The title of this post is a question that is posed many times to me and I've come to a stage where I no longer choose to answer in words . . . I smile and leave. Many friends and even my husband have posed this question to me about my blog: Why on earth do you write about trivial things? Why don't you write about academic and social issues. Blah. Why should I write about 'serious' stuff, I sometimes shoot back? Why not trivial stuff? I agree that I am a poor analyser of the political scenario in order to write a commentary on that. Poems??? I am not a poet. There are many many people who can write on one single topic in all their blog posts. I know many friends who do so but I cannot string words into verse. I love words but I cannot bring myself to compose a verse. I have tried doing so and I feel that I am not for it. Of course, I have attempted short fiction. Two posts only, titled Inside-out and Dream-stealer but that's all about it. No more.
My friend says, "You can write academic posts!" But for whom do I write "academic" posts? All my readers are not academicians. Well, if I do want to write an "academic" post, I would write the same in a peer-reviewed journal. Why do I need a blog space for that? How about Indo-Pakistan political issues, asks another dear friend. Well, well, who am I to sound off on that? I am aware of some of the issues that involve India and Pakistan but I guess those issues are familiar to any average paper-reading person. And, why should everyone be interested in Indo-Pak issues. I avoid blog posts which dissect politics, stock-markets and cricket.
My penchant lies in talking about everyday stuff that normally goes unnoticed and unspoken. My audience is not limited to any one set of people, I think. Academicians, passionate cricket junkies and even a twelfth grader can relate to the things I say. Does that mean I write for an audience. Let me be honest. When I started, I had no clue about audience or traffic but now I am aware. I know that if I post this, x and y will respond. I write what I like but at the back of my mind, I also know that these kind of people will relate to what I am saying. Take for example the post on fart. It has no divide based on caste, colour, gender, language and race. Everyone farts. Some do it silently, some loud. Some accept it as normal and some cringe at the thought of doing it in public. No matter what, everyone farts. Right? Trivial things make everyday life. Political issues don't make life. They may be for some souls but not me.
So I write to glorify the trivial in my everyday life and the topics I write about are common to everyone. Period.
Well, has anyone questioned the subject of your blog/s? How do you defend your writing? And, finally, what thoughts do you have on the contents in my blog space.
Image 1: Internet
Image 2: Internet
My friend says, "You can write academic posts!" But for whom do I write "academic" posts? All my readers are not academicians. Well, if I do want to write an "academic" post, I would write the same in a peer-reviewed journal. Why do I need a blog space for that? How about Indo-Pakistan political issues, asks another dear friend. Well, well, who am I to sound off on that? I am aware of some of the issues that involve India and Pakistan but I guess those issues are familiar to any average paper-reading person. And, why should everyone be interested in Indo-Pak issues. I avoid blog posts which dissect politics, stock-markets and cricket.
My penchant lies in talking about everyday stuff that normally goes unnoticed and unspoken. My audience is not limited to any one set of people, I think. Academicians, passionate cricket junkies and even a twelfth grader can relate to the things I say. Does that mean I write for an audience. Let me be honest. When I started, I had no clue about audience or traffic but now I am aware. I know that if I post this, x and y will respond. I write what I like but at the back of my mind, I also know that these kind of people will relate to what I am saying. Take for example the post on fart. It has no divide based on caste, colour, gender, language and race. Everyone farts. Some do it silently, some loud. Some accept it as normal and some cringe at the thought of doing it in public. No matter what, everyone farts. Right? Trivial things make everyday life. Political issues don't make life. They may be for some souls but not me.
So I write to glorify the trivial in my everyday life and the topics I write about are common to everyone. Period.
Well, has anyone questioned the subject of your blog/s? How do you defend your writing? And, finally, what thoughts do you have on the contents in my blog space.
Image 1: Internet
Image 2: Internet
You said it!while blogging we know internally that there are some who would read it. We relate to them better than our so-called 'near' ones.We human beings have a natural urge to communicate with like-minded persons and blogging is the best way for it in today's net-connected world!
ReplyDelete-Portia
Quite true. We know it best, Portia.
DeletePeople will connect to whatever you are writing. What you write belongs to you, comes from within you and it gives you joy. So, keep on writing what you feel happy about.
ReplyDeleteWhat comes from within is sometimes (mostly) trivial. And I like the trivial.
DeleteI agree with Portia. Plus in the blog world there is room for all. There is plenty of room in the playground, here right next to my blog, I'll scoot over!!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2012/01/beautiful-ladies-of-ocean-drive-in.html
Plenty of room to roll around and find our won niches :)
DeleteNice to see you after a long time, Jim. Glad.
Keep writing the words that flow to your fingertips. No one ever seems to question my blogs. I think my family would rather not know any more about them then need be. I'll take that as a blessing in disguise :) You write about what comes to your mind, and that is something that a lot of writers have a difficult time with. Sure, you could go and research a topic, getting ideas, and put it all together for a post. But to ad lib? And even better, to draw attention and readers to it after it's put out there public? Well, that is a bird of a different color. Keep up the good work Susan and do what is right for YOU!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your warm words, Anna. My thoughts are quite in line with yours.
DeleteSusan, I write like you... about whatever happens to be on my mind. Some of it is nonsense and some heartfelt stuff, but no matter what I write, like you, I write it honestly. Keep on writing mama! Political posts? LOL!!! Nah! Must too messy;)
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps that's why I enjoy what you have to say. Political thoughts are quite messy (in all places).
DeleteI must say there is something about the trivial and the every-day that contains the truth in a way the bigger picture won't reveal.
ReplyDeleteMost people are concerned and therefore, vocal about the "big stuff" because it is easiest to focus on - we don't notice the small things. Which is a pity. I remember my college teacher used to say this about O. Henry - "His stories are about ordinary people and their ordinary lives and how they contain moments of extraordinary beauty and extraordinary poignancy."
It's something I've always admired about O. Henry's writing and also about yours. Don't they say, God is in the little things? :)
I like the way you integrate quotes into your comments. They make me feel so darn good, you know. Thanks Karishma for being around :)
DeleteJust today I was reviewing what I write and why I write it...but realized what I write is 'I' write. And I admire you for writing about whatever strikes you, Susan. And why not? You write so well...To anyone who questions your choice, you can answer: I care a fart! ;)
ReplyDeleteEven I care a fart, admin Corinne.
Deletei think that ordinary things unspoken or unseen are def important in our lives...and to think on these things allows us to see them...perhaps for the first time...
ReplyDeleteSmiles. Spot on Brian. Sometimes in search for the bigger picture, we lose track of the small and significant.
DeleteOh there are so many suggestions dime to a dozen - I simply cannot limit my writing to a particular topic - how can I - that is not me - I am this everyday person - I can write about only things and issues that hold meaning to me! There are so many political issues I dont talk about because I dont have an opinion on them and there are all this big journalists who'd do more justice - I write about what I feel about and as far as I am concerned that's good enough - if it's not good enough for you - too bad!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Well said. Sometimes when it comes to the bigger issues, one becomes hazy and aggressive.
DeleteWell, personally I've had it with academia and politics, so I probably wouldn't be happy reading your blog if it was about these. I really enjoy reading the topics that occur to you because you are you and you have the ability to notice things that may seem trivial, but are common to us all and ultimately make us human.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting though. I know everyone doesn't like what I write, my poetry is not the greatest, my thoughts not the most awe-inspiring, but it gives me so much pleasure. And I guess that's reason enough to write.
Keep writing what you're good at, Susan. I would miss it terribly if you didn't.
Thanks Myrna. You have had me happy happy with your comment :)
Deletei guess writing a blog's a good way to avoid paying a counsellor (shrink)...you can get it all out of your system and go back to living a normal life. and a blog should be honest- it should be relevant to you first and then about an audience/readers...otherwise you are better off writing pure fiction...just my two cents.
ReplyDeleteLeave the shrink, even day-to-people can be dealt with in our writings. And why fiction when the fact is as alluring :)
DeleteAbout your blog- :) I have always loved and looked forward to read the interesting observations you have on day to day things. I particularly loved some observations which are common across all countries more like a human tendency... for e.g. the talking in the dark post. I think it is very rare to note these nuances and put them up as beautifully as you do. I love your posts! :D
ReplyDeleteI have heard you say this so many times, dear Sam and yet when you say it another time, I react as if you are saying it for the first time and I'm hearing it for the firt time. I guess I am a sucker for compliments :) Thanks, Sam.
DeleteYou write very perfectly and I honestly don't see your writing as trivial. Ride on girl!
ReplyDeleteRiding. Smiling. Enjoying.
DeleteThanks Luchi for that short and sweet comment :)
You have to write about something that interests you or the reader will immediately see you as not genuine. Write what's on your mind or on your heart! And, the little things, the seemingly trivial ones, do matter because these are truly what makes the world go round.
ReplyDeleteGo for it! :)
Going and grabbing.
DeleteBe blessed and happy :)
I can't say anyone has ever questioned what I write about but if they did I would ask what are you judging that on? Every post or the one you just read?
ReplyDeleteYour posts are like a candy store, they provide a wonderful mix of fun, abandonment, fact, literature, style and a whole heap more. Do what you do and don't let anyone question you :)
I like the simile of "candy store." SJ, I so like this simile. Candy store blog sounds fun and colourful.
DeleteI am imagining an old song re-written:
ReplyDelete"It's my blog and I'll write what I want to, write what I want to.."
31,000+ visitors agree with you!
Welcome to the Meanderings, dear David.
DeleteNice song, it is.
I write what I like and I like what I write., la la la.
And your name has waltz in it.
Everybody should write about what they feel passion for despite what others may think. The blogging world needs a wide variety of topics to entertain the masses and oh how boring things would be if all blogs were serious. I come here for entertain and a few laughs so never change or apologize. Nice post!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome David. Passion is the word and I have a passion for the trivial and so I write about the trivial.
DeleteThanks for coming by and sharing your insights :)
Only way Peeps let me know they don't like what I write--they don't read my blog--grin! That's PERFECT! Because I don't like to read lots of criticism about me!!!
ReplyDeleteHowever, Susan Deborah, YOU have the talent which could make a discussion on the differences between "trivia" and "minutia" sound like a dissertation written so a fourth-grader can understand--WAIT!!! That Fourth grader was when *I* was in school 60 years ago...Now it takes a TWELFTH grader to even pronounce the words we use...in USA, that is.
All this is in fun, of course--with cheek full of tongue.
Whatever the jahn-reh or topic, you are a fabulous writer. I don't 'do' it, but I know when I read it--grin!
Love, and ALWAYS, PEACE!
Steveie dear, sometimes peeps (read Susan) read your blog but don't stop to write a comment.
Delete60 years ago . . . seems like a very long time and I feel small and a kiddo before you, dear Steve. I am in some ways, maybe and you are a great pal, peep and pappa.
Lots of love back at you, dear Steve. I am happy that you are there to read the stuff that I write.
From what I have seen of the blogs I have read, or should I say keep reading. most write from the heart about things they are passionate about, usually it is of that day or week, something inspired them to share their thoughts on it. For me I am on a healing journey and I write to help myself and others hopefully. I love reading your blogs, always a touch of humor and about the the little things we all wonder about...but are to afraid to talk of. Blogging is a wonderful way to communicate. Something I am glad and grateful to be involved in.
ReplyDeleteI shall write, no matter what and since it is my space, I guess I have the freedom to do so. Let's revel in the trivial :)
DeleteThere are no really little things in life, perhaps only little people.
ReplyDeleteIn my blog I try to avoid controversial or 'heavy' topics such as politics, economics, religion. Everything else makes for a good topic, one that most readers can relate to it, have experienced or are likely to experience it in life.
Heavy topics are something I shie away from. Somehow, I cannot do justice to them. I write what I like and I like what I write.
Deletehow do i choose what to write about? hmmmmm....
ReplyDeletei write about what's niggling me today. i figure if it's gnawing at me it might be gnawing at others, too. i think of my blog as a place for 'dialogue' rather than a 'monologue'.
good question ;-)
Dialogue, absolutely.
DeleteHello Susan.
ReplyDeleteI'm a poet. I exist in the image of love...it's what I know, what I write about & who I am. Love is my passion. I understand what I write is not for everyone & that's ok. I write for the sheer pleasure of writing. If the reader can experience any kind of reaction from reading my humble words, then that's even more of a gift for me.
You keep doing what's right for YOU. It's impossible to please everyone, so better to please yourself. Besides, I like your posts & will keep coming back as long as you keep writing (smile).
Thanks for sharing & visiting. Your comments are always appreciated.
Kingship of Love
And the undisputed prince, you are, dear Andy. Thanks for the assurance. Highly appreciated.
DeleteDear Susan, I love your blog just because you write about every day subjects, which we ordinary people can relate to. You might write about trivial things, but your writing is anything but trivial.
ReplyDeleteI am not interested in academic discussions, I love bloggers that manage to entice me by discussing ordinary life. Do not ever change my friend;))
xoxo
And so do I, dear Zuzana. Sometimes serious discussions sap my energy levels.
DeleteThanks for your very kind words, dear Z. Big hugs.
trivial is what is... the most important, but then triviality vanishes... even a boring sunday evening like this-is not trivial, and i could write so much about it. Writing to me is like escaping and letting go, also letting know...
ReplyDelete:-)
ps... word verification VIKINGS ha ha you could write about that in your next post- lol
A big hug for coming by. I am so so happy to see you. What happened to you, Dulce?
DeleteVikings!!!! ha Ha
Susan, I love coming to your blog. You write about so many interesting subjects. That is what makes your blog so unique! Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comment, dear Nelieta. Much appreciated.
DeleteI say more fart posts or nose picking posts or .... that's all I got.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, GQ :)
DeleteSpot on, Ashwini. It is the simple things that make the larger picture.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteConnection is definitely the key.
DeleteThanks for coming by Jeana. Hope you are well and happy.