I have been noticeably absent from the blogging public lately. Don’t get me wrong; I have been all over the blogosphere, reading, appreciating, and commenting. I’ve discovered even more amazing writers to try to keep up with, but it’s the actual execution of my own blog that has been missing. I disappeared into my own head, doubted my abilities; gave in to my fear. I was hoping to sop up all the awesomeness, and be inspired and challenged, but it backfired.
Honestly, I follow so many talented writers, and every day I marvel at their skill with words, especially humorous words. Hell, some of them make up their own words. 😉 Where all this reading backfired is that it caused me to compare my own writing and it just paralyzed me.
My last post was a bit presumptuous, in hindsight. It was a re-blog, so it wasn’t even an original post, but I really enjoyed several of the 10 Great Quotations from Writers about Writing, so I thought I would share it. Especially this one:
‘Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.’ – Cyril Connolly
So in focusing on reading other’s work and becoming so intimidated by the quality of prose I continually encounter, I allowed myself to forget my one cardinal rule of blogging: to write for myself. Not for an audience, not for followers, not for the Likes and comments, although they are lovely, and I appreciate them SO much, they are not the reason I am here.
I have things I need to share, several of them in various stages of draft. I want to reflect on where I came from and how I got here; ‘splain a few things, so to speak, maybe even to myself. I want to relate past experiences, both on two wheels and not. I need to vent about things that I am currently going through, especially with my mother. And I look forward to relating many, many future adventures. I am not always going to stay on topic, and I am certainly not always going to be brilliant, but I am going to be the most authentic me possible. I hope you come along.
curvyroads 
Yep, I’m hooked! Write on, I say, write on!
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RD, thanks for being there, on the other side of the world, and cheering me on. I truly appreciate it!
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Awww… I’ve accepted there is always someone out there who is a better writer, funnier, richer, faster…. whatever. Keep ’em coming. BTW this couple drove up today and backed out these huge Ass bikes. Will try to get you a picture.
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🙂 Thanks, Shelley. You are definitely right about that!
I’d love to see a pic if you can. We have started looking at the options for hauling our own huge ass bikes. 😀
Toy hauler, pusher, puller, trailer, lol…too many options!
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Dang. Missed the opportunity. They were gone in the morning.
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Shelley, thanks for checking! We still have a couple of years to figure out the right combo for us and our bikes.
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You go, girl!! You write it and we’ll read it!!
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Patty, you are such a sweet friend! I am so happy to have another venue where we can connect, until we are able to do so in person again!
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there’s always someone out there with better writing skills or more interesing anything. write about what YOU love and the rest will follow. I’m still hoping mine will take flight. lol. In the meantime I amuse myself. bwahahahaha!
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Lynn, you are absolutely right, the goal is to amuse ourselves…and now I am going to get back to doing that! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and your support, as always!
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The most authentic you is the best possible thing you could be!
And at some point, someoene else will stroll by and be inspired by how you write.
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Dear handsome one, thank you for taking the time to stop by, read and comment. We don’t really know each other, but I have seen your kind and thoughtful comments on many other blogs, so I am honored that you visited. I look forward to reading more of your work in future! Cheers, Lynne
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That’s a great quote. Sometimes writers seem to lose themselves while trying to please their audience!
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Yes, Lily, I agree. And it is much less stressful to write in your own voice, rather than try to be someone else. 😉
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The wonderful thing about writing and reading is the endless types of ‘voices’ out there. Every writer has their own voice. Just because another writer’s is different from our own doesn’t make it better. Readers respond to different styles, and thank goodness for that! Hopefully that means there’s room for all of us. 🙂 But I understand your angst. I think we all feel it in regards to our own work.
Thanks for stopping by my site. I appreciate it!
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Carrie, Thank YOU for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it. I agree, there is room for all of us, but darn that angst!
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AW Roby! I hate HATE that you were doubting yourself! You’re so talented, and I’m glad you realized you just need to write for yourself. The comparison thing is such a tangled web of crap, but we’ve all been there, girl!
I will always be a Curvy Roads Fan!!! xoxo
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Beth, you are the sweetest, I so appreciate your support and comments! The talent I see in this community makes me think that I am the only one comparing, but I see from the comments that is not true. As long as I amuse myself, right? 😉 Hugs back to you!
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[…] February started out slow, with some reflection about Where I had been and where I was going. Then I came out swinging, starting what would become a three part series looking back at my […]
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