Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Why "Blog Surfing" Makes Me a Better Writer

Since returning to the world of blogging and freelance writing, I have been taking the time to visit and catch up with some of my favorite blogs. I have even added and visited several great new ones. I used to think that "blog surfing" was leisure activity and that this was nonproductive to my writing career. I have decided that was the wrong sort of thinking. Here are a few reasons why:

(1) Reading other writing blogs helps you learn more about your trade. Just visit Matt Keegan's The Article Writer, or Lillie Ammann's A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye, and you will find out just how much you stand to learn from reading the blogs of other professionals. They have spent hours upon hours creating posts that will help you find success in the freelancing community. These people, and many others just like them, care about what they do and they care about your success.

(2) Reading other blogs exposes great resources-- whether its a potential job or a website to increase exposure. Michele Tune of Writing the Cyber Highway recently invited me to join ChicksWhoClick, a private network for women in media, creative arts and girls' & women's advocacy. What a great resource for meeting fellow writers and finding (as well as sharing) information to make the writing journey a little easier for others.

(3) It's a fantastic way to meet awesome and amazing people. I cannot tell you how many inspirational stories I have read on other people's blogs. Stories of overcoming abuse, beating cancer, raising children with disabilities, and fighting online internet pedophilia touch my heart and remind me that bloggers are real people who care about real life issues. What an honor to be acquainted with such people.

(4) Reading these same blogs inspires me to write more, and most importantly, to be a better woman. I read what others have gone through. I see what causes they stand for and support, and all the good they are doing in the world. Reading these blogs inspires me to use my writing gift to do the same. I want to write more, get involved in community causes, and grow as a woman and a human being.

Yes, I have decided that taking the time to visit other blogs can only enhance my writing career, and encourage the kind of growth as a human being that will make me a better writer. So don't feel guilty. There's something to learn from everybody. Take the time to visit some great blogs, and get connected with some wonderful people--I guarantee that remarkable things will come of it!

7 comments:

Betsy Henning said...

Blog surfing -- good idea. Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for permission to surf guilt free! Don't bother me, I'm working here. I'll surf my way through your list for starters.

Bets

Lillie Ammann said...

Lisa,

You are so right. I have been inspired, touched, educated, and entertained by many great blogs.

Thanks for the link and kind words about my blog.

Michele said...

Aw, thanks so much for the link love, Lisa! I don't know how I missed this. I'm a week behind! ;-)

You're right, I've read such inspiring, beautiful stories on blogs across the web. It definitely motivates us to be better people, and sparks the ole muse, eh?

Blogging, and visiting other blogs, also gives us a break from whatever else we're working on--a little 'me time'.

Great post!

*smiles*
Michele

Kerrie said...

Lisa,

I have been reading how important it is to read other blogs and stay connected to other bloggers. It was my goal today to find other writing blogs, read them and comment about them. Your article came in very handy, now I am excited to visit the sites you have listed.

Thanks!
Kerrie
www.the-writing-bug.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Lisa,

Thanks for the validation! :0) I think reading blogs is not only imformative, motivating and inspiring but it can also help us feel less isolated. Sitting in my office typing away, I can forget that I am part of a great big world out there. It is comforting to know that help and support are just a click away!

Tiffany

Lisa Vella said...

Kerrie,

Thank you for visiting my blog! I'm glad you found my article useful! It is definitely fun visiting new blogs. You just never know what helpful bit of info you will find!

Hope to see you back here again! Have a wonderful day!

Lisa

Lisa Vella said...

Tiffany,

As both a stay-at-home mom and a freelance writer, I can understand how isolating it can be. And you are so right! The blogging communty is also a helpful communty, especially once you begin making personal contacts. I really consider some of my fellow bloggers true friends.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you will be back.

Have a lovely day!

Lisa