The last day of the year is an appropriate time to think about the meaning of things. (As I write that I feel a little like Pooh Bear.) Anyway, several people have spoken to me about this blog in the last few days. One person greeted me with the words that the blog had been missed. I am presuming that referred to the lack of daily postings. Someone else said that I reveal too many personal details herein. (ie the concern was about security both online and offline.) And another wanted to know why I had stopped writing in a way that would coerce people into wanting to read it.
Lots to think about then. And yes – I have been watching The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy so I am aware of the importance of the ultimate question about the meaning of life. I suppose the most important thing I have learned about writing is to simply do it. Splatt out words on a page (or a screen) even if they seem to be nothing more than a stream of consciousness. The trick to success with regard to blogging, I guess, is to make the assumption that of course people want to read it. But then I am left with the ultimate question about keeping a daily record of thoughts and doings and posting them online for anyone and everyone or no-one to see. Why do it? EM Forster said “Only connect” – (sorry I cannot remember when or where and google doesn’t want to play the game.) Ultimately, human beings want to be understood; we write to think about how we feel, or to know that we are not alone. And that is not so bad after all.
A good enough thought for Hogmanay.
“Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect, and the beast and the monk, robbed of the isolation that is life to either, will die.”
It is said about Margaret in Howard’s End.
At times we think too deeply about what and how to write. Often the best way is simply to let the words flow – then try to make sense of them. The ‘morning pages’ idea gives many interesting thoughts which create good work. Anyway – that is my philosphy just now!
It was in “Howard’s End” – and I’m happy to be able to out-google Google! Happy New Year when it arrives ………
Thanks for the information and advice. I intend to keep on writing anyway!