Greetings from my weekly writer’s group.

I had a lot of difficulty coming up with a topic for this week’s blog. Truth is, I have trouble coming up with a blog topic every week. I tend to use the phrase “not a problem” often. For instance, if my boss asks if I can run a trademark scan, my response is “not a problem.”  If a friend comments that she’s running five minutes late to meet me for drinks, my response is usually, “not a problem.” But wracking my brain week after a week for blog topics, it’s a problem.

I used to write a personal blog. I’d post about my love life, dating adventures, family issues and just general musings about me, myself and I. (FYI these blogs have since been deleted so don’t bother trying to find them!) Since I never had trouble coming up with blog topics then, I assumed that when my website was up and running and it was time to post blogs in my capacity as an author, it would be a cinch. Every article I’d read about book promotion suggested blogging and I was excited to get started and assumed I’d enjoy it as much as I had enjoyed writing blogs before. I also knew that I’d have to tailor my posts to the subjects of writing, my book and other topics related thereto.  (“Thereto” – my paralegal-speak is haunting me from outside of the office!)

I’ve come to the conclusion that tailoring my posts to those related to writing is the problem.  I love to write.  But I don’t like to write about writing! It’s become a job and not in a good way since I’m not paid to do it – I’m also not convinced that most of the people reading my blogs are actually interested in writing except perhaps those who are writers too. And I get the best feedback in response to those posts of a more personal nature and let’s face it, I like feedback! I like engaging people with my words and fear some of my blogs are boring.

I know I’m trying to build my “brand” and as a writer, it is logical that I would write blogs about my writing and sometimes I will. At the same time, the feedback I’ve received on my book is often that it was completely relatable to “real women”. Many readers saw a bit of themselves in my main character and her circle of friends. Just like those who read my personal blog way back when would often comment that they related to this or that often felt the same way and had similar experiences – they appreciated my ability to express with ease what they often felt. I think that’s my strength- I am real. I am relatable. And I draw on personal experiences when writing my novels. What I often think is unique to me is actually shared by many. If you enjoyed my book, you’d probably like me. And if you like me, chances are you’d really enjoy my books. So, while I originally thought posting about writing, publishing etc was the way to go, I have changed my mind. I think if I can pique your interest in me personally, I’m more likely to entice you to buy my books and that, my friends, is the point. Well, that and actually enjoying the blogging process like I used to.

Now don’t get me wrong, I will not be posting about my love life, or my personal family issues. Nor will I write about the girl who stopped being my friend after I fell off a couch from too many vodka tonics. Those days are over. (Well, if I ever have a friend again who is that judgmental and prissy, I probably will post about it because she wouldn’t deserve my protection!)  The bottom line is, while I will no longer tear my hair out coming up with “appropriate” writing-related subjects on which to write, it won’t be the “Meredith Schorr – Uncut” journal either. Like Goldilocks searching for the perfect sized chair and bowl of porridge, I just have to find my happy medium between too dry and too juicy. I hope you’ll give me feedback along the way!

Until next time, have a good night!