Thursday, December 02, 2010

Happy Anniversary

Today is my 5th Anniversary of blogging. On this day in 2005, I wrote my first entry. Being new to the world of blogging, I really didn't know where it would lead. I guess I thought I'd write every now and then, but the next day I made an entry and then the next. I've only missed two days in five years and both those times were because I didn't have access to the Internet.
At first, my only followers were from the website I do for my high school alumni, but then something interesting happened - folks from all around the globe began to drop by now and then. These days, most of the people who visit my blog are not from around here.
But not only did I find new friends, but the encouragement I received, gave me the confidence to approach a local daily newspaper about doing a weekly column. They were hesitant at first. When I sat down in a leather chair in the editor's office, he was quite direct. "We have a lot of people who want to write, but most of them soon become bored, or can't seem to make the weekly deadlines."
When I told him I'd been writing a daily blog for over a year and I had at least fifty columns already written, he decided to give me a try. That was four years ago. I've since picked up additional news papers, and landed a part-time job doing interviews for yet another paper.
I've published a book based on the first year of columns. I didn't make a fortune, but I sold enough copies to pay for the printing and I continue to sell books.
Here's the thing - the more I learn about writing, the more I realize I don't know squat. But the only way you get good at anything is to put in the reps. You can wish until you pass out, but if want to be a writer, you have to write and read other writers. If you're not doing these things, you're wasting your time.
So happy anniversary to me. It's been an investment, but it's been fun and the folks I've connected with really make it worthwhile.

13 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary Rick! if I make it to five years, it is all your fault because you hounded me to write a blog too! I am proud to have been a subject of many of your blog entries and columns.

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  2. Congratulations to you Rick. I am so green with envy. I tried to get the paper in my hometown to let me review books several years ago, free! They didn't even consider it and if I'd not followed up over and over, they woudn't have even let me know it was no!

    Jilda will be blogging 5+ years in now time... well in 4 years! She does a great job.

    I cannot seem to blog frequently but that's ok. I forgive myself for my sloth.

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  3. Congrats to you for blogging for five years! I always enjoy your blog.
    I just started this spring and I've been worried about running out of things to say. I've noticed, however, that new things happen to us every day. There seems to be lots to share with people.

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  4. Happy anniversary to you! Isn't it great the doors that blogging can open for you?? Enjoy the weekend,

    Jane

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  5. congrats. this is really cool. Before I started selling real estate I had a monthly column in the local paper, but I found it too difficult to write humor consistently. This is really encouaging. Congrats again

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  6. Martha8:18 AM

    Congratulations Rick. I read you nearly every day and thoroughly enjoy everything you write. Keep up the good work!

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  7. Good for you! Mine will be two years in January though I don't post every day. sometimes in spurts but mostly about every other day.

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  8. Ah, blogging. It probably saved my sanity as a new empty-nester--I had homeschooled both kids and for 15 years they were my focus. When I discovered the "next blog" button at the top of the screen, a whole new world opened up to me. I have friends all over the world now. I think that is how I found you, and that was a delightful day indeed!

    I am happy to join in your celebration of 5 years, and hope to join you soon among the brother/sisterhood of published authors!
    tm

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  9. Happy Anniversary! It's amazing to see where things can lead. It'll be fun to look back in another year. Kaye

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  10. Well, it seems as though you've been writing lots longer than that. I can't remember when I wasn't reading your blog. Keep it up! And tell Jilda to keep up with hers. You both are an inspiration.

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  11. Wow five years--and you just picked up another new reader. Keep it up.

    -N-

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  12. Thanks all for your kind words. It's been an amazing ride.
    To me, blogging is one of the most remarkable things about the information age.
    It has given a voice to so many and I'm constantly blown away by the words of my friends and and those I come by accidentally.
    Again, thanks.

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  13. Happy anniversary--this is my sixth year sometime this month. I had a newspaper gig when I lived in Utah, missed it after I moved and maybe that's why blogging became so important to me.

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