Confessions

So, I find writing in a blog a bit scary. It is published writing you know. Other people read it. Now, you might say "Melody, you have published lots or writing elsewhere so. . .what's the big deal?" If you asked this questions it might make sense at first glance. But, here is the thing about published writing (in my experience).

Before I put something "out there" for the world to see, I research; I write; I drink loads of green tea; I write, revise draft, drink more tea. . . This goes on for quite some time before an editor ever gets a hand on it. Then, the editor sends me notes or suggestions. Next, I drink more tea, play with my highlighters and purple pens, and move paragraphs and sentences around on the computer. This process continues until it "goes to press." So this writing that is "published" in a more traditional sense has loads of filters, revising, time, and thought. But how can I possibly publish a piece of writing that has only one cup of tea behind it? It seems unthinkable.

For me, I cannot compare it to my journal, partially because my journal is written in the early morning as I drink my cup of tea, and I am usually not wearing my glasses (Who can find glasses before a cup of tea?). Therefore, most of what is written in my journal is unintelligible even to me. Not to mention, it is often partial bits of meaningless jumble. It might even qualify as Vygostkian pre-thought or more like a child's transitional gestures that come before clear speech.

Perhaps, however, this will be fun (the blogging I mean). Writing with a bit more freedom and a few less steps of editing before the writing greets the world. (Okay, maybe not the world - but at least the two of you that will read this.)

- "Experience teaches us that thought does not express itself in words, but rather realizes itself in them." - Vygotsky