Where are we going with this blog?
I have two followers and they are not my Mom, nor my sisters. In fact, I’m not related to them at all. I don’t even know them. It is remarkable to me that two people are remotely interested in my work when I have not done much to earn them. So today I’m going to try and start. #blogging
Why are the three of us here anyway?
For my part, I wrote a book. I’d like to land a publisher someday. It’s not my first book. But it is my first book outside of academia, where I am far more familiar with the rules, jargon, and conventions. In academia, me-the person is not of interest. It’s simply about the work.
This time I’ve blurred the lines because the work is about me, given that its a based on my true story. And well, I’m learning a lot.
The first thing I’ve learned is that no one wants to publish a book by an unknown person. That was truly disappointing news because my hope was to publish anonymously (keeping a fair separation from my academic work–lest I not be deemed serious for writing about my love life). So, okay, no longer trying to write anonymously.
Next, I learned I need a platform. A what? I just thought I needed a good story (I think I lived one) that has something to offer readers (there’s universal, relatable stuff in it), that is written reasonably well (readers can decide).
I’ve quit Facebook forever at least three times. I have enough writing and research to do in my day job about more serious things than my coming of age tale. I don’t want to put myself out there anymore than I have to. I just wanted to write my book, plop it into the ether, and slink back into my Lab. How the heck do I build a platform?
And probably most importantly, what’s in it for you, my Two Readers, whom are not related to me?
After giving this some thought, I’m going to jump in a little vulnerably (one of the themes in my book). I’m going to share this scary but hopeful journey of trying to publish in an entirely new genre (really entirely new world for me) passing along what I learn on the way.
But because I did name this website Love and Learn, I’ll also share what I’m learning, and sometimes teaching, when it comes to love, conflict, relationships, and connection. My husband and children have given me a lifetime of material–extended examples and vignettes of marriage and family life. (I had to start anonymizing my greatest hits in the classroom when my oldest son’s friends became potential students in my communication courses).
Maybe there’s something in those vignettes that might keep my Two Readers around for awhile. And…even if my book never gets published in the way I dream, I can be proud that I had a couple of listeners (readers) for awhile. After all, a couple of listeners in life is pretty meaningful.
Tortured by my insomniatic habits, my husband gently snored as I hopped out of bed to “capture inspiration” when it struck. It is now time to get out of my cold bathroom and stealthily slide back under the covers without waking him.
I’ll edit this post in the morning, and try not to knock the glass of water over this time.
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