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Change of a blog.

By August 17, 2009Blogging, Writing

blank notebookI have a torrent of cliches raining down on me right now:

  • Change is good
  • Change is inevitable
  • All good things must come to an end
  • Times they are a’changin’…

Are you as nauseous as me?

This blog has been alive now for over a year and half…and it’s literally become my favorite place to be. When I log into the back end to write, it’s with a greater joy, comfort and anticipation than I’ve ever had from writing – even with the most beautiful of journals. I used to seek out and collect cool journals, like new toys, each one more unique and perfect than the next. As I picked up my newest find, felt the cover under my fingertips and flipped through the pages, I’d be sure that this time, this journal would surely make me write.

It never did. It didn’t matter if the pages were lined or blank, if the book held inspirational quotes or pictures, if the cover was smooth or textured. I rarely ever wrote more than a few pages in a journal.

But here, I write. I talk, I share, I meet wonderful people, I grow, I learn. From the moment I opened this journal, I’ve never wavered in my dedication. I’m guessing that that’s why so much has changed.

When I started this blog, my goal was to use it as a tool to build my business. I focused on copywriting, marketing and social media, and the posts were on the educational/informational side with lots of how-to’s and the like. I was focused on my tags and keywords and all of that. My content reflected the places I wanted to be seen and hired.

And, don’t get me wrong. I practiced what I still preach to my clients because it works. Finding my own voice, writing about topics that I wanted to be organically found for and utilizing social media sites like Twitter, did just what I wanted them to. They helped me find an incredible audience of readers and commenters, raised my place on Google search pages and helped me grow my business.

But lately…I’m just not as interested in writing about those topics. I’m much more interested in writing about writing (creative, marketing, blog writing – all of it) and its process. Have you noticed? I have. On the one hand, I feel bad, like I’m shirking my duties or something. And because I’m in heaven writing about writing, I feel like a spoiled child getting her allowance even though she hasn’t done the dishes in weeks.

But, on the other hand, how many times have I talked about the crucial importance of writing about your passions? That’s what I’m doing. I might lose some readers as my subject matter changes, but I’m likely to gain some new ones as well.

Which brings me to another interesting point. You can’t tell anyone this, okay? Because it’s like breaking the blogger’s code or something. And I don’t want the equivalent of the Blogger Volturi coming to get me. Here’s the thing: bloggers are addicted to stats. I used to check my stats obsessively every day. I read into them like a psychic with Tarot cards. But now, I rarely check. Somehow, I’ve fallen off the stats wagon. I’ve literally broken the shackles that used to pull at me, cutting into my brain…

…and I’m just writing this blog for the sheer joy of writing.

It’s all connected and it will stay that way – because writing is writing is writing. There are just so many parts of it to explore as I live it – this writing life. Just consider yourself forewarned that I can’t stop following my heart around this blog.

Image credit: tomswift46

Join the discussion 19 Comments

  • [Charlene] says:

    I think the same winds are blowing in Phoenix and the Cape right now, Julie. I’ve just spent the morning fleshing out a new blog I’m about to start because the topics I want to write about are too far removed to be part of my current business blog.

    Change is good. Change is part of life. I’m excited to see what you do in the next chapter of your blog/life. I’ll always support you doing whatever you want to do, anything that brings the snap, crackle and pop back into your life.

    Woo hoo!! Bring on the changes!!

  • Julie Roads says:

    Thanks, Charlene – I can’t wait to see what you’ve done as well! This post was a little bit post-change for me…I’ve been changing over the last several weeks…

  • Erika says:

    You are so magical to me Julie, in the sense that your path is wonderfully mixing with mine. I’m enjoying your process. I personally am loving the blog change. Excited by all your changes as well as my own.

  • Oh, wow. What you wrote about your old pen and paper journals – that is SO me. Exactly.

    I guess I found you after this shift began, and I am so thankful I have! The purpose you began with doesn’t speak to me personally as much as your thoughts on all things writing have. I am so glad to have connected with you, and I look so forward to you continuing to explore this new path here!

  • Julie Roads says:

    Thank you, Erika and Megan! You’ve totally made my day. Megan – we should open a museum of old, cool, unused journals, eh?

  • I think we got bitten by the same werewolf, Julie! Still laughing at your, “Are you as nauseous as me?” comment.

    It’s hard to want to do something in opposition to what people come to love and expect from you. (Hmm… how can I bring this back around to being about ME?) I know over at my blog I get flack when I’m not “funny”. People just don’t seem to want to read my more serious stuff. But that’s fun for me to write. I do enjoy writing funny stuff as well, but good humor tends to come from dark places. It’s nice to air those armpits out from time to time.

    How polite, professional & respectful of you to inform your readers of your decision. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! (Wait, now you’ll want to start writing about copywriting again as it will be your mistress…)

  • Julie Roads says:

    The funniest things is that some of you (in these comments and in private emails) are preparing for the big change – but I’ve already made it! The last few weeks, the posts…anyone, anyone? Alas, I have been sneaking the soul bearing in for months…maybe it’s not so noticeable now, but I did feel like it needed to be said.

    And, Heather, I know you know me better than that. I would NEVER go for the werewolf bite.

  • As soon as I hit Submit I realized the werewolf comment would inflame your sensibilities. I could almost feel you grimacing. I was initially going to say “rabid dog”, but thought that “werewolf” would be more appropriate. In retrospect, “vampire”, “vampire bat” or heck even “chupacabra” would have been better received by you! Hehe

  • The joy of writing. That’s the difference between the blogger who keeps going and the one who runs out of things to talk about. When you love writing and sharing that love, I think it shows.

  • --Deb says:

    Besides, it’s your blog–talk about whatever makes you happiest to be talking about!

  • Charlotte says:

    The title of this post grabbed me on Alltop and boy was I happy to read it. I’ve been struggling with staying on topic at my blog, too. Sometimes I just want to let lose and write personal essays or even-gasp-a post that has nothing to do with writing. (Although, in truth, when you are a writer, everything has to do with writing.) I’ve finally decided to quit worrying and let it rip. Glad I’m in good company

  • Becky Pearce says:

    I can’t wait to see how things change. There are so many good people writing about marketing and social media but not nearly enough good people “writing about writing.” I’ve recently started writing myself through a personal blog and really enjoy it, but could sure use advice and ideas from an experienced writer like yourself. Bring it on!

  • natalie says:

    Julie, go for it! I think the personal insight posts and writing process posts are fascinating. Its great to see another creative person’s thought process,and intelligent persepective on the creative process. How-to write articles and the like you can get everywhere.

  • Julie Roads says:

    Charlotte! I’m so glad you stopped by. Good company back ‘atcha. I agree, when you’re a writer, everything has to do with writing…

  • Jennifer says:

    I’ve only subscribed for a short time, but I’ve stuck around BECAUSE you’ve been writing about writing. You didn’t do a blog-theme-switcharoo on me!

  • Julie Roads says:

    Thanks, Jennifer…makes me feel even better about this…I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know…

  • Andi says:

    You will never get rid of me, no matter what you write about. I fell in love with your writing style not just your content. If you stick to your gut, it will come through and that’s what I want to see! I never check my stats either, I blog for the fun of it too!

  • Andi says:

    Oh and by the way – I love collecting journals too! I finally had to stop, they were piling up – and all blank!

  • I found your blog through Andi and am so pleased to be able to read your transformations. I started my blog about 6 months ago as an outlet to both avoid writing my story and satisfy my need to write.. the blog has helped move me back to writing the book I know needs to be written.. my blog is eclectic and has been so much fun.. I too went through the stats checking obsession but really I’ve just enjoyed all the contacts, the content and all the other cool blogs out there. There are not enough hours in the day.

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