Not So Sure I Want to be a Blogger

 

I’ve always loved to write. Even before I knew my ABC’s, Santa left a diary in my stocking every year, the kind that came with a lock and key. As a young child I only drew pictures in it, but by the time I learned to read and write, I had to come up with creative places to hide the key in hopes that one or all four of my brothers couldn’t read my secret thoughts.

 

When I held a copy of Gathering Pecans in my hands for the first time it was surreal. It took a while for me to believe it. It took an even longer while to believe I actually let people know I had written a book.

 

I can see how it would seem a bit silly to write a book and then not tell anyone. Who does that? “I’s.” I’m and “I.” An INFP. The Myers Brigg confirms it every time I take the test. I don’t think all “I’s” dread being front and center but I’m one that does.

 

Fortunately, I have encouraging friends. Friends that read my manuscript and gave me the courage to not only keep writing but to be brave enough to put the finished form on the market.

 

What I didn’t know was that writing the book was just the beginning of the writing process. There’s a whole other side I knew nothing about. A side that doesn’t work well with my personality. It’s called having a “Platform.”

 

In all honesty, it took a while for me to drink the Kool-Aid. I wasn’t ready to have a website or to become a blogger. Mostly because I know I have thoughts that not everyone will agree with. That’s hard on people pleasers like myself. Unless I’ve had more than one cocktail, I usually refrain from saying what I really think.

 

Writing’s different.  It would be hard to write something I don’t believe. That’s not to say beliefs don’t change, because they can, and often do. Figured I’d go ahead and get my disclaimer out there.

 

I’m certainly not used to writing in first person. I prefer talking through make believe characters. You know, he said, she said, instead of I said. For some reason blogging makes it all too real, kind of like a journal entry the whole world can see. So much for the hidden key!

 

I’m going to give this blogging thing my best shot. And I’m going to hopefully grow some thick skin because I have a suspicion that some of the things I write about will cause a bit of backlash. One would think I’d be used to it by now. It’s not as if Gathering Pecans isn’t a controversial book. I’ve no doubt lost a few Facebook friends since it was published, but I’ve gained a few as well.

 

“I’m a firm believer that if you are not willing to stand up for what you believe in, then there’s no sense in getting out of bed in the morning.”

– Elizabeth Bagby

Gathering Pecans

 

I’m going to try my utmost to be like the character I created.

 

Wimberley Watts