There is No Such Thing As Writing Turf
“There may never be anything new to say, but there is always a new way to say it.” ~Flannery O’Connor
“Are you telling your story from your unique perspective, with a voice and style that’s clearly all you?” ~Ann Handley in Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content
Everyone Has Something to Say
Once in a while people write to me for blogging advice and the most common concerns I hear are along these lines: “I have nothing new to say.” Or, “Everything has been done already.” Or, “Why does the world need one more blog about [fill in the blank]?” I recently read Ann Handley’s book that I quoted above, and I’m so glad to have that line of hers to help me express my view that originality is in a writer’s voice more than the idea.
I’ve been thinking about these types of concerns for a while and the underlying question of blogging turf. First, I think we have to answer the question of whether there is such a thing as blogging turf in the first place. In other words, are you not allowed to write about a topic because somebody else that you know (or don’t know) already wrote about it?
Can one writer or even a small group writers claim a topic to the point where they own that “turf?”
I say no and any writer who claims that a particular topic is “taken” is really out of bounds. Likewise, I think that any writer who stops writing because the topic is already out there is probably looking for an excuse to stop writing anyway. Because writing is hard. It really is. I want to quit at least once a week for the exact reasons others ask me about before they decide to begin. What else is there to say about friendship? Or Judaism? Or books? Or writing? Or marriage? Or parenting (which I write about infrequently now, but still)?
But back to “turf.”
I don’t believe that any blogging topic is off limits just because someone else writes about it, too. See: food blogs. See: parenting blogs. See: empty nester blogs. See: travel blogs. See: yoga blogs, etc. If it was a legitimate gripe to claim any one of those topics as your own, then we certainly wouldn’t have thousands and thousands of blogs in each of those categories.
So what’s my point?
Don’t let the fact that everything has already been done stop you from putting your voice out there if you want to write.
There is a certain universality to the areas of life that bloggers of a certain age (ahem) or stage of life tend to cover. My main topics of friendship, reading, writing, parenthood, marriage, and Judaism are hardly unique to me. If I were to claim so, you would have every right to never visit me here again. And if you have a writing/blogging friend who claims that a topic is hers or his, then feel free to tell that person that a writer owns only one thing in the writing world—a unique voice. The topics that cover “life in general” or even areas that are more specific like, say, paleo cooking, cannot be claimed by any one writer or group of writers.
If you’ve seen your specific words with someone else’s name attached? That is plagiarism, and it is WRONG. But to claim that you own the topic of, I don’t know, meditating or homeschooling or college admissions? That is ridiculous.
Another underlying issue that seems to be the real cause of people worrying about having nothing new to say is the belief that their lives are not interesting enough to make for potential nonfiction writing. I can relate to that, too. I appreciated what creative nonfiction author and teacher, Dinty Moore, said in this article for Writer’s Digest in response to feelings of envy he was having over other writers with darker material to mold. After some introspection, he realized,
It’s not what happens to us in our lives that makes us into writers; it’s what we make out of what happens to us. It’s our distinctive point of view.
Yes! Exactly.
Rainbow Rowell, author of the popular books Eleanor & Park and Fangirl, recently did an interview with Time about her new novel Carry On. When asked whether it bothers her that there are writers out there creating fan fiction that uses her characters in new ways, Rowell said,
I don’t think ideas are as clean and separate as we think they are. Everything is derivative in a way. What you write is often a reaction or a response to the things you’ve read.
Rowell’s words are actually what encouraged me to write this post that has been brewing in my mind for a while. Writers and bloggers especially tend to react to our real lives and to the lives of those around us. So yeah, I assume that other women in their late 30s who also have children around my kids’ ages and who also love to read and write and especially those getting ready for Passover soon are going to end up writing about several of the same topics as I do this month. I am 100% okay with that. We are all having a big conversation here in the blogosphere. I welcome the nod and the me too or the not me but thanks for sharing because I learned something new or whatever somebody wants to add to the conversation, even in their own posts. (If you are directly responding to someone’s post, I do recommend linking back to the original.) I would never, ever assume someone has taken my idea, and I hope other writers assume the same.
I will leave you with this from Mark Twain:
What do you think, bloggers and writers? You can read my other posts about blogging here. (Scroll past the Twitter tips.)
Latest posts by Nina Badzin (see all)
- Dear Nina in The Guardian - May 1, 2024
- Overtalking, Undertalking, and Lessons for Friendships in the Art of Storytelling - April 30, 2024
- Dear Nina in The Wall Street Journal - April 27, 2024
- 5 Friendship Issues to Consider Addressing with a Therapist - April 17, 2024
96 Responses
This is SUCH a great post and really, really timely for me as I’ve been struggling with this thought (and everything else related to writing and blogging) for the past few weeks. Do I want to write? Sure. But feeling I’m about to tread on someone else’s topic (not those folks I haven’t “met” so much, but definitely those folks who I follow) is a huge turn off.
My solution to this dilemma has been to save the articles that inspired me about a topic for a sort of “further reading” post – done either a follow up or a prequel to my post. The only problem is getting around to actually writing my post about it!
Dakota Nyght recently posted..How to become a DIY Powerhouse
Dakota, I think that’s a great idea to consider some “further reading” angles if you truly feel that what you’re saying has been 100% inspired by someone else’s piece. There’s absolutely a place for that and articles often reference other articles. I’ve had people continue a conversation I started, and I really love that. It’s the biggest compliment in the world. But that said, nobody owns any of the topics, especially when often times we’re all responding to things in pop culture or the news, etc.
Great post. I think one of the benefits of blogging is realizing that there is nothing new under the sun. I remember when I was a new writer and read something someone wrote similar to my one of my grandmother-themed posts. I thought “how dare she!!” So funny. Now I just think it’s so much fun to read a new angle on an old topic. Kind of like reading about blogging turf. Great topic and title! I actually never read anything on this topic. :).
Miriam Hendeles recently posted..Seven Realities of Masks
Miriam, I love that you admitted to having the “how dare she” feeling. I think most of us have been there and hopefully most of us got over it, too, like you did, and realized that we don’t get to claim all the topics. Thanks for commenting!
Great post Nina! I have both been struggling with and letting go of my increasing awareness that everything truly is derivative.
But it’s a beautiful thing — our subsconscious minds. We have really no idea that we are writing, let’s say, the same sentence we wrote 17 years ago in a journal or almost the same sentence that we read in Jung’s autobiography 5 years ago or even a paraphrasing of that line we love in the Stevie Wonder song “Knocks Me Off My Feet.”
As I have noticed more and more that not just I do this, but that poets and writers I admire also, I feel less and less afraid. And more interested in putting out my writing with the hopes that I am producing something almost-literary that might reach another 1-2 other people. That’s not everyone’s intention with their blogs, but it’s mine!
Jen recently posted..Key to the Treasure
I loved this analysis, Jen. I think that “me too” feeling is what I love about reading. And I also love learning or experiencing something new, but I don’t devalue something that feels familiar. In fact, I might like it more, though there’s probably something to branching out with my reading choices when there’s too much of that. But we say something “resonates” it’s often because we’ve had a similar thought.
Thank you for writing about this – I found myself nodding along while reading it. I 100% agree. Whether it’s something I write about or a business idea I’m working on, I am not afraid to share it and to invite discussion; after all, every person puts their own spin on it, and that’s what readers and customers connect with.
Kerstin recently posted..About Wanting It Bad Enough
Yes, exactly! I like the word spin because that’s exactly what each take is.
I have a post in draft titled ‘Unremarkable’, which touches on what you mention here. What’s unique about my story? What’s going on my life that I can write about, that would interest someone? My answer: nothing. Not much. Should I give up writing?
I haven’t finished the post, because even that felt disingenuous and complaining, and that’s not my intention. I know that we can all write about the same thing in our voices, and it’d be unique, it’d be us.
Love that we’re once again, thinking along the same wavelength 🙂
Alison recently posted..Mantra Monday: Be True. Be You. Be Kind.
We often are!
This post comes at a good time for me as I have been struggling this year (2015) to determine what I want out of this blogging thing, if anything. I agree with you that everyone’s voice is unique and valuable. I guess I’m just trying to figure out how I want to use mine.
Shannon recently posted..Reach, Pull, Breathe
I think it’s a really good exercise to think about what you want AND to allow the answer to change over time. What you want this year doesn’t have to be the plan for next year.
What a great post, and I love that Ann Handley quote! I think I might put that one up on my cork board.
This reminds me of my old blog when I wanted to dip my toe into recipe writing. But I kept hesitating because I thought, there’s NO way I can come up with a completely original recipe, I’m no chef/baker/etc. Then as I started reading more food blogs I realized, wait, most people don’t come up with completely original stuff.
So much of what I saw, and enjoyed, were recipes “adapted from” or “inspired by” other existing ones. People gave credit and then created their version. It was kind of an epiphany to me at the time.
It feels similar to what you say here about “popular” writing topics. It’s easy to wonder, what do I have to say about xyz that’s worth reading?! But if you say it from your heart, in your own voice, and offer generosity in your own readership, chances are, it will be read.
Dana recently posted..Mining the Wounds
OH totally, Dana! Such a good point on the recipes. Even Smitten Kitchen, which is huge and I really admire, often has adapted recipes from elsewhere.
Sound argument and I agree wholeheartedly. It’s funny because while I was reading this I was thinking about some of the things I used to write about in the nascent days of my blog in 2010/2011, which included recipes and crafty things for kids. Those kinds of posts, I quickly, realized are so NOT me and I so I stopped doing them because I felt there were so many others who did them much, much better. That said, the remainder of what I did and still do write about is certainly covered by dozens of people I actively follow “out here”, but it doesn’t stop me from sitting at the table and getting my voice out there too. I think there’s room for all of us, both to speak/write and be heard. Always love your thoughtful posts.
Kristen recently posted..Lowering the Blinds
This is a great point– that sometimes we stop writing when a topic feels too covered because we’re not truly that passionate about it. I have had certain phases, too. I wrote for a while about changing habits a few years ago and even hosted guest posts about that topic. I abandoned it after about six months later.
And thank you for that compliment!
I love this so much. I doubt you’re surprised that I agree entirely with what you say. I feel at least weekly that I have nothing new to say and routinely find other people who say what I’m thinking far more eloquently and powerfully. But I keep plodding on … reminding myself that voice is what matters. Thank you for this assurance that I’m not alone. xox
You are in good company!
I have a blogger friend (Jodi at http://www.iwilldare.com) who has been blogging for much longer than most of us. She doesn’t blog on a specific schedule, doesn’t pay attention to stats and writes on the broadest range of topics you can imagine. While I think it is nonsense to pretend we don’t write for an audience, I think it is up to each blogger to write from his or her heart and to worry less about content than voice, as you say here, Nina. I read other peoples’ blogs far more for voice than content.
I’m looking forward to checking out Jodi’s blog!
I LOVE this Nina, because I sometimes (okay, often), get stuck when I read other bloggers who’ve written on a topic I’ve been thinking about. I’m easily intimated, and fear that I’ll be accused of copying, or unoriginal. Yes, I’m working on this. I really am.
Segway – as I was reading this, I kept thinking about the recent music plagiarism suits (Robin Thick/Marvin Gay Estate, for example). There was an article in EW about this – and how some artists feel that it’s unavoidable (I believe Tom Petty was quoted). Music inspires musicians, and as long as there is a new twist and different lyrics…and of course reference (and cash), all is good.
Such an interesting point on music! I will look for that article.
And don’t let the worries of others’ accusations stop you. If you know you did not steal an idea that is all that matters. I was once accused of that and honestly I still think about it, but I know it was a completely off base accusation and I realized I had to just know that ME knowing was all that mattered.
You know I’m with you on this! I’ve had moments of pseudo-panic over the years when the advice to get a niche kept coming at me from what seemed like all angles. My life is so multi-faceted, it didn’t seem possible to pick one narrow sliver of it and write solely on that topic, especially since if I were to pick one specific topic and stick with it, I would feel like I needed a certain level of expertise, which I don’t think I have in *any* area of my life!
I guess my turf is my life. And I love it when my turf overlaps with someone else’s and it creates that feeling of community and synchronicity that the blogging world can lead to at times.
Rivki Silver recently posted..On Endings and Beginnings
Beautifully said, Rivki! All of it. And I’ve had the same “to niche or to not niche” debates with myself. I’ve always landed on non-niche.
This. Is. Everything.
xoxo
That’s the best comment ever.
I consistently delight in the way that you take a topic and write about it in a voice unlike any other I’ve ever found. Of course you would write this post and do it so beautifully.
Thank you.
Amanda recently posted..Tantrums & Deep Breaths
Oh my goodness–thank you for saying it that way. I read this comment a few times. 🙂
Nina, This is a great reminder for all the writers and bloggers out there. I love the quote from Mark Twain. If that’s not the final word, I don’t know what is.
Estelle
Estelle recently posted..A DisneySide Celebration Fit for a Princess
I know– he said it perfectly, of course.
Oh, I totally agree! This is true not just with nonfiction/blogging, but also with fiction. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had an idea I love only to realize someone’s already done something similar. If I just never wrote any of those stories or books, I’d have little to no fiction to show for myself! The key is to approach the idea with our own unique spins and perspectives, as you said here. Those are great quotes, too. I especially love the Mark Twain one!
Annie Neugebauer recently posted..Zanders the Magnificent at Fireside Magazine
So true on the fiction front! I’m glad you brought that up. Even Harry Potter with all its original settings and characters has shades of every good/evil story ever told.
Perfectly said, Nina! I get this a lot from people who want to write about their divorce experiences. “But it’s all been told already!” they say. I need to remind them that everyone has a unique experience even if what they’re experiencing is common.
Jenny recently posted..Oddball Crushes Part 3: Chef Turns Up The Heat
Well said, Jenny! That’s a good quote too: “Everyone has a unique experience even if what they’re experiencing is common.”
Well said and a good point. The thing which distinguishes us from each other is our voice. The longer I read and write, the more voice becomes important — an illusive quality, but when it’s there, it’s magic. I’ll be working on mine forever. 🙂 Glad to see you back at your own blog, Nina!
Jennifer King recently posted..The Essence of Beauty
Thank you, Jennifer! And yes, I’m always working on mine, too.
Agree completely. How can we all write about the same thing when we all experience it differently? I suppose the only time this is true is if we only write “facts,” but if tied to how we deal with those facts, then each blog and each post should be different.
Nina recently posted..10 Children’s Books about the Seasons of the Year
I like how you worded that question. How can it be the “same” if we’re all different? Indeed!
Nina- as always, you nail it. I wrote something this morning that definitely felt like I was treading on others’ territory- but you know what- I felt moved to write it, so why not? This post gave me permission, so thank you.
The voice thing is THE thing. Reminds me of the This Is Childhood series- you could ask 50 writers to write about a two year old, and you’d get 50 different pieces. That’s the beauty.
xo A.
I’m so glad you wrote that piece! Because you don’t need anyone’s permission ever.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this post. It’s like you jumped into my head, faced down all of the insecurities and struggles I’ve been having lately, and then held out a hand to help me crawl back out. Thank you.
Christine Organ recently posted..Talking to the Clouds
That image made me so happy. It’s really what I hoped to do because I hear too many people feel that they’re treading on others’ territory when I think the idea of territory is bogus. Keep writing!
I might reference this post next week, because it’s the second time in as many days that the idea of turning a kaleidoscope has appeared in various contexts. I love that idea, and I agree with the quote and with your post. I think one of the coolest things about writing and reading is seeing the different ways the same situations can be perceived and experienced. I remember reading one time that Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women (one of my all-time favorite books) just to make money. That was such an interesting fact for me, because of the way her words had impacted me, even though she hadn’t thought of the story in that way.
angela recently posted..Seven
Isn’t it funny how you could hear the same thing a few times just when you NEED to hear it?
I didn’t know that about Little Women either! Well, I hope she made some in her lifetime!
All writers should read this, Nina, and regularly. I agree; my voice is what makes my writing unique. As a relatively content small-time blogger, I think my readers stick around because they appreciate my unique voice. I know that’s why I keep coming back to the writers I regularly visit.
Dana recently posted..My Love List for March
That’s exactly why I think anyone would read my stuff and it’s for sure why I read anyone else’s. Well said, Dana!
Yes. Just perfect. I love this post. “Don’t let the fact that everything has already been done stop you from putting your voice out there if you want to write.” Also, I love that you speak to writers on both sides of this — ones who feel they shouldn’t write because a topic is “taken” and ones who feel they can somehow claim a topic.
Thank you, Sarah! There really are two audiences for this post, and to be honest, many of us could fall into both categories depending on the day.
Yep, I have this conversation with myself on a regular basis. I feel that I have nothing to say. Then when I come up with something to say, I feel that plenty of others have said it better than I could.
But I have to remind myself exactly what you’ve shared here today. It is the writer’s voice that is unique. I like that Rainbow Rowell quote: “Everything is derivative in a way. What you write is often a reaction or a response to the things you’ve read.” I’d add that what you write is your personal reaction or response. That is what makes it different. The novel Eleanor & Park is a perfect example of that.
Great post!
Jackie Cangro recently posted..The One With Turquoise
You know, part of why I come back to Sedaris again and again is the way he takes such basic ideas (family, friends, love, and emotions like jealousy and fear) but surrounds them with such specific details of his particular world and ability to observe. Every time I read him it’s a good reminder that the details are what make something “original” but the general ideas are anyone’s to grab.
This is great. Also exactly what I needed to hear. My biggest writing obstacle falls under this umbrella. I’m challenging myself these days to write about “nothing” to get me out of this rut. (Currently working on a post inspired by sticky tack.) Thank you!
Candy recently posted..Combining Separates with Interest
Oh funny– I just responded to another comment and ended up talking about David Sedaris who might be the kind of writing about “nothing” but it is always so well done and really about “something” in the end. Glad this helped you this week!
Totally agree! Our personal perspective and unique voice give the content a fresh look to heavily discussed topics. Each book recommendation, each “favorite things” list, each parenting dilemma, each midlife crisis is up for grabs because of the voice behind the blog. I LOVE reading blogs that make me feel like I’m sitting in the room sharing a cup of coffee/wine/tea with them. That pulls me in more so than the topics they discuss. I had to overcome this with my own blog and glad I came to this realization myself. Great post, girlie.
Hallie Sawyer (@Hallie_Sawyer) recently posted..Favorite Things
I like that sharing a cup of coffee image. So true! And glad you overcame this obstacle a while ago. Me too!
One of the things I love most about being part of the writing community is that even if another blogger/writer writes about a similar (or same) topic, it is always through a different point of view than mine. It’s one of the reasons I love reading the comments on my blog too. It reinforces how much diversity there is — in the writing community and in the world at large — and makes me feel both closer and more inspired by the other writers whose work I read. Great post, Nina!
Julia Munroe Martin recently posted..This winter is about…
Thank you, Julia! So well said! You know, the Writer Unboxed site is a GREAT version of what we’re all saying here. I mean, how many posts about finding an agent or different elements of writing fiction can there be? Well, 7 years worth or more! And each post is unique.
Nina, what wonderful insight and advice! Thank you! I think many of us bloggers try so hard to find our unique niche and sometimes give up because like you said, this is impossible! The unique voice concept is, however, very powerful, and one that I try to keep reminding myself of. We are all connected in this big, beautiful blogging world and it kind of reminds me of being in a crowded yoga room where everyone is trying to do their own practice and yet, if you are open to it, you can find tremendous inspiration and energy from the other yogis around you. Thanks for broaching this topic. Love the quotes too!
Julie Burton recently posted..National Eating Disorders Week–Sharing My Story of Hope on the Radio
I love that yoga analogy! Very cool and one only YOU would come up with I think. Perfect!
Nina–I loved this post and your take on all of this. I totally agree–what we each bring is our voice. Exactly.
Thank you, Denise! So happy to see you here and have your newest post bookmarked for later!
Thanks for this. I’ve been in a writing funk lately, nothing new to say, other writers express themselves so much better, etc. I know I’m not the only one to hit these walls, but always helpful to read a post like this and peruse the comments.
You’re welcome! I need the reminder too sometimes. And yes these comments are so great because it’s like we’re all giving each other permission.
I was counseling my sister lately about starting a blog, and telling her that everyone is unique and even if we do all write about the same things sometimes, well good. We all experience a lot together, and we all react, and we all get inspired by each other.
I kinda love it.
Tamara recently posted..I Accept These Awards!
Yes! Perfect said and I hope she takes your advice!
Nina – LOVED this (and so did everyone else, given the huge response you received). So many of the quotes you pulled were just such good reminders of what YOU quoted from your own fingertips: “Originality is in a writer’s voice more than the idea.”
Although your focus of this article was blogging, I think the lessons within hold true for novelists. So many authors find that a book with the same theme/plot/idea is coming out at the same time, or someone else ‘beat them to it.’ It’s hard not to feel deflated when that happens (and it’s happened to me twice), but the truth IS what you say: MY take on the story will be much different than someone else’s. And it’s the story I want to write. So I will soldier on!
YES – “a writer owns only one thing in the writing world—a unique voice.”
Melissa Crytzer Fry recently posted..The Stories We Tell
I agree, Melissa! I definitely think this applies for fiction.
I totally agree. I blog in a field that is REALLY oversaturated (writing and publishing) but I continue to find new blogs that have fresh, informative content. You can always find an audience if you have a distinctive voice and a new perspective.
Anne R. Allen recently posted..How to Write a Prize-Worthy Short Story: A Step-by-Step Guide
Think of Writer Unboxed where they have a post every day and have had a post every day for the past 7 years or so. All on writing!
Sigh– timely post. I just can’t seem to find my blogging (or writing, for that matter) mojo anymore. I like the idea of it, but getting in there and doing it is a different story. I think I need to redefine the “why” of my blogging motivation and then I can make a choice to blog or not to continue blogging. I need to give what I’m doing form and purpose, I think.
Good thoughts here– thanks!
Julie! I’m going to give you the same advice I gave Shannon. Perhaps pick a motivation for now, but don’t feel like you have to hold yourself to that particular goal forever!
This piece comes at such a perfect time. I have been struggling to feel like I have something to say. I am at the point where my girls are touch and go about wanting to be characters in my writing so I am shifting but as I do, these thoughts come up again and again. Thank you as always for sharing your wise words!
Stacey recently posted..How to Keep Your Home Library Current
Thanks so much for reading, Stacey!
Twice, I have had people comment on my blogs that I stole their idea. I wrote about back to school. The same week as she had. It was September! Who doesn’t write about back to school. And another time, about the subject on long hair and getting older. I don’t understand how people think they can own topics. THANK YOU FOR THIS.
alexandra recently posted..The Power of Listening
It only happened to me once, but it sort of traumatized me. I need to have a better sense of humor about this kind of stuff. Writing this post helped!
Wow. I had no idea I had so much to say, but I started to respond to your and Annie’s convo, then thought I should probably get my own. (Not sure why my pic isn’t there btw.)
First off, Nina I love this! (as obviously everyone else does). But it’s interesting to note that two of the biggest megahits of recent history were definitely not original: Twilight (series) and 50 Shades of Gray. I didn’t realize it at the time, but there was lots of other YA vampire stuff when Meyer started writing, but her particular voice, the timing, etc., it obviously satisfied a need in a way only she could do. And Shades started as fan fiction for TWILIGHT!–you can’t get more derivative–and yet, again, it totally struck a nerve. (And one day I swear I will read it, but I shouldn’t have read your review first.)
But I wonder if the whole turf thing is really a human need for boundaries and knowing your place to feel safe (much as we want to be free). Having been in journalism where turf is enforced and people do get really upset when they think someone encroaches on theirs, I wonder if there is something here (besides the fear of nothing to say) that has to do with our human need for boundaries and the need to “own” an area? Of course, as you say, in the blogosphere, as in most of life, there simply isn’t any real way to accomplish this, but I do think it’s different the more money is behind it. Just look at how people castigate fiction writers for being derivative. Or recently Yoga Journal changed their last page to “I’m a Yogi” and I’m embarrassed to admit I thought, “copycat!” because Runner’s World has long had “I’m a Runner,” even though in the blogging world almost everyone has some form of link love , guest posts, similar interests (in likeminded bloggers) but I never think that then. Maybe because I recognize that ultimately there isn’t anything new BUT everyone’s voice is so different that in the blogging world it really does come down to that. So I don’t know. Maybe that’s the thing: It’s new b/c you (whoever the ‘you’ is) is saying it, and nobody else quite has your voice or interests, or not in the way it all comes together. All that said, I think there are identifiable reasons that some bloggers resonate more with others, but that’s a different subject. Okay now that I’m done with that book… : )
Very true about Twilight and 50 Shades and the “meganess” of both. Hmmm.
And REALLY interesting about the owning our space and maybe feeling like we MUST have an area that is just ours. Of course I think that’s truly impossible. Even Picasso built on the masters he’d studied, you know?
The resonating . . . yes. I think 300 people can write about the same topic, but some posts will shine while others fall flat. There are so many reasons for that these days. Some of it has to do with true quality and others have to do with social media reach for better or worse. But even a big reach cannot overcome a message or a style that does not resonate.
This was a such a thoughtful comment Diann and I hardly did it justice!
Great post Nina! Its always annoying for me when someone posts on a topic I was thinking of, but if its possible I let it sit for a while and post my version in the following month or a little later.
I know. I’ve felt that way!
I AGREE. This is so hard because we want to feel original but then, universal topics are universal. I love how to tackled this and shared. Great reminder!
Allison carter recently posted..The Mommy Wars will NEVER End
Thanks so much, Allison! But look at how well things go when you just let passion take over and you tackle a topic that you KNOW others have written and will write. Obviously I’m talking about you taking the NYT by storm last week!
Oh wow, all the quotes you shared, ESPECIALLY that one by Dinty Moore struck a chord! And what you said about writers who say those things to themselves just need an excuse to stop writing shook me to the core. I’ve said those excuses. I say those excuses on a regular basis but I don’t want to stop writing. So the next time I find myself saying those, I will remember your words and challenge myself. THANK YOU for the push, Nina! I may be a semi-hermit and find my life uninteresting. But I know I have my own voice and perspective. Happy Weekend, my friend! xoxo
Joy recently posted..Life in Between
Thank you, Joy! Trust me, I’ve said every one of them, too.
Nina, I love this post! It’s been a while since you wrote about blogging, but this comes at a time when I needed an injection of inspiration. The quotes are lovely, too, and the Digest link is worth reading. Shared both with my writer friends. Thank you, dear!
I loved that whole article. Actually, I read the whole book but was easier to quote the article!
I read this the other day (I think from a link at HerStories) but didn’t comment. I do want to say now though that you’re so right – everything has been written but everything has not been written using our unique voices and that is what matters. Writing anyway. Thank you for this.
Kristi Campbell recently posted..Early Intervention Evaluations and the St. Patrick’s Day that Wasn’t
Perfectly stated, Kristi! Thank you so much for stopping by to comment.
The writing equivalent of “nothing new under the sun.” I agree. I fall into that trap occasionally, and it’s refreshing to hear the other side. Thanks.
Deb recently posted..Five Awesome Lessons I Have Taught My Toddler
Glad to be an encouraging voice out here! 🙂
Oh, I love this. Especially what Rainbow Rowell said. Not only because I’m a fan of Eleanor & Park but because I can attest to what she said. Most of what I write are from what happens around me, what I read about or the issues I’ve heard. 🙂
Lux Ganzon recently posted..I Am No Damsel In Distress
Same for me! Thanks so much for stopping by to read and comment. 🙂
I’ve never heard of anyone claiming blogging turf before… which I’m just this minute deciding is because I’m such a badass everyone just lets me blog wherever I want to. (As opposed to I’m utterly clueless about what the rest of the blogosphere thinks.)
j recently posted..Because dogs
Well you are TOTALLY badass and that is completely why. I have heard it. It happens! (Though not often, I hope, because I do think most people get that it’s a bit chutzpahdik to claim some of these topics forever.)
Sometimes I feel like I go so far in the other direction that I’m not saying anything relevant. I almost never know what the current events are, and am always two steps behind. So in that sense I suppose I’m unique and marching to the beat of my own drum. But there are blogs and plenty about France, about food, about family and about faith. The only thing that sets me apart is my new and curious combination. 🙂
I really like the Mark Twain quote.
Jennie Goutet recently posted..Swamped
I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I couldn’t agree more. It is easy to experience frustration when you see something you’ve written thinly veiled as someone else’s take on a topic. And yet, I love it when I come across a fellow writer’s take on a topic I’ve covered–and it’s good. Really good. I benefit, just as everyone else who reads. There is room for all of us at the table. I just wish some would use better manners and not steal my utensils:).
candidkay recently posted..How very simple (minded) of you
I totally get that! People should definitely cite sources if the idea came from someone else.