Respect the Blog

While I do not consider myself a professional writer in any way, I do consider myself to be an author of sorts. Blogging has allowed me to write about our family in a very personal, and yet a very public, way.

I've not had any formal training in writing, unless you can count my college English class that insisted that we turn in a one-page story every week. In retrospect, I now see that I was blogging way back then. I relished that opportunity to record a memory that was dear to me or to retell the events of a particularly eventful day. Sadly, many in my class didn't feel the same. In fact, I think I was the only freak that loved those writing assignments.

It's no surprise that I have jumped on the Mommy Bloggers Bandwagon. I still love writing, and it's great to be able to connect with others through the bloggy medium. (I don't think that's a real spiritual being, but I may be wrong.) Blogging has helped me realize that I'm not the only mom on the edge of her sanity, that someone actually listens to what I say (there's balm to a mothers' soul), and that moms everywhere are all struggling to feel a little more like a real person and a little less like "Little Junior's Mom."

There are many days when I wonder if blogging is worthwhile. Don't get me wrong - I write for me as well as for you. I love having record of when events took place, of what the kids said at dinner last month, of what I was thinking when I did that stupid thing that I shouldn't have... And I love reading all about your stupid adventures that shouldn't have happened, what your kids said at dinner last month, and what events are taking place at your blog. But it's time consuming, and I know you can feel me on this one. There are days (are there not?) when I think that if I spent more time with my kids and less time on the computer we'd all be happier for it. And it's those days when I start to take serious inventory of what blogging has given me.

While absolutely nothing can replace time spent with kids, I have gained much from blogging. The friendships, the encouragement, the laughs - it all makes it worthwhile. But the single greatest thing that blogging has provided is a Voice for Micah. Without the help of bloggy friends and a public place to record my frustrations, Micah would still be speechless.

There is a growing unrest among professional writers. They are a wee bit frustrated and maybe even a little afraid that we are encroaching on their territory. Some of them even go as far as to say that bloggers are not considered writers. That our stories are diluting the professionalism of newspapers and other media. That we don't matter.

I think differently. If I didn't make my voice heard, Micah would still be speechless. If what I had to say didn't matter, nobody would have reached out and made the voice possible. Whether I've been to school or not, my writing matters. If you don't like this author's writing style, feel free to walk away and go read News Week. That's the beauty of the written word. I don't have to be a professional to make a difference with my writing.





24 comments:

Michelle said...

Call me sheltered, but I had no idea there was a backlash. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me, given the desire to keep things always the same. But yep, you're real :)

And I love love LOVE that picture. It's gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I have never heard that "professional" writers where bagging on bloggers!! Hey if you don't like it don't read it!! I love blogging and the new world and friends it brings.

Respect the Blog!!

Karen Deborah said...

Painters paint, musicians make music, singers sing, and writers write. What kind of writer doesn't matter. You write, I write, bloggers write. We connect, we share, we even grow to love one another and one anothers children. Bloggers have real voice, write about real life, and real people. We have found a way to connect through cyberspace with similar people and it is honey to our souls. I don't know about any negative anything from anyone and that suits me fine. Your one of my favorite spots to visit, you, all your kids, your dogs and the crazy things that happen to you; just what was that thing that got into your bra?
Micah has a voice and we are all praising God for that! Keep on bloggin girlfriend.

Brandie said...

I love you writing and Micah. Its a winning combo ;) I think blogs are just another genre. They are so real and personal. People are tired of the professionals telling us what we need to know and how to think.

Andrea said...

I love to read your blog. And I am so glad that Micah has found his voice. Blogging has brought me many things. And the friendships are definatly one of them. It's weird when i talk to people and I say, "Oh yeah, my friend in South Dakota, or my friend in New Mexico!" They must really think I am crazy!! Because I have never met any of the people's blogs that I read, but I feel that they are my friends.

And I have been taking a small break from blogging to spend time with family. It was a super busy week, and I have over 90 blog posts to read!! I can't believe how far behind I have gotten. Playing catch up is hard!!

I love your blog, and I too am happy to know I am not the only mom out there with lots of kids and animals and still keeps her head above the water!! LOL!

KG said...

*I* am glad you blog. Otherwise, to whom would I send such lovely gifts as the green bean tote?

On a more serious note, it is a wonderful thing that you were able to advocate for Micah and actually GET somewhere without having the endless struggles of bureaucracy and red tape. Anyway, keep at it!

Drea said...

I think its good to balance blog time well... cause it can get way to time consuming :-) im the 1st to admit ive spent to much time online on a day haha.
Im doing SO much better now though and I pray daily that the Lord would help me to manage my time well.. and help me stay off the internet when its not needed. I can tell a difference on days I pray this and the days I dont :-)

I do love blogging tho and i can see doing it the rest of my life.

Suburban Correspondent said...

What fascinates me about blogging are all the different voices that come through. It amazes me how many articulate, interesting women are out there.

Don Mills Diva said...

This is beautiful Karen and the reasons you write are the reasons that make you a Writer with a capital W - linking you up now!

caramama said...

Well said!

And for someone with "no formal training in writing," you write extremely well and even use correct grammar and punctuation! Apparently, not every great writer needs formal training. You, my dear, are a natural!

Susan said...

Absolutely, positively well said.

(That "sentence" probably just violated the Professional Writers' Code of Conduct, but that's the way it goes.)

designHER Momma said...

I really love this post. It will be a good one for you to look back on from time to time. I can hear the honesty in it.

Blog on girl...

Trisha said...

Since when do you have to be a professional to make a difference? Blogs are a lot more "real life" than published writing since it is written "in the heat of the moment." Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of professional writers as well but . . . blogs connect the souls.

Anonymous said...

Blogging brought me to you, Bananamigraine, and Three Weddings, without whom I would be alone in the unique life we have with Cameron. I have no one in my city to connect with who has ANY idea what our life is like. I cherish you guys and your blogs.

And that picture is extremely moving.

Thank you for your blogging effort. xoxo

Karen said...

Kate - Thank you for your kind words. I think I've connected more with bloggers with children with DS than real-life friends. It really is amazing.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

wooo hoooo! i love my bloggy friends...you are one of the favs!!

Aimee said...

I love that you blog, I love that I met you by blogging, and I think everyone is jealous of the super Mommy-blog mojo we've got going on.

Seriously - mommy blogs are by far some of the nicest and most helpful blogs out there. We can't help it, we're moms!

And we're writers, too, so phooey to those "real" writers who might say we aren't. (And I'm related to "real" writers, so I can say that!)

Keep on keepin' on, mama :)

All 4 My Gals said...

Great post. :) Keep on being yourself. HUGS

Anglophile Football Fanatic said...

I'm amazed at how big this is getting. And, you write very well. And, I love ya.

Burgh Baby said...

I love that you "get" it.

The Sports Mama said...

I love that picture of Becky and Micah. It's so ... just, awesome!

And you are a "real" writer. Real writers have the ability to speak to the reader's soul. Your words speak to mine. Always.

Karen said...

I couldn't agree with you more. I am not sure why some journalist are so threatened by "the mommy blog." I have no desire to write on a given assignment, nore are my english/grammer skills anywhere near the level that would be required. That said, maybe the threat is that we do get to write about whatever we want and take it from our own angle, our own perception that day.

With that out of the way, I would be lost without my bloggy friends. They help to make my world a richer place. A place to think beyond the walls of my home and remember I am part of a bigger, very beautiful picture. I am so thankful to have found you. I would be missing so much.

Krista said...

I'll follow my BFF (Karen above) who actually got me blogging. It's a creative outlet for many. It's not overly complicated and styles vary. Just as some people don't appreciate Picasso it doesn't mean he is not an artist. He changed the art world and just as bloggers change the writing world!

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