman is the editor for that conference. She's really nice. I went for just the afternoons last year. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes life is like that. Enjoy your comfy bed, good books, family (at times), and West Wing.

Come back when you feel like it.

Gill said...

I'm feeling exactly the same way about my blog at the moment. It goes in cycles I think. Hope you get your blogging mojo back soon, but until then, don't feel guilty about it!

Lily Ashbrook said...

Some reasons why I love Julie:

You, Julie, are honest about your emotions. In fact, you are downright honest. It enhances all that you do. You are honest in the way you love and the way that you fear.

You are compassionate. You have a gift for understanding others as individuals.

You are passionate. You bring to the table an enlightened viewpoint because you have brought your heart as well.

Enjoy your children, your bed...

mindyluwho said...

Oh I'm laughing about #6! Not that I'm laughing at you, but I can definately identify! I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that way.

As for only blogging once per week (or whenever you're able to) I don't mind. It's too hard to try and keep up with people who write every day, my life is too busy. I'm just so happy when you do post, because it's always something of substance.

Karlene said...

I can totally relate. Only mine are Buffy the Vampire Slayer seasons and grandkids that want to help my type. And the black hole thing? That was great.

Jenna said...

You may be living in my life, I'm not sure. So glad I'm not the only one. But sending hugs and cheer anyway, and strong writing vibes!

An Ordinary Mom said...

Oh boy, you just wrote my newest post for me ... thanks :) !! At least I think I have been posting at least once a week. This pregnancy and the ensuing hormones have really done a number on me, at least that is what I am currently blaming. I keep wanting to write more, I have a gazillion ideas written down, I just don't have the desire nor the motivation to follow through.

It is amazing how you have captured exactly how I am feeling!

Anonymous said...

Daily or even Weekly Blogging is not be mandatory--your life is more important. But to be honest, I miss it when you don't post.

Nan Sheppard said...

My husband would say: It's Dem Ho-mones, babe! Just Homones". At which point I would burst into tears and accuse him of not taking me seriously. And feel a little better.

Hildie said...

Hi, I'm new to your blog. I'm one of the editors over at Segullah, and I was just going over your essay for the upcoming issue. I liked it so much I thought I'd come check out your blog. You're going to have to start posting more once it comes out because I think you'll have a lot of new fans!

kyouell said...

Ooh, Segullah. I know of that group from the book Gifts. My son has Down syndrome and I luuuuuuuuuuuurhve that book. I knew I liked reading you.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

While your loyal readers may protest at your daring to put real life before blog life, I feel more like applauding at the moment.

Priorities. Balance. Do what's important first and let the rest settle where it may.