This is in response to Friday Writings #232: A Few of Her Favorite Things
I have put myself on a path to realizing a long-held dream: writing a book on a topic close to my heart—designing a hotel from everyone's perspective. To keep myself motivated, I have been sharing the journey as a book-in-progress on my other blog, A Slice of Art and Design.
Like most dreams worth pursuing, this one is not happening easily. I am fighting tooth and nail to make it happen.
Perhaps because I am immersed in the subject, I have started believing that everyone—including you—is secretly curious about how a hotel is designed and is a potential reader of my book.
As the manuscript slowly blooms, a different emotion has begun to surface—anxiety.
Not many people seem to be reading my work.
On some days, I become sad and grumpy. A mere 2,000 readers visit the blog each month. I find myself wondering whether the effort is worth it. Who am I writing for? Does anybody really care?
Then, on better days, I look at the same number differently.
Two thousand people.
I am incredibly fortunate that two thousand individuals choose to spend a few minutes reading something that originated as a thought in my mind.
Before the internet, those thoughts would probably have remained trapped in a diary. After I departed this planet, the diary itself might have been discarded by someone clearing a shelf-I hammer this idea into my own head.
Instead, those thoughts now travel farther than I ever imagined. Some may be forgotten. A few may be remembered. One or two might even inspire someone.
And perhaps that is reason enough to continue.
The book will arrive when it is ready. Until then, I will keep writing, keep sharing, and keep believing that everyone in this world is a little curious about hotel design.
If you happen to be one of them, I would be grateful if you became the bee on the bud of this book, carrying its link from flower to flower and helping it bloom.
I empathise. I too am writing (the first draft of) a book on a blog. (https://spookymemoirmain.blogspot.com/) You must be doing something right; I have got somewhat less than 2000 page views altogether! Of course, I sometimes leave a long time between posts. On the other hand, it seems to me that yours would appeal to an even narrower niche market than mine, in which case you are doing very well.
ReplyDeleteI think we both need to remember that if we don’t write it, no-one will ever read it – no-one can ever read it.
Onward!
Thanks Rosemary for such encouraging words. I have slight advantage of algorithm as I have repurposed a preexisting blog for this book.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere's a niche and specific groups who would find your work inspiring and useful. For creative souls the marketing is the most difficult of all mountains to climb. So there must be a joy in the writing itself and a self-determination and belief in the project. Don't know if you're a sports fan but it took a lot of years for the NY Knicks to fulfill the dream. And Van Gogh in his wildest dreams never imaged his work would be worth millions. So, yes!! If you don't write it, no-one will ever read it!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Penelope, for stopping by and sharing such encouraging words. Gestures like these mean a lot, especially as I keep motivating myself through this mission.
DeleteGood luck with it! Writing a book is a real labor of love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words
Deletei admire and respect your endeavor to stay atop of writing a book... i like the idea of publishing bits on a blog enticing people to stay steady and continue... i can understand the up and down of traffic.... i react the same way... wondering can i really write a poem/story that people can identify with staying true to myself... i hope you continue strong with your building the story ....
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. I have to keep reminding that no one asked me to start this and therefore I have to keep going.... but it is not easy by any means.
DeleteOh what a great goal to write a book Good Luck The numbers visitors is all dependent on SEO and how easily people find you as that might be an issue If you link your blog to other sites like pinterest, facebook etc that might help a little as well
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the nice words and encouragement. I hope the SEO will take notice of me one day.
DeleteI hope your work on this book comes along well. It is a huge goal!
ReplyDeleteMy feeling about writing on these blogs is one of gratitude. If I touch
even one person, I am happy to have written.
Thanks for the wishes.
Delete