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A Blog’s Purpose

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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I recently saw a movie entitled, “A DOG”S PURPOSE.” Heading home, I contemplated on my own purpose, making a couple of meaningful observations along the way.

Moving ahead to today, I asked myself yet another thought-provoking question: What is the purpose of blogs, in general, as well as the purpose of this blog, in particular?

I started this blog five plus years ago when I started writing. Its purpose was to gain a following—a reader base.

Secondly, I wanted to use it to encourage other new writers.

Then, as I learned more about writing, I began to share more concrete information, such as what I learned from conferences, guest speakers, classes, books, research , etc.

Even though I moved past my original purpose, encouraging others is still at the forefront of my mind and heart.

So, how can I encourage you today?

Here’s what I said a half decade ago—and I say it as much to myself as I do to you—with all certainty, perseverance is all-important. 

I know it has been key for me.

So, keep on truckin’…keep on keeping on…keep up the good work…hang in there…continue to learn…and, as my friend used to say, 

“Don’t let the grass grow under your feet. If you want it, go after it. Books don’t write themselves, you know.”

  

 

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What I Learned Today

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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A couple of days ago, we had new countertops installed in our kitchen. As I stood there afterward, admiring them, I said something to the installer about my having heard that Windex is a good cleaner.

“Oh, no!” he said. “Please never put Windex on your granite.”

“Oops,” I answered. “I learn something new every day.”

And I do.

I either learn through the circumstances of my day—just as from the installer—or by purposefully seeking the answer to a question I’ve had.

One of my friends is writing a Novella. I asked her exactly what that was (I was already considering writing one myself the instant that she said the name. So beautiful it sounded to my ear: No-vel-la.)

She said it was a short novel.

Ok. I knew there had to be more to it than that., but I was too embarrassed to tell her I didn’t know.

So, I went to the computer with my question. Here is what I found:

A novella is a work of fiction. It can be thought of as a short novel or a long short story.

Whereas a novel has over 50,000 words, a novella has an average of 30,000 words.

A writer may plan to write a novella ahead of time, as my friend has. It’s alright if the novella ends up to be longer (then you’ve written a novel) or shorter (then it qualifies as a short story).

Novellas are not the most popular or best-selling format. You may not find a publisher that will readily accept a novella, but it may be perfect for someone self-publishing.

So, there you go. Perhaps we’ve all learned something new, today.

Whatever you decide to write—a short story, novella, novel, or magazine article—writing is a most-rewarding form of self-expression.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at writing.

Why not start small?

Perhaps a novella…