Monday, January 12, 2009

Pondering Writing

The other day, my friend Jen answered her own question about why she blogs, then turned the question to her readers. She also asked why we write in general.

I commented that I originally started this blog as a platform for my now, temporarily abandoned memoir, and as a way to keep in touch with my family back home. Nothing ground-breaking, but her question stuck in my head. Later that day, I came across an article in the Chicago Tribune about a woman who started a blog when she discovered she had cancer. Kindra McLennan used humor in the face of a life-threatening illness and shared her feelings with her family in a way they will always remember. She passed away at the beginning of this year, but people are still commenting on her blog.

It's a very touching article and worth the read.

In more personal news, I've had several successful writing days and reached 60,000 words yesterday! Plus four. :) I still have around seventy pages to edit, but I only have one or two scenes that I planning to expand, so the new writing should only amount to a couple more thousand words (I'm hoping). I also passed the 200 page mark, another goal I had but had kept to myself. I'm so relieved to finally reach that mark!

19 comments:

Robin said...

Congrats, Melanie!! I'm glad you blog, because I never would have met you otherwise! :)

How's Dad settling in? I do hope he found his shelves!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Excellent job, Melanie! Seriously, I've seen so few with such dedication and discipline.

Jen said...

Great post, Mel. That article made me cry.

And GO YOU! Lookit at that word count climb! You are doing a fabulous job, and as Janna said, with excellent dedication and discipline.

*bows down*

WendyCinNYC said...

Woo hoo Melanie. I, too, am glad you blog.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Aww, Robin, that's true! A lot of my online friends I met at AW, but you're a true blogging buddy.

My dad is doing well. He found shelves and is getting all settled in. He posted pictures at his blog if you want to see:

http://captainhooyenga.blogspot.com/

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Janna. I really don't feel that disciplined. I just know I'll kick myself if I don't take advantage of all this time I'm rolling in right now.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Jen, me too. And thanks! *curtsies*

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Aww, Wendy, thanks. :)

Jewel Allen said...

Congrats, Melanie!!

colbymarshall said...

Congrats! Love the milestones!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Pink & Colby!

Spy Scribbler said...

I'm glad you blog! And write! Congratulations on the big landmark!

I'm with Janna: your dedication and discipline are inspiring!

PS: I love that article, too.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spy, I feel like I'm giving off a different impression than what I'm really like. I honestly don't feel disciplined! But hey, if you all say I am, then maybe I should listen to you.

Anonymous said...

Your blogs are a lot of fun Mel. I like reading about both your writing experiences and your experiences in Mexico. You lead an interesting life! :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Turkey. I'm glad I keep you all entertained!

Anonymous said...

That's an impressive word count!

As for why I blog, it was originally to get 'my name out there' as a writer. Whatever that meant to me when I was young teenager new to writing 'seriously.'

Now it's a way to express myself, practice making political arguments, and get support for other writers who blog.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Welcome Benjamin! I especially like that my blog keeps me writing. Today I'm having trouble thinking of a topic, but I'm sure something will come to me.

Anonymous said...

WOW - congrats on reaching 60,000 words. That is a major accomplishment!

Interesting question about why we start blogging. As for me, I know exactly why I started (and it's very different than my reason now.) It was kind of shallow, in a way, so I won't admit to it online. I'll leave you to guess. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Dube. I reached 60,500 yesterday, so I'm getting there. A shallow reason to start blogging? I'm intrigued...