Writing this blog is almost like a test tube environment. I feel free to experiment and write about the first thing that comes to mind.
I can tell fairly quick if the topic connects with readers or lies there on the screen/page like a freshly swatted mosquito. This is an asset to me because may of my ideas offered here in this blog, make the transition to my newspaper columns.
Case in point - the "What If" blog entry I wrote on March 9th got 10 comments, and several comments on my Facebook account. I also had a person who reads my blog, stop me in Wal-Mart to say how much she like the entry. Fortunately my pants were zipped (see March entry on March 7th for an explanation this statement). So, this past Sunday's column was based on the "What If" idea.
I had an appointment with my doctor early this morning, and after he worked on my aching knee, he stayed for a long while giving me his thoughts on the "What If" column. I was flattered that he read my work.
So, if any of you out there want to test the waters in printed media, I suggest you look back through you past work, pick out your best entries, pitch them to the local paper, "and see if that dog will hunt."
That's what I did and it's worked out for me. I picked up another paper a few weeks ago. Now, if I could only pick up about another 250 papers, I'd be set! :)
Have a happy Tuesday.
I can tell fairly quick if the topic connects with readers or lies there on the screen/page like a freshly swatted mosquito. This is an asset to me because may of my ideas offered here in this blog, make the transition to my newspaper columns.
Case in point - the "What If" blog entry I wrote on March 9th got 10 comments, and several comments on my Facebook account. I also had a person who reads my blog, stop me in Wal-Mart to say how much she like the entry. Fortunately my pants were zipped (see March entry on March 7th for an explanation this statement). So, this past Sunday's column was based on the "What If" idea.
I had an appointment with my doctor early this morning, and after he worked on my aching knee, he stayed for a long while giving me his thoughts on the "What If" column. I was flattered that he read my work.
So, if any of you out there want to test the waters in printed media, I suggest you look back through you past work, pick out your best entries, pitch them to the local paper, "and see if that dog will hunt."
That's what I did and it's worked out for me. I picked up another paper a few weeks ago. Now, if I could only pick up about another 250 papers, I'd be set! :)
Have a happy Tuesday.
Rick,
ReplyDeleteGlad you are using your blog to experiment. Your dog not only hunts, it trees, fetches, and points! Have a great day - Marsha
I have to work up the nerve first. But you're right, blogging is a good way to pitch ideas and work out the kinks. And sometimes a comment can cast a new light and lead you to expand the original idea even further. Keep doing what you're doing, it's working!
ReplyDeleteI clicked on the Sunday's column link and wondered where your zipped pants were! LOL!!! It was a very thoughtful article btw - if only monies could be spend on worthier life giving and living enhancing local projects!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day too! Take care
x
I don't think any paper would want my blog entries since I just write as a journal for myself..but I sure enjoy what you and Jilda write and I'm glad I have the "talent" to appreciate others hard work or maybe it's really fun work!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to get serious about a "guest columnist" idea I want to submit to a newspaper.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you posted! :-0
Thanks for the inspiration.
Really? Moi? I could get published? Be still, my heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement from another Southerner addicted to blogging. Looking forward to following your experiment here.
I didn't realize you were a columnist too - how cool is that! [Sorry - I sometimes think I live in a cave and am last to the party, so if I was supposed to know you were a columnist, forgive me. :)]
ReplyDeleteI find a lot of bloggers are people who want to be writers. I am not one of them. I just write the silly thing to keep track of life and keep in touch with friends. It is nice to be able to say "Oh, I know when THAT happened, but let me check my blog to confirm." I swear if I didn't write half the stuff down I forget most of it.
Congrats on your readers and your column.